Summer has arrived at last! Many of you are eagerly anticipating that much coveted summer holiday when you can kick the boots and socks to the curb and don a pair of lightweight summer sandals. With so many styles to choose from, how do you strike the perfect balance between form, functionality, and fashion so you can pack a shoerobe collection for your summer holiday that ticks all the boxes of comfort, versatility, and style? This season’s collection is simply jaw dropping, combining an infinite choice of eye-popping; ‘Wonderful Walkables (walking sandals),  ‘Lightweight Loafers,’ ‘Must-Have Wedges,’ ‘Best-Loved White Trainers,’ ‘Funky Flats’ and ‘Cool Mules and Slides’. In this latest Blog Post, the Finn Footwear Fashion editors focus on Walkables, Wedges and White Trainers as key staples for your Summer Holiday based on this season’s ‘Lust- Have, Must- Have’ summer favourites. So, let’s get stuck in because it’s time my friends for you to go shopping!

Wonderful Walkables

The great advantage of contemporary walking sandals is that you do not have to compromise on style in order to enjoy comfort. Many of our big-name brands ECCO, Rieker, Remonte, Skechers and Ara, have consistently and successfully combined style and design with comfort and functionality to deliver a range of walking sandals that are both pleasing to the eye and gentle on the foot, ensuring maximum all day long wearer comfort. When it comes to our  ‘Wonderful Walkables’ sandals category for Summer 2023, our flagship brand ECCO bursts onto the stage with fresh new colourway combinations which are sure to tempt the savvy shopper this season! Our Ecco Ladies Offroad Walking Sandal style 822083 provides over 10 years of a proven comfortable fit and comes in two gorgeous colourways ‘822083 Multicolour Sage’ with a unique marble print combination and ‘822083 Chilli Red Multi’ set in a beautiful multicombination tone on tone colourway. 

This style consists of

• A Soft nubuck upper with 1 side bar,
• A Lightweight moulded EVA footbed with a soft microfibre cover for supreme cushioning and superior stability
• A direct-injected PU midsole foam provides long-lasting cushioning and outstanding everyday walking comfort.
• 3-point adjustability and stretchable lining for a soft and comfortable fit
• RECEPTOR® Technology for excellent stability and dynamic support from ground impact to toe-off

Ecco Ladies Offroad Walking Sandal 822083 MultiColour Sage

An equally compelling choice from Ecco for a walkable walker that is both stylish and comfortable is the Ecco Ladies Offroad Yacatan Walking Sandal 69563 which comes in two colourways ‘69563 Air Dusty Blue’ and ‘69563 Damask Rose Dust’.

Ecco Ladies Offroad Yacatan Walking Sandal 69563 Damask Rose Dust

Ecco Ladies Offroad Yacatan Walking Sandal 69563 Air Dusty Blue

Versatile design features make this sturdy ECCO OFFROAD sandal great for outdoor wear. It is lightweight with a specially designed tread pattern which provides optimum comfort. Your feet stay fresh with the stretch-fit material lining and nubuck uppers. The sole has been created to ensure increased support, superior grip and traction on outdoor terrain and comes with 

• Direct injected PU midsole which provides all day long cushioning

• The sandal can be adjusted in 3 places for a secure fit

• Rubber outsole with superb flexibility and excellent grip

• Soft nubuck leather upper with neoprene lining for a soft and comfortable fit

• RECEPTOR® Technology offers stability and dynamic support

So whether you choose ‘Soft and Subtle’ or ‘Bold and Bright,’ the new range of Summer 2023 Ecco Walking Sandals ensures there is a style and colour combination to suit every palette!

As an alternative to ECCO why not try our Rieker Ladies Double Velcro Sandal 68871-33, in Red. This Sandal comes with Rieker Antistress technology which offers the best level of support, flexibility and durability so you can walk in comfort and wear with style! 

Rieker Ladies Double Velcro Sandal 68871-33

For six decades Ara is renowned for a wide variety of shoe fashions of the highest quality, combining attractive design with perfect fit. The superior quality of Ara sandals has made this brand synonymous with all day comfort and durability in a range of iconic walking and trekking sandals.  The Ara Tampa Ladies Double Velcro Sandal 47209-67 comes in two colourways; 'White/Silver' and 'Blue'. The Double Velcro fastener allows optimal adjustment to the foot and prevents pressure points. The 2 cm wedge heel, which cleverly emphasizes the look and wonderfully accentuates the leg, is another highlight. Whether as a companion for the next city trip or a walk in the park, this sandal from Ara is a great all-rounder for your summer holiday.

