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The Guardian
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The best summer shoes: 44 sandals, pumps and trainers for everyone
It's official. Boot season is finally over; it's time to let your tootsies breathe for a bit. But if just the thought of getting your feet out brings you out in hives, fear not – summer footwear extends far beyond just a pair of full-feet exposing flip-flops. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. From funky trainers, mules, plimsoles and chunky flatforms, to ballet pumps in bold colours, and this season's trending fisher's sandals, your options for summer feet coverage for the whole family are varied and wide. So whether you're running errands, off to work, picnicking in the park or summer lounging with your nearest and dearest, we have the shoes that fit. For this guide, we've searched out the best summer footwear for men, women and kids, so you can approach the warm months with a spring – or summer, if you like – in your step. Montbell sock-on sandals £45 at Montbell Rope sandals are very much a thing, in large part down to Prada. These ones from outdoor clothing specialist Montbell – founded by Japanese alpinist Isamu Tatsuno in 1975 – are a brilliant example of the genre; pared back, chic and going for a lot less than Miuccia prices. Birkenstock Tulum soft footbed £125 at Birkenstock£125 at Begg Shoes It wouldn't be a guide to summer footwear, and particularly not here at the Guardian, without at least one pair of Birkenstocks. But if you're a bit bored by the ubiquitous Arizona two-strap style, then the Tulum is a great alternative. Comfortable and a little more unexpected than their double-strap siblings, they cradle the foot in style. For more comfortable women's footwear, read our guide to the best sandals this summer Grenson Queenie £195 at Grenson Prepare to see a lot of 'fisher sandals' this summer, a style that's swimming its way into hearts and wardrobes. This pair from heritage British shoemaker Grenson is as close to a perfect example as I can find; the Quincy model is near-identical, but with a thicker sole. Budget-wise, they're more smoked salmon than kipper, but they should last an age and, when they look a little worn, Grenson offers a limited repair service. Marks & Spencer bow flat ballet pumps £29.50 at M&S The popularity of the ballet flat shows no signs of abating. Despite so little cushioning between foot and ground, there's something so poised about them that, on some occasions, the lack of support seems worth it. The puckering on this M&S pair is smart; the price tag is low (note: they're not leather), and the black is either classic or – with a pink sock – statement. Superga 2750 Cotu classic £65 at Asos£65 at Superga What Superga trainers offer in timeless design, they match in superlative arch support. Few lightweight summer trainers can claim this level of comfort. Available in a wide range of beautiful colours, I'm a fan of the off-white pair for their preppiness – they would have looked perfect on the feet of Bonnie in The Wonder Years. Great with jeans and a simple white T-shirt or a summer dress. For more, check out our guide to the best trainers that tick every box Ecco Sculpted Alba 25 heeled sandal £77 at Ecco Don't let the fact that my old geography teacher – and yours, probably – used to wear Ecco shoes put you off this pair. This heritage Danish brand is plenty stylish, and these sandals prove it. Available in silver, black and this gorgeous yellow, the open-back style might be more suitable for picnicking rather than pacing. Keen Uneek From £82.99 at Schuh£110 at Keen For many, these shoes from Portland-based hiking brand Keen may stray too far down the 'ugly shoe' route. Not for me, though, or the many others currently making them something of 'a thing'. On a quest to create a comfortable shoe with a customisable fit, Keen has delivered some that work for both wide and narrow feet, and ones you can walk in for miles. The black is stylish, the green and orange is a statement. Bobo Choses floral sandals £42 at Junior Edition Stocked in a few places in the UK, Bobo Choses is a Spanish brand that's known for its fun kidswear. This floral pair for women brings some of that childlike flavour to pool slides that will give that unicorn lilo a run for its money. Camper Twins recycled PET sandals £59 at Farfetch If coquettecore and gorpcore had a love child, I imagine it would look a bit like these sandals. Made from recycled polyester, they're the creation of Camper – the sometimes madcap, sometimes sensible shoe brand from Mallorca. Style with flouncy skirts and more bows