Tender Toes Tout Sanuk
Filed under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes
Some people have tender heads. We have very soft, tender tootsies, so we're always searching for cute shoes that won't cut our feet to shreds.
We expect high heels and strappy sandals to be tough on feet, but the surprise villain in this story is flip flops. They can be the cruelest of footwear to delicate toes.
Those flat soles leave your arches unsupported. The straps, made of tough, hard rubber or scratchy mesh can rub your instep raw in twenty paces or less.
For the blister prone, they are best left under the bed or in the closet.
But, you protest, sometimes we need flip flops! Going to beach, coming home from a pedicure, or just to look casual cool in jeans. What then?
Relax, we found a solution.
Sanuk is a funky little surf company based in Cardiff by the Sea in Southern California. Sanuk is the Thai word for happiness, and that's what the Payday model of their flip flops gives us.
The strap is a little wider than average and backed with fuzzy fabric that feels like moleskin, not sandpaper. The sole has a little lift, and like a miracle, they included a nice supportive curve, right under your arch.
We're not suggesting you climb mountains in them, but you can definitely hit the mall without a fist full of Band-Aids in your bag.
We love them in white, available at katinsurf.com for $19.99.
Meg 4-24-2008 @ 9:36AM
I would actually suggest the Reef line of flip flops. Most of their styles use fabric for the band instead of any type of plastic or leather. They also are molded with arch support and quickly conform to your own foot. I buy a pair every summer and they last me (worn everyday) until next summer.
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SDTransplant 4-24-2008 @ 10:48PM
I bought a pair of Sanuks a few years ago in Seaport Village in San Diego and they were very comfy. They were rather pricy though even on sale. Since Cardiff by the Sea is in Carlsbad, which is in northern San Diego, I didn't realize I was supporting a local brand, which makes my purchase even better.
I also like Reef but their flip flops also run on the expensive side. I bought one pair and wore it to death over the course of two years.
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Kristen 4-25-2008 @ 4:47PM
I have Reefs (I live in Florida -- who doesn't?), and once they're broken in, they're great, but breaking them in is a B. I get horrible blisters between my toes -- I might have to give Sanuks a try.
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