Wedge Heel Sandals
Versatile, flattering and easier to walk in than other heels, it's easy to see why women love wedge sandals -- and fortunately, wedges are one of the hottest trends summer shoe trends for 2012, so there are loads of sexy styles to choose from.
And if you can spare about $400, it's difficult to imagine a sexier choice than these stunning sandals from Sigerson Morrison.
Equipped with 4-inch, lucite-backed wedge heels, these sandals feature striking, single strap bands in either turquoise or fuchsia; and delicate ankle straps that will help keep them in place, while adding an extra dash of sex appeal.
Rhinestone Sandals
While basic pumps can be sexy, nothing turns up the heat like a pair of rhinestone sandals. But it's not just as simple as tossing a handful or rhinestones onto any design -- the shoes themselves need to be sexy, or the whole look will just seem like a try-hard.
The sandals featured above serve as a good example of shoes that shimmer, shine, and grab attention, but they're not at all overdone.
Available with black or pewter uppers, these t-strap sandals feature 4.5" heels, 1" platform soles, dual ankle straps and t-straps, and of course, plenty of rhinestones.
A great match for your favorite little black dress, there's one thing to keep in mind when wearing heavily-embellished shoes: keep the rest of the outfit simple for maximum results.
Slingback Sandals
Whether they're skimpy and graceful or powerfully trendy, it's difficult to find sling-back sandals that aren't sexy. But, sometimes you don't want ultra-skimpy sandals that let it all hang out. Instead, you want a pair of shoes that take advantage of the warmer weather, and can transition nicely into and out of other cooler seasons. If that sounds like the shoes you're looking for, then you may want to consider a pair of open- or peep-toed slingback sandals.
Even if you can't take the 5" heels, or don't care for the 1.75" platform soles, these sexy sandals from Aldo are a great example of what to look for.
Available in ice, light pink, or orange -- all with contrasting covered heels -- these shoes are ideal for day or evening wear, and even though thick platform soles and ultra-high heels are among the hottest shoe trends for 2012, the uppers on these shoes are styled classically enough that would allow you to wear them for years to come.
T-Strap Sandals
Simple or ornate, there's a t-strap sandal for every occasion -- and something about a strap running up the foot is just flat-out sexy. And, these particular t-straps feature so many of 2012's top footwear trends that they could nearly serve as the definitive example of what to look for if you way to be trendy this summer.
With 4-inch, jute-covered wedge heels; .5" platform soles, and a simple design, these flirty sandals come in tan, brown, pink or lime. They'd be ideal for pairing with casual outfits like shorts, denim, or capris, and they'd also look great with casual, breezy skirts and dresses.
Ankle Strap Sandals
Whether you prefer dress or casual styles, ankle strap sandals are super-sexy and look great with mid-length and shorter skirts and dresses. And, the more revealing the sandals, the longer skirts you can get away with, because the extra skin showing helps to elongate the legs, thereby countering the "shortening" effect that ankle strap shoes can sometimes have.
Enough with the technical details, and on to the shoes.
With metal mesh-covered ankle straps, and metallic 4.5" heels, these sexy sandals from Boutique 9 show plenty of skin, making them ideal for wearing with skirts and dresses of nearly any length.
Available in black with silver, natural and black with gold, and purple and blue with gold accents, these back-zippered sandals are currently on sale for just under $100 per pair.
Toe Ring Sandals
You don't have to resort to sky-high heels to find a pair of sexy sandals this summer -- there are lots of flat sandals that are as sexy as their high-heeled counterparts, and this image gallery includes several of them. One of my favorites among the flats are these sexy toe ring sandals from Isola. But, there is one caveat with toe ring sandals: they will call so much attention to your feet that an perfect pedicure is essential. If your toes are tip-top, then this is a great style -- and one that looks much more expensive than its $135 price tag.
If you prefer heels over flats, don't worry, you can find high heeled toe ring sandals too, you just might have to look a little harder.
