There’s officially one more month of summer before we Gators are heading back from whence we came (no, I don’t mean your parents’ house, I’m talking about the one and only Gainesville!). And that means that no matter where we may currently be, from relaxing on the Floridian shoreline to studying abroad in the cities of Europe and everywhere in between, we better kick this summer into high gear.
And if we’re going to be kicking it up, it’s only right that we’re outfitted with the proper footwear, yes? Not just any flip-flop, sandal or wedge will do here.
But not to worry, I’ve already filed away the very coolest of cool footwear styles pounding the pavement of the Big Apple. That means the following shoe styles have been tried, tested and approved by the city slickers – a tough badge to earn!
So which kicks pack a punch without compromising the comfort?
I’m glad you asked. The following shoes will allow their wearers to indulge in scenic bike rides, lazy outdoor picnics, walks through the park and the general merriment that comes hand-in-hand with summer’s last month. While you’re cramming your days full of every outdoor activity you didn’t think of in the two months prior, you can rest assured these shoes are up for the challenge.
First up is the ‘snakeskin print leather’ sandal from Zara. This embellished sandal has the support required of any summer shoe with a double strap wrapping around the ankle, as well as a seriously rad pink snakeskin print that practically screams, “You go, girl!” And with Zara’s summer sale in full swing, the normally $99.90 sandal can be purchased for a mere $29.99.
Next up we have the slip-on sneaker from Topshop for $50. Pretty much any slip-on sneaker is great in my book, but you’ll find this particular style of summer kick comes in tons of textures, patterns and colors – all thanks to its trendy of-the-moment resurgence this season. I’d opt for a classic black and white palette to ensure your investment is still on-point for the next summer. And bonus: Black and white matches a whole lot more than that powder blue python pattern you were considering (what, just me?).
Last but not least, I’m making a case for the studded ankle boot. I know boots of any length, height and color are traditionally pushed back into fall and winter wardrobes, but this is an article about kick-butt footwear, and nothing kicks harder than a moto boot. The genius of this look in the summer comes in contrasting the rough-and-tumble look with something ultra-fem, like a sweet sundress or floral print shorts. If that’s a little too high-contrast for you, compromise with a pair of denim cutoffs in a pastel hue. Find a fantastic pair of studded (and buckled!) ankle boots at Forever 21 for just $31.99.
Now go forth and conquer your last month with all the reckless abandon of someone who knows they’re putting their best foot forward.
