This summer the big fashion trend in footwear is details - the embellishments on sandals including jewels, stones, sequins, beads, studs, buckles, three-dimensional flowers appliques, knots, bows, and stitching are the important details bringing excitement to common silhouettes and uppers like the wedge sandal or the thong.

"This year's hottest looks are ultra embellished sandals that feature many combinations like colorful stones with metal tooling, or stones, studs, sequins, beading and three-dimensional flowers all on the same style," said Jack Guze, senior vice president of women's footwear and accessory buying for Payless ShoeSource. "Details turn uppers into extraordinary styles that are perfect for pairing with everything from jeans and shorts, to skirts and dresses."

Guze also noted that fashion is cyclical. Styles and trends come back, and will be updated or have a fresh "twist."

"For example, the espadrille wedge is back this season in a big way," he said, noting that women like the natural, adaptable feel of the style, the height-comfort combination, and the ankle wraps that dress up the leg.

Guze said the movement toward the espadrille wedge sandal is part of the Bohemian or ethnic trend. Important silhouettes in summer sandals are flats, wedges and kitten heels, use of cork in the footbed and bottoms and uppers like the thong and the "toe-loop."

"The thong upper - aka the flip flop - has been hot for about three years now," Guze said. "The toe loop is a fresh trend now and incorporates a one or two-band upper." 

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