We saw them especially on sailing pontoons or at the feet of fathers on vacation, like a retiree’s uniform. But when France is suffocating under a heat wave, these shoes that we thought were dated suddenly intrigued.
However, they were designed for life outside: wet decks, full sun, long days on your feet. Soft sole, light leather, breathable foot, everything you expect from real women’s heatwave shoes, without sacrificing style.
Maje boat shoes and boat mules, anti-heatwave allies
Designed to prevent slipping on a wet deck, the boat shoe has a thin and flexible sole. Its often lightly lined leather lets air circulate better than a sneaker, even a light one, especially when the asphalt overheats.
In this family, the Maje boat mule modernizes the genre. In smooth brown leather and completely open at the back, it frees the heel. Leather laces, golden rings, heart charm and contrasting stitching create a chic model, priced at 275 euros.
Fisherman sandals and braided mules, the return of the ex-oldies
The suede fisherman sandal has long seemed reserved for very demure looks. Its wide straps nevertheless wrap the foot well, its flat sole is reassuring, and the whole remains light when the suede is worked in a fine version for summer.
Braided leather mules, once confined to seaside souvenirs, are now making their way into the city center. Their openwork upper lets air pass through, while holding the foot better than a flip-flop. All share a vocation for outdoor comfort, ideal in the wilderness.
Modernize these women’s heatwave shoes in an urban dressing room
To keep them desirable, we focus on a few simple criteria. Natural materials rather than rigid plastic, flexible sole that moves with your step, vamp open enough to ventilate without completely exposing the foot, like on hand-stitched boat shoes.
And then it all comes down to the clothing combinations. Boat mules with linen pants, fisherman’s sandals with flowing dresses, braided mules with tailored Bermuda shorts: worn bare-legged, in sober or chocolate tones, these so-called retiree shoes no longer age anyone.
What shoes to choose for a heatwave in the city?
Light and open models: soft leather boat shoes, boat mules with free heels, fisherman sandals or stable braided mules.
Are boat shoes suitable for the office in summer?
Yes, worn in smooth leather in a sober color, with straight jeans, linen pants or structured shorts depending on the level of casualness.
How to modernize the suede fisherman sandal?
Choose it in fine suede, show off the ankle and pair it with a flowing shirt dress or tailored Bermuda shorts rather than a straight skirt.
Sources
- Grazia
“We thought they were reserved for retirees, but these shoes are our allies during the heat wave”
