This year, a wide variety of sandals are available to add a cool touch to your summer outfits and lift your spirits. From evolved high-performance sports sandals to resort-style sandals and classic sandals born from the lineage of traditional leather shoes, Tomoyasu Tabata, buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building guides you through the perfect pair for every occasion. Even if you used to travel every summer, this year we hope you'll find a paradise (resort) close to home and enjoy your holidays to the fullest.

What we want to convey at the "World Sandal Market," now in its sixth year

--The World Sandal Market, which started in 2015, is now in its sixth year.

The 2020 World Sandal Market, with its slightly different circumstances compared to previous summers, is themed "One Mile Resort - Enjoying a Paradise Nearby." Because our movements are restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that familiar places such as your home balcony, garden, or neighborhood park will become places to enjoy with loved ones (= resorts). With this wish in mind, we have gathered 30 brands from 10 countries both domestically and internationally, based on four scenarios: Balcony, Park, City, and Lounge Terrace.


For example, the lineup of men's sandals is incredibly diverse, ranging from functional sandals perfect for tending to plants on your balcony or in your garden, having a family BBQ, or strolling in the park, to sandals that feel like sneakers and are suitable for everyday wear around town, and leather sandals that are perfect for dressier occasions like hotels and restaurants. Now, more than ever, when it's difficult to travel far, we hope you'll find a pair that suits your daily needs, occasions, and allows you to enjoy the changing seasons.

Isetan buyers' selection of sandals, carefully chosen from 30 brands and 300 styles.

—This year, we've gathered an even wider variety of sandals than usual. Could you tell us about any brands or styles you're paying attention to this year?

In recent years, sandals have become popular not only for outdoor activities and city wear, but also for casual outings around the neighborhood. Personally, I've been paying attention to sandals from sneaker brands. These sandals incorporate the latest technology in soles that make them comfortable even after long periods of wear, while also showcasing the brand's unique design, resulting in a striking presence on your feet.

Flower Mountain, which is particularly highly regarded overseas, uses cotton and neoprene materials, making it soft and comfortable against the foot, and the rubber sole provides excellent comfort, making it highly recommended. Also, YOAK sandals, which use Vibram's shark sole, have pigskin leather in the insole and lining, just like their sneakers, resulting in a stylish and sophisticated pair of shoes.

—Slide sandals and recovery sandals, which are "relaxing" shoes, continue to be popular, don't they?

Slider sandals have become an iconic men's sandal style in recent years. In addition to those from sports brands, I'm also paying attention to sneakers from Spain such as CallagHan and ONITSUKA.

Recovery sandals have also become widely recognized as a fashion item, but the comfort of OKABASHI, a leading American sandal brand, is unparalleled. Their moderate weight allows for a pendulum-like walking motion, and their carefully designed structure, with its arch support for weight distribution, has earned them the seal of approval from the ACA (American Chiropractic Association), making them the only sandals to receive this recognition.

—This time, you're also focusing on classic leather sandals, right?

These sandals, born in a world-renowned shoe-making region, are characterized not only by the quality of the leather but also by the exceptional comfort derived from their authentic construction. Their versatility, allowing them to be worn in various situations depending on how they're paired with socks, is another appealing feature.

Among them, Gurkha sandals have increased in variety more than ever this year. While Church's and F.LLI.GIACOMETTI are representative examples, the one I would recommend as an entry point is Paraboot. They use their own rubber soles and have a structure that firmly holds the foot in place, while also offering the comfort of sneakers.

Also, personally, I'd like to draw your attention to LUCA IACHINI. This brand originates from Marche, the heart of Italy's shoe industry. The quality of the leather used in the footbed and other parts is on par with high-end men's dress shoes, and they can be worn with dressy outfits in a well-balanced way. I also like the design, which is kept as simple as possible by eliminating unnecessary elements.

—And finally, of course, we have to mention the two major brands that are staples of the world sandal market.

ISLAND SLIPPER and BIRKENSTOCK are absolute must-haves.

In particular, with Birkenstock, you shouldn't miss their new releases, as well as their classic models and EVA series. The new Arizona model, a popular choice, features an active outsole molded from two types of lightweight and flexible materials, offering superior flexibility compared to previous EVA soles, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. The Kyoto model, with its upper design reminiscent of a traditional Japanese jacket, allows for adjustable fit and provides stable support while walking.

Furthermore, Island Slipper has expanded its design and color variations even more than last year. With classic thong-type and shower sandal-type styles, and a variety of materials, there are approximately 45 different types, a lineup that is sure to keep its many repeat customers interested.



Click here for the "World Sandal Market 2020" special page.


Photo: ISETAN MEN'S net
Text: Makoto Kajii

*All prices include tax.

inquiry
03-3352-1111 (main representative)