10 best spring and summer shoes to buy now

After lounging around in sneakers and slippers for a year, we're ready for something a little more “shoey,” if you know what I mean. Get out the pumice stone and toenail polish because

you're in for some real updates. Whether you choose trendy sandals or closed-toe classics with a twist, there's no trade-off on style or comfort this season. Here are 10 smart shoe

buys to fit every foot and fancy. (Clockwise from top left) Old Navy Knit Almond-Toe Ballet Flats for Women in Stainless Steel; LifeStride Women’s Ziggy Flat in black; Nine West Greige3 in

black; Skechers On the Go Dreamy Mia Flat in black Old Navy; Famous Footwear; 6pm; DSW THE CUSHIONED BALLET FLAT Audrey Hepburn started the trend, but we made black ballet flats a true

wardrobe basic. They make our mature feet look elegant (bunions and calluses and all) and our legs feel dancer-trim (regardless of size and shape). We've learned to be wary of ballet

flats in stiff leather or patent leather that feel like a corset, or those with narrow pointy toes and paper-thin slippery soles. Shoemakers have taken our hint and added cushioning, rubber

soles, roomy toes and higher vamps in styles like the Skechers On the Go Dreamy Mia Flat in black ($55, dsw.com), LifeStride Women's Ziggy Flat in black ($40, famousfootwear.com), Nine

West Greige3 in black ($30, 6pm.com) and Old Navy Knit Almond-Toe Ballet Flats for Women in Stainless Steel or Black Jack ($20, oldnavy.com). Great for travel and commutes! (Clockwise from

top left) Circus by Sam Edelman Ibis in bright multi-snake; Naturalizer Traci in light blue snake; A New Day Women’s Eloise Heels in coral 6pm (2); Target BLOCK-HEEL DRESS SANDALS

Chubby-heeled slingbacks are the new pumps. Definitely on the dressier side, they hold feet securely in place and give toes breathing space and a chance to show off an eye-catching pedicure.

Try a colorful pair like the Circus by Sam Edelman Ibis in bright multi-snake ($35, 6pm.com), Naturalizer Traci in light blue snake ($55, 6pm.com) or A New Day Women's Eloise Heels in

coral or black ($25, target.com) with a low to medium foot-healthy heel that's also perfect for walking on grass, cobblestones or city streets. (Clockwise from bottom left) Naturalizer

Rome Slip-On in navy fabric; LifeStride Zee Loafer in black; Dr. Scholl’s Discovery Platform Slip-On in brown/black leopard print Macy's; DSW (2) PLATFORM WORK LOAFERS If you live in

pants, jeans and blazers or work in a conservative field where pantsuits are a core look, loafers have the right mix of tailoring and ease. Some of the best versions are a shoe sandwich of

loafer top and sneaker bottom, like the Dr. Scholl's Discovery Platform Slip-On in brown/black leopard print ($55, dsw.com), LifeStride Zee Loafer in navy, gray or black ($60, dsw.com)

or Naturalizer Rome Slip-On in navy fabric ($65, dsw.com). Note the cool platforms and grippy rubber soles. They're a sleek and stylish alternative to ankle boots. (Clockwise from

bottom left) Old Navy Faux-Leather Slide Sandals for Women in Black Jack; Gap Leather Slides in brown cognac; Sam Edelman Genesis in saddle atanado leather Old Navy; Gap; Zappos FLAT LEATHER

SLIDES Frill-free leather or faux leather slides elevate the slipper look to streetwear. Single strap styles like the Gap Leather Slides in brown cognac or true black ($50, gap.com), Old

Navy Faux-Leather Slide Sandals for Women in cognac brown or Black Jack ($20, oldnavy.com) or the Sam Edelman Genesis in black atanado leather or saddle atanado leather ($60, zappos.com)

have an upscale look that can be totally classic or trendy in a minimalist way. FYI: It's the rich neutral colors here — a polished black or saddle brown — and leather footbed that give

these sandals a luxurious look.