Sporty sliders may have been the go-to shoe on Love Island, but outside the villa, men are upgrading their footwear choices. Retailers have noticed a shift in men’s preference from casual sliders, including Birkenstocks, to flat leather strappy sandals. According to Tim Little, a shoe designer and owner of Grenson footwear, men are dressing up more and moving away from loungewear and sportswear. This trend is particularly prominent among younger customers who want to look sharp.
John Lewis, a major retailer, has seen a 67% increase in sales of smart sandals. Their bestsellers include a coffee-colored pair from Dune with double straps, priced at £70, and a chestnut pair from Kin featuring crossover straps, priced at £22.50. Luxury e-tailer Mytheresa has also reported a surge in sales of leather sandals, particularly those from popular brands like Gucci, Tom Ford, and Brunello Cucinelli.
The rise in demand for smart sandals coincides with the growing popularity of soft tailoring, with some retailers experiencing triple-figure growth in this category. Henrik Lischke, a fashion expert from Grazia, states that fashion is maturing and moving away from the Y2K trend. As a result, men are opting for more elegant and elevated looks that require sophisticated footwear.
David Beckham, who previously made headlines for wearing a parka with white socks and black sliders, was recently spotted at the Jacquemus show in France. This time, he wore a beige linen suit paired with Loro Piana’s brown leather sandals featuring wraparound straps. This look was showcased on several spring/summer 2023 catwalks, including Paul Smith and Hermès.
Before this trend, the men’s sandal category at Grenson was relatively small. However, lockdown and the popularity of Birkenstocks encouraged men to explore different footwear options, including sandals. Grenson’s best-performing sandal is the Quincy, inspired by fisherman-style sandals with interlocking straps. Due to high demand, Grenson is launching additional versions with a rubber sole and an in-built footbed.
Lischke, who owns a four-year-old pair of strappy sandals from Grenson, appreciates their polished aesthetic as an alternative to the gorpcore trend. He wears them with suits to add a touch of distinction, evoking the styles of The Talented Mr. Ripley and 80s Giorgio Armani advertisements.
While Birkenstocks and other “dad” sandals like Tevas were praised for their comfort, wearers of modern “mandals” attest to their agreeability. According to Little, leather is the ideal material for hot weather as it’s breathable, unlike the plastic typically used for sliders, which can make feet sweat.
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