5 Summer Shoes Every Woman Should Own

When buying clothing and accessories for summer fashion, women should make sure to consider fashionable and comfortable shoes for the summer season. They need to keep in mind all of the activities they may doing during this season and buy shoes accordingly. Our recommendations below include 5 of the most popular and versatile summer shoes every woman should own.

1. Ballerina Flats
Inspired by the slippers worn by ballerinas, ballerina flats feature a flat heel. Very light, these shoe types also expose much of the top of the foot. Also made from a variety of materials, more formal versions of these flats have ribbons and ruffles. These are great to add to any summer outfit and can work with everything from shorts to sundresses. They can also be worn on more formal occasions as well. Ballerina flats are very versatile.

2. Sandals
Sandals designs typically have an outsole secured to the foot through the use of buckles and straps. The toes and a majority of the foot are exposed when wearing sandals. The heel is also typically secured with a strap. Sandals can be made of a variety of materials, but are usually made of leather. Sandals can be worn with many different summer outfits and are appropriate for the beach, picnics, and other outdoor events. There are both casual types of sandals and more dressy sandals for different occasions.

3. Pumps
Pumps, also known as high heels, have an extended heel of at least two inches or more. Most have closed backs and no laces, buckles, or straps. Some of the summer pumps also have a variety of toe types, ranging from open toed, to close toed, to every type of toe in between. Having a pair of summer pumps can allow a woman to be prepared for summer weddings and more formal events. They are also appropriate for the office during the summer as well.

4. Clogs
Clogs are shoes that typically have an open back and a totally enclosed front and toe area. The heel is typically a platform type or a wedge. Originally made from wood, modern clogs are made from a variety of materials. Clogs can be the go-to shoes for summer around the house and for outings to the mall and other more casual locations. They are easy to slip on, and they are very comfortable and easily match with any casual outfit.

5. Wedges
Wedges are akin to high-heeled shoes, except the heel extends the length of the heel as one solid piece. The vamp, or upper, is also typically open like a pump, with no laces, buckles or straps. Wedges are a great option for more dressed-up occasions and events. They are also great when a woman wants to add a little height without wearing pumps or heels during the summer months.

How to Choose Summer Shoes for Women

Summertime means it's time to spend more time outdoors, and whether spending the day at the beach, taking a walk around a local park, or hanging out with friends, women need to have the right shoes to match those cooler summer outfits. From ballerina flats, to sandals, to clogs, women can enjoy summer activities while wearing a more casual shoe style.

While manufacturers offer many types of shoes for the summer season, check out our list of the 5 types of summer shoes every woman should have in her closet. In this guide, we'll also explore popular summer shoe brands, find out about the different parts that make up a shoe, and learn how to measure at home for shoe size. For those who own leather sandals, we'll cover how to clean them too. Finally, we'll take a look at how to buy summer shoes to round out a woman's summer wardrobe.

History of Footwear
Created more than 10,000 years ago, sandals were the first shoe type worn by humans. Since that time, many more shoe types have been created. Native Americans wore moccasins, a shoe made of leather, which subsequently deteriorated when wet. Thong sandals (made of materials found in the area) came into prominence as civilization became more developed.

In the 17th century, shoe design took a step forward, with most leather shoes featuring a sewn-on sole. But the real innovation in shoe design came in the 19th century, when left and right shoes became differentiated. Before that time, shoes were designed to be worn on either foot and were called "straights." Since that time, shoe technology has steadily increased through advancements in rubber, synthetics, and adhesives. Today, shoes are a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry, with China accounting for roughly 60 percent or more of shoe production.

Discover Summer Shoes
Summer shoes are light and usually open on the top, allowing the feet to breathe. Shoppers should have an idea of what kind of shoes they would like to purchase before buying. Many women spend more time out of doors during the summer, so they need alternatives to wear for the activities of the season such as going to the beach, picnicking, and attending summer wedding and social events. Before deciding which shoes to buy for their summer wardrobes, women should consider where they will be going and what they will be doing. To help women find the right shoes after considering this, the sections below outline the parts of a shoe, how to measure for shoe size at home, the 5 summer shoes that every woman should own, and popular summer shoe brands.

Parts of a Shoe
Shoppers who wish to purchase shoes should learn the construction of a shoe. This knowledge allows shoppers to better choose the right type of shoe for their fashion needs. The different parts of a shoe, from the insole to the heel, are listed below.

Measuring for Women's Shoe Size
When women have decided on adding some summer shoes to their wardrobes, they will first need to get an accurate measurement of their feet. To do this, shoppers will need a cloth measuring tape or ruler, a pencil, and a blank piece of paper when following the two-step measuring process below.

Steps for Measuring Shoe Size
By measuring for shoe size at home, shoppers will be sure to buy the right shoe size.