THE JOURNAL
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10 Pairs Of Shoes To Start Summer In Style
Words by Ms Molly Isabella Smith
27 April 2021
Having designated shoes reserved for the warmer months is a luxury, certainly, but it’s also quite practical. In summer, everything gets lighter – and that includes your footwear. At this time of the year, sturdiness is less of a concern; more important is allowing the feet to breathe. Sold? We thought so. Consider this a starting point for selecting a couple of styles that will serve you best as things heat up.
01.
The timeless loafers
Few shoes toe the smart-casual line like a pair of classic loafers. Perfectly at home with a suit as they are with drawstring trousers and a tee, you’ll get plenty of wear out of a decently made pair. Crafted in Italy, these croc-effect Bottega Veneta ones fit the bill, and have a bit of personality, too.
02.
The everyday sandals
This summer, our money is on the sandal achieving the same level of sartorial permanence that sweatpants have over the past year. Comfortable, practical and, yes, pretty versatile (as long as you don’t stray too close to the office), this pair by Mr P. is made from smooth suede and is robust enough to wear all summer long.
03.
The psychedelic slides
In summers gone by, we’ve spotted tie-dye blazers, socks and even boxer shorts on MR PORTER’s shelves. The obsession runneth deep. So, naturally, “Why the heck not?” was our immediate reaction upon seeing these Isabel Marant slides. Unlike their rubbery counterparts, the velvet uppers aren’t exactly splash-proof. But, if these have caught your eye, we doubt practicality is your first concern.
04.
The sporty sandals
“Sandals on steroids” was a trend we all should have seen coming. Cleverly, Balenciaga was already halfway there. This Velcro-strapped pair is a summer-ready version of the brand’s already-iconic Track sneakers, with the same stompy, sporty soles.
05.
The logo boat shoes
Logos, once confined to tees and hoodies, continue to chart new territory in our wardrobes. This time they’ve travelled south to our toes. Fendi’s leather boat shoes, which boast a chunkier-than-average tread giving them a more modern profile, are embossed with the label’s iconic Zucca motif.
06.
The suede sneakers
Of course, sneakers are a perennial shoe rather than weather dependent, but certain styles do seem more summery than others. Case in point, these retro Vans Epoch. It’s the tobacco-toned suede uppers that do it, we reckon – they’ll look great with true blue denim as well as swim shorts and cargo trousers.
07.
The classic crossover sandals
If you ask us, Mr Manolo Blahnik, the legendary shoe designer, has created the dictionary definition of the “perfect summer sandal” here. Made in Italy from woven raffia in a classic crossover style, they’ll take you from the beach to the bar with very little effort on your part.
08.
The driving shoes
Back in the day, changing into a pair of slipper-like driving shoes before taking your motor for a spin was necessary since hard-soled shoes made the experience difficult. As they’ve become a standard fare, Tod’s suede Gommino style, such as this pastel-blue pair, have become one of the most recognisable shoes in the world (and, we might add, one of the comfiest).
09.
The backless loafers
Ever since the “dad sneaker” rose to the top of the trainer hierarchy, irony has been big business in the shoe department. A tongue-in-cheek take on those garish gold-chained loafers that rose to the height of their popularity in the 1980s, these JW Anderson mules are sure to be an instant, irreverent hit.
10.
The beach-ready espadrilles
While a beach staple, the espadrille is hardly a serious shoe in the way an Oxford or brogue is. So, you can afford to have a bit of fun here and, ahem, show your true spots. SAINT LAURENT’s pair might be a little wild for some tastes, but consider them a stealthier way to dip your toe into the leopard-print trend.
