Donna Karan Crisscross Sandal

It’s sandal season! That means heels of all heights, from flats to, well, there’s really no limit, depending on your taste, is there? I usually try to stay at four inches or less, and even then, I look for comfort features. As much as I love pretty shoes, I also like to be comfortable. This Donna Karan Crisscross Sandal seems to be the best of both worlds.

The first thing I noticed were the straps. They’re stretchy elastic, so they’ll conform to the shape of your foot and give when you walk, minimizing the need to break them in, and lessening the risk for blisters. The leather lining will mold to your foot as you wear the shoe, providing a custom fit. Plus, it’s a pale pink, which goes really well with the black straps. A slight heel cup keeps your foot from sliding back off the edge of the shoe. Even though the heel is 4.25 inches high, the half-inch platform makes it feel like just 3.75 inches. It’s also flared at the bottom, giving you more stability, and the leather sole will reduce slippage once it’s scuffed up a bit. The shoes come with a dust bag, and go for $544 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

A black shoe is perfect when you want your outfit to stand out. But sometimes, it’s the accessories that you want to get noticed. I think that’s the case with the leather Nine West Kwest platform sandal. I love how the blue, fuchsia and orange blend into each other, along with the lavender lining. You could wear any of those colors with these shoes, or a neutral color, and still look great. They also add comfort to style. The 4.5 inch stacked heel feels like 3.5 inches because of the one-inch platform, also stacked. The heel strap is adjustable, so you can customize the fit. Side cutouts at the vamp keep your foot from feeling cramped in a narrow space, and the insole is lightly padded. If the multi-color upper isn’t for you, it also comes in brown, green, orange and ivory. Give this exotic look a try for just $88.95 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Although a chunky platform will lend stability comfort, I sometimes prefer a daintier look. The Martinez Valero Caprice sandal is a slender, feminine shoe. The straps are a beautifully patterned, satiny fabric, and the heel is covered with the same fabric. A few other colors available combine fabric crisscross straps with patent leather straps at the toe and ankle. It sports a four-inch heel, but the way the straps cross each other, along with the adjustable ankle strap, will keep the shoe firmly on your foot while walking. The leather sole will also make keeping your footing a bit easier. Check out the many colors available, and get the one you like best for $148.95 at Endless.com.