to lean into the cutesyness, or with walking shorts and a T-shirt for a look that offsets prettiness with practicality. Feiyue Fe Lo 1920 £29.90 at Urban Surfer£37.80 at Spartoo These minimalist canvas shoes have been quietly making their way on to more and more feet over the past few years. They take a simple white plimsoll up a gear. Originally worn in Shanghai in the 1920s, they've proved their staying power and still manage to look remarkably modern. Cos Eva flip-flops £65 at Cos£65 at H&M There's been a real hullabaloo caused by a pair of £670 rubber flip-flops from luxury brand the Row that have become a cult item with people who have more money than sense. If you're after a similar low-key look but at high-street prices, you won't go far wrong with this pair from Cos. Me+Em suede clog £250 at Me+Em You can thank Chemena Kamali, the creative director of Chloé, for the clogs comeback. This pair has a strap, making them far easier to wear than more traditional styles, plus a soft suede upper that's more comfortable than the average nut-hard pair. A bit pricey, but this is a solid – and soft – pair of shoes. Gramicci slide sandal £37 at Asos£55 at Parasol Slip on and strap in could be the tagline for these sliders from the Californian rock-climbing brand Gramicci, which has been having a bit of a moment thousands of miles from any giant sequoias. They're the perfect pair of lightweight slides for pool lounging or campsite pootling – this summer, and for many more to come. Alohas Sway vanilla ballet flats £150 at Alohas Alohas' 'on demand' system is an effort to make only what will be bought. Given that overproduction is a huge problem in the fashion industry, it can only be a good thing. These shoes are made in Spain, and a similar pair I bought a few years ago is still going strong, even as the leather has become more supple. These would look great worn to lunch, the office or a wedding. Boden hardware mule sandal £80 at Boden£80 at John Lewis The single, big, curved buckle is the thing here. With contrast stitching, they look pricier than they are. Easy to slip on and off, the hardware means they still look put together, even as they communicate insouciance. The tan, black and deep olive are all equally appealing. Flabelus Mary Janes Oe £118 at Flabelus£120 at Selfridges Understandably, a Mary Jane slipper this expensive is going to raise some hackles. But some people will fall so hard for these well-made ballet flats that they won't mind the price tag at all. The inside is made from organic cotton, the outside from cotton velvet – so make the weather app your friend if you choose to buy them. Having bought a pair for a birthday nearly four years ago, I can vouch that these apparently flimsy shoes are still going strong since they first graced the pavement. Everlane the studio slingback flat £165 at Everlane A pointed toe instantly gives a look direction, and these silver slingbacks from sustainability-centric brand Everlane make me think it's a good one. If you have an event to go to, need something for work or just want to shoehorn some smartness into an otherwise laid-back season, these shoes are a step in the right direction. Dune Idda utilitarian strap sandals £79 at Dune£79 at John Lewis I know some men find the idea of sandals a bit tricky, intimidating even. If this is you, but you're still curious to try, then this pair of entirely inoffensive soft leather Dune sandals may be just the pair. You couldn't fall out with them if you tried. Fracap leather sandals £175 at Toast Made in Puglia by the family-run Fracap – the grandad apparently crafted his first pair of shoes in 1908 – these sandals are an investment. A truly timeless shoe, even if 2025 is shaping up to be a big one for fishers everywhere, they'll lend style to feet for years to come. The company's designs have been worn by the Italian Army and air force, so they should be able to withstand at least the next five summers' worth of barbecues. Chaco Z1 classic sandals £42 at Ellis BrighamFrom £65.28 at Amazon Originally designed in the late 1980s in Colorado by rafting guide Mark Paigen, these simple yet sophisticated sandals are far more understated than their birth-decade might imply. Less 'boom boom' excess and hedonism, and more supportive footbed and streamlined silhouette, they would work with tailoring as well as on a trail. Birkenstock Utti lace £140 at John Lewis£140 at Asos These might not look like much, but that's sort of the point. Between Birkenstock's unmistakable footbed and the soft suede material in which they're finished, the Utti lace are a treat for feet. Totally acceptable for wear with suits and jeans; just maybe avoid wearing with anything too tonally similar unless you want to look like a walking granola bar. John Lewis Gurka strappy sandals £79 at John Lewis Fisher meets corpcore in these sleek leather sandals that can be dressed up or down. Apparently made using the Blake stitch, whereby stitching runs directly through the insole, upper and outsole, they'll be a lighter weight and more flexible foot-companion than most. In a win for longevity, this construction method even allows for resoling. These shoes have a debonair air to match their slickness. