This summer, comfort consumers are rounding out their casual sandal wardrobes with dressier looks featuring ornament trims as well as sleeker, more feminine wedges, according to comfort independents. Color-wise, gray and blue are registering with customers, tones that easily transition into fall, allowing women to get more bang for their buck.
Here, retailers around the country weigh in on the season’s leading brands and trends.
DiGiulio’s, Cherry Hill, N.J.
1. SAS Roamer fisherman style
2. Naot Polite sandal
3. Vionic Tide flip-flop
“We’re dealing with an older generation who wants whatever they’ve [already been] wearing such as SAS styles. What did very well as a fashion look, was the Polite heeled sandal from Naot,” said owner Mike DiGiulio
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The Foot Spot, Kansas City, Mo.
1. Vionic Tide flip-flop
2. Naot Arataki closed-front sandal
3. Finn Comfort Gomera strappy sandal
“I’ve seen gray and blue on trend right now. Those are tones that will filter into fall. Also seen more closed-up sandals. A lot of it comes down to the weather, which has been unpredictable and [these looks] are three-season footwear instead of one season. A lot of people don’t want to show their toes,” said Ryan Richard, team director
Cute & Comfy Shoes, Nashville
1. Naot Papaki two-tone asymmetric strap sandal
2. Fly London Yala ankle strap wedge
3. Aetrex Arielle instep strap wedge
“The biggest trend is a nude [color] wedge such as the Fly London Yala. And the Ariel comes in a latte color and it’s beautiful. We’re a tiny store and sold 110 pairs of that shoe. Our customers are travelers and don’t want a high fashion wedge, but [prefer] a 2 1/2-inch wedge. It’s something they can dress up and also walk around in all day and has some nice cushion and leather liner that won’t give them blisters,” said Devrin Penrod, sales associate
Phillips Shoes, Charleston, S.C.
1. Naot Dorith flat footbed sandal
2. Taos Carousel instep strap wedge
3. Birkenstock Arizona thong
“Naot has a story to tell about [components such as] cork, but it also does so many shoes that are much fore feminine than other comfort brands through jewelry [touches] or fabrications such as gold threads and washed metallics. Taos has come a long way, now doing dress looks [such as] wedge sandals,” said Ray Kitchen, general manager
