If you make one purchase from the shoe department this summer, it has to be a pair of strappy sandals – but not just any kind.
![All about the ankles: 8 of the best strappy sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/land/1000/o/oliver-bonas-stitched-stripe-white-knitted-top-mono-gingham-841de4-sc.jpg)
All about the ankles: 8 of the best strappy sandals
The focus is firmly on the ankles this season, at least according to the catwalks, where skiny straps, ropes and ribbons of all kinds were wound round models' legs.
At JW Anderson, the rope-ties of flat sandals were wrapped round trouser legs too, proving the transitional power of this trend – but now that we're heading into summer proper, it's all about bare legs and sexy sandals.
That doesn't mean you have to totter around on stiletto heels, however. Take your cue from Toga SS20 with Nineties-style square-toed flats, or chunky 'flatforms' for a bit of height with maximum comfort.
As for stilettos, there are plenty of party-ready options out there too, from rainbow-bright hues to metallic tones with chain detailing.
Spurred by the catwalk focus on natural materials such as raffia, espadrilles with extra-long ankle ties are making a comeback too.
Whether flat or wedge, neutral toned or in a summery bright, they're perfect for pairing with floaty dresses or linen shorts.
On the search for some new sandals? Here's eight of the best ankle-strap sandals for summer…
![Oliver Bonas Stitched Stripe White Knitted Top; Mono Gingham & Floral Print Midi Skirt; Rope Tie Black & White Studded Sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/o/oliver-bonas-stitched-stripe-white-knitted-top-mono-gingham-841de4-sc.jpg)
1. Oliver Bonas Stitched Stripe White Knitted Top, GBP 45; Mono Gingham & Floral Print Midi Skirt, GBP 65; Rope Tie Black & White Studded Sandals, GBP 49.50
![Miss Selfridge White Short Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt, GBP 6.80; Black Ditsy Hem Mini Skirt; Exotic Skinny Ankle Tie Sandal](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/m/miss-selfridge-white-short-sleeve-organic-cotton-t-shirt-gbp-f104ef-sc.jpg)
2. Miss Selfridge White Short Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt, GBP 6.80 (was GBP 8); Black Ditsy Hem Mini Skirt, GBP 16; Exotic Skinny Ankle Tie Sandal, GBP 13.50 (was GBP 18)
![Air & Grace Ibiza Natural Raffia Espadrille](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/a/air-grace-ibiza-natural-raffia-espadrille-c-8445eb-0-c-92a-4b-11-d405e8-sc.jpg)
3. Air & Grace Ibiza Natural Raffia Espadrille, GBP 99
![New Look White Leather-Look Ankle Tie Flatform Sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/n/new-look-white-leather-look-ankle-tie-flatform-sandals-a-70fd-42caa8-sc.jpg)
4. New Look White Leather-Look Ankle Tie Flatform Sandals, GBP 25.99
![Dune Monique Pink Spaghetti Strap Stiletto Heel Sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/d/dune-monique-pink-spaghetti-strap-stiletto-heel-sandals-0907-e9ce2e-sc.jpg)
5. Dune Monique Pink Spaghetti Strap Stiletto Heel Sandals, GBP 52 (was GBP 70)
![Shoeaholics Collection Cadiz Yellow Wedges](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/s/shoeaholics-collection-cadiz-yellow-wedges-d-3fc-218d-292d-4a-8-0c9dbe-sc.jpg)
6. Shoeaholics Collection Cadiz Yellow Wedges, GBP 24
![Topshop Black Wrap Sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/t/topshop-black-wrap-sandals-7fac-0de-0-9e-1d-4840-a-1d-9-6a-22978f-5-338c1c-sc.jpg)
7. Topshop Black Wrap Sandals, GBP 26.10 (was GBP 29)
![River Island Gold Chain Ankle Barely There Heeled Sandals](/image-library/partners/rivals/square/1000/r/river-island-gold-chain-ankle-barely-there-heeled-sandals-4c-d8b9bc-sc.jpg)
8. River Island Gold Chain Ankle Barely There Heeled Sandals, GBP 45