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Sebago Dockside Portland boat shoe £149 at Stuarts£150 at John Lewis If you're going to hop on board the deck shoe trend – or, indeed, if you don't care about it one jot but need a practical shoe for warmer(ish) climes – then you may as well opt for a pair from Sebago. Founded in Maine in 1946, it makes quality footwear. Just don't feel obliged to wear this pair with red trousers. In fact, quite the opposite. Novesta Star Master contrast shoes £59 at Working Class Heroes£69 at Toast Who among us can say that our shoes have been baked in the oven? You – if you invest in a pair of Novestas. These military-inspired trainers are still made in the same Slovakian factory they have been made in since the 1930s, using a baking technique to gel them together rather than glue. The ecru is classic and preppy, but other colours can dial that minimalism up or down, depending on your taste. Mahabis Dreamer sandals From £89 at Mahabis Summer doesn't have to mean flimsy-soled shoes that make feet vibrate on concrete pavements. These sandals from Mahabis, the brand that brought us very smart slippers, will be a great foil to seasonal foot-ache. A note of caution: some colours are much, much better than others – black, seaweed and navy look much less like something Frasier Crane's dad would have worn than the lunar grey, for instance. Toms Santiago mule espadrille £65 at Toms£65 at John Lewis I once heard an espadrille caught in the rain described as like a crumbling Weetabix. I know some people aren't a fan, but I, for one, like the rustic, seaside spirit of an espadrille. This pair from Toms is the perfect shoe to slip on for any jollies. In the navy suede, they could just as easily work for a smarter day. Dr Martens Josef slide sandals £120 at Dr MartensFrom £126.40 at Amazon Dr Martens is best known for making the perfect boots for trudging through wintry weather. It might come as a surprise, then, to learn that the brand also makes shoes for less meteorologically challenging days. These leather slide sandals are super-comfy and lighter than they look. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 £150 at Onitsuka Tiger If you're wondering where a lot of the post-Rishi Sambas footfall went, it went to this trainer by a Japanese sportswear brand founded in 1949, now owned by Asics. While my sentiment is that wearing trainers in summer is a waste of an opportunity not to wear trainers, I know that many don't see it that way. But if you're going to wear a trainer, at least make it a bright yellow one. Merrell Speed Fusion sport RMX £64.99 at Sports Direct£80 at Merrell Do you remember when, a few years ago, everyone started wearing Tevas? This pair from Merrell feels like the 2025 replacement for anyone whose Tevas are now good for retirement after many years of walks and commutes. The treads on this pair from the decades-old outdoor specialist will feel like an upgrade, as will the design – plus the straps are a bit more stylish, particularly if you stick to the black. Russell & Bromley Dalvey cross-strap sandal £125 at Russell & Bromley There's something very The Talented Mr Ripley, Amalfi coastline about these cross-strap sandals, especially in the tan colour. Perhaps it figures, given they're made in Italy. They'd work well with seersucker clothing to a summer wedding, but are just as respectable for mooching around on a summer's day. FitFlop F-Mode Go strappy slides £42 at FitFlopFrom £60 at Amazon Another pair of slides, but this time more outdoors-coded than suited to the south of Naples. If you've been wearing bog-standard pool sliders for a few years now, these would be a great shoe to graduate to. Slick but still super-practical, they also feature a 'Microwobbleboard' midsole, which gains them the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of approval for footwear found to promote good foot health. M&S suede corkbed mule £38 at M&S A man in mules used to be a fairly controversial sight, but not any longer. There's even an Instagram account, Muleboyz, where you can check what good company you'd be