Summer Sandal Trends

Summer is finally here, and there is no better way to celebrate the great weather than by kicking off those clunky boots and uncomfortable heels you've been wearing all spring and slipping into the hottest summer footwear trend: sandals. This year's line of summer sandals has something for everyone. From uber-casual flip-flops to sexy flats, you're sure to find a summer sandal that fits your taste and budget.

Before you go out shopping for summer sandals, however, you will want to know what kinds of sandals are out there and what specific terms mean. Trying to describe the type of sandal you're looking for to a salesperson can be frustrating and ultimately pointless. It's best to just know the terms ahead of time.

Here are a few popular sandal types you'll see this summer:

· Slides are sandals with open toes and backs that are incredibly easy to slip on and off. Slides have a strap or straps across the top of the shoe, varying from a wide, single strap to multiple thin straps. These straps can be woven, braided, knotted, or otherwise arranged. Slides are available in a variety of styles; dress, casual, athletic, flat or heel.

· Sling-backs straddle the line between slides and full closed-back. They often have a thin strap that runs from the sides of the shoe around the back of the foot. Sling-backs can be open-toed or closed, and they also run the gamut from casual to sporty to dressy. Sling-backs are a very popular style of summer heel sandal; they are light and stylish but still provide support.

· If you're looking to turn heads with your sandals this summer you may want to look into a platform sandal. Platforms are any shoe or sandal that has thick soles underneath the front part of the foot. A throwback to the disco-crazed '70s, platforms are a great way to show the world your funky side.

· Gladiator sandals are a somewhat controversial summer sandal trend this year. But whether you love them or hate them, these shoes add a definite wow-factor to an outfit -- provided you can pull them off. Gladiators are usually flats with criss-cross straps running over the foot and multiple straps running up the leg, a la the ancient Roman gladiators that wore similar styles. These sandals go well with funky summer jeans or long, thin skirts.

· Of course, no summer would be complete without a pair of simple, reliable flip-flops. Often called "thongs", flip-flops are flat, casual sandals with open backs. They are popular with beach and pool-goers, though more and more people are wearing them as simple everyday summer shoes. There are even a few styles -- Kenneth Cole's "Glam Chops" and Donald J. Pliner's "Cosette", to name a few -- that venture into the casual-dress arena. But remember, no matter how many artsy embellishments they may have, flip-flops are still considered by many to be beach shoes. Wear appropriately.

There are a few specific brands of sandals that are extremely hot this summer. Ranging from casual and relaxed to sexy and stylish, these brands will help you look your best while beating the summer heat.

Camper and Audley have some simple, sexy flats and ankle straps available this summer. These sandals are sturdy enough to be worn everyday but have enough flair that you won't get bored with them too soon. And at a fairly low price, these shoes won't be the only thing you'll be able to buy this summer.

Faryl Robin and Naughty Monkey both have some crazy sandal designs available this summer. From Faryl Robin's swanky, stylish braided leather platforms and wakiko sandals to Naughty Monkey's funky, edgy 007 and Clydesdale sandals, these designers help dispel the myth that sandals have to be boring or over-simplified. Moderately priced, they won't break your bank either.

For those ladies looking for a little class with their sandals, don't miss the latest from Biviel, Frye, or Sam Edelman. All very popular designers, these simple, elegant flats and heel sandals are great for the office or a swanky night on the town. These styles tend to cost a bit more than the others, but you can't put a price-tag on these creative combinations of style and comfort.

Summers can be hot and uncomfortable, but your feet don't have to be! Embrace your inner sandal-lover and chill out with one or two (or twenty!) of these cool summer sandal options.

~Ben Nystrom, 2009