The Dos and Don’ts of the Sandal

Summer is here and with it comes braais, beaches and of course – breathing time for your feet.

One of the biggest quandaries in men’s style has to be the sandal. No other shoe can present as many pitfalls. Either too girlie, too boho, too chunky or just downright ugly, to ensure you step out in style this summer, here are the do’s and don’ts of how to wear the sandal.

The don’ts

– At the top of the list is none other than, sadly, the beloved South African trail sandal  (those horrible velcro-strapped things with odd cutouts). I don’t doubt its comfort or utility with it’s traction sole and synthetic ‘performance’ fabrics – after all, something so hideous must have been created to serve some sort of purpose. Regardless, if you’re going to hit the trails, wear a boot and not a stocky sandal.

– Forego the foreigner. Birkenstocks (and their many ripoffs) are better suited for staying in than a night out. I’m sure we’ve all owned a pair at some stage – which we proudly wore around campus with slogan t-shirts and cargo shirts. Loved by German tourists and worn shamelessly with socks there is no place in the stylish mans wardrobe for these – not publicly at least.

On the other foot (we had to), here are the dos:

– Fortunately, splurging on quality in this department doesn’t have to bust the bank. A pair of strapped sandals in leather will mould to your foot after just a few weeks. They look just as good at the beach as they do on the streets, so you can wear them with shorts or jeans and a summer shirt.

Last but not least, treat yourself to a little foot-freshening session — clipping, scrubbing or for those completely secure with their masculinity, a professional pedicure.