Gone Fishing

Fisherman sandals are back in a big way this season

Hello, Gorgeous!

Even if you skip most trendy styles, it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid Fisherman sandals which are popping up everywhere.

I chose a few pairs I thought you might like, but first a short history of fisherman sandals.

What are fisherman sandals?

Fisherman sandals were created thousands of years ago for Mediterranean fisherman in need of functional footwear.

Early iterations of fisherman sandals were most often made of heavy strips of interwoven pieces and sewn onto a thick sole meant to withstand water or rocks. To keep toes safe from fish hook mishaps and other potential danger, there was a strip of leather over the big toe.

Also known as Roman sandals, Greek sandals and Jesus sandals, fisherman sandals were most often worn by men. Something shifted in the 1960s when women on vacation started discovering this style along with espadrilles. Huaraches (the Mexican version were wildly popular in the late ‘80s) started showing up on women’s feet as well. And that leads us to what feels like an endless push to get fisherman sandals on your feet.

Last year I posted about these so ugly they’re cute bright green Crocs fisherman sandals. You were not amused.

Fisherman sandals right now

Next gen fisherman sandals are usually designed for comfort and everyday wear. I’m especially loving all the metallic versions. I’m not a fan of the high-heeled versions since they can put uncomfortable weight on the balls of your feet and end up pushing toes forward.

These all look pretty cute. And there’s no particular reason they’re all from Nordstrom, I just fell down a sandal rabbit hole.

• AllSaints has a classic version with these Tess Lug Sole sandals. One thing, they don’t look like they have a ton of support ($269, Nordstrom).

• Timberland Clairemont Way Fisherman Sandal are a fun mix of comfy lug sole and slightly dressy. There’s no toe guard, and they also sorta kinda look like shoes your toddler niece would be happy wearing ($100, Nordstrom).

• I love the classic simplicity of these Free People Libby slingbacks. that said, the sole is super flat and looks like it’s made of wood, so definitely not a great option if you’ll be walking a lot ($138, Nordstrom).

• If you’re looking for a nice pair of shoes to wear with summer dresses or long shorts, check out these Falesia Block Heel Fisherman sandals in light bronze by Donald Pliner. There’s a beautiful bit of shimmer in the cork block heel, and a zip in back which keeps the silhouette of the style without a whole bunch of buckles ($228, Nordstrom).

• Melissa Possession Stud Fisherman Sandals are made of PVC plastic and have funky looking studs. They also remind me of Pinhead from the Hellraiser movies, so I will probably give these a pass ($69, Nordstrom).

Incidentally, if you feel like really splashing out, Prada has a pair of platform cage sandals for $1,250, while McQueen has a really silly looking pair of T-Bar Fisherman sandals for $1,190.

Fisherman sandals, yea, nay or oy vey? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