keeping if you decide to become a mule-wearer yourself – as well as the more out-there models you could be wearing. This M&S pair is a great, unfussy version for mule newbies. Salt-Water shark fisher sandals £47.95 at Salt-Water Available in beautiful colours, well-made and, particularly in this model with a thicker sole, comfier than could reasonably be expected of a sandal, Salt-Water's fisher sandals are a classic. I like the caged toe for added protection, and they can stand up to water. They're not cheap, but certain styles and sizes are often reduced. Truth be told, I'm yet to buy a pair new – you'll find plenty of barely worn pairs on Vinted for less. I just picked up a pair for my daughter for £12. Clarks Playsun leather sandals £18 at Clarks£18 at Debenhams For the footwear equivalent of a Shirley Hughes poem, look no further. This sweet pair of Clarks sandals has childhood and innocence written all over them. Available in three colours, they're another classic from the children's footwear maker. Bensimon Elly Liberty slip-on tennis shoe £22.50 at Junior Edition Bensimon makes brilliant plimsolls in general, but this pair in the Libby Flowers print is particularly special. Made from rubber and cotton, they're super lightweight, and their slip-on style will save you the hassle of having to deal with laces when popping them on to your kid's feet. And – joy of joys – they're machine-washable. Liewood Morris sandals From £24.75 at Smallable Marshmallows in shoe form, this pair would be great for boinging from playground to paddling pool. The shell pattern is cute, ditto the crabs. They're designed by a Scandi company that brings more tastefulness to kids' clobber than most. Teva Hurricane XLT 2 boys junior From £21.99 at SchuhFrom £31.49 at SportsShoes I know I said earlier that Teva had their moment a few years ago, but that isn't to say they don't still do the job very well – I still wear mine. Plus, they're great sandals for kids. The colourful versions are fun, and I can vouch that they can withstand a lot of walking, being kind to feet along the way. Vinted is abundant with good-as-new options. Hermosilla Bouton d'Or ballerinas £34 at Smallable At £34, you might not want to put these very sweet Spanish-made ballet pumps through their paces in the sandpit. But if you're after something special, these pretty pumps are well made and might just be the perfect shoe for the occasion. Trotters Hampton plum canvas plimsolls From £32 at John Lewis Often spotted on the feet of the royal children, these slip-on-and-off plimmies from British brand Trotters are the incarnation of kites and sandcastles in shoe form. The cotton canvas should be pretty durable and, crucially, they're machine-washable. The T-bar version is also very sweet. Start-Rite trekker sandals £30 at Start-Rite£30 at John Lewis This Norfolk company has apparently been making shoes since 1792 – although not this exact model, which looks very much like a more childish take on the kind of gorpcore sandal that's being worn in towns and cities around the country. The rugged treads will be as good for playgrounds as craggy footpaths. Mountain Warehouse Bermuda aqua shoes £7.99 at Mountain Warehouse Maybe you're already in on it, but until recently, aqua shoes felt to me like a well-kept secret. They're super-comfy and make stone or shingle beaches more fun to paddle and play on. This pair from Mountain Warehouse has good grips and won't break the bank. Mori Kidly jelly shoe £11.20 at Mori To my mind, it wouldn't be a childhood summer without a pair of jellies. But some jellies can be rigid and uncomfortable. Thankfully, these ones are squidgier than your average. Looks-wise, the buckle is a nice touch, but the fact that it hides Velcro beneath is the real coup – so much less fiddly when you're in a rush to get out of the door. If the thought of buying plastic shoes new doesn't spark joy, the secondhand market for them is booming. Crocs classic clog From £26.24 at Crocs£27.99 at Schuh A modern-day classic, the Croc is the shoe we reach for most during the warmer months. With or without socks, with Spider-Man Croc-gems or splodges of yesterday's ice-cream, they keep young feet comfy and well protected with aplomb. Plus, they work for older kids and toddlers alike. Again, check out Vinted, eBay and so on for options for about a third of the price of new. Birkenstock New Yorkjunior £45 at John LewisFrom £45.98 at Amazon Ever-comfy, ever-versatile, it feels right to round things off with one more Birkenstock. The wide-strapped New Yorks are a great shout for kids; the ones with an ankle strap make most sense on the end of legs prone to running at any moment. They don't come cheap, but they're sturdier than most sandals, and can be worn with socks early in the spring and into autumn, too. Plus, they'll make great hand-me-downs. Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian's fashion desk
