Summer Essentials: Strut Your Stuff in Stylish Shoes

When the temperatures start to rise into the lower 50s, many still shroud themselves in a light jacket or a pair of long pants to keep out the potential chill and wind. However, toes always seem to warm up to the elements before the rest of our bodies, as flip flops and sandals are already starting to make their grand appearance for the season.

Last year’s dirty flip flops and ragged sneakers might do for a few rounds of volleyball on the beach, but it’s time to start picking up some styles in tune with the times.

Sandals represent the most versatile category of summer footwear. Hollie, a self proclaimed “shoe lover” working at Levittown's DSW Shoe Warehouse, filled us in on the vast array of sandals available for the warmer months. Styles for comfort, dressy affairs, weddings, sports, beach trips and lazy summer days abound. A style with a bit of flair, the b.o.c by Born Women’s Persian, will take you from a quick trip to the grocery store in the morning to a casual evening wedding in your best friend’s rural backyard.

Getting married this summer? Gorgeous styles, the Caparros Hansel Sandal for example, are coveted by brides looking for fashionable footwear that fits with the style of the summer. “Brides love those sassy strappy styles,” said Hollie.

Wedges are a particular style of sandal that have had shoe fanatics in a frenzy for the past few warmer seasons. Hollie recommends the Steve Madden Klenn Printed Wedge Sandal, which is similar to another beautiful style, the madden girl Klenn Canvas Wedge Sandal. Why are wedges during the spring and summer such a hit? Versatility is absolutely necessary when racing between christenings, birthday parties, weddings and barbecues. These styles work with a pair of dark jeans, but also go with your favorite little black dress for nighttime celebrations.

Couture and high fashion will only take you so far in months crafted with the casual in mind. Pick up a pair of the Brook’s Men Trance 9 Running Shoe or the Nike Women’s Free XT Quick Fit and Training Shoe for your nightly runs on the boardwalk or for simple nights lounging around with friends in the backyard or on the front porch.

Consider all of the various elements encountered in the summer- squishy sand at the beach, shiny floors at a wedding reception and uneven terrain at the vineyards out east. Purchase shoes to suit your every need that will take you through the summer in style and comfort.