The Trend: Gladiator sandals are great, but the other big footwear trend this summer is the wood heel.

Our Take: Shoe trends are cycling so fast right now it’s making our heads spin but we have to say, the wood heels that are becoming the hot new shoe are both substantial (meaning you are not tottering on what amounts to a lone chopstick) and sexy (lots of strappiness, color, shine—good stuff). They’re also equally doable for work and casual-wear, and getting double duty is definitely a plus for the budget-conscious fashionista. Wearing them is easy too—try a colored slide like this Xhilaration Tawny Wood Heel from Target for $17.99 with a pair of walking shorts (or shorter, if you prefer) and a tank, or a dressier slingback like this Jessica Simpson “Bonee” Pump, on sale for $49.99 at SmartBargains.com with your regular workwear. And we really dig this pair of Nine West Simplychic sandals, on sale for $62.90, at Endless.com; we’re thinking with a sundress and cute clutch, it could be the perfect summer splurge.

image courtesy of Endless.com