Why the chunky hiking sandal is this summer’s fashion

Don’t be put off by words such as ‘walking’, ‘backpacking’ and ‘tourist’ – this is a sandal you should take seriously

What do you call this type of sandal? Is it a hiking sandal? A walking sandal, maybe? It is a “tourist shoe” to some, a chunky sandal to others. What is it to you?

The correct answer is it’s a very fashionable sandal. This summer’s most fashionable sandal, in fact. An It sandal, if you like. Once a quirky choice of summer shoe, this is now the star of the show. Bit like the tale of the Ugly Duckling, but for shoes. The chunky, Velcro-tabbed sandal that was designed for coastal paths and backpacking trips is now hanging out at the beach bar, invited to the coolest parties. It is to summer now what a Havaiana flip flop was to the summers of the 1990s.