Elena The first warm breeze hit and I was already side-eying my boots like they betrayed me. My sneakers suddenly felt too heavy, too serious — like they belonged to someone commuting through a colder, more sensible version of life. I didn’t want structure. I wanted a sandal. Something flat, simple, unfussy.
That’s how it starts, every year. The scroll. Tabs open. Sandals added, removed, re-added. A digital love story of indecision. But this time, one pair kept showing up no matter how many comparisons I made — the Beek Topaz Sandal in Honey. Minimal, beautiful, and actually wearable. It’s not the only one I’ve been circling, but it’s the one that keeps pulling me back in. Let’s talk about it — and everything else that almost made the cut.
The Flat Sandal Mood This Year
Before we dive into straps and soles, let’s set the vibe. This summer isn’t about statement shoes or showy trends. It’s about the sandal that looks like it belongs with you — the one that carries you from a farmer’s market stroll to drinks on a patio without begging for attention.
Flat sandals can be hit or miss. Some feel like a style win until you try walking two blocks in them. Others look too casual to pair with anything that isn’t a swimsuit. So this year, I’m only considering pairs that balance form and function with a kind of quiet confidence.
✨ Still Thinking About These
This is the pair I keep coming back to.
From City Streets to Beach Days
If I’m going to wear a sandal often, it needs to walk. That means soft straps that don’t cut into my skin, soles that aren’t made of cardboard, and enough grip that I don’t slide around on cobblestones or wooden patios. I want the kind of pair that doesn’t make me think twice about how far I’m walking — which, if I’m honest, is usually farther than I meant to.
And yes, I’ve learned this the hard way. The wrong sandal ruins your whole day. I once had to limp through an outdoor wedding because a pretty pair gave me blisters by dinner. Never again.
Minimal Doesn’t Mean Basic
Minimalist sandals are my favorite kind, but they need something. A great toe shape, an unexpected strap placement, or a really gorgeous leather texture. That tiny detail — the one that makes it look intentional — is what keeps a flat sandal from feeling like a throwaway flip-flop.
I lean into earth tones, warm neutrals, and the kind of black that softens in sunlight. If it looks like it’ll go with everything I pack for a weekend away, it’s already halfway to checkout.
What I’ve Been Searching For
Let’s talk about the actual checklist. These are the boxes I need ticked before a sandal gets a serious look — not just a quick save to Pinterest.
The bar is higher now. I’m not seventeen with $12 to spend and zero arch support expectations. My standards have matured, and so has my summer wardrobe.
Soft Straps and Supportive Soles
Comfort isn’t just about padding (though that helps). It’s about design. Wide enough footbeds, properly placed straps, and that slight give underfoot that makes a difference. The best sandals let your foot settle without making it work too hard.
Back straps are a plus — they help keep things in place without me gripping with my toes by lunchtime. A gentle platform also helps balance out the look (and let’s be real, makes wide-leg pants drape better).
Intentional Materials Only
There’s nothing worse than shoes that look beautiful online but feel like pool toys in real life. I want leather that gets better with wear. I want shoes that smell like real materials when the sun hits them, not plastic. If they can’t handle a little sand, sweat, or sunblock spill, they’re out.
I’m not anti-faux, but I am anti-flimsy. The best sandals in my closet are the ones that still look great three summers later — even a little scuffed.
The One That Keeps Floating to the Top
So let’s talk about the pair that won me over. Or maybe it wore me down in the best way. Either way, it’s been sitting in my cart long enough to earn a proper shoutout.
There’s something quietly perfect about this one. No unnecessary buckles, no gimmicky details — just really good design in a shade that looks like it was made to go with everything I own.
Meet the Beek Topaz Sandal in Honey
The Beek Topaz Sandal is hand-crafted in soft, vegetable-tanned leather that feels as good as it looks. The honey shade is exactly the warm neutral I love — not too yellow, not too beige. Just right.
It has a molded footbed and memory foam that actually supports your arch, which isn’t common with sandals that look this simple. The straps are sleek but secure, and they’ve somehow managed to design a toe loop that feels subtle instead of trendy. It’s the kind of sandal that gets better with every wear, which is all I really want from summer shoes.
How It’s Styled in My Head (and Cart)
I already know how I’d wear them. With slightly cropped trousers and a crisp white button-down. With a breezy linen dress and big sunglasses. With high-waisted tailored shorts and a tucked-in tank when it’s too hot to think.
