The sun has shone brightly over Britain lately. Suddenly, the mood is more buoyant, ice creams almost acceptable, and the anticipation for the warmer months has reached fever pitch. We’ll have summer that, thank you very much.
Yep, we’re limbering up for a loosening of lockdown, and we just can’t wait to be footloose and fancy free once again. Actually, perhaps ‘footloose’ isn’t quite the right term; following months of wearing slippers, we’re eager to slip on the season’s most on trend shoes, however unfamiliar they might feel after months indoors. Regardless, we’re going to be strutting into the summer with a swagger not seen since, well, last summer’s ‘Super Saturday’.
Adore Dior? Given in to Givenchy? Sashaying in Sanderson? If you’re wondering what you should be wearing as party season hits later in the year, then read on; here are 5 shoes we’re coveting for Summer 2022.
MULE & SLIDE
No, it’s not some new Tik Tok dance, but rather, two different types of shoe that are similar in style (don’t @ us shoe designers). As such, we decided to put them under the same subheading.
What’s the difference between the two? Well, a mule has a heel of varying degrees, ranging from “low to vertiginous” and tends to have closed toes, while slides are open-toed, backless flats. The reason that they are used so interchangeably is because a low heeled mule often looks exactly like a slide.
Anyway, it’s all semantics. Both of these backless beauties are set to be bang on trend this summer and are essential for the dryer months when your feet need to breathe.
We’re particularly fond of embellished mules, with bows, buckles and other adornments. Dior’s 30 Montaigne mule (pictured below) that comes in white or black is the defining version. According to the luxury fashion house, ”The gold-finish metal ‘CD’ signature highlights the silhouette and contrasts with the black calfskin” and is a “timeless and elegant design pairs easily with many styles”. We couldn’t agree more.
Actually, we’re fond of Dior shoes in general for the summer months. Their Dway Slide (also pictured below) hits the brief of being both breathable and boujee which the carefree season demands.
Here’s an interesting fact for you; mules were originally bedroom shoes and not worn in public – which brings us to our next point…
FUZZY SLIP ONS
We’ve all been living in some version of a slipper for the start of this year and much of the last. For us, it’s been the fuzzy, fluffy variety that cradle and cushion the foot which has been most ubiquitous domestically. And though we can’t wait to get glammed up for the big day on June 21st, we must confess we’re a little relieved to discover that wearing fluffy shoes outsides is more than acceptable in the build up to summer. Actually, it’s more than just acceptable; it’s going to be positively on trend as we transition into outdoor, al fresco living again.
Indeed, just as it feels so liberating to lighten the load and lose the jacket when summer arrives, so you want your feet to feel fresh, light and breezy in the carefree vibes of the hottest months. Cushy foam insoles are the way forward in life – they make you feel like you’re walking on air and serve to sum up the summer spirit beautifully.
Technically a type of slide, these slip on sensations are making strides in the fashion world at the moment. Not only do they offer comfort, they also give you a chance to show off your vibrant, summery nail polish. We can’t wait!
FLIP FLOPS, FANCIFIED
Do flip flops ever go out of fashion? And on the flip side, are they ever truly in fashion? Well yes, to both, but in summer 2022, they’re set to be huge. With stylish Brits unwilling to sacrifice comfort and convenience but still keen to show off their glamorous side, expect to see fancy flip flops gracing the feet of fashionable folk on the high street, the beach, and beyond this summer.
Some top designers are putting their spin on this beachside staple by giving the sole some soul, via thick leather bases or wide, cushion-like platforms. On a similar theme, expect to see platform sandals making a big impact, particularly in an exaggerated, flatform style.
NUDE CLOGS
Yep, the trend of indoor comfort meeting outdoor practicality with just a little subtle swagger thrown in for good measure is sure to be the defining feature of summer footwear in 2022. Just as spring looks likely to celebrate clogs in skin tones, so summer may advance on this theme with the country’s most chic citizens donning nude crocs in their droves. Perfect for a paddle, an appearance at your friend’s summer barbecue, a play in the grass or even a little dance on the pebbles, they’re the ideal footwear for fashionable free spirits!
THREE-TOED SANDAL
Givenchy’s three-pronged sandal is a trend that we’re not sure will take off, but we’d just love it to. Following it’s likening to Scooby Doo’s feet, we should change the name from cat to dog-walk, and it’s wonderful to imagine all those sure-footed fashionistas prowling around in this provocative footwear.
Whilst, of course, we love summer to be a frivolous, footloose affair, we think we’ll stick to those fancified flip flops for now.
BOTTOM LINE
Whether you’re wearing mules from Dior, Birkenstock slides, fancy flip flops, fuzzy slip ons, nude crocs or flatforms, the key consideration for stylish footwear this summer is to fuse comfort and convenience with a little playful side.
We’ll see you on the beach?