What would you love more than bundling up in all eight of your winter layers, strapping on those huge boots and trudging through the latest foot of snow tomorrow morning? Oh that’s right… anything. We, as a city are all absolutely, irrevocably over winter. I can’t think of a person who feels like this is fun anymore. Where is the sun? Where is the warmth? And can we please discuss the disappearance of the color green? By the time March comes to Chicago, winter starts to feel never-ending. Well, I, for one, refuse to accept that. All I can think about are sunglasses, tee shirts, and trendy new ways to roll up your jeans. So maybe I’m in denial- I’m fine with that. In fact, I’m so fine with it that I plan to drag you down with me. Let’s talk sandals.
In ladies’ footwear these days, there are some exciting developments happening. There is such a thing as the “gladiator” heel. The main idea of this is just more straps than necessary for a dramatic aesthetic effect. The same is being applied to sandals. You’ll see a lot more women walking down the street this summer wearing shoes that resemble less of a sandal and more of an open-toed flat, because of all the coverage the foot is receiving from the extra straps around and sometimes up the ankle, woven over and over the top of the foot and streamlining the heel. This, I must mention, has been met with a lot of concern and raised a few eyebrows. The gladiator style is a little extreme, it’s true.
However, the intensity of the gladiator sandal can be buffered by choosing one with narrower straps. Not only does this look daintier on the foot, but also allows the designer to weave more interesting designs, use more colors on different straps, since there are more to work with, and create a more unique sandal.
In men’s summer footwear, the possibilities are a little more limited. Of course, the classic flip flop isn’t going anywhere. You can get a flip flop made of virtually any material and any color you please. However, if you’re going for something a bit more formal looking, look for a leather sandal in that is comprised of one large strap across the top of the front of the foot. It’s simple, bold, comes in many of the same colors and textures as your favorite dress or casual shoes and belts, and can be worn for casual Fridays, a night out, or when you’re just bummin’ around the pool or beach.
Wasn’t that fun? It’s nice to think ahead. All we have to do is stay positive. Through the snow, the clouds, the cold… the… the bitter, unwavering grasp that winter has around your scale of personal happiness… Oh, who am I kidding? I can’t deal with this anymore. Don’t expect Mother Nature to come around anytime soon. It’s every man, woman and child for themselves. Turn up the heat, strip down and break out the sunless tanner- it’s gonna be at least another month until we can go outside without risking hypothermia.