Summer is sandal time. is year, there are plenty of options to choose from. With prices trending
up, consumers are becoming increasingly picky about both the quantity they purchase and the quality
of each shoe. Brands are pulling out all the stops when it comes to superior style and functionality for
longer wear. "Fashionable comfort is probably the key category we are seeing consumers flock to," says
Sydney Simas, VP of Sales and Marketing for Simco Imported Shoes. "Now that fashion is coming back,
consumers aren't willing to sacrifice the comfort elements they've grown accustomed to (during the
pandemic) and they want to look good at the same time." Ayelet Lax Levy, President of US Operations
for Naot, says, "anything with a heel or a wedge is blowing out as many women want the li and
elevated look with wedges and heels, but want to be able to walk and dance at events without pain." We
ask brand execs to share their new (and upcoming) styles, along with consumer trends in the category.
TRENDING
UP
SANDALS SHINE WITH
ELEVATED LOOKS AND
FUNCTIONAL DETAILS.
BY SUZANNE BLECHER
footwearinsight.com May/June 2023 ~ Footwear Insight • 27
