Dan's Papers - July 11, 2008 - High Voltage Flats for Hot Summer Nights

Summertime is here and women know that means one thing: sandals. Sandals and open-toed shoes make dressing for summer more fun than dressing for any other season. Sandals are always appropriate between June and August - although they can be worn as long as you're comfortable - and they come in almost every imaginable style and color.

I have always been a strong supporter of high heels. I love them - stilettos, strappy sandals, sling backs, espadrilles, pumps, you name it. However, at five feet nine inches, shoeless, I have towered over my fellow dinner guests and partygoers for quite some time, coming in between six feet and six feet two inches when wearing a pair of heels.

This was never really too much of a problem, but when you consider that the average male in the United States is, well, my height, the logistics can start to get complicated. Plus, no one wants to tower over her date. Even Nicole Kidman wore flats for Tom Cruise. So, for those of you who are taller than most, or who just want to give those bunions a break, you may want to consider something a little different when you go out. High voltage flats are an excellent alternative.

Flats should no longer conjure up images of worn-out schoolgirl loafers. Ballet flats have become increasingly popular over the last few years. For summertime, try out an open-toed pair. They make the style more seasonal, and are very comfortable as well.

Then, of course, there is the perpetually trendy and perpetually reinvented flip-flop. Whether you are a fan of the practical Rainbows, the classic Jack Rogers, or the bejeweled Mystique designs, you can find flip-flops in basically any style imaginable. And they're always a must-have for summer.

But if you're looking for the super-hot trend this summer, you must be looking for a pair of gladiator sandals. Although the look has been around for centuries (literally) this summer it is back with a vengeance. Not only are these sandals trendy and ridiculously comfortable, they're appropriate for any time of day. Whether you pair them with shorts or a dress, they will definitely catch some eyes.

A really nice selection of gladiator sandals at very reasonable prices is available at LF in both Southampton and East Hampton. Ranging from low (just one or two ankle straps) to medium (four straps) to knee high (as many as eight or ten straps), the design can be made to fit anyone's taste.

And, if the thought of buckling up sixteen to twenty straps around your calves when you're rushing to get out of the house seems unappealing to you, don't worry. Most designs with more than two straps have zippers in the back, which means all you have to do is adjust the leg straps once and then zip quickly in and out of them whenever you please.

So, if you've always felt a little tall in your heels, or you feel your feet could use a break, try out a pair of flats this weekend. Not only will they save you from sore feet and twisted ankles, they will open your heart to a whole different section of the shoe store - not to mention an entirely new end of the height spectrum when it comes to men.