Spring's coming and while women seem to know instinctively that this means open-toe shoes, they also Birkenstock
know the difference between a strappy sling-back and a sophisticated mule. But guys are not so lucky, basically our experience with sandals falls somewhere between our Birkenstock Sale
ex-hippy college professors and the flip-flops you wear in the shower room at the gym.
But why should the ladies have all the fun? Sandals and flip-flops are rapidly becoming part of mainstream Birkenstock Shoes
fashion culture for both men and women. Grapevinehill.com is here to help get guys up to speed.
LESSON 1: THONG SANDALS
What are they?
Despite the recent Birkenstock Sandals
re-appropriation of the word to represent a women's undergarment, the thong is actually a traditional sandal with a single toe strap that goes between the big and second toe. Birkenstock Outlet
The Japanese Geta is generally considered the forefather of the thong. While the cheap rubber shower shoes and flip flops are probably the most popular member of this Discount Birkenstock Sandals
family, men's thong sandals are moving up-market in style, quality and price.
Examples:
Tommy Bahama 'Anchor's Away' Leather Thong Sandals
Oakley 'Split Cheap Birkenstock Sandals
Smoke' Thong Sandals
What they say about you:
Thong Sandals look great with shorts to complete a casual look. You can come off ultra Birkenstock Sandals Sale
laid-back with a pair of chinos or jeans for that tanned, fresh-from-the-beach look.
LESSON 2: SLIDE SANDALS
What are they?
Like thong sandals, men's slide sandals have undergone a revolution over the past few years. Generally defined as having one or two straps that go across the top of the Vibram FiveFingers Outlet
foot, today's slide sandals come in many styles and forms. Technically considered "mules", slide sandals can trace their roots back in several directions to Europe, Vibram FiveFingers Sale
including the Dutch "klompen" clogs, and to French sabots.
The sport-style slide, made popular by European soccer players, remains a favorite and is often made Cheap Vibram Five Fingers
of plastic and rubber. The more traditional styles, like the Birkenstock, are now often made with materials like Nubuc and/or synthetic microfiber to reduce wear. There is also a trend Birkenstock Shoes
here to move up-market with better leathers, as seen in the slides from Bacco Bucci and more lug styles from Dr Marten.
Examples:
Birkenstock 'Arizona' Birkenstock Sandals
Microfiber Slide Sandals
Dr. Martens '8B72' Leather Thick Strapped Slide Sandals
What they say about you:
"Where thongs Birkenstock Outlet
[change to "thong sandals"] tend to be more whimsical, the dressier slides [change to "slide sandals"] come off as more serious. They work great with either shorts Discount Birkenstock Sandals
or pants and tell people that you've made a decision, a footwear style decision, you didn't just default to whatever was in your back seat."
LESSON 3: FISHERMAN'S SANDALS
What are they? Fisherman's sandals are one of the most venerable pieces of footwear in the world: dating back as long as recorded history and found in just about every Cheap Vibram FiveFingers
culture that eats fish. Most like a shoe, they generally offer a tighter fit and the most foot coverage of any member of the sandal-family. They have several straps across the top Discount Vibram Five Fingers
of the foot, a low slung but snug ankle strap and many come with an enclosed toe box to keep the foot in place. Traditionally brown or black, the Fisherman's sandal is now Discount Vibram FiveFingers
available in many colors, styles and price points.
Examples:
H.S. Trask 'Laguna' Sandals
Dr. Martens '8092' Leather Strap Style Sandals
What they say about you:
In other countries, the Cheap Birkenstock Sandals
fisherman's sandal is as common as a pair of tennis shoes is for westerners. But in the U.S., the fisherman's sandal is a mature persons' sandal. Not old, but mature. It says 'I've arrived, Birkenstock Sandals Sale
I don't care what you think, I am comfortable and stylish.'"
LESSON 4: SPORT SANDALS
What are they?
