Hello warmer weather!

As we move into another spring season, certain classic footwear trends have re-emerged as if on an annual schedule. In this case, the trend is of rope-like espadrilles and cork-soled sandals. These continue to be casual warm-weather favorites.

This spring and summer it will be tough to go wrong style-wise if your sandals include a cork sole; or perhaps rafia, bamboo, or jute details. Natural textures, warm tan and brown colors, and an earthy, Boho vibe are making a huge appearance in stores this spring.

First up - Prada’s Rafia, Cork, and Bamboo Wedges:

 

Prada Raffia Wedge Sandals $650 at Saks.com

Prada Bamboo Wedge Platforms $695 at Saks.com

Prada Wedge Platform Cutout Sandals $750 at Saks.com

I’m not finding myself to be much of a fan of the rafia, and I can take or leave the whole cork thing, but the bamboo is pretty intriguing.

Volatile Shoes also has a few bamboo-wrapped offerings in their spring line-up (with more of a reedy effect):

Volatile ‘Nobu’ in bamboo and cork, $62.95 at Endless.com ($68 at Shoes.com)

Volatile ‘Takeout’ bamboo wedge, $49 at Shoes.com ($49.95 at Endless.com)

I have also found a number of basket-weave styles that are almost too quirky for words:

Seychelles ‘Superfly’ $49.47 $89.95 at Endless.com  ($92 at Shoes.com)

Zodiac USA ‘Sunny’ $100 at Shoes.com

Mia ‘Yasmin’ fringe sandal $79.95 at Endless.com ($90 at Piperlime)

Seychelles ‘Chemise’ $80 at Shoes.com

Volatile ‘Aussie’ $59.95 at Endless.com ($59 at Shoes.com)

And, for you folks who love a more classic espadrille,  what do you think of  this braided, strappy, greek-goddess wedge?

Michael by Michael Kors Summer Wedge $100 at Shoes.com 

 

Or, how about a splash of color to liven thing up?

 

Not Rated ‘Summer Nights’ $57 at Shoes.com

Betseyville ‘V1087′ $43.29 at 6pm.com ($92 at Shoes.com)

Of course, if the many summer-wedge styles are to chunky, funky, or retro for your tastes, how do you feel about these less-weighty styles? These manage to play with reedy, textural details without looking like a prop from ‘That 70’s Show’.

Stella McCartney Slingback Strappy Sandal $645 at Net-a-porter.com

 Not Rated ‘Zoo Games’ rafia  pump $47 at Shoes.com

Betsey Johnson ‘Marcie’ straw-wrapped platform sandal $93.60 $180  in black and red at 6pm.com.

Not Rated ‘Childhood Memories’ (in 3 color combinations) $49.99 at Heels.com. ($54.95 at Endless.com)

 

Frye ‘Janette’ Ankle Strap leather and jute sandal $358 at Shopbop.com.

I have to say, this last sandal by Frye is definitely is my favorite out of the bunch.