16 Perfect Reasons to Strut Through Summer in Bright, Statement Sandals

How long have we been stuck in our ugly shoe rut? You know what I’m talking about, sensible be-buckled sandals with good arch support, contoured footbeds, roomy toe boxes and other buzz words extolled by the style-resistant podiatry set that scream IDGAF!

I love ‘em, too, but there’s also something called TMOAGT (too much of a good thing, friends), a doctrine to which I am a devoted subscriber. It’s all about balance after all — there can be no yin if there is no yang. Yes, say goodbye to flat and drab and hello to fun and fab! Your summer is going to be positively bursting with color, joie de vivre and, oh yeah, rarified height (so remember to duck when you’re passing under doorways, just a tip). As Burton Cummings once sang, stand tall. 

In a word: whoa. These colorful sandals from Charlotte Stone are instant scene-stealers.

These girly, retro-inspired platform sandals will give you legs for days. And the ruffled peep-toe is pedicure friendly.

With an embroidered heel and sweet scalloped detailing, these chunky heeled sandals are definitely pretty on the outside.

Target is in on the game, with woven flatform sandals that can serve as a summer MVP.

We only live once, let us do it in jewel-toned pompom sandals from Spanish heritage brand Castaner.

Walk on air with these flatform striped espadrilles from Franco Sarto. The crisscross ankle strap ensures a secure fit so dance the night away, too.

Hey, good lookin’, what you got cookin’? These lace-ups from Jeffrey Campbell feature a towering chunky heel that will put you heads and shoulders above the crowd.

Errands don’t run themselves. Get stuff done in style with these sporty, cushy platforms.

Scale new heights with these trendy buckle sandals from venerable Swedish clog house Hasbeens.

Who doesn’t love a good slide-on wedge mule? And a little fringe takes this already sky-high sandal up a notch.

That is some altitude. But maybe good to jot down the number of a good orthopedist just in case you hit an uneven patch of sidewalk.

As cheerful as a ray of sunshine, these adorable Betsy Johnson sandals will have you stopping to smell the flowers.

A casual, pretty espadrille that is on target day or eve.

These chunky-heeled raffia beauties have summer fun written all over them.

Leave it to Tory Burch to make a bold statement with these color-block platforms.

Oozing style and wit, these wooden-soled platforms by Charlotte Stone are an instant heirloom.