Step into Summer

Flip-flops, fit-flops, gladiators, loafers, boat-shoes, brogues, wedges, wellies for festivals… the summer shoes market is huge. So many choices are available, and yet when it comes to summer, lots of us are stumped for what to dress our feet in. Sweaty-footed men wander around in padded trainers on hot sunny days, whilst girls hobble in agony with multiple blisters from sandals with hard soles and far too many straps. The problem is, as the end of term is approaching, most of us are a bit strapped for cash and can’t afford footwear for every occasion, so something stylish and lasting is called for.

Summer is a time when we are out and about more - whether it’s playing sport, or going to beaches or festivals. So whatever you decide to wear has got to live up to a whole host of criteria. It must be comfortable. It must be practical, durable and preferably washable – for all those unfortunate duck poo incidents. Desperation to find this elusive shoe resulted, a couple of years ago, in a large proportion of the British public going insane and parading around with plastic clog-shaped shoes on their feet in a dazzling variety of bright colours.

Luckily, by now most of us have moved on from the unfortunate croc craze. But there is a hole in our shoe wardrobes that cannot be filled by flimsy flip-flops or sandals. What’s wrong with the good old flip-flop, you ask? Nothing, but ever tried playing football in them? Very difficult. And whilst gladiators look great, they will probably break if you try and wear them to a festival, or you will at least get a very bruised foot when someone stands on while jumping up and down to Florence and the Machine. Plus, who can be bothered with the straps? Especially when you want a pair to slip on for a dash to the beach, and then kicked off for a quick dip in the sea. By now most of us are probably longing for the long gone days of jelly-shoes, or even just abandoning the whole shoe thing and going barefoot. The truth is, there are hardly any shoes that are versatile enough to be worn all summer, with everything, without thinking. Which is what you want to do when it’s sunny outside. This is where the espadrille comes in.

The genius piece of footwear, originating from the Spanish Pyrenees, has long been a European favourite, but has recently started to reappear on the feet of the British population, and understandably. Not only do they look good, they are also really practical; they can be slipped on and off, are washable, dryable, and have a cotton upper that won’t give you blisters! After slippers, they are the most comfortable thing you could put your feet into.

The soles are traditionally made of grass rope, with a simple fabric upper. A traditional espadrille can be worn by either sex, and either foot for that matter – there is no right or left, they just mould to the shape of your feet. Both www.loveespadrilles.com and http://ropeysoles.com stock traditional espadrilles - go for the classic flat style with a stripy print; bargain prices from £14.95 and £11.99 respectively. There are also loads of variations around; Topshop do a fantastic paint-splashed print for £12, and a feminine style with a ribbon tie can be found at net-a-porter.com.

If you are looking for an ethically friendly shoe, Toms are a fantastic up-and-coming brand who give a pair of new shoes to a child in need every time you buy a pair from them. Whilst a bit more pricey at £32 (under current exchange rates) a pair, the espadrille-style canvas pumps will last a life time and you can choose plain or with a quirky print.

So this summer footwear catastrophes will be a thing of the past. Espadrilles are stylish, comfy and perfect for a student budget. There is no excuse to be seen in trainers that are falling apart (even if the holes do act as good ventilation). And there should be no stones in your sandals, no flip-flops accompanying the football to the other side of the field, and definitely, definitely no crocs.

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