Summer Shoes For Men
Let’s get one thing straight, gentlemen:
I am ANTI-FLIP FLOP
For too long I have seen people exposing their feet dangerously close to the disgusting New York streets, subway platforms, and subway car floors. And do not give me that, “Well, New York is so much cleaner now” speech because I just saw a homeless guy using a hydrant as his own personal bidet today. Not only that, but have you looked at the bottom of your feet after you’ve walked around all day in those? They’re probably black. That’s gross. Plus they are just awful with any attire. Please don’t “dress it up” and get “fancy flops”; those just make matters go from bad to worse.
OK, so now what do you do besides resorting to the flip of flop? Well, I have several suggestions:
I just read about a shoe made in Spain called ABARCA (which sparked the whole idea for this post). I cannot find them in any of the stores in the states but I find this a great template for what to look for in a good men’s summer shoe that keeps the feet nice and cool without making you look like you forgot to change your footwear post shower at the gym:
31 Euros
Another nice and inexpensive alternative is the very lightweight CHENG’S PLIMSOLL from Urban Outfitters. They look like you’ll get maybe one, two seasons out of them but for $18 a pop (or 2 for $30) you may as well give them a shot this summer. They look like they’ll handle the heat pretty well on your sockless peds:
Chengs Plimsoll - $18 or 2 for $30
And finally my favorite of them all is the Driving Moc. These are very masculine, comfortable, can be worn with jeans, shorts, summer suits, and you can go sock less with them without looking ridiculous.
Ashton Grey - $59.95
And one more very powerful piece of equipment for any man wearing close toed shoes in the summer:
$4.00
So glad to see someone taking a public stand on a disgusting trend. I loathe public flip flop wearing…and even worse, I hate seeing the dirty feet. Great options, especially the Gold Bond…a very necessary accessory.
I think we should start a petition to ban flip flop usage in all major cities. It’s disgusting.
All the best,
Dennis Cahlo
Nice post, M2M–though I’m going to have the “personal bidet” image stuck in my head for the better part of the day. Though I’m not as vehemently anti-flop as you–I’m thinking paired w/ slim jeans and a blazer, not cargo shorts–sporting driving mocs or plimsolls sans socks are definitely a great alternative to flops. Check out the Zuriick site for plimsolls w/ quality and design.
However, I do have to say that those ABARCA things look like some sort of futuristic Jesus-meets-Eurotrash “fancy flop” that you said (and I agree) one should specifically avoid. For the love of God, please do not buy those.
Hi Shogo,
Thanks for the feedback.
I have to disagree with you on the Abarca, though. I think it’s a much better alternative to the flip flop because it keeps most of the foot covered while still letting them breathe. Don’t get me wrong, I would not wear those on the street (maybe to the store to buy eggs) but rather at the beach or a night in the Bahamas.
I presented it mainly for men who INSIST on subjecting all of us to the horrors of flip flops in New York City every summer. I think this shoe is a more hygienic conscious and stylish choice for said individuals.
All the best,
Dennis Cahlo