Shoe Sleuth: What Shoes to Wear on Rainy Summer Days

Hot, Wet & Bothered

Dear Shoe Sleuth,

What do I wear when it's 90 degrees and rainy in New York? Galoshes make my feet and legs HOT, my cute sandals get ruined and flip flops get just plain gross. There's also always the "it might not rain all day, and then I'll be wearing rain boots for nothing" thing. And I'm a mom to two young boys. HELP!

Sincerely,

Slipping in the Rain

Dear S.I.T.R.,

Fret not. I've often felt challenged when selecting shoes for rainy summer days. I learned the hard way to stay away from flip-flops (slipping, sliding and splashing yucky, dirty water up the backs of my legs). As a result, over the years I've developed go-to characteristics that I keep in mind. First, I opt for plastic- usually EVA styles. I also try the make sure that if the shoe is an open style, it's not completely flat to the ground and has some sort of ankle strap or support to keep it on my foot. Lastly, I try to find something that looks fun (gray days can be a drag, so I try to let my shoes lift my spirits a bit). Now that you know my formula, here are a few suggestions at different price points for almost any activity.

Easy Does It

If it's a drizzly day, but you're not expecting a storm or heavy downpour, consider a minimal flat, like this "Thing N" sandal from IPANEMA + PHILLIPE STARCK. The open style makes it easy  for your feet to dry once the rain has stopped, and the heel cap will help keep your foot in place. $40 at Ipanemausa.com or other colors are on clearance for less at Opening Ceremony.

If it's raining heavily, and there are puddles, consider a sandal with a platform (because we've all stepped into a puddle that was deeper than we thought, and none of us enjoyed it). This "Mar" flatform sandal from Melissa is a great option, and it gets bonus points for the feminine rose quartz hue (a key color for 2016 according to Pantone). $112 at shopmelissa.com. 

Office Obligations

If you're in a situation that requires heels, consider something that has a non-slip sole. This "Super" sandal from United Nude is a great choice with its architectural styling, and molded rubber heel. It also has that whole sport-inspired-but-still-sophisticated thing going for it. Sleek ankle-length pants or a midi-length pencil skirt will further refine the look. $199 at UnitedNude.com.

If your office requires lots of time on your feet, consider a menswear-inspired wingtip in a feminine floral print, like this style from Biion. Though it's completely closed-in, there are perforations for ventilation, but don't worry about your feet getting soaked and swampy. Once you put the shoes on, they create almost a vacuum effect that keeps most of the water out but lets air in. (I know from experience because I was once gifted a pair, and I LOVE them. If you can, wear thin mini socks, as they sometimes rub at the heel. $109.99 at Biion.com

Day-to-Day Errands

Sometimes you have to add your own silver lining to the day's clouds. Enter this sparkly EVA "Jericho Bling" slip-on sneaker from Native Shoes. It has classic styling and a go-with-all silhouette. It's also PETA approved. $55 at nativeshoes.com. 

You can't go wrong with a pair of Chucks. Seriously. NEVER. And this opalescent  All Star is actually rubber. Whether you're in denim cut-offs, a cool t-shirt dress or cropped joggers, this Chuck Taylor works- and without looking all-out soccer-mom. $59.99 at amazon.com. 

So, SITR, do any of these options work for you? If not, do you at least have an idea of what to look for now? Let me know in the comments. And remember that I'm always at your shoe-searching service.

Shoes Clues: What to Wear Where on the 4th

Because #Murica

Got plans for the Fourth? Of course you do. Do you know which shoes to wear? Not yet? We've got you covered. Whether you're headed to a street festival, backyard bbq, firework display with your boo or a pool party (where you may meet a new boo), there is a red, white, and/or blue shoe here for you.