Sport sandals probably evolved from the Fisherman's sandals and were popularized in the late 90's by Teva, but they still remain quite popular today. Men's sport sandals Birkenstock Shoes
generally have a snug fitting strap across the toes, one that goes around the ankle as well a durable rubber foot bed that is often contoured to fit the foot. Originally created for Birkenstock Sandals
outdoorsmen who would find themselves in ponds, rivers or streams, these multi-function sandals are usually made of all synthetic materials or new waterproof leathers, Birkenstock Outlet
and are designed to provide traction on wet ground and to dry quickly. A near cousin of the sport sandal is the golf sandal, which feature all of the above with a studded Birkenstock Sandals
bottom.
Examples:
Teva 'Terra-Fi' Waterproof Sport Sandals
Orvis 'Manchester' Leather Sports Sandals
What they say about you:
Wearing a pair of 10-year old sport sandals (you know the ones I mean) identifies you as Birkenstock Shoes
having grown up in the 90's just like an old pair of Birkenstocks would for a child of the 60's. But with some of the newer designs and manufacturers, you can look good and Birkenstock Outlet
still tell the world that you'd rather be in the woods.
LESSON 5: DRESS SANDALS
What are they?
Dress sandals are usually a high-end designer style and built for fashion over comfort. While most are comfortable and durable, they would place form over function in the list of Vibram Five Fingers
priorities. Men's dress sandals come from a variety of top designer names and can range in prices from 30 to 200 dollars. They go anywhere you would expect them to in the Vibram FiveFingers
warm weather, from a cocktail party in South Beach, to a wedding on Nantucket. Designer dress sandals are a sophisticated way to keep your feet as cool as Vibram Five Fingers Outlet
your company.
Examples:
Medium 'Buddhist' Leather Dress Sandals
Oakley 'Box Crater 2.0' Leather Slide Sandals
What they say about you:
Dress Sandals are the top Birkenstock Sandals Sale
of the sandal food chain. Look at it this way, women love shoes, they love men who choose nice shoes even more, and a man who can look great and feel comfortable in a pair of Cheap Birkenstock Sandals
designer sandals is going to do well with the ladies. If you can get past your buddy's jokes, you will be amazed at how your reputation for being stylish will flourish.
CRIB NOTES
10 Rules Every Guy Should Discount Birkenstock Sandals
Know About Wearing Sandals This Spring
1) Trim the Talons You don't need to get a pedicure, but keep your toenails well groomed. Your Vibram FiveFingers
razor-sharp eagle claws are not attractive.
2) Keep it Clean: This should go without saying, but probably needs repeating in the summer months. Vibram Five Fingers
Keep your feet clean.
3) Rock 'em Sockless: Unless you're David Beckham and you're going onto the pitch at Manchester Discount Vibram FiveFingers
United - or you really don't care what women think - don't wear socks with sandals.
4) Beach 'em: Leave the cheap flip-flops at the beach or the gym shower. Opt for a nicer, dressy pair when heading out.
5) Pack A Pair: Discount Vibram Five Fingers
Keep an extra pair of sandals in your briefcase, laptop bag or backpack. They don't take up much room and offer many stylish options for quick change of pace after work.
6) Don't Skimp: Cheap flip flops are everywhere these days, but your feet, knees, and ankles Cheap Vibram FiveFingers
will thank you if you avoid buying your sandals at the gas-station.
7) Be Foot-Smart: If you're going to a bar where there is likely to be a lot of broken glass on the floor, opt for some casual or sports shoes.
8) Walk the Walk: Vibram Five Fingers Sale
Consider if you'll be walking a lot and the terrain you might be on. Women seem to be able to walk anywhere in heels, but guys have a tough time walking in sandals if they aren't Cheap Vibram Five Fingers
used to them.
9) Sack the Socks: Did we mention that you should NEVER wear socks with sandals?
10) Matching Still Matters: Just because you're wearing sandals doesn't mean you can forget about matching everything else you've got on. There are plenty of colors and styles to choose from so make an informed style decision.
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