Summer is around the corner and can be daunting with its rising heat and humidity. For men, choosing weather appropriate footwear can be tricky at times. Sandals for men, or the recently coined fashion term “mandals”, are often regarded as the lazy choice for the lazy man. However with the rise of street fashion wear and men taking over as creative directors of the leading fashion houses, mandals are designed to be more versatile and stylish compared to their predecessors. The scorching Macau summer heat is just getting started which means that mandals are making its comeback and running rampant in the city. A must for summer, whether you opt for strappy sandals, logo details or slip-on sliders, get the perfect summer look finisher for the beach and for the city with our top picks of mandals and a few styling tips.
Hender Scheme
Before launching Hender Scheme, the brand’s founder and creator, Ryo Kashiwazaki worked in a shoe repair shop, so there is no doubt he knows what is he doing and mastering the art of making something good from the inside out. These sandals are crafted in Japan with flexible webbing straps, smooth leather foot beds and serrated rubber soles. Details like reinforced insteps and supportive layered mid soles enhance the comfortable fit and feel perfect for the summer weather.
Style Suggestion: Pair this with a basic crew neck white t-shirt and a cargo shorts.
Hender Scheme henderscheme.com
Birkenstock
A summer staple across the world, Birkenstock first started developing its arch-supporting foot beds in 1896, which are still integral to the brand today. One of its best-selling styles, these ‘Arizona’ sandals are made from sky-blue suede and set on the iconic cork mid-soles and cushioned EVA soles. Birkenstock sandals are obviously casual foot wear, however the appearance of suede can instantly transform an outfit–both from casual to formal and formal to casual.
Style Suggestion: Match this pair with a linen and light-colored suit.
Birkenstock Shoppes at Venetian Macao, The Venetian Macao, +853 2882 8183
Off-White
Virgil Abloh, the Creative Director for both Off-White and Louis Vuitton men’s wear is known for his iconic, complicated yet subtle design and styling. Part of Off-White’s most recent spring/summer collection, these rubber slides are printed with quotation marks spelling out “left” and “right” on the wrong foot. They are sprayed with the brand’s diagonal white lines inspired by city cross-ways and have molded rubber foot-beds for comfort.
Style Suggestion: Go all-out Off-White and wear this with the rest of the Off-White latest clothes. For a more street vibe looking ensemble, wear this with a pair of socks on.
Off-White Galaxy Macau, Shop 1054A, The Promenade Shops, +853 2857 6665
Gucci
Gucci’s ‘Tinsel’ sandals are a summery version of the chunky sneaker. Modeled after outdoorsy hiking shoe styles, these are made in Italy from leather, mesh and reinforced rubber-capped toes. The bungee cord laces and slingback ankle strap allow for an adjustable fit. Though this style of foot wear has been debated in the recent past years, the ugly sneaker trend is here to stay because different seasons call for different dad-inspired shoes. Comfort while being loud and bold styling wrapped up in one.
Style Suggestion: Pair them with a wide leg denim trousers and a tan bowling-style shirt.
Gucci Shoppes at Four Seasons, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau, +853 2828 2833
Tom Ford
There is an art to choosing warm-weather footwear, particularly when you’re looking for something that is both smart and comfortable. Made in Spain and topped with polished gold hardware, Tom Ford’s Grafton slides have supple but durable woven leather straps and rest on traditional braided jute soles.
Style Suggestion: Pair this with an all white ensemble look – white top and white trousers.
Tom Ford The Boulevard, Studio City Macau, Estrada Do Istmo, Cotai, +853 2885 2600
Fendi
Another top fashion brand that has a male lead to it as their creative director, Fendi’s slides combine the best of running technology and summer style. With its sole made similar to sneakers, this logo-appliqued pair is made in Italy from Zucca-printed coated-canvas and set on molded leather footbeds and transparent soles that highlight the air cushions within, making it the perfect choice of footwear for running errands.
Style Suggestion: Match this with a slim-fit blue denim trousers and a loose pastel colored shirt.
Fendi Shop G11-12, One Central Macau, Avenida de Sagres, NAPE, +853 2875 2887
Rick Owens
90s style is still a fashion statement up to this day. These pair of tractor sandals by Rick Owens offers a grunge aesthetic with a nod to 90s fashion. Made in Italy from supple leather that’s trimmed with canvas webbing, these sandals have an open cage design and fasten with buckles that can be adjusted for a more secure footing. They are set into clear exaggerated soles that reveal internal layers.
Style Suggestion: Match this with grey jogger pants and a over-sized black top.
Rick Owens G/F, New Yaohan, Av. Doutor Mário Soares, Macau, +853 2872 5338
