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Sandals have been in high fashion over the last ten years, and show no signs of being out of style. These shoes, which were once deemed only for use by hippies and poor people, are now found in any possible occasion. Open shoes are now worn to award shows, five star restaurants, court rooms, and even in many office jobs.
The trend is to find the least possible amount of shoe on your foot. Thongs, toe rings, and even nothing at all on top of your foot, is what fashionistas are purchasing.
" I hate wearing shoes", admits Joanna West, a customer service manager. " The less straps the better. Something easy enough to slip off under my desk."
While going barefoot naturally costs nothing, women are willing to spend hundreds of dollars to look barefoot. People WANT to not wear shoes, but society labels it "taboo". So, shoe manufacturers spend countless hours configuring the most open sandals to make and be wearable.
This trend originated in the mid 1960s. Bernardo Sandals became popular. One of their pairs had a paper thin sole, and a thin piece of fiber between the first two toes and around the ankle. Until walking close to the wearer, someone would guess that person was barefoot. Another pair had a paper thin sole and a ring around the ankle. This time, the only piece on top of the foot was a ring around the big toe.
Today, Bernardo's Sandals are back in business. Some fetching $250 or more. Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik also have barely-there sandals at the price of hundreds of dollars. All this for a thin sole and about the circumference of a rubber band on top of the foot.
There are cheaper alternatives. Old Navy has flip flops that can be purchased for as little as under $4.00. This store also sells nicer thong sandals at slightly higher prices. Every department store and dollar store will have cheap versions as well.
For the absolute barest sandal on the market, look no further than Down-Under's Topless Sandals. This is a sandal that has nothing on top of your foot, and has a flypaper-like surface that sticks to the bottom of your foot. These can be found for $12-$15 usually at various locations. These are perfect asterisks for dress code regulations, which might say "no thong sandals".
Now that showing off 99% of your foot is considered chic, let's hope we can save some money by just going barefoot like we'd all like to.
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How Bare Can You Go? Here are some various prices of barely-there sandals. Photos courtesy of the sandal makers' website.
These are Topless Tabi sandals by Martin Margiela. You strap tape around your foot and the shoe! Cost: $340.00.
This was the barest sandal, circa Vogue Magazine 1965. This is from Bernardo. Not sure what these sold for then.
Bernardo Sandals, circa Vogue Magazine 1967. Not sure of the market price back then. Current line of Bernardo Sandals, called Felicity. Cost:$240 Gueseppe Zanotti sandals, Cost: $450
Manolo Blahnik sandals. Cost: $650 Clear Manolo Blahnik sandals. Cost: $685 Another Manolo sandals. Cost: $750
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