Where to Buy Shoes for Every Situation Summer Throws at You

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Now that we've firmly entered summer territory, it's time to reassess your shoe wardrobe. There's that strappy sandal that's way too sexy for the office, those cheap flats that have already deteriorated, and that suede pair that just won't break in.

With the bulk of the season still ahead, there is plenty of time to stock up on better summer shoes. We've got just the right candidates for the job—be that your actual job, vacation, or somewhere in between. Below, check out our favorite brands (and where to buy them) for walkable, work, party, and casual shoes.

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Anne Thomas

Walkable

Sandals, flats, and low heels that are easy to wear all day (without treading into orthopedic territory).

Anne Thomas

This designer's background is actually in ceramics, evident in her keen sense of form and use of interesting materials. (Some of the line's best sandals this summer use a multicolored, flecked leather that almost looks like marble.) Most come with a supportive micro-platform, making them super easy to walk in and durable for the long haul. The label is stocked at boutiques like Steven Alan, Totokaelo, and Need Supply Co.

'Kingston' platform shoe, $265 | 'Kyoto' sandal, $255

Topshop

Topshop reliably stocks a great selection of heels in the two and three inch neighborhood, making them easy to wear all day. Despite the British store's reputation for trendiness, it offers work-appropriate and—dare we say—classic shoes, priced from $45 to $130.

'Heartbeat' sandal, $45 | 'Huey' mule, $45

No. 6

Truthfully, clogs are pretty alienating. If you fall on the "love" side, though, No. 6 is the almost undisputed ruler of the comfy wood-soled style, with summery options in multiple sandal silhouettes as well as open-toe mules. Find the brand at shops from Steven Alan to Net-a-Porter, with the best selection on its own site.

Two strap clog, $275 | Front seam clog, $305

Maryam Nassir Zadeh via Mille

Work

Polished, comfortable heels that can walk right into after-work plans, too.

Banana Republic

ICYMI, Banana Republic got a new creative director, and her design impact has successfully rippled into footwear. There are a ton of perfectly simple, versatile styles in stores this summer. We were happily surprised to see that they're really well made, especially for the reasonable price point.

'Rosella' sandal, $138 | 'Kellen' wedge, $118

Creatures of Comfort

One of our favorite boutiques has expanded its in-house line to include footwear, and it's good. Heels are chunky and not too high, so they'll dress up your summer outfits without letting things get too uncomfortable.

'Monica' sandal, $380 | 'Myra' mule, $380

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Another boutique that's launched a terrific shoe collection, Maryam Nassir Zadeh has possibly perfected the block heel. Part of what makes the line so covetable is the sense of color: suede in deep coral and pale watermelon, patent leather in caramel brown and a glossy blush dubbed "shell." The shoes are available through the boutique as well as at Bona Drag, Nasty Gal, and Steven Alan.

'Sophie' slide, $360 | 'Palma' heel, $400

ASOS

Party

Whether it's a schmancy wedding or a blowout birthday, you can't pass through summer without one party under your belt.

ASOS

The in-house line from this massive e-comm store always delivers fun, inexpensive footwear with plenty of party options. This season, shop tons of colorful platforms, delicate lace-ups, and metallic leather styles, all priced under $100.

'Hove' platform, $91 | 'Hindsight' sandals, $82

Loeffler Randall

Loeffler Randall does amazingly comfortable heels, bringing together great materials, solid construction, and walkable heel height. Each season, its pumps come in an interesting leather or calfhair, making them versatile buys that can jazz up work outfits or tag along for special occasions.

'Flore' slingback pumps, $325 | 'Reina' sandals, $295

Sophia Webster

There is no shoe designer quite like the UK's Sophia Webster for unapologetically fun stilettos. Her wilder options have butterfly wings, speech bubbles, and beaded heels, but there are more versatile styles, too.

'Nicole' sandal, $495 | 'Mila' bootie, $735

Photo by Driely S. for Racked

Vacation

The easiest day-off shoes that won't fall apart before your time off is up.

DV Dolce Vita

The lower-priced sister of Dolce Vita offers up all the trendiness of fast fashion, but with much better construction, so they'll actually hang around for a while (and your feet won't kill from walking on flimsy footbeds). Buy the brand at Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom Rack.

'Orra' slide, $60 | 'Breeze' slide, $60

Sol-Sana

This Aussie brand perfectly marries quality materials and stylish silhouettes at really, really reasonable prices (almost everything is under $100). Easy leather slide styles in handsome shades like deep khaki and blush nude are available at Shopbop, Free People, Nasty Gal, and Need Supply Co.

'Foster' sandal, $90 | 'Cady' slide, $120

Ancient Greek Sandals

These handmade flats are an investment buy as far as barely-there sandals go. The brand's Greek roots shine through in rope details and lace-up styles, available in a rainbow of neutrals from sand to bordeaux. The label is stocked all over the place—Net-a-Porter has a great selection of classics, while Creatures of Comfort offers some very cool colorways and unconventional materials.

'Thalia' sandals, $270 | 'Thais' slides, $235

Be sure to check out our shoppable list of 2015's essential sandal trends, plus the ultimate guide to keeping summer shoes clean.