Why Barbie sandals are this summer’s most exciting shoe, according to our expert

The idea of mood-boosting dopamine dressing has been a well-illustrated subject and something you have surely come across in the Scandi scene of colourful, knitted cardigans coupled with cotton candy Cecilie Bahnsen skirts. However, while highlighting bright colours for Summer is about as groundbreaking as florals for Spring, the appeal of slipping into a pair of pink, modern Barbie shoes still manage to excite, regardless of age, gender as well as what you’ll soon come to learn, season.

The subject of ‘Bratz doll heels’ has come up here before, but know that not all dolly-style heels come stacked on a 6-inch platform á la Versace or Valentino. This season, the most coveted sandals are subtle (if you’ll allow glitter embellished sandals to be deemed that) with a nostalgic, late 90s flair. Think skinny straps showing maximum skin and heeled mules that could defy gravity with their minimalist ties. The appeal lies in the colour, which ranges from soft pink to sugary metallics – if the shoes look like they were plucked from the set of a Mariah Carrey music video circa 2000, then you're on the right track.

The famed Fendace collaboration debuted amongst a sea of prints and logos, a sandal so beautiful that it largely shaped my shoe identity for SS22. Kitsch and covered in crystals, Versace’s signature stiletto heel and safety pin buckle is truly a shoe fit for collectors. While admittedly, it's a pair probably best saved for special occasions, this genre of pink sandals has grown to take up more closet space than I was ready for.

This footwear isn't necessarily the easiest to style, but they are the kind of shoes that you’ll have a hard time leaving in store or removing from your online cart. London-based newcomer D’accori, loved by stars such as Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa, is a perfect example of this and an exciting designer to keep an eye on, especially in the category of unique and colourful shoes making maximum impact.

However, as much of a warm weather staple as the pink sandals may seem, this trend is set to continue well into 2023. First, of course, there is the 2023 release of Greta Gerwig's new film, Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Still, looking at the world of accessories, Barbie seems to permeate the fashion industry. From Versace’s all-pink collection to Jimmy Choo’s hyper-femme colour palette of candy pink and exaggerated fuchsia.

Jimmy Choo’s creative director, Sandra Choi, also brought back a sandal from her first collections with the brand in 1997. The styles fit right into the category of girly millennial sandals, assuring us that we’ve only seen the tip of the stiletto when it comes to modern Barbie shoes. After all, embracing the hyped revival of YK2 through accessories is a lot safer than going back to low-rise jeans. Phew!

Below, shop Sandra's edit of the best barbie pink heeled sandals to buy now: