There's been a shift in footwear in recent seasons. Had you told us five years ago that Birkenstocks and Crocs (previously the preserve of middle-aged botanical fanatics) would be the sandals of the summer, we'd have rolled our eyes. And yet here we are, wearing the comfiest goddam shoes we've ever worn (complete with DIY embellishment à la Christopher Kane, of course).
And it's not just sandals: we're seeing a plethora of colours, prints, textures and shapes in shops and on catwalks, and we can no longer contain our enthusiasm. While there's something to be said for a collection of timeless footwear – black leather loafers, classic Converse, a stiletto heel – it's time you made room for a more attention-grabbing pair.
From Balenciaga's lurid green sock boots to Alexander McQueen's floral and studded lace-ups, SS17's catwalks didn't shy away from a showstopping shoe. Carven served up snake-effect mules in yellow, Mugler and Balmain gave us perspex heels, and Dries van Noten showed blue satin bows on flatforms.
We're often guilty of making shoes a sartorial afterthought but this summer we'll be putting our best foot forward in something outrageous (silver, perhaps, or maybe pink velvet...). Click through to see the maximalist shoes we're coveting right now.
You'll have seen motocross on everything from slip dresses to trainers of late. Check mate.
Stella McCartney Check Pointed Toe Pumps, £720, available at Farfetch
Channel True Romance 's Alabama Worley in these beauties.
L'Intervalle Carter Pink Leopard Flat Mules, £62.03, available at L'Intervalle
Complete your '70s look with kick flares and these Finery boots. Jagger would approve.
Finery Elmworth Leather Closed Boots, £145, available at Finery
Backless mules are big news for summer – these colour-block heels steal the show.
Jaggar Footwear Touchstone Wedge, £151, available at BNKR
Trust Leandra Medine to produce pink velvet loafers. Workwear just got more interesting.
MR By Man Repeller The Alternative To Bare Feet Embossed Velvet Loafers, £290, available at Net-A-Porter
Team with a simple linen dress for summer-in-the-city ease.
Marni Zigzag Embellished Sandals, £360, available at Farfetch
We all know zebra is the new leopard print; these '80s showstoppers will see us from office to bar.
Topshop Gina V-Cut Flare Block Heel Court, £56, available at Topshop
Hey, heartbreaker. Refresh your work loafer with stars, studs, and broken hearts.
HAVVA Star Girl Studded Leather Loafers, £372.00, available at Luisa Via Roma.
Birkenstocks, Crocs... Borderline-ugly sandals are fashion-approved.
Zara Embroidered Track Sole Sandals, £59.99, available at Zara
These aren't any old ballet pumps.
Miu Miu Lace-Up Patent-Leather Ballet Flats, £505, available at Net-A-Porter
Snake-effect has never been for the sartorially shy.
Polly Plume Holly Biarritz Mules, £328, available at Farfetch
These flatforms are calling for a stroll along the seafront.
Mango Embroidered Platform Wedges, £89.99, available at Mango
These sandals take off-road walking to the next level.
Alexander McQueen Floral Print Sandals, £745, available at Farfetch
Sunshine yellow and bows to make your feet sing.
COS Slingback Bow Pumps, £125, available at COS
There's no end in sight for flames on everything – mix it up with silver from & Other Stories.
& Other Stories Metallic Flames Suede Mules, £89, available at & Other Stories
If you can't stray further than classic leopard print, pick these heeled loafers to elevate your shoe game.
Dorateymur Turbojet Loafer Pumps, £390, available at Browns
Alexa Chung recently proved cowboy boots are back (just see Ashley Williams' latest show). The trick is to avoid jeans and team with a hyper-feminine dress. Giddy up.
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Santiago Boots, £590, available at Farfetch
All these statement sandals need are a pretty sundress and some shades.
Ouigal Trix Sandal, £155, available at Ouigal.
This twinkle-toed pair needs no introduction.
Topshop Rubies Gem Embellished Sandals, £59, available at Topshop
Lobsters are the motif du jour – these Kurt Geiger snappers will slide into your workwear wardrobe nicely.
KG Kurt Geiger Otter Flat Slippers, £130, available at Kurt Geiger
These remind us of '20s flappers, all emerald green and jewel-embellished. We'll be wearing them to summer weddings.
Uterqüe Jewel Satin Wedges, £115, available at Uterqüe
These were made for dance floors and '80s looks.
Topshop Mimosa Metallic Ankle Boots, £65, available at Topshop
The ankle boot is a wardrobe staple, but park the classic black and say hello to fuchsia.
Balenciaga Block-Heel Velvet Ankle Boots, £695, available at Matches Fashion
Another ideal choice for upcoming weddings, this pair takes bows to the max.
Nº21 Pink Bow Mules, £535, available at Browns
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
10 Reasons To Try Summer's Most Hated Sandal Trend