When it comes to summer sandals, flip-flops and the overly sporty-looking flatform slides that often get so much attention in fashion articles are on my no-no list. If the same is true for you, then keep on reading to see a few of my favorite alternatives.
There are a few specific style details that I look for when searching for summer sandals. One key feature you will notice in the options I’m sharing is straps, typically a lot of straps or at least, substantial ones. There are three reasons for this. First, I find that footwear with more than just a couple thin straps fit my feet better especially if they are adjustable. Second, the number of straps is directly related to how well the sandals will stay on my feet> For me, they also make sandals easier and more comfortable for walking about. And last, strategically placed straps help to camouflage features of my feet that I think are not so pretty like scars from surgeries and that they are about as flat as pancakes.
Besides straps, I also like toe loops for the second and third reasons listed above. This is primarily why flatform slides are on my no-no list. The other reason that style is on my no-no list is that typically the footbed is too rigid and my feet usually just flop around in them. I also prefer at least a 1/2″ heel which eliminates many other summer sandal styles.
A new addition to my summer sandals collection are these blue cuties I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I was quite delighted when I came across them in the store but initially, I held back my enthusiasm. Usually, sandals with a fixed strap over the instep are way too loose on my feet but these fit mine perfectly. After wearing them at home for a day or so, I ordered them in black when a 20% off discount became available.
Considering how well the blue of my sandals goes with the blue in my Americana Icon’s t-shirt, I thought that I’d put together a 4th of July holiday look. My soft red crops are the same ones that I shared in Personality Types. My gingham print cardigan has been a long time favorite in my wardrobe dating back about four years when it was first featured in Wildberry & Chamomile: Color My World. Now, will somebody please point me in the direction of the nearest picnic?
Another pair of summer sandals that I recently acquired are the ones I shared a few weeks ago in Fresh Focus: Maxi(mum) Impact Skirts (photo on left below). They were on the sale rack at another “famous” retailer plus there was a BOGO 1/2 sale. I was delighted to find them in brown because I already have these sandals in three other colors. See two of them in action in Fresh Focus: Tie-Dye and Garden Party – Magnificent 8 Collaboration.
Bold-hued summer sandals with a wedge heel are another favorite of mine. The yellow ones (similar style) were also on the sale rack and the other part of the BOGO purchase. Their first appearance on the blog was in Thrift Store Finds & OOTDs: March 2021. The pair in the center photo below I bought a couple of years ago but they’re still available. Although they don’t have a toe loop, the strap across the toes fits snugly enough and the strap over the instep is adjustable. Just goes to prove that you should keep an open mind when shopping. And then there are the black gladiator-esque sandals I shared last week in Recycle-Reclaim-Reuse: Wide-Leg Linen Pants.
Comfort is key these days for me when it comes to my choices in footwear. Even so, I don’t want to sacrifice style or feel like I’m out of step when it comes to summer sandals. What styles are a hit with you this summer?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
14 Comments
I do not wear many slides but really like the ones you have shared. I have been drawn to all of my colorful sandals lately to add color and contrast to my outfits.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, footwear is such a great way to add additional interest to your look.
I don’t wear sandals, but I love this color combination that is such a soft, lovely variant on red, white, and blue. Pinned for inspiration!
https://www.withinaworldofmyown.com/
Sally, I do like RWB looks that are more subtle. I’m glad to hear that you and I have similar tastes in this regard.
Blue is my favorite summer color when it comes to accessories or tops/dresses, so I know I’d be wearing these cute blue sandals on repeat!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie, it seems that blue is not such a common color for footwear so I always have my eye out for it when I’m shopping.
I’m not keen on flip flops or flatform sandals either. My sandals are mostly moderately high wedges which are fine if I’m not walking much. If I am walking, I like a pair of sneakers/ trainers
Gail, it’s good to know we see eye to eye on the subject of summer sandals.
I wear lots of trainers at the moment but my favourite sandals are strappy ones from Clarkes. But I also love wedges. Though I have not worn them yet this summer….
Great look, love your shirt and t-shirt 🙂
Thank you, Claire. I was so glad to find a “holiday” themed top in a style other than a figure-hugging tank or with a unisex boxy silhouette.
This is a really fun outfit for the 4th of July weekend! Those sandals look really comfortable. I, however, sometimes have trouble with toe straps because my big toe is very bulbous and won’t fit through the toe loops on many shoes of this style! I do have some that I have found over the years that fit my big big toe and I like the style a lot. I am glad that you were able to score the black pair on sale! Yay! Thanks for linking!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
They are such lovely sandals on you and you’re right they work really well with the colours in this outfit! That’s a fun graphic tee 🙂
I usually buy a new pair of sandals every year or so as I love sandals for summer. sadly I injured my knee so badly recently that I’ve had to wear sneakers almost exclusively – even my fave sandals hurt my knee too much over summer. Working on strengthening my knee up now (it’s winter here) so I can get back to all the pretty sandals next summer!
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂 Going to be a fun day here!
Away From Blue Blog
I have a range of sandals, but my favorite are the shock absorbing wedges that some companies make. They are so great for travel because they stay on and are super comfortable! And you can wear them easily with dresses too! You have such a great collection of cute sandals!