Japan Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer
Mountaineer Isamu Tatsuno, the founder of outdoor gear and clothing manufacturer Montbell, generalizes climbers as 'wimpy' people who are cautious by nature — not the swashbuckling adventurers people might have in mind. 'You don't agree — most people don't agree,' said the charismatic 77-year-old in a recent interview at his office in the city of Osaka. 'But it's really true, climbers are wimpy, always worrying about the future, always worrying about risk — what if the rain starts? What if the snow starts?' Tatsuno has applied a similar logic to his own business from its early days, planning ahead for survival. It paid off, with the company recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. In fact, it's almost going too well. Today, Montbell operates more than 140 stores in Japan and its gear is the de facto uniform for hikers and climbers in the country. It has also developed a large fan base outside its domestic market with shoppers from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China flocking to its stores. 'Montbell is very well received, especially by the Asia market,' he said, noting that in the Namba City Osaka retail space alone, sales were up 300% due to inbound tourists flocking to the store. 'A little scary, but you don't want to stop it.' Back when the company was founded, the value of the mountaineering and outdoor market was said to be around ¥50 billion ($349 million). Thirty years after, the company made ¥10 billion. Now, 50 years on, Montbell's total sales worldwide have reached ¥162 billion. 'It's out of control. The company has grown automatically,' he laughs, joking that he had little to do with its rocketing success. Tatsuno's business plans for Montbell, which he drafted in 1980. Since the start of the business, Tatsuno has applied mountaineering logic, always planning ahead for its survival. | Elizabeth Beattie Tatsuno, a lifelong adventurer, enjoys surpassing limits — whether it be breezing past retirement age and continuing to work hands-on on the business he founded, completing record-breaking climbing feats or exceeding fiscal expectations. In the multistory Montbell building in Osaka, Tatsuno's office foyer is full of flowers from well wishers as the company celebrates its half-century anniversary. The scene is a long way from the company's humble origins with no capital. Tatsuno quipped that this meant he began the business with nothing to lose. Tatsuno hails from the city of Sakai, south of Osaka, which is known for its residents' business-savvy, outward-looking, curious attitude — traits that he too possesses. He was born in 1947, right after Japan was defeated in World War II. Sakai, which had been flattened by air raids, remained in a state of rubble for some time, while the end of WWII was economically and socially tough for Japan. 'The people are looking down, they lost their confidence,' he said of those postwar years. But intrepid mountaineers and pioneering Japanese adventurers encapsulated an emblem of hope for the country. In 1956, when climber Yuko Maki led the first successful expedition up the summit of Manaslu in Nepal — the eighth-highest mountain in the world — the achievement offered a sense of pride to the people of Japan. Maki co-authored a gripping account of the 8,163-meter climb, describing the thrills and challenges of scaling the often-deadly mountain, published the following year. 'That created the first mountaineering boom. People were so excited about the success. I was a little child, but I was very influenced by this,' Tatsuno said. Tatsuno climbs the north face of the Eiger in Switzerland in 1969 at the age of 21. | Courtesy of Montbell 'You see the mountain over there, very far away, that's Kongo mountain in Sakai City,' he said as pointed out the window of his palatial office, recalling the testing memories of his childhood. When Tatsuno was still in primary school, he was a physically weak child, which he put down to poor nutrition following WWII and growing up in a family of eight siblings. So when the teacher took students on a hike up Mount Kongo, he was not allowed to join them — which left a scar in his memory. But his health conditions didn't stop him from realizing his dream of becoming 'a mountain man.' He threw himself into hiking and camping, exploring with friends or undertaking solo treks, and grew stronger and more able over time. When his school reading included Heinrich Harrer's 'The White Spider,' an account of scaling the north face of the Eiger mountain of the Swiss Alps, Tatsuno set his sights on something more ambitious — becoming the first Japanese climber to scale the Eiger himself. At the age of 21 and along with climbing partner Sanji Nakatani, he ascended the mountain. They spurred each other on throughout the 'exhausting' climb with the notion of rewarding their efforts with delicious food and the warmth of the Mediterranean climate. They made it to the top, and, more importantly, made it down unscathed. 