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Espadrilles are a classic summer shoe, and this red and white pair (1, the Show Room, 278 Queen West, 416-977-1360, $85) by Chinese Laundry is one of the season’s best. Unlike other slip-on versions, these babies show plenty of toe cleavage and feature long laces that criss-cross around your legs. Sexy, eh?
Espadrilles are notoriously comfortable, while providing the height you desire. Not as slutty as original Candies, but far from puritanical, these wood-soled Liberty-print mules (2, the Show Room, $95) by Faryl Robin convey just the right amount of sass. Think Charro or Daisy Duke. The heel is high, so practise tottering around your apartment or you might wipe out on the street. Or have your driver carry you to the car – yeah, right.
If you’ve been itching to bust out this season’s new short cargos and are conflicted about what shoes to wear, these T-strap wedgies (3, Zara, 220 Yonge, 647-288-0333, $79) are the perfect balance between butch and femme. Brass hardware keeps it real rubber soles grip the ground and the back ankle stap provides a full silhouette of your arch. Hot. And their classic design – not too platformy, not too flat – will put out over the years.
You’ll make a lot of noise clip-clopping around in these Dr.-Scholls-enlists-in-the-army sandals (4, B2, 399 Queen West, 416-595-9281, $118).We like the muted fatigue shades, brass rivets and simple design. Notice the heel is flat enough for day wear but still high enough for a night at the club. Chocolate sandals with milk piping – delicious.
Velcro ankle strap and bouncy soles make this leather pair by Mega Moks the perfect sandals for everyday wear (5, Get Out Side, 437 Queen West, 416-593-5598, $119). Walk everywhere? These Campers (6, B2, $178), with their slight rubber wedge and sturdy ankle straps, may be just what you need, and they don’t scream Rockport.
Finally, a sandal that hasn’t traded in looks for comfort. Step on a crack and break your own damn back if you’re not careful. If you’re going to wear kitten heels, exercise caution when sauntering near grates, cracks in the sidewalk or anything your heel may get stuck in. Not only do you run the risk of hurting yourself, but you trash your shoes, too. Now, which is worse?
We love the colourful swirly wooden sole on this red-tasselled pair by Fornarina (7, Get Out Side, $159). Hey guys – you’ve worn black all winter. Lighten your look from the bottom up with a pair of slides in natural leather. Think how fresh they’ll look paired with a linen suit. (8, B2, $128).
Can’t give up your flips? Well, for those occasions when you need to dress up at least a little, these tan leather thongs by DKNY come to the rescue (9, the Show Room, $179). This black suede slide has a sporty rubber sole suitable for weekend shenanigans, and a subtle design for cruising in the city (10, Roots, 220 Yonge, 416-593-9640, $70).
