Summer doesn’t ask for permission—it just arrives, in a flurry of sandals, iced drinks, and that one denim skirt we swore we’d retire. And every detail of your look matters—especially your toes. Has your pedicure ever made you feel like you’re ready for summer? Yep, me too. This year, people are going bigger and brighter with their toe nail art. I’ve gathered a list of the best sandals to wear this summer, from classic to fun and each one is worth saving to your Pinterest board. Let’s look at the different styles that will appear as your favorite strappy heels peek out.
Classic Wine Red for Every Skin Tone
I love that a deep burgundy gel polish feels so luxurious in the summer. It’s bold but wearable, moody but somehow fresh. This style has a neat, square shape and perfect cuticle, so it’s perfect for any summer occasion from brunch on the beach to a sunset dinner. It’s elegant on pale skin and a stunning contrast on brown skin, adding richness and drama without the need for glitter or extras. This is what elevated minimalism looks like in summer toe nail designs.
To recreate this, I usually reach for OPI’s “Malaga Wine” GelColor, or for a more budget-friendly version, Essie’s “Wicked”. It’s important to apply a base coat and I usually choose CND Stickey Base Coat, followed by Seche Vite to get that long-lasting shine.
When I’m doing this at home, I soak my feet for 5 minutes, then carefully buff the nails and push back the cuticles. After applying the base, I do two thin coats of polish (not one thick coat—that’s where bubbles come from), and then seal with topcoat. For the best wear, cure your nails with an LED lamp.
This color makes me feel put together even when I’m in flip-flops. It’s my secret weapon when I want to feel like I have my life together (even if I don’t). And I swear—people always ask what shade this is.
Mint Green Splash for Beachy Days
This lively green gel is perfect for both beach trips and visiting cafés. If you want something light and different for your toes this summer, this color is perfect. It’s just cool enough to stand out on tanned skin, but it’s also perfect for fair skin. It’s bringing a “first mojito of the summer” feeling and I’m all for it.
I chose Beetles Gel Polish in “Mint To Be” because it covers the nails well after just two coats. Zoya’s “Neely” is a beautiful dupe for regular polish. After applying your figures, give them one last coat of our Modelones for the perfect shine.
Not every toe look has to be complex. This one is all about nailing the prep. I keep the nails short and square and then I apply cuticle oil and buff them gently. Before applying base coat, I always use a dehydrator so the polish won’t lift and lasts longer. Then: base, two layers of color, top coat, cure and you’re finished.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about green toenails when I first saw them, but now? I’m obsessed. It’s different without being too different. It seems to go with every sandal I have.
Leopard Print for the Wild Ones
There’s a part of all of us that wants a little more than usual. You didn’t know you needed a leopard-print toe design until now. The combination of a soft beige base and rich brown spots is fun but still wearable and it’s a great choice for summer brown skin because the colors match well with deeper tones. It is also a great choice for white slides or gold sandals. The truth is, this kind of nail art is sure to catch attention.
No lie, this one takes a bit of patience. I started with “Samoan Sand” as my base and added dots of “You Don’t Know Jacques” and “Lincoln Park After Dark” using a dotting tool. If you’re short on time, leopard nail stickers or press-ons are a great alternative and are very popular these days.
At home, I would use the base color first, cure it and then use a small brush to add dots and spots in random places. Just make sure you apply the spots randomly and let them dry a bit before you seal them. End with a thick glossy layer to keep your pet safe and stop the details from fading.
Whenever I have this on, people often stop me to mention it—usually while we’re waiting in line at Target or for coffee. It’s a tiny confidence boost that just hits.
Ocean Blue Vibes for Poolside Cool
Bright blue gel on the toes is just something else in the month of July. A high-gloss color instantly gives a cool sensation, similar to dipping your toe into a pool for your summer nail art. It’s strong, straightforward and adds a lot of water-inspired glamour without any glitter. If you love seeing clean and vibrant colors in your makeup—this one is perfect for you.
I suggest using DND Gel Polish in “Ocean Blue” or Gelish in “Pacific Sunset”. If you need a quick nail polish, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Water Slide” offers the same color and dries fast. This color doesn’t need extras—it shines on its own.
I normally start by scrubbing my feet with sugar, then trim and shape my nails to be square. First, add a thin layer of base, let it dry and then apply two layers of color. I use a little more product on my big toe to make it stand out. Finish with a top coat and you’re golden.