'We were the first Japanese to reach the top of the north face, and came back with both lives,' he said. While Mitsumasa Takata is the first Japanese person to summit the mountain via the north face, his partner was killed in the process. A Montbell store in Tokyo. Today, Montbell operates more than 140 stores in Japan, and its gear is the de facto uniform for hikers and climbers in the country. | Elizabeth Beattie Today, 88-year-old Nakatani is still puttering around, working at Montbell. Despite having achieved his lifelong goal in his early 20s, Tatsuno continued climbing. He considered for some time working as a guide, but eventually took on a job in the textile department of a trading company in Osaka. The expertise he gained in the types of materials available and his existing knowledge of the ideal equipment for mountaineers combined to become the basis for his future business. 'At the time, everything was so heavy and bulky, and not easy to dry,' he said. Tatsuno was certain that fabric innovations could vastly improve outdoor gear. 'We were the users, we knew what we needed and what was not available,' he said. In 1975, at the age of 28, Tatsuno along with a group of friends founded Montbell as a company to provide the answer to all that he wanted in mountain gear as a climber. He chose the name Montbell — a play on mont belle, which means 'beautiful mountain' in French. The image of the bear, which serves as the mascot for the brand, is a sign of respect for the natural environment and the creatures who live there. The company became successful fairly quickly, with a reliable yet affordable sleeping bag becoming one of its early breakthrough products. The company also saw a niche in developing gear for rainy weather, which is essential for climbers. The years that followed saw it branching into product categories ranging from camping equipment to calligraphy sets. Tatsuno climbs Mount Gozaisho in Mie Prefecture in the 1960s. | Courtesy of Isamu Tatsuno The growth of the business, which he describes as organic, stems from the traditional Japanese business model that Tatsuno views more favorably than any other. 'I strongly still believe that for us, the best business case is Japanese style,' he said of the company's approach, which continues to favor a lifetime employment model for its 1,300-strong workers. This creates a talent pipeline, a long-term vision, and opportunities for young employees, he said. 'You have to hire young people every year,' he said, noting that the company will expand naturally over time as a result of the system, rather than one run by a CEO chasing growth. Regardless of the system, for the founder, the rules are somewhat different. Tatsuno feels like a Willy Wonka figure in the company he founded, dabbling in everything from editing magazines to developing new product concepts, to collaborating with local governments. 'I have so many ideas. I want to do this, this and this. I love it, I really enjoy it,' he said. This year, Tatsuno will be 78, an age at which the average Japanese businessman would have retired already. 'But I don't want to,' he said, adding that he still has verve to continue. His son, Takeshi, who serves as Montbell president, might wish he would retire, he said, laughing. Montbell became successful fairly quickly, with a reliable yet affordable sleeping bag becoming one of its early breakthrough products. | Elizabeth Beattie Tatsuno takes pleasure in his life, his work and in nature. While his youth was all about reaching the pinnacle, he's now far more interested in enjoying the journey. 'So many people ask me the same question, 'What is your next goal?' But I don't have one,' he said. Tatsuno has already succeeded in making the ideal outdoor clothing under his own brand, and now he wonders where the brand will take him next. 'It's like climbing a mountain; you should enjoy the way. I'm already satisfied walking on this trail. I don't know which way we'll go in the future. 'We just follow the road. And enjoy today, and tomorrow,' he said.
