Step up your shoe game this summer and try on a few of these trends for a quick style change. Here are some of my picks for the hottest (and not so hot) ways to put your best feet forward this summer:
—Get Sporty. Sneakers are hot, hot, hot fashion picks right now. Take your cues from the fluorescent hues showing up on the soccer field. From tropical bright florals at Puma to neon leather lace-ups at Nike, there are plenty of ways to stand out in these spirited athletic shoes. Even sporty sneakers at Chanel get their kicks from Day-glo colors.
And you can't beat the old favorites like high-top sneakers and canvas slip-ons that just keep getting better and better with updated styles. Check out the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star in vintage pop-art prints or the classic canvas slip-ons at Bucket Feet designed by artists from around the world. Tres chic.
On the flop side, sky-high wedge sneakers. They may be a "high" fashion design, but they don't seem much like comforting soles to me. I like my sneakers a little more down to earth, thank you.
—Sing the "Thong Song." Thongs are definitely part of the summer shoe scene. From the lowly rubber flip-flop to the jeweled kitten heel, they are the staples most of us turn to when we want to beat the heat. The newest flip-flops are anything but boring. Check out the kaleidoscopic prints on my favorite — Havaianas.
The flops? Jelly thongs. Dressed up with bows and baubles, they may be the cutest things ever, but in steamy weather, you get steamy feet. Talk about slip-sliding away.
—Resort to sandals. Another classic summer footwear basic, sandals come in all shapes and sizes this year. There really is something for everyone. If you're into comfort and style, you'll love the newly designed sport sandals. Teva, an old favorite developed by a Grand Canyon river guide over 30 years ago, has reintroduced the "Original Universal" nylon webbed sport sandal in a host of colors. Birkenstock, another classic company that's been in the shoe business for 230 years, has spruced up its iconic comfort brand with colorful choices that still go easy on the feet with their cork footbed sandals.
Some of the "hottest" sandals of the season are hybrid styles — half boot/half sandal. But to me, these booties need to be worn in the cooler months. Even though wearing biker boots to the beach with your miniskirt may seem to be the cool thing to do, it makes me sweat just to think about it. Not much breathing room there — definitely a "hot" flop.
—Shine on. The metallics are brimming over in summer shoe news. From Vans metallic leather slip-ons and sequined napa leather espadrilles at Jimmy Choo to glittering high-tops at Gucci and mirrored leather pumps from Alice and Olivia, shimmer is stepping out for all occasions — both casual and formal.
And while you may want to try these sparklers out at work, be warned: wearing those designer stilettos to an outdoor wedding can be treacherous. You can sink to all kinds of new lows fast, and you don't want to get stuck with that shoe flop, now do you?
To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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