Here’s a strange fact about me: while I might be busy editing and sharing inspirational stories and pieces for you to consider as GH’s style director, I myself hardly ever buy new clothes or accessories. At very most eight things a year. Last year I only bought five.
Why? First, well, I’ve been an adult for a long time, and have stayed the same dress and shoe size since my twenties. Second, I hate overconsumption and waste. Crappy clothes, most of them polyester, are choking the planet. Third, I’ve always only ever been interested in buying good quality, modern and very chic clothes that I research in advance, love, save up for, and buy because they suit me and above all elevate how I feel moving through life. And guess what? Most of the things I’ve bought have lasted, still suit me, and still have relevance in my wardrobe.
Unless they wear out, that is. Like my now ancient and much-loved Birkenstocks, the footbeds of which are frayed like the pages of an old book that got damp in the rain. I’ve been looking for new everyday stylish sandals to replace them since early February as my team here at GH will testify. The best time to find summer sandals is, ironically, at the tail end of winter - and the best ones are always the first to go.
The first decision I made was – surprise! - NOT to buy a like-for-like Birkenstock replacement. You see, in the decade or so I’ve owned them, there are now just so many brilliant walking and hiking inspired sandals out there, which are fashionable, comfortable and functional. And also because I've become someone who walks an hour a day to balance out the hours spent hunched over a computer. Outcome: a hiking sandal with a fashion edge is the only thing I will consider.
Just one look across leading luxury brand sites tell you – a hiking or walking sandal is a key source of inspiration this season (and most seasons). Prada’s back-by-popular-demand Nomad sandal (£460) is basically a Teva, with Prada branding. And a classic Teva sandal is £70! The ex-Chloe designer Natacha Ramsay-Levi now designs shoes for Danish hiking brand Ecco, and British based designer Roksanda Ilincic creates gorgeous sandals for.. FitFlop, a brand I have never considered wearing, until now.
In fact, its thanks to me looking up Roksanda’s fabulous - and mostly sold out - designs for FitFlop, that I discovered the sandals which inspired me to tap on the “click to buy” button, and make my first fashion purchase of 2025.
They’re rather unglamorously called Gen-FF Soft-Leather Back-Strap Sandals, and as well as the padded nappa leather being a beautiful shade of khaki (they come in all-black too), the FitFlop’s “microwobbleboard” technology (another sexy one!) means my weight is evenly distributed, and the shoe is ergonomically designed to help my body align as I walk. Oh, and the soles are designed to grip trails and country paths. What’s not to love? A stylish sandal as a fashion and wellbeing accessory, and one I can wear for both maximum fashion vibes and running like the wind for the bus? I’m all in.
P.S FitFlop is currently running a 20% off promo - use the code Share20. You're welcome.
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