Imagine traversing the streets of Dhaka in the middle of the afternoon. You are carrying your umbrella and wearing your shades. You have put on the most comfortable cotton clothes but your feet, somehow manage to feel like they are in a furnace!
It is hot. The mercury is rising and it is only going to get worse.
Say hello to the world of summer footwear! Just like there are shoes for every occasion, there are also shoes for every season. Correct footwear can go a long way in keeping your feet cool during the summers.
For Him
Slip-on shoes and loafers
Not very different from each other, these have a semi casual look so you can wear them to work and they are equally suitable for a night out with friends. The best part about wearing loafers in summer is that you can go completely sockless with them, feeling cool and looking smart.
Espadrilles
Not only comfortable but also exceptionally fashionable, espadrilles should be part of every man's basic summer footwear wardrobe. The cotton fabric or canvas upper keep your feet cool as they let your feet breathe and allow proper ventilation.
Boat shoes
Originally designed for the on board safety of sailors, boat shoes are one of the cool and most convenient shoe options for summer. Available in suede, canvas and leather these can be worn with a simple T- shirt and shorts and look amazing.
Strap sandals and rubber flip flops
How can we forget our good old 'chappals' when talking about summer footwear? Ideal for a run to the grocery store or a walk on the beach on your vacation, rubber flip flops are a must have for everyone during summer.
These airy flip flops are available in various colours and are the most easy-going summer footwear. Strap sandals can make your feet look stylish and keep them cool. Just like flip flops they have been around forever.
Be it in leather or any other material, you can team them up with a cool cotton panjabi to get the perfect summer look!
For Her
Ballerina flats
Flat heeled and very light, ballerina flats come in a variety of materials often styled with ruffles and ribbons. With most of the upper part of the foot exposed, they are the ideal summer footwear for casual as well as formal occasions.
Sandals
Strappy all the way, sandals leave room for a lot of air circulation keeping the feet cool and comfortable. Available in flats and heels, sandals are the best 'go to' shoes for the ladies.
Clogs and wedges
Typically closed in the front and completely open at the back, clogs are the best slip-on shoe option for women. With or without heels, they can be worn for both work and play!
Wedges have the heel running through the entire length of the shoe, making it the most comfortable wear, especially if you want to add some inches to your height.
They are versatile in design as they can be open or closed toed or with straps.
Canvas
Sporty and light, a pair of classic canvas is the perfect choice for a summer picnic or a long day in college. Canvas shoes are smart and ideal for those who spend a better part of the day on their feet.
Peep toe pumps
Appropriate for formal events and parties, pumps or high heels, are best worn open toed during summer to provide comfort to your feet. Available in a large variety of colours and designs, no party look is complete without them!
A walk down Elephant road in Dhaka or a visit to shoe stores such as Apex Gallery or Bata, will give you wide options in summer footwear. All of these places offer footwear at price ranges that will suit anyone's pocket. Bata houses some famous brands from across the globe like Naturalizer, Hush Puppies and Dr. Scholl's.
The key to buying summer footwear is to choose shoes made of natural materials as they help the feet to breathe. Shoes with straps and open toes are always preferable as they allow a lot of air circulation.
A good tip is to try and buy shoes that are slightly bigger than your feet, as feet tend to swell in summers, and finally, rest your shoes and let them dry. Keep __more than one handy for everyday wear.
By Samina Hossain
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed