Between bikini waxes, sunscreen, spray tans, and pair after pair of lost sunglasses from fold out tables in the street, summer fun can get overwhelmingly pricey, to say nothing of manicures and pedicures. I’m a big fan of a once-monthly pedi to keep rough feet in check and my nails trimmed, but I’m not too worried about keeping my toes show-ready, mostly because they don’t really get shown.
1/5
Keds Taylor Swift
Floral Keds
If they’re good enough for TSwift, they’re good enough for us. Go All-American preppy in some jean shorts and a crisp white shirt.
A luxe twist on the usually-canvas summer slip-on, these leather espadrilles are a perfect way to dress up that summer dress you bought for $2 at a yard sale.
Sharon Osbourne for Loewe leather espadrilles ($422, netaporter.com)
3/5
Jelly Heels
Opaque jelly shoes
Technically a sandal, if these aren’t see-through your toes are basically covered. Act like the kind of free-wheeling person who lets their toes out in the world, feel like the foot-prude you are inside. These are a fun summer classic and with some careful colour choices, you can get in on the fun too.
Swedish Hasbeens
So comfortable, so seventies, so fun. This limited edition Haga style in tan is versatile, cute and keeps those toes under soft, leather-y wraps. So summery and fresh no one will even wonder whether or not you’ve gotten a pedicure (you haven’t) (I won’t tell).
Sharon Osbourne for Swedish Hasbeens “Haga” platform heel ($251, swedishhasbeens.com)
5/5
Sperry
Boat shoes
Sperry topsiders are the original in: “Take me to the yacht club—whether or not I own a yacht is irrelevant.”
I’m not crazy about my feet in particular—my big toe looks like a thumb, ask anyone—or anyone’s feet, in general, and I don’t like the pressure to have presentable feet that a wardrobe full of sandals and peep-toed platforms instils. I know I’m not the only podophobe out there, so I’ve put together a basic guide to close-toed summer shoes. They’re out there, they’re fashionable, and they won’t stink up your sheltered winter tootsies no matter how far you bike in them. It’s summer and the time is right for cleavage, just not toe cleavage, thank you very much.
