FUNCTIONAL SANDALS WITH STYLE AND TECH FOR ANY ENDEAVOR.
The sporty look is in, from head to toe. "Active sandals are hot in every tier of the shoe
business right now. I see it as an extension of how hot athletics are," Alegria Design
Director Megan Gold tells us. "The athletic customer wants warm weather offerings
that feature the function and support that they are accustomed to. Plus, they want to
get the most mileage out of their existing go-to wardrobe." Archies Footwear Founder,
Daniel Jones, says he is seeing consumers zeroing in on sandals that can be worn in all
facets of life. "Comfort has never been cooler, and active sandals and footwear aren't
only about recovery post-activity, it's about providing something that is comfortable and
supportive enough to be worn all day long," comments the executive. When it comes
down to making choices, "we're noticing consumers are happier than ever before
to compromise on some of the traditional fashion aspects in the name of comfort."
Here, brand execs tell us what's trending right now in the active sandal category.
BY SUZANNE BLECHER