Poolside Pretty

Pool party footwear is often tough to figure out. You want a bit of elevation, but a stiletto often feels a bit overdone. Wedges are great, but will they be ok if (when) you get splashed? That's why Melissa is our go-to brand for situations such as these. They're all plastic... so you get the functionality of jellies, and the added bonus of trend-right style. This T-strap sandal will look great with with your bathing suit, and it'll still work when it's time to dance after sunset. $59.99 at Amazon.

Night-Right

Fireworks are great, but you're more a fan of the sparklers on bottle service at the club. We dig it. You can still rock a patriotic theme without going full out flag-clad. This high-impact Basanti Sandal from Jessica Simpson combines this season's key trends- fringe, tassels, a lace-up front and an intricate print. All you need now is a sexy white top and distressed cut-offs. $149 at Amazon.

BYOB BBQ at the Park

Grass, dirt, the possibility of spilled food... what's a girl to do when she's headed to a barbecue in the park and doesn't want to endanger her favorite white kicks? We suggest this sport-inspired Rico X Tech neoprene flatform from United Nude. It's got enough lift to keep the grass from tickling your toes, and the ankle strap will keep you secure should you decide indulge in an ill-advised game of drunken kickball.

If you're wondering about the best way to transport your drinks and snacks without a cooler, Herschel Supply Co just launched a new collection of bags and hats in collaboration with Coca Cola. Rendered in a fabric created from recycled plastic bottles and insulated with a cooler lining, the bags keep your drinks cool won't leak in the off chance of a spill. The Bamfield Tote pictured is $79.

Food Truck Festival Finery

You filled up on your favorite uncle's BBQ sauce (on chicken and fish and basically everything) on Memorial Day, so you've opted to spend Independence Day at a nearby food truck festival. That means LOTS of walking, tasting and day drinking. Woot! This demi-wedge Burma sandal from Jeffrey Campbell ($85) is the perfect shoe for you. In a patriotic color theme and this season's must have gladiator silhouette, it'll go perfectly with that kitschy graphic tee and those frayed-hem jeans.

Beach Vibes

The Fourth of July is as good an excuse as any for fun in the sun and sand. The shoes? Opt for a trippy slide like the Stargazer from Fly Jane. The faceted metallic front strap kinda channels the rockets' red glare, no? Plus they'll still look cool for the rest of the summer even when you're not at the beach. $24 at shopflyjane.com

Family Cook-out Fun

When was the last time you jumped rope with your nieces and cousins? Maybe the day will be the day. Better wear sneakers just in case. Reebok recently teamed up with Kendrick Lamar again to create a limited-edition sneaker that brings the issue of gang violence to the forefront or public consciousness. The new rendition of the The Classic Leather just happens to be red, white and blue. Oh... and they come in sizes for the whole family, so if you and bae are into matching... here ya go. $65 at Ruvilla.com

Because Sparklers

Baby you're a firework, and you show it every chance you get. You might as well be a star in stripes, right? Even if you don't have huge plans, these sequined Chuck Taylors will add a dose of fun to your day. $89.99 at Amazon.

Whatever you do to celebrate please do so safely and responsibly. XOXO.

*All images courtesy images. Shoes N Booze is an amazon affiliate. Purchases made by clicking amazon links will result in commission to Shoes N Booze.

Shoes Clues: Wear These to Memorial Day Barbecues

Jelly. No Roll.

You've got your Memorial Weekend barbecue schedule lined up perfectly so that you get this friend's divine bbq chicken right when it comes off the grill and that friend's delicious pie before her greedy relatives arrive. You also know where to be as the sun starts setting (because that's when #baewatch starts). Here's the question, though: what are you wearing on your feet? Flats are cool, but do you REALLY want to blend in THAT much? If you wear heels, and it turns out that you're walking in grass or near a pool, it could spell disaster (ankle roll, anyone?). Enter the wedge sandal (and its cousin, the chunky heel) — sturdy, versatile, and just the right ratio of laid-back to glammed-up. If you opt for jellies, it's even better... think spilled sauce, splashed drinks and possibly puddles near the pool. Here are a few we're crushing on this weekend:

