🎬🌴 #3 - Choose your sandals wisely

After the beach towel and the swimsuit , it's time to talk shoes.

If you think about it, there are quite a few options for summer: canvas sneakers , moccasins , espadrilles and even boat shoes . 

But with this list we forgot a pair, the aesthetics of which will inevitably be debated: the sandal . 

The definition of “sandal” is quite broad and includes open shoes, leaving the foot visible and held in place by straps (the precise term is strap).

The thong is a type of sandal for example. But we do not advise you to wear it . Not in town anyway. Here's why :

Why I refuse to show my feet in town

General advice

1. Why choose sandals?

I see several reasons to be tempted by these shoes which stand out a little from the crowd:

1. By definition, it is an open shoe therefore cooler and suitable when it is hot
2. You can choose it to diversify your summer shoes . It's an approach that speaks to me, wanting to try other things, especially in the context of summer which is quite permissive 
3. We can let ourselves be tempted if we come across a model that we really like , even if we're not really a fan of sandals in the first place. 

It's a 2020 model so it's no longer available, but I'm still a fan of the aesthetic of these Buttero sandals.

2. Which type of sandal should you choose?

You will find several large families of sandals:

• Single-flange and double-flange. Look to iconic Birkenstock designs to visualize style 

A bridle

Two flanges

• The Spartan , which is a sandal made up of several thin straps and whose name refers to the warriors of Sparta

La Bote Gardiane

• The tropézienne , which is defined by a vertical strap, 4 horizontal straps and a last one behind the heel 

The Gardiane Boot

• Of course, there are plenty of other creative, fancy sandal models that don't necessarily have a name. 

Steve Mono

Yuketen

3. Three points to check when choosing the right sandals

Next, I would like to talk about two important criteria to discuss with you when choosing sandals: 

• There is a difference between sandals that have a heel strap and those that do not . With a heel strap, support is better. Without a strap, the foot may tend to slide backwards a little. 

Sandals with heel strap. Farewell

Sandals without heel strap. Theluto

• The question of open and closed sandals. A sandal that shows more of the foot is more open. A sandal that shows less of the foot is closed. You have to choose the right level of opening, for the level of freshness, but also according to the level of comfort you have... with your feet. For example, if you are not very comfortable with the idea of ​​showing your feet but you want to be tempted by sandals, opt for closed ones. 

Open sandals. Heating Blue

Closed sandals. Kleman

• The material : favor leather (more noble, patina, more breathable) and avoid synthetic materials such as rubber

The color is pretty here but the material is not very noble. Birkenstock

Wear the sandal in three looks

1. A well-crafted outfit

General Pharmacy

Officine Générale has been offering leather sandals for several seasons and therefore has the opportunity to place them on its shoots and fashion shows. 

Here they are integrated into a summery, casual chic look, with light-colored clothes worn rather loosely. 

This outfit is based on two color tones :

• The white t-shirt is reminiscent of the white shorts
• The brown sandals are reminiscent of, are an extension of the shirt in beige tones 

2. A Beautiful Holiday Look

This look is a slightly more urban version of the first look, less paraded, less sophisticated. There is a terrycloth polo shirt, pleated shorts and Birkenstocks.

This outfit is simple, effective. There is a holiday, summer side but the result is not neglected. Good point.

PS: Is it only me who thinks that this gentleman looks a bit like Jordan ?

3. Sandals and three-piece suit

Wear sandals with a three-piece suit, and then what?

Well I think it's pretty successful here.

This outfit is dressy but not too dressy: it is certainly a 3-piece suit but made of cotton and quite light. We are far, very far from the plain navy blue woolen office suit. Additionally, this suit is worn with a polo shirt worn unbuttoned, and not a shirt and tie combination. 

To talk about the sandals, they are black, quite closed, in smooth leather. Here they almost replace moccasins in fact. They are discreet: we hardly see them.

In summary :

• The casual sandals are made a little more formal with the dark color and their closed appearance.
• The suit, formal, is relaxed in its color and material
• The shirt, formal, is relaxed as a polo shirt

A great example of a successful combination of formal and casual. Because don't forget the secret :

“To wear two pieces with different registers of formality, you have to pull the formal piece towards casual and the casual piece towards formal.”

Recommendations for favorite brands and models

By digging a little deeper into the subject, I found quite a few brands offering pretty sandals: 

• Kleman 
• Heating Blue 
• The Gardiane Boot 
• Grenson 
• General Pharmacy 
• Yuketen 
• Mr.P 
• Paraboot 
• Steve Mono
• Birkenstock 
• Buttero
• Jules&Jenn

Here are two models that I particularly like:  

1. Quincy

These are relatively closed sandals. 

They are even tropéziennes more precisely.

I appreciate the work on the leather inserts at the instep and the buckle closure.

2.David

Even if I'm not sure how comfortable it will be for me without a heel strap, I find that the aesthetic of these Mr.P sandals is very successful.

The use of suede leather, also blue in color, is original and relevant.

The two crisscrossing straps look good.

Conclusion

Wearing sandals in the city is a daring choice. 

But as we saw with the looks, it can be a winning bet and ultimately not that shocking, especially if you opt for rather closed sandals in smooth leather.

To find out what the editorial staff is packing in their suitcase, click here