Robert Clergerie Diofw Wedge Sandals

It’s still summer, and it’s still super hot out, but if you’ve shopped online or been to the mall lately, you know that the summer clothes and accessories are being set aside to make room for the fall fashions. Well, I’m not quite ready to give up the summer season just yet, so I’ll just start leaning slightly toward autumn. In the meantime, though, there’s nothing that says a good black sandal can’t be worn in summer, especially in the evening, and most especially when you dress up. And in keeping with the casual, laid back feeling of summer, rather than going for a spiky heel or wobbly platform, keep it cool and comfortable with a solid wedge. Here’s one with a twist—literally: the Robert Clergerie Diofw wedge sandal.

Ok, first of all, don’t even ask me how to pronounce the shoe’s name. I don’t make ‘em up, I just write about ‘em, and wonder what the heck the designers were thinking when they came up with them. Although the name may look odd, this sandal looks anything but. The upper is a smooth suede, twisted at the vamp the way you might twist a wrap over your swimsuit. It gives what would otherwise be a thick upper a slimmer silhouette, and a bit of feminine chic. The lining is leather, except right at the toe where it’s also suede. The outsole and 3.5-inch heel are synthetic, and wide enough to offer comfort and stability whether you’re walking on a flat surface, or an uneven boardwalk. The sandal’s one-inch platform makes the heel feel shorter than it really is, also making the shoe very comfortable. You don’t have to pronounce it, just wear it and look good, and you can do that for $569 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

If you want to spare your budget some of that pain, you can find as nice a shoe for a much nicer price. The Mia Quaint wedge sandal is one option. It has a synthetic leather upper, so right there, you know it’s going to be an affordable alternative. I like the way the straps interlock at the vamp. The sandal has a lightly padded insole, and the sole is rubber, so you have some cushion when walking or standing on the 3.5-inch stacked wedge heel. You can’t go wrong with basic black, but the sandal also comes in brown and silver. It normally costs $78. Add it to your collection now for just $65.40 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Yes, if you’ve glanced at the picture, those are Crocs. Now, hear me out before you think I’ve gone off the deep end. In the few years Crocs have been out, people have become polarized in their opinions about them. In other words, people either love them or hate them. I’ve never heard anyone say they were indifferent about them. I will say that the originals are made for gardening or puttering around the house, and not for public wear unless you’re under the age of 12. But I’d be doing a disservice to this blog if I didn’t cover everything out there. So here it is, the Crocs Cyprus high heel sandal. It’s not a true wedge, but not a regular heel either. Sort of a hybrid between the two. It’s made from croslite, a lightweight, pliable material that I’m told is very comfortable. The nubby insole is supposed to mildly massage the soles of your feet and stimulate blood flow, keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. They have a 3.5-inch heel, which only feels like 2.25 inches when you take the 1.25-inch platform into account. In addition to black, they’re also available in berry, bronze, and a chocolate/cotton candy combo which, I have to say, is kinda cute if you like brown and pink together, which I do. Put aside your fashion prejudice and give them a try. They’re only $49.95 at Endless.com.