I use this in the summer when I want a change from neutrals, but neons are still too bright for me. It’s a fun choice that’s still easy to wear and I think it deserves more attention as a summer beach nail design.
Black & White Minimalist French
Let’s talk contrasts. The bold black-and-white toe on this shoe is making it look modern and French with a strong graphic touch. The clear edges, shiny finish and vibrant colors are very much a 2025 look. Imagine it’s your summer pedicure, only better; it’s clean, strong and a little bit edgy. If you’re looking for a shoe that matches with denim and linen, it’s ideal.
This one takes a steady hand or striping tape. I used Essie “Blanc” and OPI “Black Onyx” which are both gel polishes. You can use a fine liner brush or a nail art pen to help you get the curve looking good. And yes—prep is everything for such a clean finish.
The trick is to paint the white base, let it cure completely and then add the black paint. I keep the line just below the tip to give it a modern style. After that, use a flat brush dipped in acetone to clean the edges and seal the entire piece with a high-gloss gel sealant.
I decided to try this on a weekend trip once and was surprised by how many people complimented me. It feels unexpected on toes but still totally wearable. That’s a toe nail design that can really stand out in summer black.
Soft Pink Glow with a Hint of Shine
If you’re looking for something light, pretty and super easy, this shimmering soft pink toe design is just right. Although the look is soft, it’s not simple and the slight metallic shine helps make your slides look more thoughtful. This is one of my preferred toe designs to wear in summer 2025 whenever I want something feminine, polished and not too glamorous.
Most of the time, I choose Zoya “Gie Gie” or Olive & June “Pink Sands,” as both have a lovely mix of sheer and shimmer. It looks great on light to medium skin and goes well with white nail polish for summer, giving a soft contrast that feels like you’re on vacation.
Just a nice buff, one base coat and two equal layers of polish are all you need. Making sure every coat dries properly will help prevent streaks, especially in shimmer colors. If you’re using gel, opt for a low-heat LED lamp to avoid bubbles and keep that finish ultra-smooth.
I put on this outfit when I’m feeling simple but still want my toenails to stand out. It’s subtle enough for any outfit, but still gets that “Ooh, what color is that?” from your friends.
Mini Hearts and Cherry Red Tips
There are some designs that make you smile as soon as you see them on your feet. This one’s it. The combination of clean gel polish, a bright red color and tiny heart details makes this look both playful and romantic, but not too much. It’s a fun take on the French tip and one of the most noticeable summer toe nail designs I’ve tried recently.
I opt for OPI “Big Apple Red” or DND “Poppy Red” when I’m looking for a glossy red. I make the hearts using a dotting tool and finish them with a tiny brush. If you are unsure about freehand, nail stickers or stamps can do the trick and make your nails look great.
I don’t bother with a base color and go straight to the tip and art, but I do apply Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” first. After the red is dry, I cover everything with a glossy gel top coat. Simple steps, killer payoff.
Putting this on always gives me a little extra confidence, even when I’m just out running my usual errands. It’s surprisingly grown-up, and totally in the category of toe art designs summer that feel both fun and wearable.
Pop Art Marble in Hot Pink
For the bold girls—this is your summer power pedicure. A mix of neon pink and swirled marble makes this design perfect for anyone going to a festival. It’s a full vibe, a little bit Barbie, a little bit beach rave, and completely unforgettable. Toe nail designs summer beach is exactly what I am referring to.
Madam Glam’s “Pink Army” is the perfect base to start with for this makeup. I add white gel paint to the wet nail polish and swirl it to get the tie-dye look. To complete the look, brush or pull the paint over itself with a thin brush or toothpick.
Don’t hurry through the process; the hair needs to dry or cure for a while to keep the swirls looking sharp. I generally paint all the toes one color, but leave the big one for the marble effect. At the edges, use acetone and dab with a fine brush to maintain a straight line.
It’s the sort of style that encourages me to wear open-toe shoes even in the rain. Loud? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. There’s only one summer each year—don’t waste it.
Espresso Gloss with a Deep Luxe Finish
I’m so glad that deep brown is trending this summer. This bold espresso color is shiny, dramatic and surprisingly stylish for summer. It’s different from the usual summer brights and I enjoy how well it matches nail colors for brown skin—it really gives a chic look.
I’m really into Bio Seaweed Gel “Espresso Yourself” and Essie “Wicked” for this look. This color is not boring and it matches white, tan or black sandals or slides just as well. You can also use this look to match your nails with your eyes.
