Shoes can make or break an outfit. They are often the first item that people notice, and one that they use to judge whether your entire outfit makes the grade. Get the shoes right and the rest of a very simple outfit can work and be bang up to date. Get the shoes wrong, and it can spell disaster…

I often wonder why people make such fundamental errors with their shoes. And of course it comes down to comfort — it's the one item of clothing that absolutely must fit and function perfectly, as it can directly affect our posture and bone longevity.

And so we seek out shoes that will be comfortable through an entire day often forsaking style to achieve this comfort.

I am here to tell you that this summer you can be 100 percent on trend, 100 percent comfortable and 100 percent stylish by following this simple guide to the five essential shoes to have in your wardrobe for summer 2008.

Gladiator sandals

A gladiator sandal is modelled on the shoes that the Roman warriors wore and involves many strands of straps that buckle across the foot, ankle and even leg, in some extreme instances.

While they have been around for a couple of seasons already, they are definitely the 'it' shoe of 2008 and can be found at all the major shoe retailers.

Preferably in one of the metallic shades (silver, gold or bronze), these strappy sandals come in so many different designs this year that there is something for everyone and they are the perfect item to wear with anything from your maxi dress through to your jeans.

The best bit is that they are often flat — and therefore running around in them all day long is a cinch.

For those of you who like a bit of a heel, you can get some incredible ones with heels as high as 100mm. Examples include the new Twist gladiators from Woolworths and the multi-coloured ones from Nine West.

The popular fitness shoe, Fitflops have even developed a gladiator version for this season and Julianne Moore and other celebrities have been photographed in them racing around New York City. They are not the most attractive of the gladiator options, but they sure do work those thighs!

For those of you with less than ideal ankles don't worry. As a bearer of cankles myself, I have found that as long as you make sure that the straps cross the front part of your foot and then go into a sling back, you too can wear these trendy shoes. Of course, if you are wearing them with the maxi or trousers, it doesn't matter what your ankles are like, just avoid the ankle straps with a skirt or dress to the knee.

Ballet pumps

Still a very popular choice after many seasons, the ballet pump is the easiest shoe to wear to get everything done in your day while maintaining your savvy style.

This season, the challenge is to work some colour into your ballet pumps so look out for bright reds, pinks, blues and greens to complement your jeans or white trousers.

Ideal for those days or evenings when there is a bit of a chill in the air, ballet pumps are as appropriate for the office as they are for club or braai.

Obviously they have comfort built in as they are flat and accommodate even the broadest feet, but for those of you who are afraid of a bit of toe cleavage being on show, just keep looking as there are plenty available with a higher front toe area that will cover everything adequately.

The most challenging part of the ballet pump is knowing when to throw them away. We get very attached to them and they are easy to slip on everyday without taking a good look at the state of them.

Because they are flat and we wear them hard as we run around, often we let them stay in our cupboard past their sell-by date. Ballet pumps are inexpensive and widely available so make sure you replace them as soon as the wear and tear starts to show.

It's for this reason that I also suggest that this is one of those shoes that you really shouldn't invest too heavily in. The cheap and cheerful ones wear out at the same pace as the expensive ones — I have personally done this road test for you — so it is really a great opportunity to stock up and replace often.

Converse All Star trainers

The fastest way to get from 'mumsy' to trendy is to replace your sensible or smart trainers with a pair of Converse All Stars. You are never too old for these classics, and you can get them in a range of colours to suit your wardrobe in winter or summer.

My advice for summer 2008 is to get a plain white pair that will look equally good with your jeans, shorts or wide-leg cotton trousers (for that great nautical look that is in this season) as this will ensure that you get the most wear out of them.

Comfortable, cool and classic… what more could a girl want in a pair of everyday shoes?

Sandals

Apart from your gladiators, you also need a smarter pair of strappy sandals to see you though the party season. Again, my best advice, is to go with metallics for these shoes.

Although if you are going to invest in a couple of pairs, then one in a neutral tone will make your legs look longer and leaner and one in a classic black will work for every occasion.

Again, these do not need to be high heels. This season, summer is very dressed down, with simple dresses in feminine fabrics and patterns being the order of the day. So there is no need to have to bolt on the heels just to look appropriate.

A beautiful floral dress can easily be paired with some silver or gold flat sandals for a very chic look. It will be simultaneously comfortable and easy to accommodate any necessary chasing after the dog or small children while you are out and about.

Of course if you like a heel, then there are loads to choose from in the sandal department, with anything from a peep-toe shoe boot through to a patent strap across the toe being cool for this season.

Wedges

And finally, the fifth must have shoe for this summer is the wedge. The most comfortable of all the high-heel family, the wedge supports your entire foot as you walk around, providing a must more relaxed way to weal a heel.

This season the wedge comes in all style and materials. The very inexpensive ones have a rope heel with canvas tops. I do think that these are often a false economy; however, as they are the first to wear out and will only last a month or so of proper wear.

I am much more in favour of the integrated heel — where the entire shoe and heel are made from the same materials and the line is therefore seamless and longer.

With such a large part of the shoe being the heel, it is often a better idea not to make too big a point of it.

Colours and fabrics for your wedges are as broad as you would wish. Those with beautiful ankles, go for the ankle strap or Mary-Jane version and those without, make sure your wedge is a sling back for the best line.

And there you have it. Five shoes, all designed for beauty and comfort. All affordable and available, and all suitable for busy lifestyles where you want look good at the same time as you need to feel comfortable. Who said style and comfort couldn't coexist?

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services, go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za