Over the last few years the dad shoe, a bulky yet comfortable 90s inspired trainer, has gone from niche, cool-girl style to mainstream appeal, particularly as a comfortable yet smart travel shoe. Now with summer here and temperatures rising, we are entering the era of the dad sandal, with designer brands offering up smart interpretations of the utilitarian sandal.
In previous summers, the classic Birkenstock sandal – arguably the internet’s ‘mum sandal’ – has been the style du jour, beloved for its comfort and ease above all else. And while I own and love my Birks, I don’t find them to be a particularly great travel shoe – too cumbersome and difficult to clean and pack in a suitcase, too heavy to move swiftly in. You haven’t felt true stress until you try and run for a train while wearing Birkenstocks.
My new go-to summer shoe is a pair of back-strap sandals by Columbia, affectionately nicknamed by the internet as dad sandals. I recently discovered the style when I was asked to pack a pair of comfortable shoes to wear on a hike in St Barths. The trail would involve rocky terrain, a slightly steep incline and then end at the most beautiful beach on the island. Trainers would end up sandy, Birkenstocks wouldn’t be steady enough, and so I packed a pair of dad sandals.
They ended up being the perfect shoe. The real highlight is how light they are. Featuring a lightweight grippy sole with flex grooves in the forefoot, they offer incredible support while feeling like you’re barely wearing shoes.
Columbia women’s Peakfreak Rush™ sandal LEA
Similar to Crocs and Tevas, they’re easy to clean – I simply rinsed mine off after the beach and was able to wear them immediately. Where they differentiate from Crocs and Tevas is they feel much sturdier and more masculine. Masculine but with a fashion glow up – numerous brands are cottoning onto the dad sandal resurgence and giving them a playful or lux modern makeover. The result is the perfect comfort-meets-cute shoe to wear during summer days exploring, whether that’s wandering cobblestone streets to rocky coastal hikes.