Ara Tampa Ladies Double Velcro Sandal 47209-67

'Best-Loved' White Trainers

Ever since the white trainer scene burst on the catwalks a few years ago, there has never been a more versatile shoe choice for your summer holidays. Whether you’re looking to create a 'cool and casual'  daytime look with your favourite shorts and slouchy T shirt, or an 'effortless chic' vibe for a night on the town in your favourite long flowy summer dress and denim jacket, then the white trainer is a 'Must-Have' summer staple for you you!  Whatever vibe you’re striving for, white trainers pair perfectly with just about everything in your summer wardrobe. Our Rieker style Chunky Platform laced trainer style M1921-80 in White/Gold comes in an attractive lace up with functional side zip. It’s chunky platform sole offers the perfect smart casual solution while the added support from Rieker’s Antistress technology means you can wear this shoe for hours on end without compromising on comfort. As a 2nd alternative try our Rieker Ladies Chunky Platform Laced Shoe N4921-81, also in white with a functional side zip for easy access.

An equally compelling option is our Mustang white trainers. Mustang shoes are best known by the iconic logo of a wild mustang. Their design team combine timeless classics with the latest fashion trends to create true authentic and original styles inspired by ‘The Wild West’. The Mustang advertising slogan says it all: “True style never dies….” Our Mustang Ladies Canvas Flat Shoe 1420-301 11 is a fashionable ladies athleisure shoe in eye- catching 'White/Mint' combination. In this you will find your perfect white trainer summer holiday companion!. Perforations in the side area of the upper make for a spring summer look. Pair with dresses, skinny jeans, capris or just about anything for that ultimate 2023 summer holiday casual look! This style is also available in 'White Blue' style Mustang Ladies Canvas Flat Shoe 1420-301 18

Mustang Ladies Canvas Flat Shoe 1420-301 11

'Must-Have' Wedges

The Wedge style sandal holds mass appeal for a wide and varied audience. Not only does it come in a range of heights; low, medium and high, but the unique form of the wedge tapered from the higher end of the heel towards the narrow end at the ball of the foot makes it an easier choice to walk in when compared to its rival heel counterparts (conical, stiletto, trumpet, spindle etc). Wedges are so versatile because they are comfortable and stylish. Chances are if you pack a pair of new season wedges for your summer holidays you won’t regret it. You’ll definitely wear them more than once and you can certainly wear them at any time of the day or evening making them a GREAT transitional footwear option for your summer holiday! Our Rieker Ladies Double Velcro Wedge Sandal 67476-33 is both feminine and summery. Its decorative buckle detail and eye-catching red, white, and blue nautical colourway is the perfect choice for your summer holiday!. Pair with White, Red, Navy, Khaki and all colour tones across multiple outfits to create a capsule summer wardrobe that is easy to pack and easy to wear. These wedges pair perfectly with shorts, capris, dresses, skirts and just about everything in your suitcase! Double adjustable Velcro straps for easy on/off means all day wearer comfort while you trek about in the summer sunshine!

Rieker Ladies Double Velcro Wedge Sandal 67476-33

Our Remonte Ladies Wedge Velcro Sandal D3064-80 is a high-quality sandal option for women by the company Rieker. Exquisite upper materials combined with good workmanship ensures maximum comfort. This beautiful trendy wedge sandal comes in a 'White/Pink/Mint' colourway in leather upper with a man made sole. The double Velcro strap and padded footbed make this a real winner for your summer holidays. They pair perfectly with skinny jeans and dresses so if you want to pull off an ‘effortless chic vibe’ for your summer wardrobe then these are a great choice!

Remonte Ladies Wedge Velcro Sandal D3064-80

Oh my Sandals , is a sales leader and top Spanish brand specialized in the manufacture of all kinds of sandals made in natural leather, and this year sees a range of wedges to delight all holidaymakers who wish to make the most of the Summer sunshine! Our High wedge sandal Style 5224 in stunning cognac with espadrille sole is an ideal choice and pairs wonderfully with long flowy dresses, capri pants and skirts of varying lengths. The warm 'cognac shade' is ideal when accessorised with a basket handbag and straw hat for those lazy hazy days of summer! This style is also available in ‘White’. (see below). 

