Ped fans of a certain age may remember a trend from younger days involving wood-soled sandals with a single stiff leather strap over the toe, made by a company which shall go nameless, but which rhymes with “Proctor Skoles.” Everyone gushed about how “comfortable” these heel-slapping sandals were, even though our feet were often crying for mercy.

Fortunately, times have changed! Yes, wood soles are back, but they’re a world away from the semi-torturous sandals of the past. The 21st century versions truly are wonderful to wear! These new woods are not only gorgeous, but they also provide sturdy support while remaining delightfully cool on sweltering days!

Below are just a few ways to look good in wood this summer.

Argila turned our heads with their wooden wedges because of the leather border rimming the bottom—such a stunning detail that makes all the difference! Exhibit A: the Argila Clarisa:

So delicious that just pasting the pic into this post makes us practically drool on the keyboard! The natural wood is gorgeous in contrast with the chocolate brown and caramel-colored leather!

Vialis also has fun doing unusual things with leather in several of their wood-soled styles, like the Suzannah:

Isn’t it cool how the Suzanna‘s vertical strap at the ankle travels all the way under the sole? Plus, the navy blue leather is so of the moment!

Vialis also manages to make wood-soled styles simmer with sexiness, as evidenced by the knockout Quinta:

The Quinta is perfect for fans of all things black! Its leather-wrapped heel, dark wooden sole, and beautifully woven leather upper offer maximal impact with effortless ease!

Another sandal clog with eye-opening artistic leatherwork is the Trippen Fiocco:

The angular front of this stunner consists of two intersecting loops—ingenious! We also love how the sexy ankle strap originates on the inside of the natural wood sole. So innovative! And then there’s the fact that it’s RED! (Love, love, love red sandals!)

Trippen sands and contours its soles to allow your skin to enjoy the tactile quality of the wood! Another spectacular Trippen sandal is the Lift:

Satiny smooth wood below and buttery soft elk leather above—it doesn’t get more sensational than the Lift! Plus, you can cinch or loosen the central thong to create the ruched effect you want.

If even a low heel is too much for you, Trippen brings the wood down to the ground with the Swing:

We’re wild about Trippen’s twice-dyed leathers, and this season they’ve started matching the rubber on the outsole to the underside of the leather. Too much fun! Plus, the rivets anchoring the leather to the wood are different colors!

Finally, we sing the praises of a perennial wood-soled favorite—the Cydwoq Revolt—which is one of the first designs Rafi offered at Cydwoq!

Classics become classics for good reasons—timeless style and endless comfort! We especially like how the Revolt’s top strap is anchored to the heel on the inside, holding your foot securely on the contoured wooden sole. (In addition to the brown version shown, we also offer the Revolt in twice-dyed black with a yellow edge.)

There are more clog sandals for your pleasure over at Ped’s main site, so go explore! Just like a picnic in the woods is a summer treat, these woods are a picnic for your feet! Wood is good for the sole!

(Psst, the Sweet Treat this week is Cydwoq’s boss Postage Bag, which would look fab with any of the sandals pictured above! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Postage Bag with the magic code that will bring 20% off when entered at checkout! Zing!)

Remember how post-before-last we told you Ari Balouzian, founder of the new Cliff Dweller line, is also an accomplished composer and musician? Well, feast your eyes and ears on “Kenmere Ave,” a new short documenting the care Cydwoq takes handcrafting each and every pair of shoes, which features a beautiful soundtrack by Ari:

Now you know why Cydwoq shoes seem to positively radiate good energy—so many loving hands have contributed to their production!

As Ped fans know, summer days are always sunnier with a pair of Cydwoq sandals on your feet! We’ve brought back lots of favorite styles this season (e.g. the Tomcat, the Thong, and the Naked), but we also have new designs that sizzle and pop! Here are a few to make your toes tingle:

A good black sandal is like money in the bank—it definitely compounds interest! One of the best is Cydwoq’s Train:

The design is gladiator-esque but without the clunk, and the stand-alone toe ring absolutely makes this Train‘s whistle blow! Woot woot!

