I am into quality shoes for my girls. They tear the less expensive shoes up in the matter of a couple of wearings. And when I do the math and realize that for the cost of those two cheap pairs I bought at the discount place, I could have bought one pair of higher-quality shoes that would last the summer, ugh.

Lesson learned.

Some of my favorite summer shoes:

These adorable flip-flops by Sanuk. Yes, there’s actually a big difference in quality when it comes to flip-flops. The rubber on a cheaper pair can tear apart that little spot between toes. Ouch. And I am over Havaianas. As soon as everyone I knew was wearing a pair, I moved on. And I’m glad I moved on to these. (And they match up nicely with the mommy pair. How cute, right?)

A cute alternative to flip-flops…

My newest obsession for my little girls’ feet – anything by Aster. But especially these sandals. They’re made by the same company that made these shoes. Remember? You probably wore a pair when you were a kid, right? I know I did. Mine were white. I still have them…

If your daughter also likes thong sandals, this pair by Rachel Shoes not only satisfies that need for bling (albeit in an understated way), but they also have these amazing soles that are thick enough to save them from the scuffing and tearing and peeling. And they look adorable with little summer sundresses.

These cute and casual summer shoes by Sanuk. My husband has been wearing them for years, and now they come in kid sizes, too. And with really cute prints. And the kids can put them on themselves. No buckles, straps or even Velcro. I like that.

And while I tried my best to stay away from these shoes, little Coco convinced me that she had to have a pair of Lelli Kelly mary-janes. And while I’m not much for anything so ‘blinged out,’ I have to admit that the shoe is cute and really well-made, and it makes my little one happy. And I’m loving the new ballerina-style for my older daughter.

This pair of Nike hybrid sneaker-ballerina shoes for Pea. She wears them every day. With dresses. And shorts. Skirts. Her bathing suit.

And while I know fall seems eons away from today, over here, where I live? Not so much. School starts again in less than two months, and fall is right on the heels of that first day back in class. And I am drooling over these boots (and the brown ones, my first choice, are on sale!). In fact, I wish they made these in my size.