The Shoes of Summer

This post might seem unreasonably unseasonable (say that ten times fast) but as I've just been lying in the sunshine in the garden, I felt it was appropriate.

This year, more so than any other before, Toms shoes seem to have really exploded onto the high street. They are adorable and, big thumbs up, very charitable. Comfortable, lightweight summer shoes that give to charity? Tell me that isn't the ultimate in feel-good footwear.

Toms Womens Classics in Red

If the cost of Toms (prices start at £33) seems a little steep for canvas pumps, then espadrilles are the way to go if you want an alternative to sandals during the warmer months. River Island currently have a fantastic range starting at £9.99, with ditsy prints, stripes and rainbow brights meaning you can have a pair to match every outfit.

Alternatively, these grey striped pumps from Dorothy Perkins have a subtle nod towards the espadrille trend but offer a more traditional ballet pump style that creates a much longer leg visual than the traditional closed espadrille.

Dorothy Perkins Grey Stripe Espadrilles

As far as sandals go, I have always been a big advocate of the extreme comfort and long wear that you get out of Birkenstocks. Notoriously clunky and hippy-ish in the past, styles are now becoming a lot sleeker and easier to wear without looking like you're about to spend the summer living in a forest to protect wild voles.

Birkenstock Gizeh in Black Patent

Ever since the great gladiator sandal influx of 2005, ankle-fastening styles of sandal have been everywhere, reminding me more of my white, Clark's school sandals than anything else. To avoid this comparison, look for slim soles, colourful beading and metallic details for your summer sandals.