Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Summer is here, and that means out with the boots and in with the sandals. Here’s the truth of the matter: sandals are meant to be a light shoe for the warmer months, and as such they are less durable than boots or traditionally constructed shoes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find long lasting sandals that are constructed from some of the best materials on the market.
1) Birkenstock: Arizona in Black
Love them or hate them, Birkenstock’s are here to stay. Their Arizona sandal is a classic, known for being comfortable, versatile, and molding to the wearers feet over time. These sandals are constructed with leather uppers, cord footbeds, and EVA rubber soles.
Available for $160 from Need Supply.
2) Guidi: Black Leather Double Strap Sandals on a Black Ripple sole
The truth is, when you buy a pair of Guidi’s you are paying a lot for the name. However, their designs are top notch and since they own their own tannery their leathers match their products perfectly. This sandal is constructed from a distressed calf leather, leather foot bed, and rubber ripple outsole. It might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the most unique offerings on the market.
Available for $880 from SSENSE.
3) Sacai x Hender Scheme: Sandal
I know, I know — Hender Scheme has been all over these lists lately, but that’s just because they are constantly innovating and releasing new products. One of their newest releases is a collaboration with Sacai, and it’s awesome. It’s a vegetable-tanned sandal with a leather/foam layered sole, which gives it an incredibly unique, beach-y vibe. The straps are all adjustable to create the perfect fit, but unfortunately they don’t come cheap.
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Available for $801 from Haven Shop.
4) Kika NY: Leather Weave Sandal in Natural
Woven footwear runs the risk of looking dated, but Kika NY’s Leather Weave Sandal manages too pull off a basket woven upper very well. They are almost entirely constructed from leather, but feature a rubber heel for tracking. Since each pair is hand constructed, no two airs will look alike. And since they are made using a natural colored leather they will age overtime, which only adds to the uniqueness of each pair.
Available for $565 from Unionmade Goods.
5) Damir Doma: Black Leather Fiesta Sandals
I’m not normally one for high-fashion or avant-garde designs, but companies that specialize in these styles produce some of my favorite sandals. Damir Doma’s Black Leather Fiesta Sandal has a sleek and simplistic silhouette, and the snap closure at the ankle insures that they fit everyone well. Unlike most sandals on the market, these feature a separate heel stack and more
Available for $225 from SSENSE.
Plus One – Inaisce: Bulukiya Sandals in Black
Do you like gladiator movies? Do you want to a show-stopping pair of sandals that draws everyone’s attention? Then the Inaisce Bulukiya Sandal might be right up your alley. They are constructed from one of Guidi’s fantastic horsehide leathers and are entirely constructed in Italy. They are quite different from most sandals as their ankle piece is a good six or seven inches tall, but the open foot design is similar to many traditional sandals.
Available for $350 from IA PARTICLES.
