Nothing makes us happier than freeing our toes from winter captivity and stepping out in a new pair of sandals. And this season the choices are endless. Some are trad and true, while others are downright daring, or shall we say baring.

Stedge?
In the year of hybrid shoe wear (the "shootie"), the sandal has not escaped unscathed. Its most ingenious combination comes from Christian Louboutin, in a style that's both a wedge and a stiletto—hence, the "stedge." Part sculpture, part rapture, this patent leather and cork combo undulates from toe to heel in a red wave that would stop even Moses in his tracks. $835 at Neimanmarcus.com [6].

Open Wide
Another way to get people looking down at your feet is to turn the traditional sandal on its head, or in the case of Chloé's patent leather pair, by going wide. Width makes a statement in this slick, modern take on the strappy shoe. A bi-color, cone heel adds to the space-age quality of these low-heeled beauties, which snap around the ankle with industrial-styled clasps. $595 at Net-a-porter.com [7].

Be Glad
No look at the season's shoes would be complete without a gladiator sandal (insert obligatory Balenciaga reference here). But truth be told, long before they walked down that Paris runway, gladiators had become a warm-weather staple, thanks to their goddess-on-earth quality and ease of wear. Matt Bernson's black leather pair hits the high notes—two ankle straps—but still manages to be low key. $182 at Oaknyc.com [8].

Good Sports
Athletic looks have been trickling out of the gym and onto the runway for quite some time, but no one has quite gotten it right when it comes to the sandal. Many have tried, and while a pair of Adidas slip-ons works well for yoga, it does little to elevate your style. So imagine our delight when we caught a glimpse of Georgina Goodman's Flic heel—the crackled leather (also available in leopard) is contrasted with gore insets, giving it that catch-me-if-you-can look. $690 at Georginagoodman.com [9].

Toe Pick
Finally, a must for this year—and every one to come—is a flat flip or thong, a style that stands up to the sidewalk as well as the sand. In this case, the going classic means never having to explain why you wear them every day (or secretly have another pair waiting in the closet wings in case one gets lost). K.Jacques of St. Tropez seal the deal with their Triton, the perfect answer to everyday, night, afternoon, morning and anything else that the season throws your way. Trip to the French Riviera not included. $238 at Kjacques.fr [10].

—Meredith Fisher