10 Summer Shoes Worth Investing In
The sandals, trainers and flats you'll want to keep for years.
Whenever a new season comes around, it can be all too tempting to get purchase-happy and buy whatever pops up on our Instagram feeds or looks the most enticing in shop windows. I’ve been guilty of this more than once, but I’ve realised that living in the UK means not necessarily needing to own multiple pairs of flip-flops or more strappy sandals than I can possibly wear in one summer. Instead, I’ve thought about what I actually wear, what occasions I have during these months and what kind of shoes my feet need to realistically be encased in.
Here’s my round-up of 10 summer shoes that can be worn in various ways to various places, and that tick the boxes for everything this season brings. We’ve got ballet flats. Flats for when you’re sick of ballet flats. Fisherman sandals. Sandals you’d be happy to wear out in the evening. Sandals that (whispers it) may just replace your Birkenstock Arizonas. Heels that are practical (and cute) enough to wear to gravelly, grassy weddings. And trainers that are sturdy, versatile and light so you can avoid that feet sweat.
The Day-to-Night Sandals
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It felt like a bit of a splurge when I bought these sandals from A. Emery but when I think about the cost per wear over the past couple of summers, they’ve been more than worth it. They have an incredible dark brown colour, crossover straps, a slightly elevated heel, and a gold-tone buckle around the ankle. They’re also really versatile - I often wear them for evenings out in summer or for occasions that call for a slightly ‘smarter’ sandal but they work just as well with shorts and a tee too.
The Black Fisherman Sandals
Fisherman sandals have been doing the rounds for the past few summers and they show no signs of leaving our footwear collections. I’ve got a couple of pairs (more on that below) and I, for one, can vouch for their popularity. They’re practical and supportive for the foot (thanks to that ankle strap that means your feet aren’t clenching to keep them on), and that closed toe is great when you’ve yet to book in for a pedicure. Choosing a neutral colour like black is always a good option - they’ll go with everything - and these sandals from Flattered have that great traditional woven leather detail that makes theses a little more interesting than a lot of other styles on the market.
The Canvas Trainers
A good pair of light, canvas trainers is a great idea for summer. I have a pair from Studio Nicholson that I wore on a recent trip to South Africa and I loved having the option of a ‘sturdier’ shoe when walking around or going places that weren’t necessarily sandal-friendly. I love the look of these trainers from French brand Soeur for that classic canvas lace-up style. They’re 100% cotton and have a vulcanised sole and reinforced toe and heel, so they look like they’ll last well. The shape and low cut on the ankle means they’ll work well with trousers and shorts or dresses in warmer temperatures, plus that ecru colour will go with everything.