Cydwoq’s meticulously constructed (you saw for yourself!) all-leather soles offer miles of comfortable walking. The Cedar, for instance would make an ideal traveling companion:

Among its many virtues: the elastic-loop and button closure holds your foot securely; the caramel color is both rich and versatile; and the v-topped t-strap makes any foot look slender and graceful!

We know, we know—as easy as the button-and-loop is, many of you simply want to be able to slide in and go! Cydwoq’s Carbon lets you do just that in red-hot style:

The angular upper is cut from one piece of leather, with only the buckle strap added with a well-placed rivet. So cool! We like how the Carbon‘s buckle lets you cinch up the fit for extra security. Once the buckle’s set, this jazzy flat slides on easy as you please!

Another sandal that lets you adjust a buckle to customize the fit without compromising your ability to slip it on is the Cydwoq Trend:

We constantly get requests for brown sandals that require zero work but look great! Voila! Also, the enclosed heel of the Trend makes it another savvy travel choice.

Speaking of enclosed heels, Cydwoq includes one in the design of THE show-stopping flat sandal of the season, the Laser:

Ultra easy to wear, the Laser is devastatingly sexy with its ankle-strap sassiness! And the multicolored marbled leather? GORGEOUS!

Cydwoq sandals are sweet soles to have and to wear from this day forward—perhaps even ’til death do you part. They’re that well-made and timeless!

(Psst, you have just three more days to eat up one of the sweetest Sweet Treats ever: the Fiorentini + Baker’s Emmy Boot! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Emmy, where you’ll find the magic code that will bring a delicious 20% off at checkout!)

Ped fans, suede is everywhere this season! It looks fantastic and feels sumptuously soft, but how much do you really know about suede?

Here’s a quick lesson. The word “suede” comes from the French “gants de suede,” meaning “gloves of Sweden,” a term first used in the mid-19th century. Tanners create suede by sanding the underside of leather to yield a soft nap. Ever wondered what the difference between suede and nubuck is? Well, nubuck results from sanding the exterior of a hide. Both suede and nubuck feel wonderful, but nubuck is less supple and a little more rough-and-tumble.

We adore suede not only for its tactile quality, but also for how it enriches color! This spring and summer, Ped has suede styles galore in glorious shades perfect for soaking up the sun. Take a look!

Accessoire is a virtuoso when it comes to color-saturated suede—it’s what they do best! Bask in the beauty of the Accessoire Bahia:

Accessoire calls this color “papaya,” and it certainly is juicy! What an easy way to make a sundress even sunnier!

One of Accessoire’s many charms is their ability to give their designs an aura of vintage romance, as they do with the Alabama:

This lovely sandal looks like something Lana Turner would have worn in 1940s Hollywood. Glam meets chic in Accessoire’s combination of butterfly-printed leather and coral-pink suede!

Another feminine sandal in a beautiful shade of suede is Chie Mihara’s Gipsy:

Could that cobalt blue be any more luminous? We also love the way Chie contrasts the airy straps up front with the enclosed heel in back. Now that’s a phat flat!

Looking for something less girly? Another down-to-earth sandal made in suede is Pep Monjo’s Angelina:

The grey suede complements the urban edge of this style, and since grey is a neutral, it works with all your favorite warm-weather clothes.

Fiorentini + Baker takes suede higher and in a retro direction with its 1970s-inspired Dina sandal:

Holy hotness! The burgundy suede straps make a bold statement, while the cork sole adds inches in a light and comfortable way! (FYI, we also have the Dina in mustard leather.)

This fantastic sole also adds ‘zazz to F+B’s Ding clog, back at Ped by popular demand:

Suede that swings! The fringe has our hearts, but the teal color is what really sends us over the moon! (But if you prefer black, we’ve got your back.)

