The new hiking sandal
Yes, it’s that time of year again; when the sun actually decides to shows its face on this side of the planet and hiding your wobbly winter-self under layers of clothes becomes a social faux pas. It’s time to start thinking about prising those feet, pale and in need of a pedicure, out of the safety of woolly socks and winter boots and strap on a pair of this season’s sandals.
Revealing your body after months of hibernation can come as a shock, but this summer the practical and comfortable hiking sandal will make the transition easier. Conventional, unhip, ironic and not very pretty, the hiking sandal is comfy and dowdy in all the right places. Seen on the catwalk, during London Fashion Week in September, in Burberry’s colourful take on the trend – and reinforced by functional fashion designer Christopher Raeburn’s use of Gola hiking sandals to complement his collection – the trend for practicality and utility has been emerging for a while now.
The lean towards pragmatic, satirical clothing has been seen through the popularity of trainers in street-style looks and the rise of the normcore trend. Teamed with opposing textures and styles, the hiking sandal works as long as you understand the look with a knowing nod. Those of you who don’t want to go as far as taking a trip down to your local Millets to snap up the same pair of sandals that your uncle wears need not fear; the high street has taken a stance on the trend with a little more style and panache.
Original Universal W, £34.99, Teva at Office
Flapjack sporty sandals, £38, Topshop
Flora yellow strap flat sandals, £55, Vagabond at ASOS
Rebecca Saunders
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