Catch one or more of these breezy styles from Sabah, J.M. Weston, Paraboot, and others
Not all fashions from the Roman Empire stand up to present scrutiny—you’d be hard pressed to find a toga worn anywhere but a frat party, for instance. But the fisherman’s sandal, which originated in the Mediterranean millennia ago, is having something of a second wind.
The leather T-bar sandal, instantly recognizable by its slotted construction and either partially or fully enclosed toe, was a practical choice for seafarers thanks to its ability to quickly drain water. Following WWII, its silhouette was reinterpreted as the plastic “jelly sandal,” a cheap-and-cheerful design that became a common sight at European beach resorts.
More recently, it’s been revived in its traditional leather form by brands and designers wishing to capture our more casual moment in an elegant format. To that end, the fisherman sandal today can be found everywhere from SeaVees to Ralph Lauren Purple Label and is a must-have for your next summer escape.
Sabah Porto
Sabah’s Porto sandal is made in Italy from unlined, vegetable-tanned Tuscan leather that’s been dip-dyed by hand and tumbled with pumice stones for a lived-in look. Its ergonomic footbed and injected rubber outsole will pay major dividends in comfort.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Sandal
Ralph has given the humble fisherman’s sandal the full Purple Label treatment, elevating it with a stacked heel, leather sole, a burnished calfskin upper, and an equestrian-inspired buckle closure. Its closed-toe construction will allow it to pass even the most restrictive of country club dress codes.
J.M. Weston Leather Sandals
France’s foremost penny loafer provider has entered the sandal game with this elegant fisherman, boasting a closed toe and a buckle closure. A stacked heel further burnishes its appearance, while a rubber outsole makes it durable.
Vinny’s Fisherman Sandal
Vinny’s fisherman remains nautically inspired, but you won’t want to get too close to the water thanks to its suede upper. Elsewhere, it benefits from smooth leather linings, a hand-assembled construction, and a leather sole.
Church’s Fisherman Calfskin Leather Sandal
Church’s luxe fisherman is made in Italy from a calfskin leather upper that’s hand-treated with waxes for a deeper, richer finish. Its smart leather sole features a rubber panel that will greatly increase its longevity.
Paraboot Nubuck Sandal
Paraboot’s crafted an all-terrain iteration of the fisherman sandal, made from soft nubuck and complemented by a natural rubber outsole with a serrated finish for greater traction.
La Botte Gardiane Geronimo Fisherman Sandals
Founded in France’s Camargue region in 1958, La Botte Gardiane made its reputation building rugged boots for the region’s cattle herders. It’s since branched into other footwear styles, including its Geronimo fisherman made from straps of vegetable-tanned leather with a closed heel.
SeaVees Men’s Cape Fisherman Sandal
A new style from heritage sneaker maker SeaVees, the Cape fisherman sandal is built on the same anatomic footbed as its Tiburon slides and features an oiled leather upper. It is easily secured by an adjustable Velcro cupper and sits on a treaded Vibram outsole.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Chandler Bondurant
