For me, “jellies” are another late 80’s and early 90’s fashion flashback. But jellies back then didn’t look nearly as pretty or refined as they do now. They were either styled like a juvenile, strappy gladiator sandal (awful), or a ballet flat with many spaced-out interwoven straps so that your foot peeked through. Equally awful and dreadfully uncomfortable.

The jelly shoes below are examples of what footwear designers are doing with the same synthetic rubber material today. There is a far more sophisticated attention to styling. It’s definitely an aesthetic improvement, but I’m on the fence. I don’t loathe it, but I don’t love it either.

Comfort challenges aside, would you wear jellies? Are they a stylish option, or just plain nasty. Perhaps they would make the perfect hot weather, torrential rainy day shoe. Hmmm. Help me out with your thoughts.

So far, I’ve singled out Clarks “Brulees”, Kenneth Cole Reaction “Cedar City wedges”, and Me Too “Nadias” as this season’s comfortable 4 to 10 hour walking shoe options. I own them all, have put them through their paces, and am thrilled with the results.

Here are 9 more comfy, tried-and-test footwear options that have been favourites amongst my clients for Spring and Summer 2009. My clients put them through their paces and they’ve passed with flying colours. Some styles will go as a far as the 12 hour mark. Unbelievable.

They may not be the most fashion forward shoes, but they’re super sweet once you add a buffed foot and great outfit. That way, you’ll increase the style quotient of the shoe while enjoying its unstoppable comfort. Mum’s on the go I hope you’re listening.

These styles come in an assortment of colours so be sure to check the different options. Also remember that you can alter shoes if they’re not perfect right off the bat. All foot beds are gloriously cushiony with straps as soft as butter. The ballet flat styles allow the addition of orthotics if you require extra arch support. If you’re still not convinced of their comfort levels, check out the Zappos review for each style. Cheers to happy feet!

Huaraches are Mexican sandals with many narrow, interwoven straps. Over the past few seasons designers have incorporated the distinctive and interesting huarache strappy effect into modern sandals. You’ll see huarache design details on anything from mules and gladiators, to stacked heels, peep-toes and wedges. The overall look of the shoe is casual but the heeled versions look a little dressier.

They will work well if you have an earthy, bohemian and informal edge to your style. That’s not my look, which is why they’re not for me. Plus, multiple narrow strappy detailing on shoes is usually uncomfortable. But they can certainly be cute as part of the right boho ensemble.

I have pale skin that does actually change colour when exposed to the sun. It burns easily when unprotected, but turns a light shade of brown once the red has faded. I’m completely untanned because I wear sunblock and do not go on beach or pool vacations. This usually makes tan lines a non-issue.

But an unusually sunny and warm Spring in Seattle has left its mark. Although I don’t actively seek it out, I’m often in the sun because I walk our dogs and dash about outside every day. As a result I’ve developed an odd tan line across the top of my feet from wearing pumps and ballet flats. Hilarious. It’s not going to fade any time soon either because I’ll be sporting this type of shoe frequently until the end of September.

Oh well. I’m more than happy to sport two-toned feet if it means we get to keep our magnificent weather. I’ve also provided amusement when I take my shoes off in other people’s homes. It is what it is. Have you acquired any strange tan lines lately?

Shoes that are a similar colour to your skin do wonders for elongating your legs when you’re wearing a skirt or frock. This is because they visually extend the length of the leg right down to the foot without a break. It’s as if your legs magically received ten inches of extra flattering height.

Most flesh-toned shoe styles achieve the leg lengthening effect. Shoes with heels and low vamps are particularly effective but strappy sandals, mary janes, peep-toes, ballet flats and gladiators also work.

Surprisingly, it took me a while to actually like the look of flesh coloured shoes on bare legs because my first impression was: “oh no! I look like I’m not wearing shoes”. But that’s the point, and since the penny dropped I whole heartedly believe it’s a good look.

I prefer a little texture and depth to my flesh-toned peds so I opt for a champagne or pewter shade of metallic that’s close to the colour of my skin instead of flat beige leather. It’s probably not quite as visually effective, but it does the trick.

An assortment of flesh-toned and metallic shoes in different styles. The comfy strappy wedge I bought last week is close to the colour of my skin so it serves as a flesh-toned shoe in my wardrobe. Works for me.

I recently found a second pair of comfy sandals after giving up on all strappy shoes for three years (my fussy feet don’t like straps). It was too good to be true when I scored my first pair of flat gladiators, and now these! It must be my season for Summer shoes so I’m stocking up.

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Cedar City wedged sandal has soft interwoven leather vamp straps that roof an angular open toe. The sling-back heel strap has an adjustable side buckle closure and elasticized inlay for extra comfort. The footbed is cushioned and the outer soles are rubberized for extra grip. The heel stands at two and half inches, which is pretty high for me but, quite doable for shorter stretches of time if the shoe is extremely comfortable. Ideally, I’d have preferred a one and a half inch heel for 8-hour runs, but that’s okay. This wedge passes the 4-hour mark with flying colours and that’s a huge accomplishment with my feet.

