The Surprising Shoe Trend I Spotted Everywhere in European Airports

By Swedan MargenJune 26, 2025

Influencer Tia Dewitt wearing a Miumiu knit tote, linen white pants, a white bikini top, and rope sandals.

I travel a lot, which means I spend a lot of time in airports. I’ve become accustomed to all the chaos and travel drama by sticking to my routine and keeping my head down. I locate the perfect charging port—equidistant from the snack kiosk to my gate—and wait patiently for the now-boarding call. As a fashion editor, though, my eyes always wander and wonder: Who’s wearing what? (Ha!) Usually, the airport shoe game is pretty predictable—trusted Adidas Sambas, slip-on Birkenstock Bostons, or a reliable pair of New Balances. Yet, in all my travels, nothing could have prepared me for this European shoe trend.

In line for TSA. Ordering coffee. On standby for boarding. Everywhere I looked, the dogs were out. Open-toed sandals weren’t just the odd outlier. They were the new norm. Athens airport has first-class sandals. From pedicured to buffed, this bungee-breathable style took over the airport runway.

But who let the dogs out? Intentionally Blank, Xero Shoes, and Teva are all in on it—delivering hiker-chic, foot designs with comfort as the central focus. I didn’t expect it, but these styles have completely changed my travel routine. Sure, they’re light and packable, but more importantly, they’re wildly comfortable. Now, don’t ask me what happens when you go through security. Just know I’ll be packing an extra pair of socks.

Intentionally Blank

Bungee Strappy Sandals

Intentionally Blank’s Bungee-Strappy Sandals come in three colorways (cherry red, blue, and black-and-white). Their square-toed silhouette and adjustable heel strap offer slip-on ease with a crisscrossed design. They’re sporty and ready for all your adventures once you land. Needless to say, these strappy sandals should be on your radar. I’m imagining these styled with a pair of baggy shorts and an oversize tee for a sporty-chic airport ’fit.

Xero

Influencer Tia Dewitt wears a MiuMiu knit bag, linen trousers, a crochet hair scarf, and rope sandals.

XERO SHOES

Genesis Rope Style Barefoot Sandal

Take a look at the Genesis Rope Style Barefoot Sandal from Xero Shoes. Their ultra-thin, ultra-light soles allow for movement and flex. The thong design promotes motion and comfort, so they’re perfect for long travel days full of walking, standing, sitting, and sprinting to your gate. I also like that they’re under $50.

Teva

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen seen outside in New York.

Teva

Midform Infinity Sandal

And of course, we have the gladiator-inspired Teva Midform Infinity Sandals. The adjustable ankle bungee and molded midsoles are made to support you for all-day wear and comfort. Teva supplies a wide range of comfortable sandals that support sustainable initiatives and are designed to move with you. I spotted these on my airport style crush and haven’t stopped thinking about them since (the sandals, I mean).

Shop More Flight-Ready Sandals

Infleuncer Makenna wears a white linen skirt, a white crewneck tee, and beaded sandals.

This is your fashion editor speaking—it’s time to let the dogs out. Inspired by these three open-toed, strappy sandals, I went on a deep dive for all the utilitarian-chic styles on the market. I’ve rounded up 27 travel-ready pairs for you to pursue, style, and slip into for your next airport look.