I spend extra time on the first coat and make sure to cap the edges because darker polish colors can easily chip. Two coats max, topcoat for shine, and you’re golden.
I wear this look when it’s late summer, at wine tastings or whenever I want to look a little more polished than the weather suggests. It’s classy in a bottle and a hint that you can make a statement with toe designs in any color, not just pastels or neons.
Lemon French with Rhinestone Pop
If you’re a fan of French pedicures but prefer something brighter, try this pretty pink and neon yellow mix. A few rhinestones will give your toe nail designs a special VIP look. If you want to have a little fun and be on-trend, this look is just right for you.
I started with a base coat of Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly” and finished with a tip of Color Club’s “Yellin’ Yellow”. I bought the rhinestones from Amazon and they aren’t fancy, but they sparkle nicely.
Paint your full pink layer and let it dry or cure before you move on. After that, either use masking tape on the tips or paint the yellow line with a detail brush. Place a little topcoat where you want the rhinestones and press them in with a wax pencil or dotting tool. Finish with another top layer and you’re officially shining.
It made me imagine I was on holiday, even when I was just relaxing next to my friend’s pool. It’s the perfect summer style and you’ll want to copy this toe nail design over and over.
Minimal Botanical Chic in Black on Nude
This mixture of soft and smooth with clean black botanicals creates both a tough and sweet look. If you’re interested in simple yet creative toe nail designs for summer, make sure to save this one. The foliage-style designs look like tattoos and they’re the kind of detail that makes you admire your own pedicure for a little while.
I like to wear Essie “Ballet Slippers” as the base and paint on OPI’s “Black Onyx” using a very fine brush. You can also go the lazy-girl route (no shame!) with ready-made botanical nail stickers for perfect symmetry.
I always start by dotting the design lightly, then follow it with the detailing brush. If you want your black nails to remain bright, go for a solid coat of polish with UV protection.
I think it’s ideal for trips to the office or a weekend in the city, as it looks great with black, beige or linen items. A little detail goes a long way.
Teal Leopard Print with Gold Glam
Let’s be real: teal and leopard print? This combination didn’t seem appealing to me, but now I can’t get enough. This pattern with turquoise at the bottom, dotted by gold foil and completed by black details is bold and very fashionable. It makes your toenails stand out and what’s more fun than being a little wild this season?
I begin with DND Gel “Tiffany Blue” and add the leopard pattern with Sally Hansen’s “Gold Rush” and Black Out. Paint the spots that are not perfectly round with a dotting tool and use a striper brush to clean up the edges. If you’re not comfortable with hand-painting, leopard foil sheets make it simple for anyone just starting out.
I like to finish the nails by sealing the foil with a thick gel top coat. Using a silicone tool to press the gold in gently prevents crinkles and leaves it looking smooth.
Summer animal print is a great way to update traditional toe designs—it’s fresh, fun and a little bold. It’s also stunning on people with brown skin, as the teal color really stands out.
Sunflower Pop on Red Gel Base
Bright red gel polish topped with a golden sunflower? Yes, please. The design makes me think of summer, happiness and a lot of personality, just like toe nail designs. It’s full of life and doesn’t need fancy decorations to be special. Just that juicy red base and one well-placed bloom.
My favorite way to do this art is with Beetles “Cherry Red” Gel for the base and Aimeili Gel Paint in yellow and brown for the sunflower. You will need to use either a fine detail brush or a toothpick to paint the petals one by one since you need excellent precision.
Once the base color is dry, use paint to draw around the petals as your first step on the sunflower. Work from outer to inner circle. Make sure to let each layer dry before you add the next, so the colors don’t blur. Finish with a high-gloss gel top coat.
I’ve worn this dress to brunch, at a festival and even shopping and it always makes me happy. I wish I could keep that polish energy going all summer long.
White Floral Print with Pop-Art Charm
The floral pattern on white acrylic makes me feel like I’m already on vacation. The combination of pink, yellow and black makes this outfit look like a fun piece of pop art you can easily wear. I like this design for summer because it’s cheerful but still solid.
I pick Gelish “Arctic Freeze” as my base and decorate with flowers using Tiny Canvas gel pots. If you’re short on time, you can use full nail stickers, but if you like painting, a dotting tool and striping brush are enough.
Paint the piece white twice, make sure it is fully dry and then add petals and leaves in different colors. The black dots help to make the painting deep and up-to-date. It’s worth the time if you’re into detail.
This is such a cheerful, vacation-ready look. While I was in Tulum last summer, I wore this sandal and got more compliments than I’ve ever had for any other sandal. True story.
