Not Your Grandmother's Summer Sandals

Is there a sandal comfortable enough to take you from a morning museo to passaggiata**, yet cute enough to wear with your flirtiest sundress or dressy black trousers? Up for a Travel Belles challenge, I set out for Shoe Fanatic Nirvana, aka Shoes on a Shoestring in Albuquerque, to find out.

I’m not alone in my quest. The folks at Shoes on a Shoestring tell me that this time of year women come searching for that perfect shoe where form and function meet in preparation for their summer travels. And the good news is that, whatever your favorite style— slide, gladiator, thong, or wedge—this season you’ll be able to find it in a sensible-yet-cute version.

When looking for a great sandal that will take you from giorno to notte, consider:

• Fit, fit, fit. Don’t compromise here. If you have to “break them in,” they’re not your shoes. The straps especially need enough stretch to accommodate fluctuations during the day.
• When it comes to comfort, you’ll get what you pay for. Many options are available in the $75 to $120 range, and can reach beyond $200.
• Intrigued by the idea of those shoes that help you tone your legs and backside while you walk? Get in shape with them well before your trip.
• Gladiator style sandals are everywhere, and before you invest, make sure that you really like wearing them. The back part can literally rub you the wrong way, causing blisters or bruises.
• Not patient or dexterous enough for fussy ankle straps? Consider a brand like Riekers with a snap closures that make them, well… a snap to get into.

Here are a few options that meet at the intersection of comfort, cuteness, and cost:

Merrell Lotta Green

Women’s Merrell Alyssum

Ariat Shalimar Sandal

Ariat Vero

Privo Gali

Dansko Alize

Dansko Sela

FitFlop Pietra

Teva Ventura Cork 2 Wedge

Cymbal by Naot

Naot Esteem Cheetah Patent

Rieker Sondra

Rieker Women’s Vincenza 53 Sandal

Jambu Sicily Slingback Wedge

*Disclosure: Each shoe described here is linked to Amazon via an affiliate relationship. Neither the writer or The Travel Belles has a relationship with Shoes on a Shoestring beyond just loving  shoes, their innovative falling price markdowns, and weekly specials.