Best of the City 2012: the summer’s breeziest footwear

BIG RED
Holt Renfrew
50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333 Now that you own a pair of the summer’s canary-yellow skinny jeans, you need a pair of shoes with as much attitude. Christian Louboutin’s sensational platforms, so upright they appear vertical, will make just as much of a statement. $995.

THE WEDGE
Intermix
130 Bloor St. W., 416-925-0111 Practical women everywhere nearly swooned when they realized the wedge was back. This Jimmy Choo T-strap offers the requisite leg-slimming height while still providing support. In nude suede, it’s summery, sexy and (shhh!) sensible. $450.

THE ANTI-BIRKENSTOCK
Harry Rosen
82 Bloor St. W., 416-972-0556 Salvatore Ferragamo’s covetable Damianos, criss-crossed with supple, espresso-hued calfskin, are the ultimate summer slip-ons for the fashion-conscious gentleman. One stroll in these and you’ll toss your Havaianas in the nearest trash can. $330.

ON THE ROPES
The Bay
176 Yonge St., 416-861-9111 If Jesus were walking the desert today, he’d flip for Gurkee’s, an update on nomad chic. The lightweight sandals are handmade with saltwater- and chlorine-resistant polypropylene rope, making them perfect for the beach or a poolside kegger. $58.

By Denise Balkissoon, Ariel Brewster, Andrew D’Cruz, Bronwen Jervis, Emily Landau, Signe Langford, Jason McBride, Mark Pupo, Peter Saltsman and Courtney Shea | Photographs by Carlo Mendoza