Beat Flip-Flop Stigma With Designer Sandals, $530 and Up

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- Not all feet are fit for open-toed footwear, but even the flip-flop-averse could be tempted by the technical straps of Prada SpA’s rubber-and-webbing sandals. Marrying the sportiness of Tevas with the simplicity of Birkenstocks, these summer slip-ons are high-end at $530 but low-key in true “dad” style. Rugged soles and two adjustable straps that fasten with Velcro add practicality, while the leather trim offers understated luxury and prevents chafing.

The Competition

• Another expensive riff on the Teva template are Maison Margiela’s multistrap sandals ($790), which come with a raised footbed and two ankle straps that make them extra fussy.

• Valentino SpA takes a more stripped-down approach with a $595 pair that has nylon-webbed Velcro straps with prominent “VLTN” branding in white across the ankle.

• For real Teva believers, look to its collaboration with Japanese bag manufacturer Porter ($110), which features that brand’s signature Cordura material and a green-and-orange color scheme on a buckled ankle strap.

The Case

Velcro here makes the difference. Its workmanlike quality gives a sporty edge to the leather and molded rubber and is a nod to the 1990s heyday of Prada Sport. The sandals will go with most weekend wear, but consider pairing them with slacks at a summer party. For a functional fit, no other sandal hits the mark in such a stylish, modern way. $530; mrporter.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Rovzar at crovzar@bloomberg.net, James Gaddy

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