Steve Madden x Iggy Azalea Hi Top Jelly Sandal

Whether you're channeling 90s cool or rocking a festival-inspired look, this jelly sandal is the option for you. The heel is 4.5 inches, but there's a 1 inch platform, so your foot is at an incline that allows for nimble steps. ($109.95 at Amazon.com)

BCBGeneration Casper Wedge Sandal

Going for a patriotic look? A red shoe makes a great finisher, and this one ups the ante of the ubiquitous sport sandal trend. (Teva, who?) Yeah, it has a 4.9 inch heel and a 1 inch platform, but it also has grips on the sole to ensure steady steps. ($89.99 at macys.com until 5/25, after which they're back up to $110.00)

United Nude Apollo Hi Wedge Sandal

If you're into modern minimalism, this sandal captures your aesthetic perfectly with its futuristic vibe. You may want to reserve this option for locations with paved surfaces, though, because the 2.2 inch platform can make it a little more difficult to steady your steps on uneven turf. On the other hand, that platform almost neutralizes the 5 inch heel, making this shoe a stand-all-day, dance-all-night style. ($239.00 at unitednude.com)

Bamboo Jelly Wedge Sandal 

Punctuate your look with a bit of shimmer in this glittery gold sandal. The coolest thing about it? The glitter won't rub off because it's embedded in the rubber. The simple styling of this wedge means you can dress it up with something frilly or go lowkey with cut-offs and a tee. I don't see nothin' wrong with a little up & shine, do you? ($21.99 and available in lots of other colors at amazon.com)

Melissa Flip Sandal

Mostly matte with a little shine and an architectural look, this semi-wedge is probably the most grown-up option. For a chill vibe, wear with cuffed jeans. For something more refined, slip into your favorite maxi dress. ($77.50 at Melissa.com)

What will you be wearing on your feet this weekend?

Shoes Clues: 5 Snow Boots for Women With a High Heel Habit

If you're over the snow already, raise your hand. The resulting salt and grime are brutal to shoes, making many of us walk around in clunky rubber boots. I guess we still get fashion points for cool beanies and blanket scarves, but this season makes it hard to show off a good shoe game. I refuse to be defeated, so I've made it my personal mission to collect shoes that don't make me feel like a total schlumpadinka.

Many of mine are no longer available (the ones you can still buy are in the Shoes N Booze Amazon Shop), but I went on the hunt to find a few perfectly stylish options for you. And since we're at the end of the season, they're all on sale!!!

Cougar Gander Boot

I've reviewed Cougar boots on here before (see!), and they are definitely warm. This quilted wedge boot has a bit of Napoleon Dynamite appeal, but minus the dork factor. It's available in four colors, and it costs less than $100. Buy your pair here.

United Nude Eros Teddy Boot

If you've been contemplating a foray into the trend that is the fur accent, this is the boot for you. Embossed leather, molded rubber and faux fur converge for a textural take on this season's sporty inspirations. (Available in other colors at UnitedNude.com)

Hunter High Heel Chelsea Boot

The chelsea boot has become synonymous with cosmopolitan cool. Hunter's version features neon rubber tread and waterproof leather. The really great thing about these is that you can wear them whether there's snow on the ground or not. They're almost $100 off right now, so hurry to Hunter's website and snag a pair.

Melissa Soldier Boot

Melissa's glossy rubber boot is playful, yet polished. The lug sole keeps you from slipping on ice-slick streets, and the stretch inserts keep the fit cozy. It's half off  the regular price on the Melissa website.

Ralph Lauren Polo Hester Boot

Inspired by arctic expeditions, this Polo boot features neon quilted panels, a platform and a chunky heel atop a lug sole. It's relaxed enough for the weekend, but it's also a good choice for afterwork drinks. This upgrade to the classic duck boot is currently down to $139 from $450 on the Ralph Lauren website.

How do you stay a step above winter? Do you have a favorite pair of heels that are snow-apropo? Let us know in the comments.