Civilized substitute for flip flops?

munchausen · Nov 12, 2009

So I've made a few dressing related promises to myself, and one of them is to never again wear flip flops anywhere but the beach. But I live in a place with miserable hot summers and need a pair of ultra casual shoes that are easy to put on and take off, breathe really well, and would be good at a summer barbecue or the like (I know it's not summer. I think ahead.)

I know sandals are the obvious choice, but I've honestly never seen a pair of sandals that I didn't think were ugly. Any other ideas?

larsrindsig · Nov 12, 2009

I like espadrilles (but they are contentious round here; do a search).

asdf · Nov 12, 2009

deck shoes or desert boots?

i mean...they arent as cool* as flip flops or sandals...but they look alot better

*referring to temperature

Thomas · Nov 12, 2009

E Park Avenue

Don Carlos · Nov 12, 2009

Originally Posted by munchausen

So I've made a few dressing related promises to myself, and one of them is to never again wear flip flops anywhere but the beach. But I live in a place with miserable hot summers and need a pair of ultra casual shoes that are easy to put on and take off, breathe really well, and would be good at a summer barbecue or the like (I know it's not summer. I think ahead.)

I know sandals are the obvious choice, but I've honestly never seen a pair of sandals that I didn't think were ugly. Any other ideas?

Deck shoes, also known as boat shoes, are probably what you're looking for. Easy to put on, easy to take off, and comfortable. They also stand up to serious abuse and are not meant to be babied. And let's face it; it's nice to have a pair or two of shoes that fit that profile.

sho'nuff · Nov 12, 2009

i bought a pair of leather sandals (sort of like flip flops as there is a separate loop for the big toe) made of thick dark brown leather by John Varvatos from Gilt groupe several weeks back and it is a very nice looking sandal i may say. i tried to find a photo around here somewhere but i cant find it. it is made in brazil, but it is very qualitative and substantial and looks and feels like a 250 dollar sandal as the retail puts it.

HORNS · Nov 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Thomas

AE Park Avenue

sho'nuff · Nov 12, 2009

here it is:

it is a very nice and solid sandal. the leather is qualitative and sultry looking in person. it looks smart with some linens or some shorts or athletic sweat pants or something going to the gym or supermarket.

tor · Nov 12, 2009

I think boat shoes might fit the bill. I recently made the transition from flip flops to boat shoes, and I love them. Plus, if you ever get on a boat, you won't have to change footwear!

Beware though, they get a little smelly.

munchausen · Nov 12, 2009

those sandals do look nice. I knew someone would come up with something like that.

I have some Topsiders. Maybe I should just get a second pair in grey. But those sandals do look rather promising.

FlaneurNYC · Nov 12, 2009

I wish I could find a pair of these for the city:

From: http://allenedmondsblog.blogspot.com/ In lieu of that maybe some Quoddy deck shoes or bluchers...

Cleav · Nov 12, 2009

Try Birkenstocks

Classically · Nov 12, 2009

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

Beats crocs..

sho'nuff · Nov 12, 2009

Originally Posted by munchausen

those sandals do look nice. I knew someone would come up with something like that.

I have some Topsiders. Maybe I should just get a second pair in grey. But those sandals do look rather promising.

thanks.
JV does have a few of these types of sandals out every year so you may have a chance yet again on Gilt if you have membership.
they were only 48 plus ship, was well worth it.

the leather though is really beefy and tough at first so you have to break them in like a shoe. they werent so malleable the first few wears and i had a few abrasions on my feet but now they are softer and comfortable.

John_Edward · Nov 12, 2009

I live in a place where it's conceivable to wear flip-flops 9 of 12 months.

As stated above several times, boat shoes are probably bang-on. I've made the switch and I needn't ever go back.

Civilized substitute for flip flops?

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