Shoe blog

Ask the Shoebloggers: Flat T-straps for Spring

A regular reader just asked me the following:

I’m looking for super cute t-strap flats. Not mary-jane t-strap flats, not gladiator-like sandals, but t-strap flats that have a pretty low vamp (closed-toe) and a simple back to cover the heel. I saw a girl wearing a pair, an absolutely flat pair; the only other pair I would want is from Nota Bene:

But, I’d still like a flatter shoe with more styles I can choose from…from patent leather to all sorts of crazy colors. Do you know any off the top of your head??

Well, let’s see. I’ve cheated a bit on some of the details, because there are so many excellent t-strap choices out there. Like the pretty Robert Clergerie sandals I mentioned in yesterday’s post.

There’s the Gumdrop by Oh Deer!, which fits the bill for coming in fun patterns and colors, has a closed back and toe, and is a proper t-strap. There’s a houndstooth wool version on sale at Piperlime for only $57 (but only in a 7.5–if that’s not you, try Zappos, where it’s $104). For spring, I like the blue patent, but there’s also red suede and black patent, too.

Anthropologie has these nautical cuties, which are a bit on the mary-jane t-strap side, but are adorable and relatively inexpensive ($88). They also have this pair of silver three-strand t-straps (m-straps?), which are not only trendily metallic for spring 08, but they’re absolutely gorgeous, too. Also only $88. Check out the toe view. And these certainly fit our reader’s description… yes, I have to say it… to a tee.

If you want to stick with Anthropologie, but prefer the woven trend for spring, snag these brown leather t-straps for $78, which are a bit mary-jane-ish, as well, but low-vamped for all that.

Matiko has a classic black patent t-strap that fits the bill and also comes in navy. It’s only $45!

Here’s another one that goes mary-jane style, but is so perfectly spring-like that I MUST include it. It’s the Shandi from Pink Studio, and just look at this pretty buttery yellow that’s fresh and clean without being too saccharine sweet. Or this bright coral red (this one’s $70 at Piperlime), or my very favorite of them all, this perfect robin’s egg blue version?

So, how’s that? I know some of these are exactly what you’re after, dear reader, but there are some in here that should fit your bill, and by george, are they all cute. Anyone else have suggestions? Feel free to chime in in the comments.