The Science of Sandals

By: The Buyologist

This week’s Sartorial Science takes us to the subject of footwear.

Summer just isn’t complete without the foot cooling, toe baring action of a sandal! We look at a few of the trendy styles that are oldies but definitely goodies, re-defined in new and modern ways….

Gladiators

(top) Sam Edelman Divine Gladiator $69-$99 (from left to right) Asos “Fletch $33.82, Dolce Vita “Effie” $60, Gap double T-Strap $32

Gladiator sandals are the gifts that keep on giving. If you own a pair, keep ‘em at the front of your closet this summer. They are definitely still a force to be reckoned with. If you have been asleep for the past five years, RUN out NOW and grab a pair.

They can be found at nearly every price point and their prevalence shows that there is no stopping the momentum of the shoe made famous by the man from Galilee. They are perfect accompaniments to the dresses, long and short of the summer season.

Clog Sandals

(top) Chanel Spring 2010, (left to right) Steve Madden Daynty $66.75, Via Spiga “Allston” $185, Asos “Promise” $143

Again, an oldie redefined is the clog. Now, in many incarnations and interpreted by numerous designers it made its first splash on the Chanel Spring 2010 runways.

Jellies

(from left to right) Melissa X. Vivienne Westwood “Lady Dragon” $154, Stuart Weitzman Pellets $96

See by Chloe lace up jellies $87, Gap t-strap sandal $19

Tory Burch jelly “Reva” $95, Jack Rogers white jelly Navajo thongs $68

Asos Fresh jelly peep toe ballerina $13, Valentino Bow flat jelly sandals $275

If you’re over 20, this style that should definitely take you down memory lane! Jelly shoes have hit an all-time high after appearing on the radar a few seasons ago. For those willing to brave the foot sweats I vividly remember from my childhood (and subsequently shy away from), jellies have been taken to new heights – designers have embraced the material and created super haute flats, oxfords, sandals, even HEELS to suit any mood.

Wedges

The wedge is back! Personally, having favored wedges for years due to the comfort they impart – they’ve never left! Fashionistas the world over have declared the wedge one of the “It” silhouettes for the summer! Despite their towering dimensions, some wedges are more comfortable than their stillettoed counterparts…not by any large degree of course – but in the pursuit of Fashion – any little bit helps! This is an easy enough trend to take part in – wedges are virtually EVERYWHERE and can go with ANYTHING…..the higher the BETTER!

(left to right) Michael Kors wedge sandal $147, Kors Michael Kors $156, Asos Outlet Firetrap Wedge $59, Gap Design Editions floral bow wedge $110, Jeffrey Campbell “Mariel” wedge $153

The sandal trends for the summer seem to be recurring themes, yet there are certainly improvements from their predecessors. None of these styles quite up your alley? No worries, true style is the essence of individuality – always wear what makes you happy.

The Buyologist Sarah Davis is a fashion designer living in NYC