Slide Sandals
Because their uppers are made up of only vamp straps, slides generally fall into one of a few categories: casual, chunky, comfortable, and/or practical. This is because their backless design makes it difficult to keep them on -- especially if their heels are very high and thin.
Having said that, this gallery is dedicated to sexy sandals, and while chunky, casual, and comfortable shoes can certainly also be sexy, when I saw these stunning slides from Giuseppe Zanotti, I had no choice but to feature them as my example of sexy slide sandals.
While they're definitely not the most practical -- or easy to wear -- shoes I've ever featured, and their $550 price tag makes them our of most women's price range, they're a great example of slides that are sexy, versatile, and classic enough that you can wear them for years and years. Plus, the red uppers make them especially irresistible.
If the 5.25" heels, and/or the price tag, make these particular sandals a no-go for you, then, hopefully, you can at least use them as inspiration.
Ankle Wrap Sandals
Had I been writing about ankle wrap sandals a few years ago, I would have been referring to sandals that had string or fabric ties that could be wrapped around one's legs and tied at or above the ankles. But the last couple of years have changed all of that, and now we're wrapping our ankles in collars and cuffs too thick to really be called "straps" anymore. Whatever you choose to wrap your own ankles in, sandals like these give a super-sexy look to short skirts or dresses -- and they're one of they've been a popular look for several years now.
These particular pretties from Michael Kors two tone uppers, including combinations of ivory and black, silver and nude, and the less contrasting peanut suede and rose gold. The 4.5" heels are high, but compared to other styles in this gallery, not insanely so, and the same goes for the price tag, which, at $275 is steep, but not insane.
Stiletto Sandalet
When you think of sexy shoes, there's a good chance that it's a pair of stiletto sandals that spring to mind. And while they certainly aren't everyone's preference, for a lot of women, there is definitely something to be said for standing atop very thin, high heels.
If you're the type who appreciates a sexy pair of stiletto sandals, then you may want to check out these lookers from Steve Madden.
At first glance, the 5.5" heels may seem crazy -- in fact, to some of us they seem crazy even upon our second glance. But it is worth noting that the sky-high, ultra-skinny heels are offset by 1.5" platform soles -- another love or hate feature. But no matter what your personal feelings are on extreme heels like these, they're super-hot for 2012.
Available in teal, magenta, blush, and black, these sexy sandals feature open toes, flattering t-straps and ankle straps, and ring up at just under $160 per pair.
Espadrille Sandalet
While traditional espadrilles are attractive in their own right, adding heels, platforms and lots of colorful straps adds a whole new level of sex appeal. If you need proof that espadrilles can be sexy, look no further than these stunning sandals from Jimmy Choo.
With 4.5" jute-covered wedge heels, and substantial platform soles that measure in at 1.75 inches, it's the orange uppers that really set these sandals apart from the crowd. Of course, Choos aren't cheap -- priced at $550 per pair, they're not accessible to everyone. But if they're in your budget, they're a great way to turn heads.
Cork Heel Sandals
Some sandals with cork heels might not be sexy, but put a high cork heel on a sandal with dynamic uppers, and the "wow" factor is apparent. Take these cute wedges from Circa Joan and David. The only difficult part of deciding to include them in this sexy sandals image gallery was choosing which color combination I'd feature.
Available in pink and gray, orange and nude, and black and white, these sandals feature 4.5" cork wedge heels, 1.5" platform soles, and patent leather uppers. In addition to being too cute for words, these sandals are sexy in a casual, but very feminine way -- that's due in no small part to the oversized floral embellishments on their vamps.
Priced at just under $100 per pair, these shoes would look adorable with shorts, or with shorter, casual skirts and dresses.
Platform Sandals
Platform sandals are still as hot as ever, and the look is pure sex appeal. Especially when the platform sandals in question feature lots of skimpy straps, and shimmering rhinestone embellishments.
