Popular women's sandals from the 2000s were a playful and diverse mix of minimalist elegance, bohemian flair, and flashy Y2K extravagance, reflecting the era's eclectic fashion sense. The quintessential style of the decade was the minimalist strappy heel, often a sleek, barely-there silhouette with thin leather or metallic straps, worn everywhere from red carpets to casual outings and made popular by designers like Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. The wedge sandal was also a dominant force, particularly those with espadrille or cork platforms, adding significant height while maintaining comfort and often paired with flowy skirts or wide-leg jeans. Embellishments were everywhere, with sandals featuring prominent rhinestones, beads, and sometimes even feather details, capturing the playful and maximalist energy of early Y2K pop culture.
Beyond heels, popular casual styles included the iconic Havaianas and similar flip-flops, which became a global phenomenon worn in an array of colours and patterns as everyday footwear. The gladiator sandal also made a significant entrance in the mid-2000s, with multiple leather straps winding up the ankle or even the calf, offering a bohemian-chic look championed by celebrities like Kate Moss. Jelly sandals, a colourful plastic throwback to the 80s, re-emerged as a fun, inexpensive beachwear staple. Brands like Nine West, Guess?, and Steve Madden were the go-to for affordable versions of these trending styles, making the 2000s a time of vibrant, accessible, and diverse footwear choices that continue to inspire modern fashion.
