The Platform Sandals You Can Find Me Wearing All Summer Long

Close-toed shoes in the summer are a big "no, thank you" for me. I don't like the feeling of my feet being trapped and sweaty — can you blame me? If you asked my friends, they'd predict Birkenstocks or some sort of flip flop for my summer outfits — but this year, I'm making an effort to switch it up. I've been loving the Y2K style trending on TikTok and Instagram, so when I was gifted Aerosoles' Dayna Black Quilted Sandals ($77, originally $110) I was excited to try out the retro design.

The style! I'm obsessed with the look of these shoes. Their two-inch platform design isn't so over the top that they don't match a casual outfit, but they can also be paired with something dressy. For reference, I'm no stranger to pairing a dress with flip flops, so these sandals really take my outfits to the next level. The shoes also have a mesh cutout on the side that allows them to expand when you walk. This is a huge bonus, as it makes them a million times more comfortable to wear. They're lightweight, durable, and honestly one of the best items I've received for summer. I anticipate wearing these again and again; I've already worn them a handful of times, and summer's not even here yet.

The product description claims these shoes fit true to size and have medium width, but I beg to differ. I'm a size nine and have fairly narrow feet, and I was surprised to find that these shoes in a size nine didn't fit me at all. I swapped them out for a size 10, which fit perfectly. I definitely recommend sizing up so you don't have to make any future returns. These shoes also take some getting used to: it wasn't the smartest move on my part, but I took them on a trip to NYC and roamed the city's restaurant and bar scene while wearing them for the first time ever. Let's just say that I did not come home blister-free. I have fully adjusted to them now and love the way they feel, but if you don't want blisters, don't repeat my mistake. Ease into them.

Despite their sizing, I love these shoes and get tons of compliments when I wear them out. They're comfortable, stylish, lightweight, and durable, so I plan to have them for years to come. They also come in a white color, if you're willing to take on the challenge of keeping them clean. If you want a shoe that will elevate your style (and height) in a subtle way, these platform sandals are a great option.

Rating:★★★★