The flip side of flip-flops: alternative footwear trends for the summer

The flip-flop is a simple sandal made of foam or rubber, and is thought of as the staple footwear of the summer. Despite the flip-flop’s reputation as the go-to clothing item for the season, there are many alternatives available for individuals looking to stand out in some new footwear.

Oxfords
Once considered compliments to tuxedos and preppy university attire, oxfords have shed their reputation for formality and have taken on a new role as shoes for casual, on-the-go wear. This summer, oxfords have become lighter in design, featuring cutout patterns and insoles that allow the foot to receive proper ventilation during the warm summer months. In addition to becoming more airy, oxfords are also being redesigned with vibrant color schemes. Oxfords with vibrant summer colors such as red and purple are available for shoe enthusiasts looking for an item to help color block an outfit. Oxfords can be found at Urban Outfitters in men’s and women’s styles at prices beginning at $38 for women and just under $70 for men.

Espadrilles
A canvas shoe that is lightweight and very simplistic in design, the espadrille is an alternative to flip-flops that gives the wearer the experience of wearing soft, comfortable slippers in summertime settings. The espadrille shoe juxtaposes the solid colors of the canvas or cotton upper body with a tan outsole composed of rope-like materials, such as jute. This material gives the shoe a natural tropical appearance. Espadrilles are available in assorted patterns and solid colors, which permit drawing or painting on the shoes for those feeling artistic. Whether the consumer is just looking for a pair of shoes to wear to the pier or a summer art project, the espadrille is a shoe that can fill several roles. The Espadrille Store website has pairs of espadrilles for just under $30, and Toms Shoes has a new line of men’s and women’s espadrilles starting at $54 which feature rubber midsoles underneath the rope trimmings for extra flexibility.

Boat shoes
The boat shoe offers both comfort and durability with its exteriors often made of leather, canvas or suede. Originally crafted for maritime use, the boat shoe can now be worn with a vast assortment of apparel. The majority of boat shoes are designed with slip-on functionality making them ideal for quick removal at the beach or the pool. Men may match boat shoes with jeans rolled up at the ankle and a polo shirt for a nautical look, or combine them with board shorts and a T-shirt or muscle tank for a casual, summertime look. For women, boat shoes work well with shorts, a belt, a tucked-in blouse and a cardigan for a simple, seasonal look. The average price for a pair of boat shoes is around $80; however, retailer Sperry Top-Sider has styles for men and women available starting at just under $60 a pair.

Flatform
For women determined to stay at the top of the current footwear fashion this season, flatform shoes can be a trendy alternative to flip-flops that can help take their summertime footwear fashion to new heights. Named after the combination between platform shoes and the strictly horizontal outsoles of flat shoes, the flatform offers the control and ease of flats while featuring the aesthetic of heeled shoes. Many styles are available ranging from gladiator sandals to basic ankle straps. They may be worn with summer dresses or a blouse and skirt. Charlotte Russe and Urban Outfitters have styles for under $60, while Steve Madden and Jeffrey Campbell have varieties available for just under $200 for shoppers willing to spend the price.