Summer Series 03 | Shoes
Summer's digital f00t print, turns out the Olsens like sandals + Free feet pics!
In the Strange Applez Lab after extensive research over many years of summering I’ve boiled down the 4 categories of sandals I believe you need: The flip-flop, adventure sandal, leather sandal, and heeled sandal. Believe me, the wrong footwear can really make or break an outing.
the Flip-Flop
Ah, the iconic flip-flop or as the Australians say the thong. Contrary to popular TikTok lore, Havaianas have been around for a hot minute. I’ve probably been wearing them since I was a toddler! They’re easily Brazil’s 2nd best export aside from Victoria's Secret’s Angels (I’d probably put BBL’s as number #4 on the list in case you were wondering). I prefer to accessorize mine with some pao de queijo, the equivalent to the French girls with ballet flats & baguettes. And like most rubber flip flops these are great for the beach, the pool, and as of late ‘dressing down’ outfits.
A friend of mine once told me her gateway into Havaianas was after seeing the Olsen twins wearing them. And after a quick google it turns out they love the Brazilian import tooo.
Oh, and before you ask—no this post is not sponsored by the Brazilian government or Havaianas… sadly.
size note: I’m usually a 38 but wear the 39 in Havaianas
Recently the leather flip-flop has entered the chat and I’m not mad about it. They can dress down an outfit while still keeping the look elevated. Personally, I own the leather pair from Mango but there are a variety of others at different price points. You may have noticed I also linked a red jelly pair but I must assure you that while the straps are jelly the sole is indeed leather. They’re a perfect alternative to the $650 Row Jelly Flops. As I stated before, Strange Applez Lab ~research~ found that the creative directors of The Row themselves also opt for the inexpensive classic. But if you feel like setting money on fire please just make sure to use my link. (jk but not really?).
I won’t lie, the Red Jelly’s & the Red Reformation sandals are definitely on my list. It’s just a red hot summer for me!!
Before I wrap up this informational thong section I’d like to also shout out these unexpected Muji flip-flops. They’re very comfortable. Maybe it’s because the sole is thicker? I can’t explain it but they are just good. A sleeper hit!
the Adventure Sandal
Okay, picture this: You decide to go for a walk on the cliffs nearby with your husband after getting bored at the beach. You put on your adventure sandal and hit it. It’s really, really rocky. Suddenly you notice goats following you? You also recently watched the movie The Witch so the black male goat is starting to look a lot like Black Phillip. He’s maybe getting a little too close and doesn’t look pleased. You’re now cornered and the only option left is to jump*… as in jump off the cliff into the water. You do it because the movie has really gotten to you at this point (is he the devil???). Great news, you are still alive and your adventure sandals are still on your feet. Bad news, there is a lot of salt water up your nose. This is what I mean by adventure sandals.
*true story
They are waterproof, they are grippy, and most of the time velcro is involved! But most importantly, they are not a flip-flop. I also recommend you really have fun with these in terms of color and print. They all come in a zillion different styles and I have the classic Teva (#1) but just discovered the thinner strap (#4) version which comes in a gorgeous blue color. They offer another height of the classic called mid-form and this nude color is also really cool. #3 is called The Hurricane so basically it’s the more hardcore version of the classic. It’s been through some shit but it’s emotionally stable. #7 is the Miu Miu sandal for normal people… and probably heaps more functional as well (like being waterproof and grippy) + 90% less money.
Sorry, but I think the name Chaco is just terrible. Rhymes with tacos and I don’t think I’m meant to be thinking about those when I wear’em (#2). BUT I do also think of like cool granola people who base jump and shit. Maybe do some parcore in the woods then climb a waterfall or something. All things seem possible in these. Also, the toe loop (#8) intrigued me and made me feel safe.
As you can tell #5 & #6 are similar. The only difference is the platform on #6. I own #5 and so does Mary Kate. These are great for a quick weekend trip because they look decent with a dress/casual wear but also they’re ready to party on through some hiking/water activities.
I never intended to include the Olsen twins in this post so much but it’s hard not to notice how they choose footwear that is not only practical but very reasonably priced. Dear reader, I ask you (not really) is The Row fucking with me?
y e s
the Leather Strappy Sandal
Now we enter the land of refinement. You had your fun with all the waterproof shit but now we need some sandals for finer dressing. Something about a quality leather strappy sandal just makes me think of elegance and a sense of having ones shit together (even if that isn’t true at all).
#1 is a shoe I’ve had for 10 years. K. Jacques is a small French brand that used to be nearly impossible to get your hands on. The hype may have died down but the quality and timelessness of these shoes never will. The Nettie sandal (#7) is also such a classic silhouette you’ll wear forever.
#2 is a dressed-up birk, she’s named Cannes after all. Amanu shoes are to die for (have 2 pairs). Looove the little ‘anklet’ detail on #4 and #3 (I own). Also, I think it’s important you have at least 1 snake embossed sandal in your arsenal. That little bit of texture makes any outfit more interesting. And snakeskin is neutral so I’m foaming at the mouth for #8 from Margaux NY. I don’t own any shoes from them yet but they are 100% on my list.
size notes:
K. Jacques & A. Emery—I’m usually a 38 but had to size up to a 39. Having a wider foot can be a little difficult for these brands.
the Heeled Sandal
When you look at this roundup you’ll be like “Babe there is hardly a heel on some of those”. And I will remind you that I did not promise sky-high sandals. You want it to be functional because what if the road is pebbled or cobble-stoned?
See, I think of everything!!
The MNZ Olympia wedge (#1) is essential in my book. I know the price can be a jump scare but they literally go with everything. Sometimes they’re the only heel I bring on vacation! Very comfy and come in a ton of colors and garner a lot of compliments (damn). Staud gave us a sexy mesh moment (#2) and Mr. Tony Bianco said Saint Laurent, I can do that too (#6). You might also be mistaking those snakeskin girlies for Khaite but I assure you they are much more wallet-friendly by Misieur Massimo Dutti (#8).
If you’re ready to enter Funk Town then Paris Texas might have you jumping up and down over those silver sandals. I could cry right in this moment because I cannot locate them in my size… so let me live through you? Of course, Dries Van Notten delivers regularly to Funk Town with some bendy heels (#4, #5) that are surprisingly very easy to walk in.
I finish this all off with a clean simple mule by Toteme. mmmm smoooth.
And no, I don’t have a Wikifeet page or score. Plz stop asking !! See you next week (or sooner for my subscribers).