LOOK: 7 times celebrities wore their mandals to perfection—and where to buy a pair
Time to get a pedicure (or do your own, I guess) because mandals—yes, men's sandals—are having a moment!
Sure, mandals are nothing new, but lately, more and more people are stepping out of their comfort zones and starting to appreciate this "ugly" shoe.
Mandals may have a reputation for being a man-repeller fashion piece, but these chunky and structured strappy footwear are actually very versatile no matter how you choose to wear it. Need proof? Just check out the celebrities wearing it below.
If you're ready to try this trend, scroll through our list below to see where you can get your own pair.
Birkenstock
One of the most popular brands is Birkenstock, which is known for its signature orthopedic cork footbed and leather, suede, or rubber straps, and has been worn by who's who in Hollywood. Their best-selling Arizona (P4,990) has paved the way for other brands to follow suit and make their own iterations of the double-strap sandal.
Melissa
Remember jelly shoes that were once popular in the '90s? Even though they're not as popular now, Melissa continues to make unique vegan shoes made of PVC plastic in various styles. Here, you can find trendy sandals with adjustable ankle straps in different colorways and heights like the comfy Papete Fluffy + Rider (P3,495), ultra girly Kick Off Sandal x Lazy OAF (P4,395) or the chunky Cosmic Sandal II (P4,599).
Muni-muni
Go local! Muni-muni gives a unique twist to the mandal with their Piyesta sandals (P3,050), which is made of printed deadstock fabric, integrated with soles wrapped in natural fibers that are 100% biodegradable.
Nike
If you're looking for something that you can wear to hikes or longer walks, check out Nike. They have sandals that are just as comfy as their sneakers and rubber shoes. The Nike ACG Air Deschutz (P3,895), for instance, has a "rugged outdoor-inspired design" and has a plush padding to support your ankles.
Teva
Another iconic brand, Teva, is known for their Velco-strapped sandals. Their Original Universal ($50) has a quick-dry webbing that's made from recycled plastic and an arched footbed for support, as well as a rubber outsole for durability. While it's no longer sold in the Philippines, resellers like AussieBuys PH can help you get the Teva style you need.
Photos from Instagram (@annecurtissmith, @leilalcasid, @lissakahayon, @martine, @bela, @beaalonzo, @sarahlahbati, @iamhearte)