Shoe Sleuth: Ornate Pom Pom Sandals that were Never Named Slave

A reader recently wrote:

Dear Shoe Sleuth, 

I love the festive look of the Dolce Gabbana pom pom sandal, but there's no way I'm buying a sandal originally named "Slave." I have no interest in supporting a company that consistently offends people with insensitive comments and product names. Plus there's no way I'm paying $2,395 for a sandal. If you could point me in the direction of some sandals with a similar look and a smaller price tag, that would be great. It would be even better if they were handmade by an artisan somewhere.

Sincerely, 

R.C.

Dear R.C.,

The Shoe Sleuth is on the case! I totally understand your sentiments, and I'm here to help. Though the sandals you mentioned above were said to be inspired by wheel carts in Sicily, it appears that sandals of that style are more frequently made in Greece. I've found a few options for you below, from items you can buy directly from the makers on Etsy to a few mass-produced options at lesser prices. I'll also keep an eye out for more, as I'm sure they'll start popping up everywhere. Stay tuned to the @ShoesNBoozeblog Instagram page for other options as we spot them.

From the Makers:

Maria BK's Etsy shop, Mabu by Maria BK offers a number of ornate handmade sandal styles, from bright colors with coins and beads to pastels with pom poms and tassels, all made in Athens, Greece. She even has flatforms and takes custom orders. The "Misty" gladiator sandals pictured here are available for $149.46, and other styles range from a little over $100 to just under $200.

Based in Mykkonos, Greece, DelosArt offers not only fun, handmade sandals with bright pom poms and jewels at their Etsy shop, but also handmade flower crowns. Prices on sandals range from $76.47 for metallic gold winged flats to $173 for beaded fringe gladiator sandals that lace up the leg, and the "Rainbow" sandals pictured are available for $132.08. Oh, and they also make sandals for children. 

From a Collective:

A team of Greek designers, painters and highly skilled shoemakers, Innovative Greek Shoes prides itself on using traditional, centuries-old techniques and eco-friendly technology to create unique handmade sandals. This "Astarti 3" pair retails for $179.81, and prices for shoes range from to 77.15 for solid leather flats to $370.75 for leather and velvet wedges.

From Larger Retailers

Though Athenian designer, Elina Linardaki has her own Etsy shop, she has gotten so popular that she has attracted the attention of larger luxury retailers. The lace-up sandal pictured sells for $265 on Moda Operandi, while the fringe gladiator flat is a Muzungu Sisters exclusive and costs $188.

If you like the ornate sandals but feel something a little more subdued is a better fit for your day-to-day life, consider the Estelen from Schutz. It still has the beads, tassels and pom poms, but everything's sized down a bit. It's available at Amazon.com for $160.

R.C., do one of these choices fit your fancy? Other readers, what are your thoughts on the Dolce Gabbana controversy. Does it matter to you that they eventually renamed their "Slave" sandals after catching a ton of flack? Sound off in the comments. And if you have a case for the Shoe Sleuth, please feel free to send a message on the Shoes N Booze Facebook page or email shoesnboozeblog@gmail.com.

Shoes Clues: 5 Comfort Sandals We Actually Wanna Wear

Walk This Way

Dear Reader,

I've never been a fan of sensible shoes as a category, however I've always loved certain styles that fall under that umbrella (Sebago boat shoes, Bass Weejuns and Bucs and Dr. Scholls Original Sandals). When normcore became an actual fashion term, and Birkenstocks became de riguer, I feared it was a bad omen. To my surprise, the movement has lead to some pretty cool takes on what I like to call "the granny sandal." Now that the weather has gotten walk-around friendly, here are a few choices that look AND feel great on casual days:

Dr. Scholls Original Sandals- Metallic

As stated above, I've loved classic Dr. Scholls sandals since childhood. What you may or may not know is that I am also a magpie. So this shiny silver flat definitely put a twinkle in my eye. Bonus points for the "anatomical footbed." ($88.00 at Lord & Taylor)

Vionic Tatian Sandal- Leopard

Vionic shoes feature podiatrist-designed "Orthaheel Technology" that helps realign the feet to the proper position after wearing heels and shoes with no arch support. Luckily, for us, this jeweled leopard print calf-hair sandal manages not to look like an orthotic sandal. ($119.95 at Vionicshoes.com)

Worishofer 251 Sandal- Iridescent

Previously only seen on members of the geritol generation, Worishofer sandals earned their cool cred a year or two ago when celebs like Maggie Gylenhal and Kiersten Dunst were spotted wearing them. They didn't make their way onto my want list, though, until they appeared in metallic purple (which is now in my closet) and iridescent pink (which is on this summer's to-buy list). ($59.99 at Amazon.com)

Crowne Comforteur Brilliant Sandal- Snake

Gladiator-inspired with chunky straps, this sandal by Crowne Comforteur lives up to its name. It's casual, versatile and it has a specially-made footbed that cradles the arch and cups the heel. This might be the perfect city-walking shoe. ($119.95 at lorisshoes.com)

Matt Bernson Love Sandal- Gold

A simple silhouette. A memory foam insole. This metallic thong sandal from Matt Bernson is way more refined than a regular flip-flop. Yet, it would still work with jeans or cutoffs. Grab & pack it for vacation. Wear it all summer. ($139.00 at MattBernson.com)


Which pair could you see yourself wearing, and where will your comfy-cool sandals take you this weekend?

Yours Shoely,

Nafeesa (StyleScrybe)

*Courtesy images. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate and earns commission on purchases made via links on this blog.