The Topaz sandal has that rare ability to work across all of those moods without looking out of place. It feels like a travel staple, but also like something I’d wear around the neighborhood when I’m running late but still want to look put-together.
What’s Still in My Cart (and Why)
I’m not going to lie — the Topaz pair isn’t the only one I’ve been eyeing. Some have earned their spot through aesthetic merit alone. Others just feel too risky, even if they’re cool in theory.
These are the contenders that haven’t quite made the cut… yet.
The Minimal Pair That Feels Almost Too Bare
There’s a beautiful sandal I keep circling that’s basically just two leather straps and a toe loop. On someone with wider feet, I’m sure they’d be stunning. But on me? I have narrow feet, and those delicate straps sometimes make me feel like I’m walking on stilts.
Still, there’s something so elegant about how minimal they are. Paired with a linen shirtdress and a structured tote, they scream “European vacation.” But I just don’t know if I’m ready to sacrifice stability for aesthetic.
The Sporty Option That’s Growing On Me
I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I’ve been kind of into the chunky velcro sandal comeback. There’s something so… practical about it. It reminds me of middle school in the best way. Also, they just look comfy.
I picture them with tube socks and denim shorts or grounding a super flowy sundress to keep it from looking too precious. It’s a vibe I never expected to be into — sporty, playful, low-key — but maybe I’m evolving.
The Chunky Slides With Just Enough Lift
These are the lazy-day dream. A slight platform, no buckles, no drama. Just slide in and go. I love them for quick errands or backyard hangs where you still want a bit of structure.
My only pause? The clomp factor. If a sandal’s sole is too thick, it starts to look orthopedic instead of chic. But the ease of slipping into them when I’m carrying five grocery bags? Very tempting.
👡 One Last Click
They’re still in my cart… for now.
A Few I Already Own (and Still Love)
Sometimes, the best sandals aren’t the new ones — they’re the pairs that quietly prove themselves every summer. These are the ones that made it through my high standards and still show up on heavy rotation.
They’re not trendy. They’re not flashy. They just work.
Everyday Tan Sandals That Earned Their Spot
These have been everywhere with me — city streets, sandy beaches, and once to a wedding where heels were the absolute wrong call. The leather has aged into something soft and familiar. The straps don’t pinch, and the sole feels like home.
When I’m rushing out the door but still want to look like I planned it, these are the ones I grab.
Sleek Black Buckle Flats for Dressing Up
There’s something about a structured black sandal with a bit of hardware that instantly pulls an outfit together. I wear mine with jeans and a white tee or a midi dress when I need to look like I tried — but also didn’t stress about it.
They feel grown-up but not stuffy. Like a little nod to polish without the pain.
The Unexpected Favorite With a Toe Ring
I almost passed on these. The toe-ring detail felt trendy and maybe too specific. But I tried them on and they just… worked. Comfortable, flattering, and surprisingly versatile.
Now they’re one of my go-tos for long maxi dresses or when I want something with a little extra shape without overthinking.
Final Decision Energy
After all the comparison, I keep coming back to that one pair that feels like me. The one that’s not trying too hard but somehow still feels pulled together. A little practical, a little indulgent.
And yes, it’s the Beek Topaz in Honey. That sandal makes sense with everything I already wear — but also makes me feel like I’m stepping into a slightly better version of myself.
The Realistic Pick I’ll Actually Wear
It’s neutral, structured, and the sole feels like it could handle a full day of walking. It might not be the flashiest option, but it’s the one I’d wear most. And honestly, what’s the point of beautiful shoes if they never leave the closet?
Sometimes good enough isn’t settling — it’s smart.
The Slight Splurge That Feels Like Me
The Topaz sandal isn’t cheap, but it’s one of those pieces I know I’ll get real use from. I’m telling myself it’s cost-per-wear logic — but also, it just makes me feel good. Like it finishes the outfit, not just adds to it.
And if I’m going to spend money on something, I want it to feel like it was worth the tabs, the hesitation, the scroll. This one does.
I’ll Keep Clicking (For Now)
Finding the right sandal isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about chasing a feeling — ease, effortlessness, and a little bit of summer energy underfoot. I’ll probably still scroll a little longer, maybe reopen that saved tab one more time.
But when one finally makes it from cart to closet, you know I’ll tell you how it really holds up.
Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud – Elena