One of the more divisive footwear trends, if you're one of the women who love thick platform soles, then you definitely want to have a look at these dressy, sexy sandals from Guess by Marciano. With staggeringly-high 5" heels and substantial 1.25" platform soles, these sandals would be ideal with your favorite short cocktail dress, but could also be used to dress up longer skirts and dresses as well.
White Sandals
When it comes to fresh-looking footwear for summer, nothing's hotter than a pair of sexy white sandals.
Especially dynamic against dark skin, they're a good choice for lighter complexions as well, because they don't wash you out nearly as much as, say, black sandals, would.
These sexy white sandals from Kate Spade New York feature classic styling, delicate ankle straps, and 3.5" cork wedge heels. Ideal for pairing with skirts and dresses of nearly any shape or length, these chic sandals also come in a gorgeous sand ocelot print.
Woven Sandals
Woven sandals are often really casual, and sometimes even bulky -- in short, the word "woven" doesn't immediately conjure up an image that is also "sexy." But, the two can happily coexist in one pair of shoes. Don't believe me? Check out these fun and flirty sandals from Sam Edelman.
While they're not overdone in their weaving, they have just enough to be interesting; and their shapely, 4.5" raffia-wrapped wedge heels add a heaping helping of sex appeal.
Perfect for pairing with shorts, denim, or casual skirts and dresses, these sexy, casual sandals come in saddle or gold, and ring up at just under $150 per pair.
Patent Leather Sandals
Like the shiny go-go boots of the past, today's patent leather sandals are a super-sexy footwear choice -- and dramatic colors really optimize the look. A few years ago, you couldn't swing a designer handbag without hitting a pair of patent leather sandals. In 2012, they're not quite as omnipresent as they were, but there are still lots of glossy sandals to choose from.
One of my favorite styles this year, is this pair of classy, chic ankle strap sandals from Pour La Victoire. There is nothing over the top about them, and they're certainly not what I'd call trendy -- they're just sexy, classic sandals that would work well for day or evening wear, and will look great for years to come.
Offered in loads of colors, including several non-patent versions, these patent leather sandals feature wearable 3.75" heels, and leather soles, uppers and linings.
Chunky Heel Sandals
One of the hottest footwear trends for 2012, chunky heeled sandals may not be as timeless as stilettos, but chunky heels are fun and trendy, and they do have their advantages. For one thing, many women find them easier to walk in than skinny heels, and a more substantial heel typically allows women to wear slightly higher heels than they're used to -- especially when they're offset by platform soles.
As a big fan of chunky high heels, I was happy to have loads of sexy sandals to choose from this year. I opted to feature these lookers from Lumiani, due to the fact that they're trendy, but still versatile, thanks to their color-blocked uppers and simple, chic styling -- which has a definite retro vibe.
Available in four winning color combinations, these sandals ring up at just under $80 per pair.
Low Heel Sandals
For a hot look without a lot of pain, try low heeled sandals with dynamic features. Metallic shades and intricate or shimmering details add to the sex appeal.
Take, for example, these pretty, low-heeled thongs from Volatile. Available in silver, gold or bronze, these thong sandals feature rows of shimmering rhinestones on their single vamp straps, and ultra-wearable wedge heels that are only 1.75" high.
Flat Sandals
Think flat sandals can't be sexy? Think again. Skimpy straps, delicate features, and pretty embellishments can turn flats into hot numbers that will steal the show. These thong sandals from Steve Madden are a prime example of flat sandals that are as sexy as heels, but a lot easier to wear.
Ideal for dressing up shorts, capris or cropped pants, sandals like these can also bring a pretty, laid back vibe to skirts and dresses, including shorter styles as well as maxi skirts.
Offered in pewter, silver, or with multi-colored rhinestones, these sandals have slingback straps, and style to spare. And, they're decently-priced at just under $90 per pair.
Sexy Thong Sandals
Many think of thong sandals only when they're thinking casual, but a high- or low-heeled thong can be chic and sexy. This pair could go casual or slightly dressier, and they'd add a dash of chic style to anything you paired them with.
Available in a variety of prints and colors, these thongs feature studded uppers and .75" heels.
