WHAT is a cool new way to take your first step this summer? How do you wear the bright season, whether it?s a vacation or plainly, a ?stay-cation?? What to do when adventure carries you?in spirit, anyway?to the faraway allure of the Pampas or the quaint sidewalks of Buenos Aires in Argentina? You find the perfect footwear that fits, of course.

Originated from Argentina, Paez shoes (pronounced ?pice? and rhymes with nice) is the hottest partner for adventurous feet. Re-imagined and inspired by the classic Argentine alpargatas (sandals), Paez shoes reflects casual comfort with a bright splash of hues and ethnic designs. Proudly made right in its very birthplace, they are produced under strict no-sweatshop standards, ensuring fair labor practices and minimal environmental impact.

Heritage and craftsmanship

Bask in the sun with comfort, practicality, style and a national heritage that salutes over 180 years of fine craftsmanship. The original alpargatas were inspired by the espadrilles brought to Argentina by Basque immigrants from the Pyrenees mountains at the French-Spanish border. Since then, innovations have settled and Argentine business partners Tomas Pando and Francisco Murray have reinterpreted and redesigned this well-loved footwear. Paez shoes? fresh designs are a breezy compliment to its texture: They are soft and they instantly hug your feet, minutes upon slipping them on.

Explore and enjoy your summer with Paez shoes. After all, it?s the next best thing to beautifully tanned bare feet.

Paez shoes are available at the Young Adult Section of Rustan?s Department Store at the Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 4, and Shangri-La Plaza; Planet Sports stores at Glorietta 4 and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell; La Tienda at 43 Polaris Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati; Peek-A-Boo at the Alabang Town Center; and islands&more at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.