Soft Pink Leopard Done Right
Everyone is wearing leopard print these days, but this pink version looks much more chic than wild. Because the look is mostly muted, it is perfect for all kinds of occasions, including lunch or hanging out on a date. If you’re easing into animal print territory, this one’s your safest (and cutest) bet for toe nail designs for summer brown skin or fair tones alike.
I take Essie “Ladylike” as the base and use OPI “Black Onyx” and Essie “Good As Gold” to paint the spots by hand. Because it’s simple to do too much, I keep the spots small and even, letting a little pink show.
I always put on a matte base coat before the polish, as it helps the polish stick and prevents chipping. Even if you want a matte finish, don’t forget to use a topcoat like OPI Matte Top Coat.
If you’re looking for something fashionable but not too noticeable, this is the one for you. It’s a little like your favorite nude sandal: a classic style with something different.
Sunny Yellow with Tropical Leaf Detail
I love how the bright yellow toe makes this shoe feel like it’s filled with sunshine. It’s cheerful, colorful and daring—adding a black palm leaf decal makes it look stylish and beach-inspired. This style is like a trip to the tropics for your toes, so it’s one of the most fun summer toe nail designs I’ve found.
I applied OPI “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” as my base and added a palm frond decal from Whats Up Nails. If you’re more of a freehand fan, a micro-liner brush and black gel polish will do the trick.
It is advisable to use at least two coats and a shiny finish on this color. Clean the sides so that the yellow stands out. Carefully press the palm frond onto the sticky layer before you put on your top coat.
Whenever I wear this, I get immediate “Where did you get that done?” questions. It’s the perfect nail design for a day at the beach in summer.
Palm Pop in Lime Green Gel
This neon green gel look is an absolute showstopper. The shiny finish makes the bag look polished and the golden palm tree puts it back in the tropical holiday realm. If you love bright shades, this design is a must-try this summer.
I used DND Gel “Limeade” for this look, along with gold foil palm stickers from Born Pretty Store. If you’re doing the job yourself, let the green base dry completely before applying the decal to prevent wrinkles.
I make sure the other nails are the same color and let the big toe stand out. Even though it’s easy to put together, it has a strong “I’m in Miami” feel.
When I’m going somewhere fun, I love wearing these to make my toes a part of the look. Green might sound risky—but trust me, it works.
Multicolor Hearts on White for the Romantics
Bright pink, warm gold and glossy white mix together to create this fun and romantic design. It’s giving flirtatious energy with a pinch of nostalgia. The little hearts placed over your nail design on a crisp base instantly make you feel happy.
Essie “Blanc” forms the base, while I use a dotting tool with Orly “Hot Shot”, Essie “Good as Gold” and Zoya “Carmen” to place the hearts. You might also like to add heart-shaped confetti to the gel before you cure it.
Apply the white base first, then uses a stamper or dotting tool to stamp on each heart where you like them. Coat everything in a top hit that will last for many days.
I brought this to the beach and it made it feel like I was walking on confetti all day. It’s a summer beach nail look that always makes you smile when you see it.
Golden Yellow with Botanical Black Vines
Here you see the moodier, botanical cousin of the earlier yellow design. The yellow mustard base makes each nail look warm and the black vines curve in a beautiful way. It’s giving clean lines with an organic edge.
I started with Gelish “Honey Melon” as my base and I used Modelones Black Gel Paint and a fine liner brush to paint the vine details. It’s easy to achieve this look, but you need to be careful and steady.
I try not to put all the vines together but spread them out across the nails instead. Start from the corner and build your line slowly.
This one is earthy, surprising and just right for sandals in natural colors. It’s a more mature and creative collection that stands out in a lively time of year.
Half-and-Half Leopard Drama
If you live in black polish but want to try print—this leopard look is perfect for you. The main design for summer is a creamy white nail with a peach leopard pattern, while the rest are just shiny black. It’s fierce, clean, and totally on-trend.
I painted the leopard with OPI “Alpine Snow”, China Glaze “Peachy Keen” and a dotting tool with Sally Hansen “Black Out.” The other toes were all painted with DND Gel “Black Licorice.”
Start with your leopard toe first—it’s the trickiest. Once your base is dry, use small peachy spots and outline them with a little black. Don’t make them too uniform—that’s the charm.
I wore it on a weekend trip and thought it was just the right amount of fashion. It’s one of the nail designs I like best for those who prefer black polish in the summer.
