It’s hard enough to walk in the sand barefoot. We all look silly, fumbling around like drunks or puppies who have yet to grow into their paws. And even if we put on sandals or (heaven forbid) flip-flop, the sand flies up and whips the back of our thighs causing irritation and utter annoyance. So why not make walking a bit more challenging if the payoff is that you look much more glamorous? Yes ladies, I’m talking about beach heels.

I was lucky enough to slip away from my New York duties and head to (currently somewhat) Los Angeles for the week. As my friends and I strolled down the boardwalk in Santa Monica and stumbled onto the warm sand, I couldn’t help but compile a list of my favorite potential beach heels. It goes a little something like this:

TOMS Canvas Wedges: simple, comfortable and affordable, these wedges would look great paired with a vintage 60’s bikini.

Tori Burch Wood Wedge Espadrille: the espadrille style is perfect for a warm summers day.

Chloe Cork-Wedge Slingback Mule: the lightweight cork and the adorable braided leather give the wedge a breezy boho feel.

Christian Louboutin Chus: these shoes are fun flirty and playful, like the shoe sized embodiment of splish-splash.

Give your ego (and derriere) a boost this season by adding a pair of heels to your beach attire. All you need is some confidence, focus and those wobbling baby doe legs will stride through the sand like a gazelle. (I only fell twice).