The summer season is fast approaching, and fashionistas are getting ready to pack for a Caribbean island getaway. The Caribbean comprises over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and when visiting these spectacular wonders of nature in the summer, few footwear designs are quite as comfy and appealing as cool, open-toed sandals. Designers like Shoma Persad, Lisette Scott, and Kirstin Frazer have all been inspired by the natural features, vibrancy, and vivid colors of the Caribbean. Footwear designers are also turning to island inspirations for their latest footwear collections. Make sure to follow at least one of these island-inspired trends when shopping for open-toed footwear.
Sporty Platform Sandals
One of the most popular trends in the summer of 2022 will be platform sandals with wide straps and rubber soles. These designs provide all the freshness associated with the summer, while also providing welcome height. They look great with shorts, mini-skirts, and cargo pants, and team up with wide-legged pants in summery materials that abound in the Caribbean at this time of year—including linen. For inspiration, check out the Nike Icon Classic Sandals or the latest designs by Ancient Greek Sandals.
Washable Sandals
Canvas is an ideal material for wide-flapped sandals, as they can be worn to the beach and other rugged outdoor environments, and they keep your skin delightfully cool. There are many washable materials to choose from when it comes to sandals. Check out Chacos’ polyester jacquard designs, H&M’s quilted pool slides, or Teva’s Hurricane Drift sandals. To machine wash your shoes safely, simply place them in a protective mesh bag and set your machine to a gentle, cold-water cycle. If your shoe has laces or other removables accessirues, take them off prior to washing so that the entire surface of the sandal is fully cleaned.
Fisherman Sandals
Once playfully known as ‘dad sandals’, fisherman sandals, comprising strapped designs, usually in jelly materials, will be huge this year on the beach and the street, with Marni, Prada, and Versace embracing them in their Big Four fashion shows. This sandal has been given a playful, modern edge this year, via platform heels that add glamour without wresting from the shoe’s casual feel. For inspiration, see Labucq’s Boomer Cream sandals or Melissa’s Black Melissa Possession Platform Sandals.
Wedged Sandals
If you like to show off your new pedicure but enjoy having a little more coverage or support for the upper part of your foot, then a high-heeled wedge will be perfect for your next Caribbean pool party. Some of the cutest designs now out include Schutz’s Luci Wedge and Anima Muaddi’s beautiful leather wedge sandals featuring a transparent wedged heel. These shoes look great with skirts or wide-legged pants, preferably with a slit down the front.
There are so many gorgeous sandal styles to choose from, and the good news for fashionistas who love a little height is that many of them feature platform or heeled styles. For something more rugged, go for a classic sporty sandal or fisherman shoe. For a more elegant affair, turn heads by wearing wedged sandals in vibrant hues like orange, lime green, or turquoise.
