Archive for the ‘Slingback’ Category

As shoe collections debut, we see how each shoe designer translates the emerging trends for that season.   Sometimes the variation is on an old classic, or it’s something new that we’ve not seen before, and sometimes it’s something outrageous.  Whatever the case may be, these creations are fun to see for those of us that love shoes!

I’ve been shopping to replace a favorite pair of black slingback sandals that fit like a glove.   The shoe that I’ve had my eye on is the Theory Vella from Jildor Shoes.   However, there are so many other variations on this style that it’s difficult to decide on just one pair!

The Theory Vella pictured here in black leather is also available in a sand-colored leather. This shoe has a smooth leather upper, a stacked woooden 4 inch heel with 1/2 inch platform, and velcro closure on the strap. What a lovely shoe this is!

DKNYC Elim Peep Toe Clog Features soft leather with dual adjustable buckles on the strap.  The most interesting feature on this shoe is the wooden and lacquered heel.                 It has a 4-1/2 inch heel and 1-1/4 inch platform.  NOTE: Get $25 off this shoe at the Endless Shoes Spring Sale event going on until 28 Jun 2009. For a limited time save $25 on $100 select shoe orders at Endless.com

Charles David Fever Platform Sandal features bold side cutouts making this shoe very sexy! There is a cork midsole for comfort and a stacked wooden heel (4-1/2 inch) and platform (1-1/4 inch). Also available in dark brown and camel.

Jessica Simpson Demore Platform Slingback is available at Endless.com. This slingback shoe features a cross-strap leather upper.  It has a 4-3/4 inch heel with a 1-1/2 inch platform. The Jessica Simpson Demore sandal is also available at Shoebuy.com in black patent leather, stone pearlized tumbled, or berry pearlized tumbled leather.

I love the appearance of wooden heel sandals.   There’s something about the natural grain of the wood underfoot, paired with a leather upper in the latest style, that makes wooden-heeled shoes so beautiful.   This season, there’s no shortage of wooden heel sandals to choose from as many designers have put wooden heels in their 2009 Spring and Summer collections.

Personally, I prefer to find shoes that have solid wood instead of stacked wooden heels (thin layers of wood glued together).  You will pay more for solid wood but the appearance of natural wood grain is well worth the beauty.  Also, keep in mind that if the entire sole is made of wood, this makes for a very hard surface and can have an impact on the comfort of the shoe.  Memories of my wooden clogs from the 70′s are coming back!   They looked great back then but they were not very comfortable by the end of the day. However, you’ll find that most designers today will add something to cushion the footbed of wooden-soled shoes.

For me, the more wood the better, so I usually look for platform or wedge sandals.  Here are a few of my favorite shoes with solid wood in the heels and platforms.

Vaneli Tearly Light Tan Leather with Brown or Red Crocco and a 3 inch glazed wood wedge

Corso Como, Dara Heel with 4 inch wooden heel and 1/2 inch platform

Frye, Blair Slingback Wedge Platform with 3 inch wooden heel and 1-1/2 inch platform in navy (above) as well as dark brown and fuschia (to the right)

Steve Madden Woven Leather Platform with 4 inch heel and 1 inch platform in Black or Gold

You can find a large selection of wooden heel sandals at www.endless.com Just enter “wood heel” in the search field.