Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Best Casual Sandals?

 

A reader question:

What are people wearing these days for sandals?  Are there any recent styles or brands that readers have liked?  I am not really a Birkenstock person, nor a flip-flop person,  but I see plenty of both around.

Thank you!

28 comments:

  1. I was never one for sandals myself, although I do enjoy watching the old Hollywood “Swords and Sandals” epics from the 1950s – Ben-Hur, The Robe, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Cleopatra, and Samson and Delilah, among others. Now if I wanted to start wearing sandals today, I guess I’d also have to go out and buy a sword and a shield, too. Right?

    Anyway, a Danish company called Duckfeet makes some very nice European-made sandals (their Ringkobing model is about as good as a sandal can get).

    https://duckfeetusa.com/collections/sandals/products/ringkobing-bio

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  2. Mephisto are expensive but they are the best walking sandal - really comfortable and long lasting. If you try them you will buy them.
    Ecco also makes a nice, more affordable walking sandal.

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  3. Can only vouch for women's styles: Eliza B flip-flops for casual occasions, Havaianas for the beach, Mephisto for dressy occasions, Birks are great if you have foot problems or want a "walking sandal," Oofos if you have foot problems or need support if standing all day hurts your feet. I split my time between Florida and Saudi Arabia so hot weather footwear is my speciality.

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  4. I bought a pair of sandals from a company called Southern Polished a couple years ago. The sandals are hand made in Nashville. I believe some of their flip flop styles are made in South America. For me, the sandals have been wonderful. Soft leather, excellent construction, nice styles. They have worn very well and I am sure I can get a couple more summers out of them. I believe Southern Polished also repairs and resoles their sandals if needed. The fact that they are a family run company is also a plus (owners are brothers and I’ve received a customer service reply from their mother!). Worth a look!

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  5. I wear Smathers & Branson flip flops with needlepointed American flags. They are old and very comfortable. The women in the family really like Tory Burch. For decades they have also liked Bernardos.

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  6. Ah, yes, big ugly sweaty men's feet...very attractive. Keep 'em covered up, mates.

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    1. Regular pedicure helps to keep the feet attractive. No matter men or women. You don't need to show them of course but even covered, should always be in the best shape.

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  7. Teva for flip-flops, slides, sandals or aqua shoes.

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  8. I have become very partial to Mexican Huaraches. They're in between a loafer and sandal. I have a rule that men shouldn't show their toes unless it's on sand or on a boat, so these do the job wonderfully. Also very well priced. I've purchased from this eBay seller twice already and always satisfied. https://www.ebay.com/itm/123857202930?campid=5338159418&customid=.NTAzMjgtMA.45980d8b-dc27-11ec-8f79-ed7911a1cb88&hash=item1cd676eef2%3Ag%3ACu4AAOSwR09fdRbh&mkcid=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&toolid=20004&var=424994588196

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    1. I agree huaraches are the best for men OR women for summer especially in natural leather tones for casual and black ones for dressier. I also like avarcas the King of Spain wears these in Mallorca they look good on everyone as well as the toes are not sticking out all over the place. A small toe reveal is subtle. Toes sticking out for men unconfined is not good look.

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  9. Um, yes. Tevas if one MUST display their feet. They have their uses (beach, canoeing, kayaking, etc.). Barring those activities, I'll stick with leather top-siders from Sebago.

    Kind Regards,

    Heinz-Ulrich

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  10. I haven't seen many woven sandals that would cover up one's toes lately. On the more casual end of the spectrum, 'sport sandals' if you want to call them that, I'm partial to Chaco, Keen, and Bedrock. Keen has some nicer-looking options like leather Newports or Uneeks that cover your toes. The Olukai Hokua and Ohana are among the most comfortable things I have ever worn on my feet, but they're robust flip flops, not really sandals.

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  11. For men, I'd say please no sandals. For women, Canfora (Gail or Gisele), or Eliza B flip flops for the beach.

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  12. I have a guy who works for me who makes them for me out of old tires.

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    1. How many miles on them?

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    2. The sandals or the tires? By the way, on nice occasions I wear the ones made from racing tires. I believe it's important to dress up sometimes.

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    3. Agreed.

      Now, if the tires are low mileage, I was thinking about getting a pair to wear to the club with my tux. You know - high-class-type stuff.

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    4. A bit of tire shine, and you're good to go! Brilliant.

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    5. I used to be a Goodyear man, but when Sir Jackie Stewart switched to Bridgestone, I followed his lead, though occasionally I still wear Hoosiers on casual Fridays. As for formalwear, my rule is slicks with white tie, rain tires with black tie.

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  13. I have two pairs of Floafers, which are essentially rubber penny loafers. Got my first pair last summer and hardly took them off the rest of the season. They are very comfortable, well-ventilated, and solve the exposed-toe issue mentioned above (I will put my bad toes up against anybody’s). They are ideal for the pool or the beach and I wear to outdoor summer parties. My second pair are called Tee Drivers. The upper is the penny loafer while the sole is like a spikeless golf shoe. I actually walked nine holes in them and they were great. Check them out.

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  14. Tevas with leather straps and footbed — don't know the model. I've worn them with bare feet on Arizona desert day hikes (yes) and to the office. In cool weather I add a pair of dark socks. Love 'em.

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  15. Men don't wear sandals.

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  16. My doctor discourages the wearing of sandals due to their lack of support but, if one is determined to wear them, she suggests Vionic and Teva brands and, of course, those special shoes made specifically for super support.

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  17. I only wear Saltwater sandals.

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  18. For women I suggest Garnet Hill sandals, I agree with Sesquicent men don't wear sandals except flip-flops for carrying the beach chairs from the car.

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  19. Another fan of Eliza B for their flip-flops, great for around the pool or beach. I personally like Clarks sandals for other things, but overall, not a huge sandal wearer.

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  20. For casual flat sandals, I prefer the traditional Jacks - by Jack Rogers. They make both the well-known leather flat Jacks and also the Jellies which can be worn around water. --Holly in PA

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  21. Gentlemen, Keens are great but closed-toe, of course.

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