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.
Whether you’re walking around the beach, strolling through town, or are just looking for some shoes to toss on when you go outside, it’s hard to beat Leather Slip-On Sandals. They’re both durable, attractive, and will age with each and every wear — plus they will see you through fall if you’re down to pair them with some thick socks. While we don’t know what pair is right for your tootsies, we hope you find something on this list to add to your wardrobe.
1) Unmarked: Leather Slides
Unmarked crafts top-quality leather shoes in Mexico, providing top-quality footwear at reasonable prices. While it’s hard for many to spend a premium on sandals, it’s important to remember all that goes into making a pair of shoes. These feature a hand-shaped outsole, leather upper/insole/midsole, and a natural rubber outsole. They’re resoleable and feature a brash nail construction.
Available for $200 from Unmarked.
2) Kleman: Hublot
Kleman makes a bunch of great shoes with designs that are just slightly atypical, and their Hublot sandals continue that trend. They’re made in France with suede uppers, a smooth leather footbed, and double-monk style buckles. It’s the more robust options like these that you’ll still be rocking on those milder fall days with a pair of Anonyous-ism or Chup bangers.
Available for $190 from Namu.
3) Birkenstock: Arizona Bold
It would be hard to write about leather slip-on sandals without including Birkenstocks, so we didn’t even try. Their Arizona Bold sandals are a nice, subtle diversion from their iconic and (arguably played out) Arizona style, featuring ‘bold’ perforated straps. Made in Germany, they have natural aniline leather uppers, suede-lined cork/latex footbed, EVA midsole, and rubber outsole. And if you haven’t owned a pair of Birks before, they’re designed to be worn like good boots: every day until they couldn’t be any more comfortable.
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Available for $200 from Blue Owl.
4) Kojima Shoemakers: Fred
Kojima Shoermakers‘ Fred sandals are simple, clean, and luxurious. They’re made in Japan from oiled leather for both the upper and insole, which are stitched together for increased durability. They feature a grooved rubber outsole for improved traction. That’s it — simple, top-notch sandals.
Available for $210 from Namu.
5) Yuketen: Sal 2
Yuketen is a the brand if you’re looking for leather footwear with a bit more flair. The Sal 2, shown here in the brand’s frequently used ‘Vaqueta’ leather, is handmade from veg-tanned leather and features a leather-wrapped cork footbed, jute midsole, and natural crepe rubber outsole.
Available for $363-385 from Yuketen.
Plus One – Dr. Collectors: Vegetable Tan Leather Woven Sandal in Tie Dye
Want to go completely left field with it? Dr. Collectors has you covered with its Vegetable Tan Leather Woven Sandal in Tie Dye. As the name implies, these sandals are made of natural leather that features a wild tie-dye finish. I mean, just imagine that tie-dye-effect leather once it’s picked up some patina. Yes sir-ee, Bob.
Made in the USA, these sandals feature a contrasting, layered sole that is tied together (no pun intended) with the unique, splatter-dye finish of the woven leather uppers.
Available for $239 from Trading Post LA.
