Most Baby Boomer chicks will take one look at gladiator sandals and wonder if real Roman gladiators had their own slave boys to help them put their shoes on. Somehow, there must be a way for reasonably hip women to look trendy without resorting to wearing those things. And, there is. The best summer sandals are smooshy, comfortable flip flops or embellished designer flip flops.
Flat Sandals
Flat sandals are chic and modern. All those years of moms yelling at Baby Boomer chicks to ditch those high platform shoes have finally paid off. Now Boomettes are happy to have some fun, funky flats for slumming around in style.
On the other hand, Boomer chicks should remember that flats can be a little hard on mid-life feet. After some magical age, the foot looses those youthful fat pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. So, any sandal, that’s not worn for show, should have some kind of built-in cushion of its own.
There are two kinds of flip flops:
- Comfortable and Practical
- Cute
Sanuk Yoga Mat
These practical flip flops have cult-like status. They are super comfy, like walking on a yoga mat. Yoga Mat is a clever name and a clever idea. Reviewers say that the sandal’s foot bed is soft and one’s feet just mold right into them. The price is right. The colors are cute. They are worth a try. Yoga Mats come in the usual colors, but also: Electric blue, mustard, red, green, aqua, gray, orange, pink, and yellow.
Casual Keen Sandals
Keen fanatics should check out the Waimea H2 flip flop sandals. The style looks a bit strange but that “strange” thing is a toe guard. Now everyone can go to Hawaii, walk in the water, and not worry about scraping their tootsies on those sharp reefs or those “non-existent” stonefish.
Embellished and Beaded Sandals
When looking for beaded or rhinestoned flip flops, a girl should err on the side of funky rather than glitzy. The best look is hippie natural, not Las Vegas Has-Been. Visualize these scenarios:
- What footwear would you have on if you just cruised in from your travels, to visit your personal guru, in India?
- What would your sandals look like if you were just floundering around in Mexico trying to find the perfect location to establish a yoga commune?
- What embellished flip flops would you wear on the beach in Santa Barbara?
Now shop.
Designer Flip Flops
Look for something with a tiny bit of bling and a lot of 60s/70s retro style.
- Kenneth Cole Vintage Glam: In Bark, these thongs have a cute Southwestern Native-American look, with fake turquoise “stones” and classic beading. The cool thing about this style is that it has a strap going down the instep, which gives it a gladiator-type-of-feel without the gladiator-type-of-buckle-hassles. This footwear comes in a nice black and a might-be-over-the-top pewter.
- Kenneth Cole Reaction Golden Glam: This cute thong gets great reviews for comfort. And, thongs are easy travel, cruise, airport, beach shoes because a girl doesn’t need to bend over to put them on. Isn’t that the whole point of wearing sandals? The bronze color would go with anything and the silver would be great for a beach chic wedding.
Kenneth Cole also makes cute wedge thongs, but buy with caution. Sometimes, a girl’s feet will slide forward in wedges and she will end up with blisters between her toes. Ouch. Pass the margaritas.
Clarks Sandals
Clarks Latin Cha Cha: This shoe gets raves for comfort. It is almost too “pretty” with its flower detail, but since it’s real leather, it will get funkified with wear. This might be one of those shoes that looks better with scuff marks, just like an old leather bomber jacket gets better over time. Actually, the black leather sandals are brilliant cute and the sand leather style will look like a hippie chick is going barefoot, only better. The white is a bit prissy, though good for a bohemian bride.
Wedge Flip Flops
Platform wedges have less tilt.
- Cobian Zoe: This platform thong has built in arch support. The shoe is a bit high so it’s only good for short girls who have become accustomed to balancing on stilts. Zoe gets high marks for comfort, but it’s no good for cobblestones in Europe or high swells on cruise ships. On the other hand, it’s well made and has that elegant casual air about it.
- Sanuk Pay Raise: This wedge may be better for gals who are afraid of heights.
- Cobian Hermosa: Hermosa is a cute flat thong with leather whip-stitching. It’s casual but has arch support for older feet.
Look around. Summer’s coming on fast and the good stuff never lasts. Peace and Aloha.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
