Too often with shoes, we buy for form more than function. Comfort goes out the window in favor of cuteness, and we find ourselves nursing sore feet after a night of walking, dancing, or even just standing. But it doesn’t have to be this way. For every summer scenario that involves picking out a pair of shoes—from getting down at music festivals to getting down at weddings—there is a shoe that fits. Read on for our six shoe suggestions that replace old standbys. ATTENDING A MUSIC FESTIVAL The standby: Flimsy flip-flops. Our suggestion: Cute, closed-toe sandals, like the Lacy Sandal from Swedish Hasbeens ($195). Their lace-patterned cutout tops let the sun in while still protecting toes from sudden showers of rain or beer. TRANSITIONING FROM THE OFFICE TO THE CLUB The standby: Work-appropriate heels or flats that just aren’t meant for slippery floors. Our suggestion: A thick heel that’s easy to balance on, whether you’re giving a presentation or presenting your finest moves to a roomful of sweaty strangers. Aldo’s Lyndi ($120) has such a heel, and the shoes’ graphic pattern adds panache to otherwise neutral office wear or a little black dress. GOING ON SOME SORT OF BOAT The standby: Big ol’ sea-captain boots or bland boat shoes. Our suggestion: Stylish yet practical deck shoes, like Zhik’s ZKGs ($89). They’re amphibious without seeming like they once belonged to a frog, and they have rubber soles that safely grip the surfaces of sailboats, paddleboards, and other watercraft. DANCING AT A WEDDING The standby: Heels, which can lead to wobbliness, blisters, and muscle cramps. It’s enough to make clapping your hands the best part of “The Cha Cha Slide.” Our suggestion: Classy, comfortable wedges, like these Lauren by Ralph Lauren Holli Wedge Sandals ($88.99 at Macy’s). Wedges have all the benefits of heels with far fewer drawbacks: they make you taller, they accentuate your legs, and they don’t screw with your balance as much. LOOKING SUITABLY GOTH IN THE HEAT The standby: Sweltering combat boots. Our suggestion: Statement shoes with less coverage, like these Aurora Chain Link Sandals by Lilliana ($29.90 at Akira). They’ll allow your feet to breathe but preserve a sufficiently tough feel when paired with the proper accoutrements—an Alexander McQueen umbrella, perhaps? THROWING YOUR SHOE AT A POLARIZING POLITICAL FIGURE The standby: There’s no strict precedent, though Wikipedia does have a list of shoe-throwing incidents. Our suggestion: Affordable flats, like these GC Shoes ballet flats ($12.99 on Goods). They’ll help you make a fashionable entrance, but if they’re eventually confiscated by security (or if your polarizing figure is the Human Torch), your pocketbook won’t be unduly punished.