Wiley Grenson Sandals - David
Sandals, I don't own any and they're not on my short-term wishlist , unlike loafers or a small pair of espadrilles.
Nevertheless, I would be tempted one day and I readily admit it when I find successful ones.
I chose these sandals from the English brand Grenson. I like them for four reasons:
- First of all, they are made of suede leather , which I find rather original because I have not seen many suede sandals.
- Then, I like this insert on the front forming a kind of tongue. I find it quite aesthetic, it allows to cover the foot a little more (which is a good thing if you are afraid to show your feet) and it is rather a good thing for the support in the shoe.
- The tightening loop is on the side of the heel while it is more likely to be found at the instep. A clever little twist.
- Finally, the leather insole and the rubber outsole seem to me to be the right combination for sandals of this kind, to ensure comfort and grip.
At the time of writing, there are still sizes 40 to 43 (6UK to 9UK) left and the pair is on sale at -50%.
The place of manufacture is not indicated. We can assume without certainty that the manufacture is Indian, because Grenson has part of its collection manufactured there.
Hita Geta Snow Peak Sandals - Jérôme
This is the story of a thwarted love at first sight, with a bit of a surprise and a nice find for the summer. Originally, there was a magnificent pair of Yuketen sandals in my basket: impossible to take my eyes off them since, and of course their (temporary?) unavailability only makes them even more desirable.
So what can you do to stop thinking about it? Forget your sandals, go on a bit of an adventure... and if you're going to be surprised, why not look at the age-old traditions of the Rising Sun?
So it is in Japan, somewhere between the mountains, rivers and forests of the Hita region that these Geta revisited by the outdoor brand Snow Peak are made. Geta are the traditional sandals of the country. You will find all kinds and rest assured, you do not need to be a tightrope walker to wear them.
As for the Snow Peak brand, it is a story that has been passed down from father to son for 60 years now in the service of the outdoors (clothing, accessories and various equipment for wildlife lovers in particular). The products are beautiful, practical, with the promise of lasting a lifetime.
We don't know if these cedar wood sandals will stand the test of time, but for now, they are quite attractive, both modern and traditional. The ecru strap goes well with the wood strap, and we can also note a rubber EVA sole glued underneath (for comfort and grip) that will perhaps appeal to running enthusiasts. Everything is announced as made in Japan.
What to wear them with this summer? Let's imagine bare feet, a linen t-shirt , a noragi and wide pants , for the house, the beach or whatever you want, in all simplicity.
As for those who have not planned to travel, I offer you, in addition to sandals, a window of escape à la Tigre & Dragon, on replay all summer on Arte: A Touch Of Zen by King Hu, the most beautiful film of the genre that I know, with draping galore.
Uxma White Multi Chamula Sandals - Jordan
Have I lost my mind? Have I gone raving mad?
To tell you the truth, I don't know. I feel like I'm still in my right mind. However, that's not necessarily a good sign. Someone who is crazy won't spontaneously declare that they are. Because they don't know it. From their point of view, you are much crazier than they are. They are in their own reality.
Ok I'll stop.
I am in my reality. I discovered these sandals and I said ok. I like the construction of these shoes. I like the colors chosen. I like that they are made of leather. I like that they let the toes show.
Yet, will I be able to wear them? I have searched my soul and I answer yes. With wide and light white pants and a loose navy blue polo shirt for example. Oh yes, I can see myself there, somewhere on vacation, sitting on the terrace of a restaurant, mechanically playing with my foot while waiting to enter. An elegant guy leers at my foot, he makes an approving pout. I wink at him. Yes, my man. Jordan is in town .
The product sheet tells me that they are handmade in Mexico by indigenous artisans and according to ancestral manufacturing techniques. That's an intense statement. I like that. In addition, the leather was vegetable tanned, that is to say with bark, plants, etc. Which also delights me quite a bit.
And to finish convincing me, I read that the aesthetics of this sandal are inspired by an ancient Mayan city. I don't know if they mean that these were the kind of sandals they wore at that time or if there were cities in the shape of sandals, I ask to see, but I take it. The historical argument for clothing has always spoken to me.
El Fuso Buttero Flip Flops - Benoît
When it comes to flip flops and sandals, I love what Italian brand Buttero does.
On this "El Fuso" model (available every year), I particularly like this mix between good, indestructible leather and the more outdoor touch with the Vibram sole and the olive nylon strap.
As usual with Buttero, the assembly is very robust. The Vibram sole provides a lot of comfort while walking and also a lot of longevity.
In short, we are looking at a pair of flip-flops that will last you several summers without any problem, and I even think it is possible to resoled them...
Tip: Buttero sandals and flip-flops are relatively easy to find on sale on Yoox.
Mr P. Sandals - Nicolò
Do you know what makes the own brand of the large multi-brand e-shop Mr. Porter so strong?
It is fueled by hundreds and thousands of sources of inspiration, which come from what Mr. Porter will select, often a year in advance, from the brands' offering.
After that, they can spot what works best in trends, including bold pieces... And remake it, a little cheaper, while ensuring that the product is more mainstream. Sometimes, they even have access to the workshops of the brands in question, which greatly facilitates production to similar standards of requirement to these brands.
And in my opinion, that's exactly what happened to these sandals.
Brown suede on a beautiful smooth brown leather, comfortable sole with a sturdy look... It's all there.
When I saw them side-by-side with these Gucci sandals in the "sandals" category on Mr. Porter, I thought they must have taken inspiration from the shape. fasteners, which is actually well balanced: the foot is held by two bands, but the trajectory of which is slightly arched and follows the anatomy of the foot, which avoids the slightly clumsy side sometimes present on this type of sandal.
After which, the brand designer probably went through it and said to himself "Mhhm, we're going to use two-material tone-on-tone to make the product a little luxurious, but not difficult to wear".
Finally, there will probably be added the assembly of these Bottega Veneta , seen a little further down the list, which seems both comfortable and robust, while keeping a flatter sole to reduce the massive side.
And that was it!
The bottom line? It works. These are some of the most stylish sandals I've seen this summer, and when it comes to sandals, that's not a word to throw around lightly.
