This or That / Sandal Edition
5 years ago by
It’s the first week of June and I’m in the market for a new pair of summer sandals. I know “sandals” is a loose definition, encompassing most open-toed shoes, but I’m being specific here. I’m talking about a solid, flat, everyday sandal that is both chic enough to wear to work and comfortable enough to walk thirty blocks in. When it’s so hot out and the only bearable footwear choice feels like a sneaker, but you’re so bored of your sneakers and you want another equally effortless option–enter the easy, breezy, everyday sandal.
Now, when it comes down to this specific item, I’ve noticed that most women tend to land in one of two sartorial camps. The Chunky Sandal (think: Birkenstocks, Teva’s, could have a platform, usually has thick straps, could be of the espadrille variety) or The Delicate Sandal (a “naked” sandal, often Grecian-inspired, usually a neutral color, very very thin straps, very flat).
Coincidentally, while doing research for this story the other day, I noticed two sandal edits under Matches Fashion’s “Shoes” vertical–“Minimal Sandals” and “Chunky Sandals,” personifying the exact breakdown I had in my head.
Interestingly enough, both styles appear to be equitably beloved by fashionable women.
Personally, I usually fall into the chunky sandal category, being a long-time Birkenstock lover and all around more “granola” dresser. But, I do think there is something seriously sexy about a super minimal, Grecian sandal.
So, what’s a girl to do? Are we bored of Birks yet? (I don’t think I am.) Are Teva’s the next frontier of chunky sandals? Is “chunky” just a nicer term for “ugly”–are they the Dad Sneaker of sandals?? Are these delicate sandals–sexy as they may be–comfortable enough to pass my “must be able to walk thirty blocks in” rule?
Tell me: which category do you fall into and what is your summer sandal of choice?
Hi Linne!
Fun article!
I prefer the “delicate, Grecian” sandals…They are more “me”…
:-)
I like both for different things. If I have to walk or move, chunky. If not, sometimes thin and flip-floppy. Both ways, I WANT that dog….
If there was a delicate sandal that ever turned out to be actually “30 blocks” comfortable, I might become a delicate sandal person. But they almost always are a total flat-footed, knife-strapped shoe of hell by about 15.
That and I don’t have time for sandals that I have to actual buckle, strap or tie. I want to be able to slip my feet into them without even looking down when my arms are full of beach totes and a sunhat and a six pack of canned sparkling wine. Even my gold Tevas are too much work.
This may be why I’ve been wearing the same pair of Pons every time the weather is above 70 degrees for about two years now.
Very un-fashion.
I’m always searching for a comfortable walking sandal that doesn’t look clunky. These three look promising:
https://www.vince.com/leather-tamara-sandal-G1842L1.html?dwvar_G1842L1_color=COGNAC#_fp1=ppc&_fp2=367020329&_fp3=24769626329&_fp4=+women++sandals&gclid=Cj0KCQjwitPnBRCQARIsAA5n84kaNr0BgS56BquFkV7kVoUWW_HZSLgoXFjuw3RphJuXjRikK9bCKl4aAsxsEALw_wcB&start=1
https://www.ghbass.com/product/stella+crossband+sunjuns.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn&selectedOption=556195
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/david-tate-nelly-slingback-wedge-sandal-women/5353464?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home/Women/Shoes/Sandals&fashioncolor=Off-white&color=tan nubuck
Birkenstocks are so comfortable. I left my Birkenstocks at a hotel recently. I’m debating which style I should get as my replacement pair.
Je suis plutot “chunky” mais pas Birk !
I like both but my go-to tends to be more chunky since I find them more practical and comfortable for walking a lot. While I have owned and loved the thick-strap Birkenstock, these days I’m more a fan of the Birks that are a bit more delicate, like the Gizeh model. The best of both worlds for me.
both
Je dirais que tout dépend de la morphologie des jambes – Les minimalistes si on a les chevilles et mollets très fins et les massives si on a le mollet sportif – Le semelle très fine n’est pas idéale pour marcher des heures (le talon claque sur l’asphalte et se fendille :-() Plus urbain, la massive remporte le set :-)
I like a more delicate sandal…I wear Tkees and have for years! They are traditionally flip flops…but they have more styles now.
I am working up to trying Birkenstocks…one of the less clunky styles.
I just ordered one of each – a beautiful cognac block heel and a tiny delicate metallic flat. I’ll end up wearing the minimalist pair more, for both comfort and style (I’m very petite so chunky anything risks looking ridiculous on me), but the chunky do come in handy with certain styles and for a bit of (walkable) height. Between the two, I feel pretty well covered for summer!
Try the Meyari from Birkenstock in patent white: it proved the perfect compromise last summer in Sicily. Comfortable for walking around and I think stylish enough for the office. Most of the greek styles are too flat for real walking and if your feet swell at all, the strappy look can be unflattering.
Birks for everyday. Minimal for making an effort.
But can we talk about that gingham sack? Where is that from?
Crocs. On a trip to Europe I was walking 5 to 7 miles a day (while stopping at many patisseries on the way) with no foot discomfort at all. And I have ‘difficult’ feet and a hard time finding comfortable shoes/sandals. They have many different styles, something for everyone.
Roxy makes sandals with soft, flexible soles (including thinner-strapped sandals) that are actually comfortable to walk in. I’m such a comfort wuss (no thin soled Grecian sandals for me!) and my feet have been really happy.
Both, always! Also, can we add the Adidas Adilette to the mix? No? Just me?
I like both! My favorite would be the delicate, but not walkable for long distances. They have a different purpose in my mind.
So, you’ll be able to tell from my question which camp I am in… Which birkenstock model is in the picture!?