Wishing for a lace-up shoe? This season we’re offering Fiorentini + Baker’s beloved Eliza oxford in several shades of suede, including sienna:

In a word: YUM! This suede shoe exemplifies why Italian shoes are prized; it’s so well made and comfortable it will be your best friend for years. Be sure to check out the teal and verde versions, too!

Vialis’ sweet suede lace-up mixes the best of a sneaker with the lightness of a dance shoe. Behold the wonderful Pepita:

Simple and easy to wear, the Pepita is made for dashing around town followed by kicking back on the porch! The midnight blue color is so pretty, but you can also opt for the Pepita in spicy mustard.

Finally, if you’re like us and love the look of boots with summery skirts and dresses, check out the Fiorentini + Baker Emil:

At last, an “air-conditioned” boot—perfect for wearing barefoot and showing off bare legs! (Of course, it will also look great with tights and funky kneehighs when the weather cools off.)

Even more suede sweethearts are waiting for you at Ped’s main site! Discover why we’re soft on suede, especially in the summertime!

(Speaking of suede, there are two suede versions—as well as two leather versions—of this week’s super-duper tasty Sweet Treat: Fiorentini + Baker’s Emmy Boot! Did we just give you a heart attack? Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Emmy, where you’ll find the magic code that will bring a sweet 20% off at checkout!)

Ped fans, you’ve got to hand it to those Balouzians—they are one creative family! Before father Rafi founded Cydwoq and gained worldwide renown for his artistic handmade shoes, he was an architect. Following in his father’s footsteps (wearing fantastic shoes, no doubt), son Ari began designing eye-opening footwear several years ago, contributing to Cydwoq’s expanding line.

Rafi (left) and Ari (right).

Ari also continued to pursue music as a trained violinist and composer, collaborating on video productions and creating film scores. The name of his media company? Cliff Dweller. Now,  just as his father infused his architectural sensibility into Cydwoq’s designs, Ari is seeking to bring the unique aesthetic of his other creative endeavors to his shoes by launching the Cliff Dweller collection. Made by hand at the Cydwoq factory, with the same attention to materials and construction, Cliff Dweller boots, shoes, and sandals offer an edgy and modern twist on classic styles. Their inspiration comes from such eclectic sources as the city of Burbank, Dust Bowl Era work shoes, William Eggleston photographs, and films of the 1990s.

The results? See for yourself in Ped’s new Cliff Dweller selection! We are wildly, madly, head-over-heels in love them!

One thing you’ll notice right away is Ari’s interest in unusual treatments of vegetable-tanned leathers. The Cliff Dweller Runner will knock your socks off:

Are you swooning the way we are? The simplicity of this slip-on, with its elastic insets and single seam down the front, is attention-getting for its clean lines. But it’s the “Earth” leather, with shifting layers of teal, brown, and tan, that makes us sigh! (Ped also offers the Runner in “Desert Sky,” a rich brown with brushed grey strokes.)

Another kick-around shoe that has everyone at Ped HQ drooling is Cliff Dweller’s Thomas:

Ari’s interpretation of the moccasin is hip and swinging to the 9′s! It makes us think of what the Rat Pack might have worn poolside in Las Vegas. Yet for all its nostalgic charm, this easy flat is utterly modern and ideal for so many occasions. Just leave it by the door. (In addition to the luscious mustard shown, we have the Thomas in midnight blue—blue being the IT color of the season!)

Taking things in a slightly girlier direction, Cliff Dweller’s Norma is another lovely that simply slips on and looks terrific:

Taking a cue from father Rafi, who believes a woman’s arch is the sexiest part of her foot, Ari creates an open area of interest on the inside of this skimmer. Chic and lean, we love the Norma in midnight blue, but this sweetheart also comes in warm brown, both so versatile!

