While a great heel will always have its place, who amongst us really wants to be tottering around in high heels during the hazy days of summer?
For my money, flat shoes are dominating this season’s warm-weather wardrobe. From barely-there leather sandals to flip-flops to nostalgia-inducing jellies, summer flats can be both comfortable as well as polished. Here’s a rundown of some flat options for summer and how best to style them.
A thick-strapped leather sandal is one of the most versatile flats you can wear in summertime. Depending on your work environment, you can easily pair them with business casual or even a workleisure ensemble, dress them up with a floral maxi, or just bum around in a tank and cutoffs. It’s quite the utilitarian shoe while still being chic. I’ve been checking out Jerusalem Sandals’ Elan Buckle Women’s Leather Thick Strap Sandal in black. Also available in brown and tan, the unisex design with the adjustable ankle strap can easily complete just about any outfit. I may also be tempted, as the website prompts, to “complete your look” with a matching leather tote.
A similar but different take on chunky leather sandal-flats is the toe loop sandal. The structure of this shoe gives major boho vibes and definitely calls attention to the toenails, so best to keep up with those pedicures. DSW has Soul Naturalizer’s Freya Sandal in black, dark brown, white, and blue. The slingback design and sculpted footbed provide support and style, putting an eccentric spin on a casual look. Or take these sandals on a night out with some tailored shorts and a linen top.
Speaking of nights out, the barely-there strappy sandal is made for parties this season. These flats offer less support than the thicker, chunkier variety, so not great for all-day wear, but for some drinks on a patio or a special event, then a delicate, strappy flat can be worn with a floaty summer frock, as well as for a cocktail attire dress code. Banana Republic Factory’s Vegan Leather Strappy Sandal comes in black, pale gold, cap blue, and coral, and with the sale price of $40, I’d pick up two pairs. The gold sandal is very much occasion-ready, while you may want the blue or coral pair to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit of a linen shift or breezy shorts.
Going back to utility for a moment, classic black rubber flip-flops are essential for summer. Flip-flops serve so many purposes in the warmer months. They can function as an around-the-house shoe, a quick slip-on to grab the mail shoe or part of a weekend outfit of drawstring shorts and a graphic tee.
And while you can find extremely budget-friendly versions out there, chances are after a hard summer’s worth of wear, they’ll most likely be destined for the trash, and your feet may not fare much better.
If flip-flops are a go-to shoe for you, then I’d recommend investing in a pair like Archies Arch Support Flip Flop. As the name suggests, the orthotic support cradles your feet, your toes won’t have to grip as hard, and they’re a more durable shoe than the discount flip-flops you find on a rack at a road stop. Not that some road stop flippies can’t be lifesavers, but for those of us who’ve learned the hard way, comfort and support outweigh bargains.
From function to fun, another flat shoe trending this season (and for several seasons now) are jelly shoes.
There was one summer I wore my jellies every day — in the creek, in the woods, on the playground. And my feet grew so much that summer that I had to cut them up the sides to keep wearing them. Needless to say, I was committed to the vibe.
Nowadays, there are more refined versions of the classic jelly, like Loft’s Jelly Flats in red, white, aqua, and pink. The cut of these flats is the standard ballet, which can be worn with a variety of looks, from jeans to jumpsuits. Old Navy has a Jelly Fisherman’s Sandal for a more strappy version that comes in clear, blue, and taupe.
A different take on the jelly flat is the mesh flat. Which, in full disclosure, I have mixed feelings about. With versions like Chinese Laundry’s Aurelle Ballet Flat with a full-on mesh upper, I just don’t see how your feet aren’t going to be filthy and much less supported.
I can get behind a crocheted flat like Feversole’s Close Toe Espadrilled Slip-On Flat Shoe. A crochet flat walks the line (pun intended) on a pretty yet practical shoe.
Or there’s a hybrid of jelly and woven with Chuck Taylor’s All Star Dainty Mary Jane Knit with a high-quality tread for all-day wear and all-day cute.
Whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe for summer Fridays, planning vacation outfits, or just looking for your next go-to shoe, consider some of these summer flat options. With so many chic and cute versions on offer, it’s never been easier to set aside the heels for a breezier and more comfortable shoe to complete your summer looks.