The leather is really soft so stretch away if you have a wider foot. Pop in foot petals if you have a narrower foot. Unfortunately, you can’t fit orthotics into sandals without them peeking through so I don’t have a solution for that.

Never give up trying to find the wardrobe items that work for you. Like me and my strappy sandal purchases this season, you will find them eventually if you persevere.

The Cedar City wedge sandal is available in several online and brick and mortar stores in up to eight different colours. They cost around $80 full price, but you’ll get them for cheaper if you do your homework. I bought the pewter pair on sale for $54 at Macys last week as another Summer go-to metallic wedge in my footwear collection. Perfect with frocks, skirts, leggings, clamdiggers, walks shorts, pants and jeans. Flop proof.

Some style books suggest sticking to heels with skirts and dresses to ensure a flattering leg-lengthening look. That doesn’t mean sticking to stacked four inch heels when a two inch wedge or platform heel works just as well. I agree that frocks and skirts look fantastic with heels, especially when they’re on the dressier side. It’s a flop proof outfit formula that makes a fabulous impression.

But I also love the look of skirts and frocks with ballet flats and flat sandals. It dresses down the outfit to casual, practical and less fussy. Wearing flats does shorten the leg line, but if you have proportionately long legs, it’s no problem. If your legs are on the short side, raise the hemline to either right above the knee, or a few inches above the knee. This will make your legs appear longer.

I often wear flats with frocks and skirts and not just in a casual sense. I’ll go as far as adding dressy flats to a dressy dress. I adore wearing flats or shoes with a one inch heel, AND I adore wearing skirts and dresses. For me, marrying the two items in the right way is a perfect solution. Am I alone in liking flats with skirts and dresses? Do you feel dumpy if you don’t wear heels with this look?

The first dress is dressier than the others, but looks just as fab with refined, flat thong sandals. The hemline of the second dress is below the knee, which isn’t quite as flattering with flats. It doesn’t look bad, but a shorter length dress would look better. The third dress is a mini. A super Summer look for younger gals with killer legs.

If you’re looking for bedroom slipper-comfy, non-patent, run around shoes, the Me Too “Nadia” ballet flat might be your answer. It’s more casual than the “Swann” and just as great. The leather-and-rubber sole provides instant flexibility and the foam-cushioned interior is as soft as can be.

I usually bypass shoes with elasticized toplines because the elastic cuts into my skin after twenty minutes of walking. But Me Too footwear is generally comfortable, so I decided to give these a whirl. Sure enough, I did have to size up half a size, but the elastic is gentle on the foot. It will also keep the shoes from falling off your feet when they stretch out (a common problem with super soft leather).

I was sold and came home with a Summery silver pair to wear with leggings, white, blue, or grey jeans, clamdiggers and breezy frocks.

Unfortunately Me Toos do not have arch support or come in wide widths. But you could pop in an orthotic, or have the toe box stretched to solve these challenges. Thank you Me Too for once again providing my fussy feet with a fabulously fun 8-hour flat.

The Nadia looks similar to the Me Too “Garner”. There are more colours to choose from in the Garner, but I did not find them as comfortable. But if they work for you, they’ll make for another cozy and flop-proof ballet flat option.

We’re into our fourth season of gladiator sandals and they are still everywhere. To me, they are starting to feel more like a mainstream basic than a trend that will disappear next season. If you like the look, but question their fashion longevity, I say go for it. My instincts tell me that they are here to stay.

Gladiator sandals come in all shapes, styles, colours and heel heights. Not all gladiator styles strap high above the ankle or sport copper hardware. You can purchase a pair that are a little less “gladiator-esque” if you fancy a more timeless and pretty look. I was able to put an example of the tame-looking variety through their paces in hot Israel a couple of weeks ago and they passed with flying colours. Comfy 8-hour walking shoes if you don’t tie the buckles too tight. Also, remember that you can stretch sandals that are a little snug if the leather is soft (and these are really soft).

I like gladiators best when they are matched with skinny jeans or clamdiggers. I also like them with skirts and frocks because of the appealing contrast that is created between something very feminine and quite edgy. Add a well groomed foot to the equation and you’re in business.

A stylish Mum-on-the-go in bustling downtown Tel Aviv. In my book, her look is casual perfection. White skinny jeans, flat pewter gladiators, an easy and interesting voluminous cardigan over a flattering knitted top and a statement handbag. Love it. The gladiators next door are less pretty than the ones I own (and our Israeli Mum is wearing), but nice in their own way too. Lots of options.

This ped is an update on last season’s peep-toe bootie. It uniquely combines the silhouettes of both an ankle boot and thong sandal with the end product looking rather gladiator-esque. I adore gladiator sandals so I gave the look a try in stores. Unfortunately, they don’t work for my fussy feet, but I really like the look.

Pop them under the right outfit and they’re super edgy and a tad ethnic. So what’s the verdict? Am I alone in liking the new sandal bootie?

 Depending on the style, sandal booties can either look rugged or refined. I prefer the refined versions like the cream and silver pairs on the right, but I’ve seen both moods sported equally well.