Requiring just an itty-bitty bit more work (adjusting a buckle), the Cliff Dweller Mary is Ari’s modern interpretation of a mary jane:

So much fun! My weakness for green is famous, and the luscious shade of this suede is fresh! I also love the rivet detailing and moccasin-like design. If green isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for the Mary in sizzling red hot suede or cool midnight blue leather!

Finally, if you’ve been searching for the perfect travel sandal, your quest is over! The answer is Cliff Dweller’s Emma:

The Emma’s enclosed heel holds your foot securely, while the simple band up front lets your toes enjoy the breeze! The tie in front of the ankle adds sexiness, and the molded leather footbed keeps your soles happy mile after mile. The textured red leather version is spicy fun, but Ped also offers the Emma in go-with-everything chocolate brown.

What a bevy of beauties! When you put on a pair of Cliff Dwellers, your feet will feel right at home on the cutting edge!

We can’t wait to see what Ari has in store for us next fall!

Cliff Dweller founder and design genius, Ari Balouzian.

(Psst, did you see the spring-tastic Sweet Treat this week? It’s the sunny Vialis Elyse! Get a fresh 20% off by clicking “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to reach the Elyse with the magic code to enter at checkout!)

There was a time last century when fashionable young ladies regularly enrolled in charm schools to polish their manners and feminine style. Lessons included walking in heels while balancing a book on one’s head to improve posture. Fun (not).

Fortunately, today we women determine our own style and are more concerned with balancing the books of our companies than balancing books on our heads. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up girliness if that’s what your heart desires. Chie Mihara is here to school you, and every one of her shoes provides a lesson in the three F’s: femininity, functionality, and fun!

Slip on a pair of Chie Mihara shoes, and you’ll instantly become a Chie charm school graduate! Here are a few of the colorful courses she’s offering this spring at Ped:

When it comes to charm, nothing’s more charming than a classic mary jane. Chie Mihara gives the m.j. a modern spin with the new Onna:

You have to love how Chie takes a neutral—the Onna‘s sesame body and platinum trim work with everything—and makes it anything but middle-of-the-road! Dig the wooden heel!

Another “lady” shoe that gets the Chie Mihara treatment this season is the timeless spectator pump. Behold the fantastic Zelia:

Everything from the stacked heel to the leather’s perforated edges to the ridged rubber outsole is so well thought out! And the cream and tomato red color combo is to die for!

Red also amps up the charm of Chie Mihara’s Joelia heeled sandal:

The playful houndstooth-patterned leather and the oversized patent rose on the toe offer a wink and a nudge to more conservative styles in a way that’s sexy, artistic, and wearable!

Want even more whimsy? Then consider lacing up the new Chie Mihara Bandera:

Ped fans know a beautiful green shoe always makes me sit up and take notice! Needless to say, the Bandera has my full attention. A checkerboard heel? Chie at her very best!

Love oxfords but prefer yours with a lower heel (but no less style)? Then feast your eyes on the spectacular Chie Mihara Isias:

How cool is that color combo? Everyone at Ped HQ is crazy about the braided-leather detail that Chie introduced this winter, and wow, does it ever look fantastic on the Isias for spring! (If rosy colors are not your thing, you might prefer the black, cream, tan, and gold version.)

“Fine,” you may say, “but what I really dream of is an oxford that’s more open-air.” Well, Chie fulfills your wish with the fresh-as-can-be Ingra:

Wearing this breezy lace-up is guaranteed to lift your spirits—and brighten the day of everyone who sees you! Imagine how cute the Ingra would look with a pair of skinny ankle-length pants!

To give your winter-weary feet a true taste of the sun, though, we suggest you buckle up the Chie Mihara Present:

Talk about charming! The stylized black leather bow on the cream toe band makes the understated Present the valedictorian of Chie Mihara’s charm school!

Even more lucky charms from Chie Mihara are waiting at Ped’s main site, so click over and go girly this spring and summer!