Things I'm Not Buying(but want to) #3
Summer Sandals / Clogs
So this is called Things I’m Not Buying because originally I was trying not to buy anything before the move to London.
Now it’s a different problem.
London apartments are much smaller than those in California, even though we’ve gone from one bed to two.
But anyway. Over consumption is inherently bad, so I try not to do it.
Old habits die hard though.
As someone who once had 40+ pairs of footwear, operating on around <10 now is a good place to be. Leaving the US did some damage to the rotation though, so I’m needing to replace some soldiers.
There’s also a difference between opening your front door and it being the beach, versus being in Hackney. I need something to throw on to walk the dog at night. My Salehe Crocs just wouldn’t fly in London.
I love the Boston Birkenstock. I think I’m just a few years too late. So I’ve been looking for alternatives.
Before I get into it, what I like about the Boston:
1) Closed toe. It’s fine having the heel out, but you can’t be in the pub with your skanky toes hanging out. Put them dawgs away.
2) They dress up and down.
3) The look with the socks is tight.
4) Works with shorts.
5) Works with pants.
6) Actually good for your feet. Lord knows I need this.
Here’s what the options are:
Click the name titlesfor the product page.
Dr. Martens Orleans San Mule
More structured than anything else on this list. The Doc’s DNA is in there without it screaming it at you. This makes the list because it doesn’t have the Docs yellow stitching. Closed toe, real sole, can actually handle a London pavement in October. Probably the most practical pick here.
Diemme Maggiore Faded Black Suede
Italian suede, Vibram rubber sole, handmade in Veneto. Sits somewhere between a mule and a sneaker silhouette. It’s weather-resistant which matters here. The faded black is a interesting call over straight black, a bit more character to it. Pricier, but that kinda comes with anything from Diemme.
ROA is doing interesting things and this is probably the most out-there pick on the list. Trail-influenced, closed toe, proper outsole. It shouldn’t work as a casual shoe but somehow it does. Not for everyone. For the right person though, whose always ready for action, it’s the one.
This kinda looks like a Foamposite.. FTWK.
This is the closest thing to the Boston on the list and Studio Nicholson does it better. Considered brand, considered product. Black, minimal, works with the socks look without trying too hard. Slightly elevated but not in an annoying way. But much more expensive. At this point, should you just get the Birks? I think so.
I truly wasn’t expecting to find a Blundstone product in my research.. but here we are. Rustic black leather, Chelsea boot construction translated into a clog. More robust than anything else on this list. As an Australian, I’m still slightly confused about the evolution of Blundstones into a premium brand. Can I stomach £160 for Blundstone clogs?
A little more Sporty Spice than Posh.. but these would be hella comfy. Definitely the most sporty from the list so far. These are built for recovery but look intentional enough for a quick errand. If you’re not precious about it and just want something functional with a bit of edge, these work. I think the right colourway would be crucial for dressing up or down.
The premium version of the above. Full grain leather upper, cork footbed, fuzeFOAM midsole. £90 and actually feels like a considered product rather than just a performance slide with good branding. The khaki colourway ultimately leans more casual.. so again would need a different colourway.
Split them toes son. Not sure how I feel about running a Tabi but worth including for sure. Tencel knit upper, sugar cane outsole, split toe silhouette. Would feel premium. The split toe will divide opinion, which is probably the point.
The quiet one. These kinda remind me of the slippers my dad wears but much more fancy.
Suede upper, full leather lining, clean shape. No nonsense mule.
If there is something I’m missing, let me know. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet, so could be swayed.
Anyway, thanks for reading the third edition of Things I’m Not Buying (But Want To).
Thanks for your time as always.
Hayden
