Welcome back to Retail Therapist. There are many modalities when it comes to counseling – one being shop therapy. In each session, GQ’s Gerald Ortiz answers fashion-conscious people’s real shopping puzzles.
decisions decisions. In our last session, we discussed kooky loafers, and now that summer is here, it only makes sense that you’re thinking about expanding your fashion toolbox to the season’s favorite shoe: the flip-flop. We have to do everything we can to stay cool, and I applaud you for opening your third eye and seeing beyond the linen shirt or short shorts. You’re moving in the right direction, and as you duly noted, it seems as if every stylish person is wearing flip-flops at the moment. I honestly think there’s no shame in buying a simple pair of Havaianas for twenty bucks, think of them like Converse Chuck Taylors – everyone has a pair because they’re a classic. In fact, if you’re on the fence about a trend, snagging a cheaper pair is probably a safer bet.
I know some lost souls who have been attracted to the flip-flop siren song and are spending over $500 for a pair of luxury sandals. Can you imagine? Spend so much for less shoes? And shoes you don’t even really like?
Again, no judgment here. You’ll have to do some internal searching to figure out whether your love for flip-flops is yours, or whether you’re just being influenced by the flood of flip-flop imagery flooding your Insta feed. If it’s the former, you have my full support in dealing with Auraly Tsinelas. But if you’re looking for some fashion fulfillment in the summer shoe department and want to veer off the well-worn flip-flop path, I have all the confidence in the world that you’ll land on a great pair of sandals that will suit your personal tastes. Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You’re taking a step toward a more meaningful understanding of style. Of course, this is just one step among many.
Aurelie
leather flip-flops
Okay, okay, Auraly flip flops are nice. They’re expensive, yes, but the menswear darling makes a compelling case with its candy-coated sandals, which are crafted from some of the most premium leather you can slip your feet into. So, if you’re really into the flip-flop life, why not go all in?
Mr P
Suede Huarache Sandals
Huaraches have made their presence felt over the past few years, and now that the wave of hype has subsided and the flotsam and jetsam have cleared away, it’s safe to say that woven leather sandals are another pillar of summer footwear. They’ve consistently hit the nail on the head and, honestly, are far more interesting than a simple pair of flip flops.
Curious
Weima Leather Flip-Flops
Keane’s Waimea deserves more praise than it has received. The unique design is halfway between a thong and a closed-toe sandal for a flip flop that shows a little skin while protecting your little piggy.
Handmade in New York, Kika’s all-leather flip flops look like the top has been cut off from a work boot. They start out as hard as bricks, but eventually mold to your feet with every step. A little hard work pays off, those airwaves may be nice and squishy to start out, but you can bet they’ll flatten out over time.
gabriella cole
S18 NO.7 Leather Babuche
If you’re worried about your feet being too exposed, but you still want to stick out the toes in the summer, Gabriella Cole’s Babouche sandals are a cute option. The supple leather upper provides plenty of coverage while the shallow opening provides a cheeky touch to your funky digits.
Vibe
Saint Tropez Knitted Leather Sandals
No brand needs the approval of Comme des Garçons, but take Vibe’s collaboration with the famous Japanese label as proof that its cozy sandals are actually that good. They’re a little funky, a little old-human-coded, and those are all great things.
kiko kostadinov
andrus sandals
The current king of weird fashion is arguably Kiko Kostadinov and to be honest, his Andras sandals are a bit conservative compared to the rest of his fashion. But for those who need an extraordinary pair of flip flops, these are perfect. From the dark green color to the stable ankle strap, from the zig-zag stitching to the textured sole, this is one flip flop that oozes blandness and the open trend.
For a man who appreciates distinctive fashion and craftsmanship, nothing can be better than Niceness. The Japanese label cleverly combines artistic techniques with cheeky references and subtle humor that will go over the heads of most people interested in fashion. These sandals are crafted from high-end French calf leather using hand-stitched details and traditional dress shoe making methods with a stitched welt around the shoe. Trust me, for menswear enthusiasts, it is gratifying on many levels.
bedrock sandals
Cairn Evo Sandals
Bedrock Sandals pushes gorpcore into the next generation and has gained a dedicated following of fashion fans. Vibram sole, strong nylon straps, 3-point adjustment system – all these components work together for a strappy sandal that’s capable of taking dogs on heart-pounding walks on your local trail.
Chacos
Z/1 Adjustable Strap Sandal
An OG of the hiking sandal game, Chacos’ Z/1 sandal has been a favorite of well-heeled Japanese for years. Don’t be afraid to style them with some vibrant socks to bring out their fashion side.
Vivobarefoot
Vivobiome Sandals
Vivobarefoot’s many contributions to the field of barefoot footwear make it popular for health-focused footwear. And although they’re not the prettiest shoes to look at (sorry), they’ve made some serious strides in aesthetics (sorry). Its Vivobiome sandals use 3D scanning technology to custom-make the flip flops for each wearer, so although no two pairs will fit exactly the same, they will feel absolutely comfortable. And by all accounts, he looks pretty sick too.
