Spring/Summer is the season for shoe lovers. With so many variants on the summer sandal; the flip-flop, the wedge, the peep toe, the jelly shoe, the gladiator, we’re completely spoilt for choice. But do you know which shoe you should be wearing with which outfit? Are you aware which summer shoe is best for shopping, strolling or dancing? Read on to find out how best to show off your beautiful summer shoes – because they are so worth it.

The Wedge

This towering, confident shoe is perfect for instant lift and can actually be the more comfortable of the high-heeled shoe family, offering chunky stability and supportive thick straps. A casual pair of wooden heel wedges is a must this summer, perfect when teamed with Capri pants or tiny shorts, but never wear with long dresses or jeans – you’ll waste the statement heel under layers of fabric and make your feet look chunkier than they are.

The Gladiator

The metallic or natural tan gladiator sandal is a hot look for summer 2007. Show these off at their best and wear with long, bohemian skirts, flowing Grecian maxi dresses and wide leg linen trousers. Perfect for strolling and sightseeing whilst on holiday, gladiators add chic to casual wear and tone down more formal encounters, creating relaxed glamour and a hot Mediterranean feel. Gladiator flats aren’t particularly forgiving on legs so avoid wearing with short skirts unless you’re lucky enough to own a lean pair of pins.

The Flip-Flop

We all love this life-saving summer sandal – the perfect rest shoe to pull on between new-shoe-blisters, ideal for holidays (light and space-saving) and best of all, cheap. Yet the flip-flop has come a long way from the basic plastic/foam thong design. This summer look for good flip flops with good quality soles, strap and toe detail and embellishment for a sparkling summer vibe. They may cost a little more but they’ll last longer and take you from beach to bar with the essential added shimmer of divine diamante detail and intricate strapping, instantly adding chic to your feet. Wear with whatever’s in your wardrobe; the most versatile shoe of summer won’t let you down whatever the occasion.

The Jelly Shoe

Remember childhood trips to the seaside? Remember rock-pool exploring, splashing around with a bucket full of shrimps squelching around in your aluminous pink jelly shoes? While you probably won’t be able to fit into your old pair, these squidgy shoes are back and available in trendy peep toe, heel and wedge form making for an unmistakably grown up shoe. Still available in the garish hues we know and love (bright green, orange, yellow and classic pink) jellies are great for fun seaside trips but beware, the almost sticky feel to these sandals can cause the odd blister. With such a wide range of styles and new colours (glitter and gold abound as well as slick, patent-like black) buy a pair to add a splash of fun to a summer outfit, ideal with a sarong or summer kaftan on the beach and way trendier and considerably more feminine than the truly hideous.

The High Heel Sandal

This summer choose a heel for comfort to guarantee a confident strut. Block wooden heels are both summery and sturdy, allowing you to go the extra inch without teetering to the extreme. Invest in a high-heeled sandal with ankle support in the form of a sexy sling back or classic angle buckle. Go for subtle, wearable summer colours like white, silver and gold if you want day-to-night transferable chic or be daring in lime green, orange or mustard for a true party shoe. Perfect with knee length city shorts in the day or skinny jeans and skirts by night, wear your high heel sandal with confidence and don’t forget to paint your toenails – a bright coral pink with slight orange tint is this summer’s hottest shade.