Summer is almost here, and your feet are begging to get out of the winter footwear and into a pair of comfortable sandals. You've done all the prep work to make sure your feet look great in sandals: the pedicure, the moisturizing, maybe even an exfoliating scrub. After all of this preparation, do you really want to walk around all summer in just any pair of sandals? Of course not! You want to choose sandals that are as good to your feet as you have been.

What's hot in sandals this summer?

If your priority in choosing sandals is fashion, you are in luck this summer. This summer's hottest styles are as comfortable as they are fashionable. Wider soles and better support are in style this year, and are likely to stay in style for a few years to come. Here are some tips for choosing fashionable and comfortable styles for all occasions this summer.

1. Consider the heel.

There is more to heel height than fashion. While the height and shape of the heel has a major influence on the style of the shoe, it has an even greater impact on how comfortable they are. Thin heels are the least comfortable to wear. A high thin heel offers little stability, and can make walking uncomfortable. Save the stiletto heeled sandals for weddings and nights at the club, where the shoes get kicked off when the dancing starts.

For comfortable office and casual wear, choose mid-height heels that are a bit on the chunky side. Stacked heels offer the ideal compromise between sophistication and comfort. The wider support beneath your feet gives you a bit more stability while not looking too clunky.

The most casual look for summer sandals are typically in flats, but these days flats are not totally flat. For comfort, choose flat sandals with fitted, cushioned insoles and a rocker bottom with good tread. Many of the most fashionable styles feature fitted soles with memory foam cushions to give you the most comfortable fit imaginable.

Another consideration when choosing the right heel height is the fact that higher heels will tilt your weight forward, and your feet will tend to slide forward in the shoe as a consequence. If you are buying sandals with heels, choose sandals with cushioned insoles at the ball of your feet, or opt for pads that can be attached to your sandal and prevent slippage.

2. Consider the sole.

Sandals used to be notorious for having thin soles that gave your feet very little protection from the impact of hitting the ground. Little or petite sandals still do, but they are not necessarily the most comfortable choice for your feet. Choose sandals with thicker soles for better support and comfort. Sandals that are styled on clogs offer the best support for your feet.

When fitting sandals, be sure that the soles are big enough for your feet. Unlike shoes, which have sides and uppers that enclose your feet and can make it obvious when a shoe is too small, sandals allow your feet to lap over the sides, toe or heels. The sole should be large enough that you can see it all the way around your foot.

3. Think about the materials the shoes are made from.

The materials that make up your sandal have a major impact on their comfort, and their fashion. Most natural materials are far more comfortable than synthetics because they will conform to your feet and all them to breathe.

For soles, choose sandals with soles made of wood or cork. Most of those are fitted to the shape of your foot, cradling and supporting them. Rubber-filled soles offer resilience that gives your feet a spring, making walking far more comfortable.

Insoles and padding are another important consideration. Sandals with padded insoles, particularly those with memory foam padding, are designed to fit themselves to your feet.

Natural materials are also top style in sandals this summer. Straps made of padded cloth, leather and shearling sheepskin are hitting the runways and the pages of the fashion magazines. This is great news for the woman who puts a high priority on comfort, because natural materials allow your feet to breathe and conform to the natural contours of your feet.

4. Style again - where are the straps?

When choosing sandals, the placement of the straps can make or break the comfort. That pretty little strap that is attached at the instep can turn into a torture device after a few hours. When you choose sandals, pay particular attention to the straps, not just where they cross your feet or lay across the top, but where and how they are attached to the shoe. While the strap itself might be adjustable, the stitching or rivet that attaches it to the sole is not. If it hits or rubs a sensitive spot, you could have just bought another pair of sandals that will sit in the bottom of your closet until you hand them over to Goodwill.