Toeing the line: even in a heatwave, is it ever ok for a man to wear sandals?
Around these parts, we normally like to advise men to be adventurous and break the rules every now and then, but there’s one edict that even I can’t break from; toes on display. Call it quaint, out of date and matronly pursed of lips, but I have an aversion to getting the trotters to full effect in any other situation but holiday mode, where a more relaxed mode of style is called for.
But we’re in unchartered territory this summer, both politically and in the fact this heatwave is threatening to bring the hottest temperatures the UK has ever seen. And if you’re a London commuter kitting up for the Victoria line with the grim determination of a ‘Nam vet, you’ll know the daily fresh hell of what that brings.
Alberto Tobacco sandals, £195, alvaro.ag
Sandals have a checkered history for men; all too often they call to mind questionable activewear iterations, velcro strapped and more the attire of your local geology society’s walking tour of Pennines than on a urbane man.
And while the catwalks of Prada, Balenciaga et al would try and convince us that socks and sandals are no longer the death knell of a man’s wardrobe, only the front row elite should embark on such a tricky stylistic flourish; one man’s conceptual Japanese fashion blogger is another’s Jeremy Corbyn, a fan of the combo (he likes a cheeky flash of red on the socks).
Cleon sandals, £138, ancient-greek-sandals.com
And while the workplace should - in my opinion - remain a sandal free zone for men, sandals have undoubtedly been elevated by certain brands devoted to applying beautiful leather craft skill to this most humble of footwear, Alvaro being one of them. Founded by shoe designer Alvaro Gonzalez, the brand specialises in handsome, minimalist sandals using vegetable dyed leathers handcrafted in Florence, while Ancient Greek Sandals is known for its sleek, masculine designs.
Nero Intrecciato Fianda slippers, £520, bottegaveneta.com
If you’re still not sold on the idea of easy, breezy sandals in the city (or the shire), it’s worth looking at a form of hybrid that has evolved now; leather specialists Tod’s and Bottega Veneta have created lightweight, backless slippers that cover your toes but free up the rest of your foot.
And while the cooling feel of a sandal might be welcome in these sweltering climes, be brutally honest about what you’re working with here. I wouldn’t inflict my own hooves on the general public other than a beach setting; some feet aren’t meant to be set free. If they look like they’ve endured trench foot in the Somme, consider a foot treatment to get them fit for purpose.
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