Cole Haan Thong

There’s something liberating about not wearing shoes. There has to be something about it to have made shoelessness characteristic of hippies during the 60s counterculture movement, something about it to make barefoot runners preach their sport like the bible, to dance on stage and walk across hot coals without the protective layer of footwear.

As it may not be so great to walk on an occasionally glass-, spit-, and who-else-knows-strewn urban sidewalk, here are a couple of options to get the barely there footwear look:

FOR A BEACH DAY/OFF-DAY: Cole Haan thong sandals

Slim tan or gold thong sandals are the perfect adornment – not cover-up – for your feet. Choose delicate thin t-straps that let your feet tan and avoid prissily awkward kitten heels – flats are way more versatile and casual!

We recommend Cole Haan thong sandals: the women’s Air Tali flat thong or the Air Bria Thong Sandals combine Nike technology with a simple, classic design for a leather sandal that’s both comfy and cute

DEAL ALERT! The Air Bria is currently on sale at the Cole Haan website for $79.95 (38 percent of retail) and the Air Tali is only $71.95 at Endless!

WHEN YOU’RE ALL DOLLED UP: Stuart Weitzman nude patent leather Daisy pump

Nude pumps made waves earlier in 2011, and for good reason: these shoes blend in with the skin, discretely lengthening long legs and adding height. They add a dose of sophistication to any girl and are especially ideal for petites, as they don’t have the stubbifying effect of darker hued shoes.

For those with a higher price point, definitely do check out Christian Louboutin Pigalle patent leather pumps or the leather platform pump ($595, Saks; $795, Neiman Marcus). More affordable alternatives can be found with Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson and the barely-there Stuart Weitzman nude patent leather Daisy pumps ($165, Bluefly.com).

FOR THE SPORTY TYPE: Vibram FiveFingers KSO

Barefoot or minimalist running shoes seek to recreate the sensation of barefoot walking rather than imitate the look – although some versions of such shoes are clearly molded after the shape of the foot, toes and all! The best-known Vibram FiveFingers brand offers shoes that fit your feet like a glove and protect your sole from whatever’s underfoot, while allowing you to feel the ground beneath you and move your toes. And Adidas recently unveiled its version of the barefoot running shoe this August 2011: the Adipure, which should retail at around $90.