Guys, and gals for that matter, have been debating this for decades. Well, atleast over the past two decades. And the answer? Well, it's not as simple as yes or no.
When searching for an answer on this topic, I got so many points of view... some said it was totally okay because the "manliest men" have been wearing them since the beginning of time: Roman gladiators, "Greek gods", African kings... even Jesus. While others look at men in sandals as downright feminine, saying things like "I don't wear anything that's considered woman's clothing, that includes purses, skirts, and sandals."
Shoemaker in Dominican Republic
All the gentlemen wardrobe/styling books tend to avoid the topic of men in sandals. And when a book does mention it, it's either sternly against it or indirectly snubs it. A friend told me that he once read a rule in Esquire Mag that stated, "You lose 61 percent of your respect for a man when you can see his toes through his shoes." (or something like that).With that said, plenty of well dressed gentlemen opt for a luxe pair of sandals when in sunny Rio de Janeiro, vacationing in Jamaica, or simply strolling through the cobblestone streets of Sicily. So, now you may ask-- what's the final verdict, can me wear sandals or not?
The Traditional -vs- The Nontraditional
The issue of gentlemen wearing sandals is simply a matter of the traditional versus the nontraditional. The Urban Gentleman who chooses the traditional route should not expose his toes; canvas lace-ups, decks shoes, loafers, and oxfords all worn sockless is how he keeps his feet cool in the summer months.
Traditional Urban Gentlemen should just go sockless
The Urban Gentleman that chooses the nontraditional route should wear sandals that match his style. And let's be honest we can mentally flip through our rolodex of friends and picture which friends can pull off sandals and which can't. The extremely environmentally conscious type, the world traveler type, and the vintage hipster type are just a few that I can see getting away with sandals.
The hipster urban gents can get away with just about anything
Disclaimer: If you are choosing to wear sandals, then please get a pedicure. There's nothing worse than a man wearing sandals with unkempt feet. Make sure your toenails are cut and feet are moisturized, for more help go here.
Here's a few sandal wearing guys from the
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Shows:
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Shows:
Designers above: Versace, Kenzo, Kris Van Assche, Trussardi, Hugo Boss, Michael Bastian, Louis Vuitton
Other articles to help prepare you for summer:
How To Keep Cool in the Summer
Summer Rolls
PHOTOS via: Street Style Kid (via Sartorialist, PimPamPum, JCreport), NYMAG.com, flickr members: rachellake, The Messenger Image
Stumble It!
In my opinion I don't think men, like myself, whom do not get a pedicure regularly shouldn't wear sandals. There are masculine sandals out there as some have been pictured in this article. But I just feel that they are too feminine as well. The 'manliest men' that were mentioned in the article (Trojans, Greeks and Jesus)also did not have a lot of fashion sense I would say...But you know what though; if you are a gentleman that likes to wear sandals then that is your perogative and just make sure wear it like it belongs on your feet and without socks.
ReplyDeleteI like sandals, especially high quality well made dress sandals. I think if done right you could wear them with the appropriate suit even. My wife though has the exact opposite view of sandals. She can't stand me wearing them and will almost do anything to convince me not to wear them, especially if she's with me. Different strokes....
ReplyDeletedo you know where the man leaning up against the wall in the striped shirt and glasses got his sandals? i am dying for THAT pair!
ReplyDeleteI truly believe the ability to look good in sandals really depends on the person and what he's wearing. I personally find that sandals look silly when you're wearing pants. The sandal has to match the clothing too.
ReplyDeletegosh!wearing mandals (man sandals) wouldnt make you less of a man or anything, you in the first place has the right to wear anything or whatever you like, sandals for men are cool and has a stylish taste that would make every guys who wears it as a total performer in the street.
ReplyDeletesandals gives a lasting comfort for mall or street rats in town it gives a favorable style for cool and another day style for guys.
so no need to argue, for me, its so much better to wear mandals, than wearing nothing on your footies at all.:)
About the wonderful, very pleased to see this article, learn some things, and view the text is recognized. Thank you for sharing. At the same timei love Children Sandals very much !
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful article. I really dig your website/blog.
ReplyDeleteAloha from Hawaii!
I am trying to find a more "strappy" sandal with a wrap around the big toe, and back strap below the ankle. I saw someone wearing them and ever since then I have been searching...I think I need to go to shop in Rome!
i could never do sandals. they look bad just bad on me,.
ReplyDeleteI wear sandals all summer long- with suits, shorts, jeans and tee shirts, to dinner, concerts, museum, weddings everywhere, I get compliments every time I wear them. I have sandals in black,taupe, grey, white, green, beige, brown, snake, leather. Some that have the toe hole, some that wrap around my ankle, an even one the has a platform heel. And these are great quality sandals I have worn for years. I wear them thru the streets os New York
ReplyDelete