Chic & sporty sandals

Whether you're actually sporty or most likely to be voted LVP — that's Least Valuable Player, of course — a pair of sporty sandals is a must have this season. Maybe it's a hangover from our pandemic loungewear habit or maybe it's because COVID taught us the value of fresh air and the freedom to roam. One thing's for sure: There's no reason to not wear comfy shoes. Rebecca Tay looks at five pairs that are sporty, stylish and summer-ready.

LILAC DAYS

Sure, you wouldn't want to run a marathon — or any distance, let's get real — in these Melissa x Lazy Oaf see-through purple sandals, but you can guarantee you'll win the style stakes. With their daisy detailing and platform, '90s-inspired shape, they're a throwback style that feels oh-so-current. Did we mention they also have a slightly fruity scent? Scented sandals — who would've thought?

Little Burgundy, littleburgundyshoes.com | $160

BACK TO BASICS

It wouldn't be a practical, sporty shoe story without a pair of Birkenstocks, and this `Arizona' pair in black leather is a classic. Made in Germany from oiled nubuck leather for a handcrafted yet polished finish, the shaped footbed will make you wonder how you'll wear completely flat insoles ever again. Team with everything from shorts and denim to shirt dresses and full skirts.

Gravity Pope, gravitypope.com | $190

BUDGET BUY

Is it any surprise that the world's first carbon negative EVA shoe is by Allbirds, founded by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger to create a new category of shoe made from natural materials. Their first pairs — the now-easily-recognizable Tree Dasher — were made from wool, and these `Sugar Gliders' are made from sugarcane, with 100 per cent recycled polyester straps. Available in unisex sizing and fun colours such as this `buoyant orange', they're pretty much the perfect pool or beach slide for Summer '22.

Allbirds, allbirds.ca | $60

TRIED AND TESTED

Tee-vah or Teh-vah? Turns out it's the latter, though you would be forgiven for thinking the opposite, especially if you were born in the '80s, when Teva had its first surge in popularity. Founded in the Grand Canyon in 1984 by a river guide, Mark Thatcher, the idea for the brand's iconic sandal came from a pair of flip flops that were rigged to two old Velcro-strap wristbands. Today, you can't say `sporty sandal' without conjuring an image of the classic style — or one of its many knock-offs.

SSENSE, ssense.com | $80

BRIGHT WHITE

Sandals that feel like pillows? How about ones that look a bit like them too. Water repellent and stain resistant, this pillowy leather `Jasmine' flip-flop by heritage Canadian brand Cougar has a padded upper strap that's as comfy as it looks. Try them with a floral dress for a look that's refreshingly modern.

Cougar, cougarshoes.com | $110