This Is the #1 Shoe Everyone Will Own This Summer

A recent survey conducted by DSW reveals that more shoes are purchased in May than during any other time of year. And as such, the footwear and accessories retailer chose the perfect month to roll out a new and improved loyalty program for its 25 million members. Dubbed DSW VIP, the revamped program, which launched on May 9, is all about making its customers feel like VIPs, with new perks that include more rewards more often and free shipping on anything, to name a few.

In honor of this launch (and with the arrival of a warmer season), we spoke with Regina Smith Popp, DSW's fashion trend director, asking her about everything from the shoes everyone will own this summer (and her favorite way of styling them) to the footwear trend that has no place in our closets this time of year.

Popp listed logomania pool slides, chunky sneakers, "snockers" (a sock bootie/sneaker hybrid), and transparent dress sandals among some of the biggest summer trends. But what about the shoes—you know, the style you'll see on just about everyone's feet? 

"The newest, freshest, most exciting trend that is mass enough that everyone would own is espadrilles because everyone can find something fresh about them," she says. In today's footwear market, the esparto rope sole has been translated into a number of shoe styles, including flatforms, classic high wedges, backless slides, or even sneakers. "I think the intersection of athleisure and espadrilles is something that is really fresh and new," Popp adds. 

As for her favorite way to style the It summer shoes? "I am a lover of all-white, I think that head-to-toe white is such a fun, crisp way to style espadrilles," she shares. "In my mind, it's the essence of summer," and we couldn't agree more.

For the season ahead, Popp noted that anything "basic" should be discarded from your shoe closet. "There are so many great options now that you might as well wear something that makes a great statement because there's so much fresh and newness out there." 

Now read on to shop the major shoe trend that everyone will be rocking this summer, and then check out (and sign up for) the newly launched DSW VIP Rewards program. 

Shop the #1 Shoe Trend for Summer

Next up, check out some of the other major summer 2018 trends right this way.

This press trip was paid for by DSW. Editor's opinions are her own.