Handsome, By Way of Greece

Jun 12, 2008 @ 11:30am

I've probably spent close to an entire lifetime looking for the perfect summer sandal, in just the last couple months. I looked on every site from Bergdorfs and Saks to Topman and Zappos. No luck, until now.

I stumbled upon my ideal summer footwear choice last night, and it's available in men's and women's sizes. True, you would probably see it on more women's feet. But it's a simplistic shoe with just the right amount of masculinity (thick straps) and femininity (straps). Thankfully, it lacks one of those strange toe holes you see on most men's sandals that I've never understood, and is much more interesting than a rubber flip flop or overplayed Urban Outfitters gladiator.

The great thing is that they're handmade in Athens by a third generation shoe maker and still cost less than $50. I've already ordered two pairs.

--KYLE HAYES

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 12:07PM

These do look perfect! Can you update us on their comfort level when they arrive?

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 12:10PM

love...

by the way, I have a question that hopefully someone who reads this particular post can answer:

I hear and read many comments from people regarding the idea that gladiators are "played out" or overexposed. This is probably me being dumb, but in my mind, basically any sandal, especially a flat, that is not a flip-flop style or birkenstock, is somehow a gladiator or "jesus sandal". The terms are applied to anything that is woven, strappy, or t-barred, it seems. So, I guess my question is, if nearly every sandal can be called a gladiator, how can they ever be played out or trendy, unless people are calling for an end to sandals full stop? Or am I just not very creative with my sandal-style-naming?

p.s. i totally understand that in this post, kyle is referring to a specific uo sandal being overplayed, which, of course, makes more sense to me...

posted by anonymoose

Jun 12, 2008 12:18PM

i have the same request as the first commenter. can you put them to the nyc streets test when you get them and tell us how comfy they are? the problem w/ all these beautiful flat sandals is just that - way too flat for prolonged everyday wear and terrible for your feet just like flip flops.

i just ordered these last week - http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Womens-Margie/dp/B000AC1O6M - specifically b/c of the cushioned sole. those are actually the cheapest thing in the steven alan annex shoe dept. by at least $100, but they were out of my size in black so i got 'em on amazon.

posted by BIBA

Jun 12, 2008 12:39PM

i have a pair (#27 theta) and they're great looking but not great for art support. jutta neumann on allen st makes beautiful leather sandals with built in arch support that are equally wonderful looking.

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 1:04PM

yes, please let us know how comfortable they are... I'd like to get a pair too! (or two ;)!)

posted by brett_kane

Jun 12, 2008 1:12PM

Devi Kroell bought a few pairs and shopped some other cool stores in Athens in an editorial called "Global Shopping" in the March 2005 Vogue, if you want similarly awesome Greek items. Think killer COINS from 1,000 years ago.

posted by shinyredthermos

Jun 12, 2008 2:34PM

what is nefty is that they are priced by the size of your foot! how genius! too bad i have the biggest feet ever....

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 2:46PM

they're not expensive, because they're uncomfortable (with no arch support). and they're a little expensive--you can get these shoes everywhere in athens--on the isles..for 10 euro

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 3:01PM

so, Aldo was selling this exact design two years ago and I bought two pair, loved them all summer, then they fell apart just as the leaves started to fall. I thought, no problem, perfect timing, I'll get some similar ones next summer. But simple is so hard to find under $100! I love these and am so glad you've found them for me.

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 3:29PM

Hey, those look almost like Bass' "Margie" sandals that have been around forever, but which have an actual insole and cost about the same.

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 4:06PM

Kyle Hayes has good taste. Theyre similar to the Gucci's from last S/S

-The Boy About Town

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 4:14PM

I have those exact shoes from Athens, from the poet sandal maker. I actually find mine fairly comfortable (the leather is soft, the straps don't dig into my feet), but like others have said, no arch support.

These are better than the 10 euro ones you can find on the islands and in Plaka because they aren't made of plastic and won't fall apart - I've had mine for 3 years now and they're still perfect. The best part is, he sizes them to your feet and the straps are adjustable (it's just a single strap, wound all the way through/under the sole part), so it's always a perfect fit.

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2008 5:52PM

I have number 7, and I love them. They're vachetta leather, so they do change color, getting darker with age and moisture, but I like that. They're super comfy. I wear them all around the city, and they def past the test.