Flip-Flop Alternatives Part 2

For the second installment of flip-flop alternatives, we will turn out attention to some less obvious, bolder shoe options for guys.

The first one I want to focus on is the driving moc/loafer.  A lot of younger guys tend to shy away from mocs and loafers because they have a reputation for being not as hip or trendy as other shoes.  This is a huge misconception, though, and many times mocs and loafers can be some of the most stylish pieces in a younger man’s wardrobe if he knows how to rock them.  While brown, black, and creme are staple colors, the simple styling of the shoe allows you to go with brighter colors without the shoe looking too over the top.  These joints from Ted Baker:

<click pic to buy!>

And at $135, the price is definitely reasonable.  When wearing shoes this bright, don’t try to match you outfit to the shoes: dress as you would if they were brown or black.  These shoes could make jeans and a white polo look amazing.  If yellow and reds are too bright for you, blue is a great color that isn’t as loud as yellow or red but can still add a pop to an otherwise ordinary outfit.  These blue leather mocs from Ralph Lauren are great because you can wear them with chinos and jeans or a light colored summer suit and for $80 I might just cop a pair for myself:

<click pic to buy!>

The next type of shoe I want to talk about has had a growing following over the past 2 years thanks, in part, to Toms Shoes.  The espadrille is the type of shoe that Tom is pushing and they have been on the feet of hipsters, hippies, and models on major designer runways.  Here is a brief history and description thanks to the Encyclopdia’s murderer Wikipedia:

The term espadrille is French and derives from the Catalan name for the shoes, espardenya, which derives fromespart, the Catalan name for esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass used in making rope. Espadrilles have been made in Catalonia since the 14th century at least, and there are Catalan shops still in existence that have been making espadrilles for over a century. Traditional espadrilles have a canvas upper with the toe and vamp cut in one piece, and seamed to the rope sole at the sides.

Basically they are shoes with rope soles and cotton/natural fiber uppers.  These natural fibers make them super breathable, thus keeping your feet cool but at the same time stylish.  The come in a wide range of colors and patterns and range in price from under $20 to well over $100.  While I believe you get what you pay for, you really shouldn’t pay more than $30 or so for a pair.  At such a cheap price, you can afford to get 2 pairs! One, simple and understated that you can keep for lounging in the house or simple errands like these for $20:

<click to buy!>

And another that are more colorful that you can wear out on a casual summer night like these:

<click to buy!>

Espadrilles look great with shorts or linen pants with a simple shirt (t-shirt, polo, simple button down).  You could even just wear them with what ever you lounge in as a summer alternative for house shoes.  If you want to be a bold yet understated, try these with fitted linen pants or jeans and a scoop neck shirt like this from Topman for less than $20:

<click to buy!>

There are definitely more summer footwear options, but these are great ways to look stylish without burning you feet during the summer.  As always if you have questions or suggestions, hit us up!