I have been something of a shoe fiend ever since my first pair of sparkly pink TOMS in the second grade. And after I watched my first episode of Sex and the City, and saw the entire world of shoes outside of my small town shoe store or Payless at the mall, I was hooked for life.
Here in Canada, where 6 months of the year I don’t leave the house in anything less than the relative equivalent of space boots, summer is the one time to fit in my shoe fix. The nice thing about summer is the huge variety of different shoe types you can wear; there’s endless variations of sneakers, sandals and heels, depending on the weather and occasion.
Shoes have this amazing ability to make or break an outfit: they can act as a unifying element; they can make a basic look exciting or tone down an overly crazy outfit (although, is there ever?); they can make a statement about the mood and feel of the look you are trying to translate. Especially in the summer when I find that a good majority of my outfits consist of simple shorts and a top, or a flowy dress, its nice to have shoes that can take your outfit to the next level.
Here I’m showing you my favourite shoes that I’m wearing this summer – that aren’t Air Force 1s or FILAs. Originally, I had planned to buy one of those two because of their recent popularity (and they do look pretty cute). In fact, I was literally in the check out line with a chunky pair the trademark shoes when I realized that the girl in front of me was buying Nikes, and the girl in front of her was buying FILAs! So I opted out and instead, tried to find my own shoes staples from (slightly) less mainstream brands.
Reebok Club C Vintage Sneakers
Starting off, there’s my absolute favourite staple shoe that has gotten a lot of love so far this summer. I bought these Reebok Club C’s from Urban Outfitters for a fairly affordable price – just over what the FILA Disruptors would have cost me. They go with pretty much everything I own because of the white colour, however they also add their own twist because of the bright forest green logo, as well as the cream coloured outer sole. They are also the most comfortable shoes I own at the moment – another reason why they are certainly a go-to!
Dr. Martens Sandals
These Dr. Martens are my version of the chunky white sneaker. The foam-type platform makes these shoes totally statement worthy, and the white straps gives shoes the perfect twist on the gladiator sandal. Plus, the yellow Dr. Martens tag at the back, along with the stitching along the edge, gives these shoes the classic punk-rocker touch. And, contrary to the stereotypically painful process of breaking in Docs, these shoes were comfortable right from the get go.
Faux Suede Block Heels
I’ll be at your next gingham-wrapped picnic wearing these babies! I originally bought these heels to go with my prom dress, because I knew that I would want to wear them again all summer long! They are the perfect shoes for going out with the girls, on a date, or just around town if you are feeling fancy! Because of the pale blue colour they are light and fun for summer, and the 3.5″ block heel adds some height without making them impossible to wear. I also love the almond shaped toe which adds length to the leg, while the ankle strap which gives the shoe a preppy touch.
Embroidered Mules
These pointed-toe mules from Free People are for when I want to escape my hometown for a while…. say to Italy or France? They remind me of something I might wear to a fresh market, with a straw bag and flowy linen dress, or out for a cappuccino and croissant avec mes amies. They are the easiest thing to slide on when I’m in a rush, and the embroidered Union Jack-like pattern gives these shoes a sophisticated, yet casual look. I’m also in love with the fringe around the edge of the shoe, which almost reminds me of those classic Gucci mules (one day, Alice, one day).
Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments below which was your favourite shoe. Happy summer!
xx, alice
The Fashion Hiker 