| if the shoe fits | Your Ultimate Ethical Summer Shoe Guide — The Only 8 Shoe Styles You Need to Look Great This Summer (And Beyond)

I may have mentioned my affinity for shoes before. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find cute shoes that are also ethically made. A lot of shoes today are made using a combination of questionable chemicals (i.e. lots of petroleum) and questionable labor practices (i.e. exploiting workers).

But the good news is that there are companies out there that are doing it better. So with summer in full swing, I’m bringing you your complete summer shoe guide — all from companies that produce their shoes in a more ethical fashion.

P.S. If some of these silhouettes look familiar, that is by design. I’ve included a lot of the same silhouettes from my spring shoe guide because, as I mentioned in that post — while all of these styles are super on trend this season, they’re also super classic and super versatile silhouettes. Read: you can wear them now, you can wear some of them next season, and you can wear them for many seasons even after that.

 

The Platform/Wooden Heel

With a nod to the 70s, the platform, or wooden heel is making a comeback this summer. The silhouette is fun to wear with a boho maxi dress to get that true 70s vibe, or pair with this season’s’ straight leg denim for a more modern look.

Nisolo Sarita Wooden Wedge Sandal

Rachel Comey Dekalb

Swedish Hasbeens Helena Sandal from Kaight Shop

Fashionable Pamela Platform

 

The Espadrille

Nothing quite says summer like an espadrille. Something about that jute rope just signals warmer weather and sipping cocktails by the pool. No, just me? Well regardless, pair with denim shorts or a midi skirt and you’re set for any adventure summer has in store.

Boden Henrietta Espadrille

Coclico Perl Wedge

 

Boden Laticia Espadrille Wedge

Boden Two-Part Espadrille

Beyond Skin Geosilver Mimi Espadrilles

Boden Seville Espadrille

 

 

The Slide

You saw this guy in the spring guide, and it’s still going strong. Such an easy style to slip on with any outfit for an effortlessly stylish look.

The Palatines Caeleste Slide Sandal in Black Pebbled-Tan Smooth Leather

Everlane The Form Crossover Sandal

By Far Sahara Flat from Amour Vert

Bruna Flats from Amour Vert

Fashionable Joselyn Double Strap Sandal

Nisolo Isla Slide Sandal

Ulla Johnson Babette Noir Suede Slide

Bourgeois Boheme Felicity Pinatex Slide

Proud Mary Two Strap Denim Sandal from Kaight Shop

Proud Mary Fringe Slide Sandal

 

The Block Heel

Because there are some occasions during the summertime that you do have to dress up. And for those occasions, the block heel is the perfect option. It can take you from work, to a picnic in the park, to cocktails with function, style and ease.

Beyond Skin Cream Colette Sandals

ZouXou Bela Pump

Olsenhaus A-Willow Sandal

Rafa Gobi Sandal

Everlane The Day Heel

Boden Maxine Block Heel

Eskayel x Coclico Trim Sandal

ZouXou Anaise Ankle Tie Sandal

 

The Mule

This was another style that was big this spring and is living on right through the summer. For those days when you just can’t bare to do anything but slide your feet into something (everyday for me, but I’m sure you have more motivation), these are a great go to. Pairs perfectly with straight leg jeans to go super casual or with a midi dress for a more dressed up look.

Fashionable Miriam Mule

Rachel Comey Sur

Fortress of Inca Miko in Khaki

Charlotte Stone Morley from Amour Vert

Everlane Pointed Slide

Nisolo Sofia Slip On

Rachel Comey Wald Needlepoint Wedge Mule from Accompany

ZouXou Mule

Brother Vellies Denim Babouche

Proud Mary Raffia Slide

Rachel Comey Lyell

The Sneaker

The sneaker has been a summer staple since, oh, I don’t know, forever. And this year is no exception. You can update your spring pair by going pastel for summer (or not, I won’t judge). Pair with denim cutoffs for a classic summer look or with a dress to do what all the cool kids are doing this season.

Boden Esmeralda Sneakers

Veja Esplar Sneaker from Amour Vert

Nisolo Elayna Sneaker

Native Jericho Galaxy Sneaker

Matt & Nat Bonaventure

 

The Lace Up or Ankle Strap Sandal

Another style that comes around every summer, and for good reason. The lace up or ankle strap sandal is super versatile and super comfortable, both things that become increasingly important as the temperatures heat up. Pair with just about anything for a polished look that is equally as effortless (besides actually tying the things, but I think we can all handle that).

The Palatines Refero Sandal in Beige Leather w Black Elastic

Kyma Karpathos Sandal from Amour Vert

Meyleo Mosi Sandal

Brother Vellies Sand Selma Sandal

Beyond Skin Cream Pip Sandals

Deux Mains Lespwa Sandal

 

The Festive Sandal

And because it’s summer, who would we be if we didn’t give you some fun embellishment for your summer shoe wardrobe. Whether it be tassels, fringe, ruffles or scallops, summer is one of those seasons that you can wear embellishment on your feet without feeling like a child.

Boden Scallop Sandals

Boden Tassel Sandal

Boden Jocelyn Mid Heel

Sseko Caramel Rue Accent Sandal

Brother Vellies Burkina In Sunset from Two Son

Elina Lebessi Chloe Sandals from Almasanta

Charlotte Stone Yvonne Sandal from Amour Vert

Minda Living BELOVED Leather Sandal

Star Mela Nadia Sandal

 

What’s your go-to summer shoe?

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