I think we can all agree that an after-effect of The Pandemic is a shift towards more stylish, comfort-conscious footwear. While I managed to swerve the pool slides craze and Crocs mania, I’m happy to see so much more choice in footbed sandals, fisherman sandals (like Mari Giudicelli’s above) and dressy summer flats.
This summer, Birkenstocks* and Tevas* are still going strong but pretty much every other brand has embraced its inner gorpcore hippie (more…)
I hope you enjoyed my shorts and sweaters post. If you missed it, it’s here.
We’re now in peak shorts season and with that… sandals. ‘Wellness sandals’ are still going strong, either the footbed versions or the retro pancake-flat leather variety. Did you know you should vary your heel heights to optimise foot health? I was told this years ago in my Converse-everyday wearing days, and obviously didn’t listen. But it’s true, you should vary between flat and elevated, to give your feet the best workout.
Anyway, the sale notifications have started to ping so now is a good time to shop. Whether you’re into Birkenstocks, Tevas, Ancient Greeks, or M&S equivalents, there are lots of sensible sandals to accompany the shorts.
While Birkenstock Arizonas* were the indoor shoe of lockdown spring, I also like them as a smart outdoor sandal with a classic red or magenta pedi. (Side note: if you’re looking for the best foot file in the world, get this Margaret Dabbs one.) I also like the minimalist Birkenstock Madrid slide with its clean single bar silhouette. The cork sole* (£56) is the old school version, and the all-black* (£220) is the luxe version. The one-colour cross-strap Sienna slide (£310) is also very appealing in black.
M&S has quite a few classic footbed sandals around the £20-£30 with some on sale now. I like these M&S Collection navy leather ones (currently £18) or slightly jazzier, these animal-print leather sandals (currently £36). Or for something super-nostalgic, there are these flat leather sandals in tan and red (currently £23.60).
Church’s seems to be dipping a toe in the footbed pool with these rugged multi strap sandals, while Suicoke* from Japan is the chic version of a Teva sandal with its moulded footbed but more refined silhouette. I prefer the thinner soled variety to the chunky platform ones.
NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST. (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Jean Shrimpton by David Bailey
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I never got on board with athleisure. Firstly, I hate formal exercise and secondly, I can’t stand leggings. Or any stretchy, clingy, overly form-fitting garb. So I let Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and their ilk pass me by. (Nike is different. Don’t ask me why.)
But there’s another health-style hybrid that’s snuck up on me and this one seems to have more appeal. It’s wellness-wear. So the stuff you wear for meditation, or hanging out apres-asanas on your yoga retreat. (more…)
