Summer Shoes That Aren’t Flip Flops

When hot weather hits, you need footwear that?s both stylish and won?t trap heat. While flip-flops or sandals do the job of keeping your feet cool, they proudly display hairy feet and feral toenails. Spare others the ordeal of seeing your feet in all their fungal glory, and cover them up in some more fashionable shoes.

Plain canvas shoes

Flop it up!

Canvas shoes are the perfect beach shoe. They breathe well and slip on and off easily. A simple shoe with no detailing, canvas shoes go with any outfit. Being a low maintenance shoe, they won?t be ruined if you test the water before you take them off. Best of all, they can be found in a range of bright colors. To be right on trend this summer, source a pair of blue or rust colored canvas shoes.

Boat shoes

With some detailing and ornamental laces, boat shoes are a sophisticated option for hot weather. They are as formal as daytime summer shoes can get, and can be worn with either pants or shorts. As with other summer footwear, socks are not needed. Once worn only on boats, they have now made their way into the mainstream and are embraced by the style-conscious. Wear them out to lunch or to the beach. Boat shoes with a contrasting upper make a statement, while block-colored boat shoes are quietly stylish.

Note that boat shoes are not the plastic creations known as Crocs, or worse, imitation crocs. Boat shoes are made from canvas or leather and feature laces, often in a contrasting color.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are an exotic choice, with their rope detailing around the sole and often nautical prints. They are easy to wear- just slip them on and you?re done. Due to their distinctive shape and flat, flimsy structure, espadrilles suit shorts well but look cheap when worn with long pants. I am of the opinion that espadrilles resemble a dustbuster, but don?t let that put you off. They are a unique statement shoe and if you like them and carry them off, you should wear them. Expect people to notice your shoes when you don a pair of espadrilles.

If you?re going to wear flip flops…

So you?re really attached to wearing flip flops, and will not give them up for the sake of looking better. If you?re going to defy style and wear your flip flops, at least take this piece of advice: stay away from ?active? flip flops. The type with a thick band and a rubber base that moulds to your foot, you just know that they were made with functionality in mind with no regard as to how they look. Worn chiefly by dads who have surrendered any hope of being stylish, active style flip flops are to be avoided. If you?re wearing them for light exercise, your feet will be better off in a good pair of trainers. For casual wear, replace them with a pair of supportive boat shoes.