Shoes to look forward to wearing this summer
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It’s all about the wedge, rope sole Espadrille and ’70s-inspired, well -- anything this spring and summer. And there’s no shortage of bright, colorful and just plain fun shoes to slip on once warm weather hits.
A Canadian company called Native Shoes is basically making the coolest alternative to a Croc. Besides all the practical features –- waterproof, lightweight, breathable and anti-bacterial –- the shoes are made from an injection molded closed cell foam that feels like featherweight velvety soft rubber. The company casts classic shapes like oxfords, deck shoes and clogs that come in an array of unisex styles and sorbet colors. The Howard deck shoe would be perfect for traveling because of their lightweight and aquatic ability. They look cool too -– a quirky twist on a preppy classic, $50.
Espadrille brand Soludos has collaborated with Opening Ceremony on a collection of exclusive prints that have a tribal, exotic feel. At $30 you can get more than one pattern and take them on vacation or pair them with some white jeans and a colorful T-shirt for a chic yet simple summer look.
Wedges are a massive trend for the season and the espadrille-wedge-heel hydrids are especially intriguing and ubiquitous. YSL has a striped heel pair that would look adorable with a solid color summer dress or jean shorts and black tank top, $795. Bettye Muller has a cool pair of rope sole wedges in a graphic batik print pattern that would certainly liven up any outfit, $185.
The trend in funky fabric continues with the Dawn platform wedges from 80%20 shoes, $110. The woven blanket-inspired upper adds a pop of color to even the simplest of ensembles. And the highly anticipated collection for Nine West from designer Sophie Theallet may not be out until May, but the pink ribbon wedges are already creating quite a buzz, $99.
-- Melissa Magsaysay
Photos, from top: Bettye Muller Carpice scarf print wedges, $185 at Bloomingdales/Bettye Mueller; 80%20 Dawn wedges, $110 at Anthroplogie/80$20 shoes; YSL espaadrille heels, $795 at www.netaporter.com/YSL; Native Shoes Howard shoe, $50 at www.nativeshoes.com/Native Shoes; Soludos for Opening Ceremony espadrilles (not available until May), $30 at Opening Ceremony stores/Soludos; Sophie Theallet for Nine West wedges (not available until May), $99 at www.ninewest.com / Nine West.