Oh My Sandals Ladies Wedge Sandal 5224

If you prefer a lower wedge version then Oh My Sandals styles 5009 (available in 'Silver' and 'Mint/Taupe') offers all the comfort of an all-leather sandal, suitable for trekking around during the day but still delivers a 'dressy edge' when paired with evening attire.

Oh My Sandals Ladies Wedge Strappy Sandal 5009

If bright and bold is your preferred option then why not go with Oh My Sandal style 5187 in 'Navy' . It's also available in 'White'. This stylish low wedge sandal has a metallic shimmer effect in the leather upper giving it a unique sheen and dressy appearance. It is a perfect choice as a transitional day to evening sandal for your summer holidays!

Oh My Sandals Ladies Low Wedge Strappy Sandal 5187

Rieker Ladies Slip On Wedge Mule Sandal V79M6-52

Our Rieker Ladies Flat Velcro Sandal V3660-60 in 'Beige/White' is the perfect 'Go to' sandal for your summer holiday!  This two-tone elegant low wedge sandal comes with dimple effect stitching and buckle criss-cross straps in the form of a double Velcro strap for ease of access and increased comfort. It's the perfect leisure companion for those summer holiday strolls through the city streets and markets! Because of its elegant style, it is the perfect transitional sandal from day to evening. Pair this cool Rieker sandal with dresses, skirts and cropped trousers to add sophistication, style and comfort to your summer wardrobe this season.

Rieker Ladies Flat Velcro Sandal V3660-60

We hope you've enjoyed some of our 'Must-Have' choices for your summer holiday footwear favourites. It's time to start shopping folks!

FAQs

Q. Why are they called Espadrilles and how to style them?
Espadrille comes from the Catalan word 'espardenya', and is a reference to esparto grass, a southern European plant which is used as part of a the fabrication process in making the rope type sole we so often see in the classic  espadrille heel.. This esparto plant is traditionally used in the making of ropes and baskets as well as is the basic raw material for producing the espadrille sole. The Espadrille Wedge is an all-time Summer favourite since it is both elegant in design and effortless when it comes to summer styling! A fashionable pair of espadrille wedges pairs perfectly with everything in your summer wardrobe; Dresses, Skirts, Shorts and Capris! Accessorise with a basket handbag and wide brimmed sunhat to 'pull off' that effortless but trendy cool summer vibe!
 
Q. What is the 3 Sandal rule when packing for your summer holiday?
The general consensus is to keep your sandal/shoe choices to 3 staples when packing for your Summer holiday! A pair of athleisure trainers or walking sandals for strolling around city streets and exploring those offroad tracks and trails and two others; one dressy such as a pair of fashionable wedges or espadrillles and one casual, such as a lower wedge or mule. Just keep it simple!

Q. What are some Top Tips for purchasing a great pair of walking sandals?
Look out for velcro adjustable straps! This is a 'Must- Have' for walking and trekking in the hot sun! Great walking sandals as illustrated in this blog will have a minimum of two and preferably a 3 point adjustment across the toes, heel and bridge of the foot for added comfort and versatility. Look for soles that have great traction and that are impressively grippy so that you can trek across multiple terrains types (rocks, cobblestones, tracks and trails) feeling both confident and comfortable. A comfortable midsole and footbed is non negotiable when it comes to investing in a great pair of walkables! Look out for PU Midsoles, EVA footbed and leather sock for added cushioning and support.  Purchasing a great pair of walking sandals is an investment as they are by far, your 'Best Summer Holiday Companion'. They will see your through multiple seasons, so it's worth splurging on a decent pair!

We hope you've enjoyed reading Our Blog Post 'Know Your Heels | What's Trending for Spring Summer 2023' . Remember to choose Finn Footwear for all your footwear needs this season. We are always available to take your calls and answer your questions!

Don't forget to Spread the Word by sharing our Posts from our Blog 'Between Shoe and Me'. Stay tuned for future posts on ‘Footwear Trends', 'New Season Styles, 'How to Tips' and All Things Shoe!

Cheers Austin & Paul!