SPRING/SUMMER

Photo courtesy Merrell

Sandals are a summer staple, but they aren’t always the sturdiest. For spring/summer ’08, however, brands toughened them up with rugged outsoles and sturdy uppers he can wear anywhere, from the beach to the sidewalk and the great outdoors.

Aztec by Chubasco

Price:

Retails for $75.00

Chubasco has redesigned every one of their sandals from the insole up to create classic designs with modern materials for a collection of 25 new styles for 2008. The Aztec features 100 percent organic, anti-microbial hemp and an orthopedic polyurethane and rubber sole. Also available in leather, both versions feature the brand’s signature recycled woven tricot and nylon blend material for all-day, form fitting comfort. Designed by Chubasco’s new lead product designer Brett Ritter, the shoe is handmade in Sahuayo, Mexico, a town famous for huaraches.

Torran Thong by Timberland

Price:

Retails for $110

Timberland gives the classic sandal a polished update with the Torran Thong. Made with leathers enhanced with a hand-applied finish, the upper features pop stitching. The genuine leather outsole and leather-lined footbed not only look great but offer the ultimate in comfort.

Coho by Bite

Price:

Retails for $109.99

Packing light? Don’t forget the Coho from Bite’s new Adventure 3-in-1 series. Designed to transform into supportive light hiking sandals, casual slides, or adjustable beach sandals by rearranging the straps, these shoes adapt to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Exclusive, removable OrthoSport footbeds, patented toe guards and a hybrid Trailshark outsole also take this multipurpose shoe from the water to the mountains. Constructed with leather uppers and a neoprene lining, all shoes in the series also have drainage channels and suction scoops for wet surface traction.

Granada by Merrell

Price:

Retails for $80

Deconstructed nuance marries masculine style with Merrell’s Artrek sandal line. Featuring premium soft leather uppers over vegetable tanned, rope-wrapped leather footwear, these classy sandals are ideal summer casual wear. The Granada puts a new spin on the flip-flop with thick straps.

Graphite Abram OT sandal by Dr. Martens AirWair

Price:

Retails for $70

Light and rugged, the Graphite Abram OT sandal by Dr. Martens AirWair sports a hiking boot sensibility with a sophisticated edge. Combining synthetic and distressed Greenland leather for a breathable upper and a beefy trans-PVC cupsole for traction, this shoe also has hand stitched detailing and a cushy EVA footbed.

Deem by Cat Footwear

Price:

Retails for $60

This ruggedly handsome thong from Cat Footwear digs into terrain with an aggressively ridged sole. But he’ll be able to keep his soft side all to himself with the Deem’s comfort insole.

Alkali by Patagonia

Price:

Retails for $80

Patagonia delivers high style and eco-friendly attitude with the Alkali. A strappy sandal with and espadrille-style jute wrap, the outsole is made of 20 percent recycled rubber and the midsole features 15 percent recycled EVA. A pigskin lining adds durability and comfort.

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