Style Starts at the Sole10 models
Footwear
From classic oxfords to modern handcrafted sneakers.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles are light summer footwear with a textile (usually canvas) top and a characteristic sole woven from natural jute rope. Their homeland is the Pyrenees on the border of Spain and France, where they were worn by peasants and soldiers as far back as the 14th century. The jute sole makes espadrilles light, breathable and pleasantly 'summery', and the natural materials suit resort, Mediterranean and boho style perfectly. Classically they are flat shoes, but espadrille wedges with a high jute platform are also popular, adding height while keeping comfort. They are made in a multitude of colours and patterns, often with ankle straps. Espadrilles are a symbol of carefree summer holidays, a combination of effortless style, naturalness and genuine Mediterranean charm.
Flip-flops
Flip-flops are the simplest and lightest type of sandal: a flat sole held to the foot by a single Y-shaped strap that passes between the big and second toe. The name 'flip-flop' in English is onomatopoeic — from the characteristic slapping of the sole while walking. It is minimal footwear, made for the beach, the pool, the country house and hot climates, where the main things are lightness, speed of putting them on and the fact that you do not mind getting them wet. Flip-flops cost next to nothing, weigh almost nothing and fold into any bag. Classic rubber models are an attribute of every summer holiday, though there are also more expensive leather and designer versions. They are the embodiment of carefree summer and beach relaxation: simple, practical footwear in which comfort and unpretentiousness matter more than any formality.
Gladiator sandals
Gladiator sandals are sandals with numerous straps that wrap the foot and rise up the ankle, shin and sometimes to the knee, forming a characteristic 'cage' of leather or textile. The style is directly inspired by the footwear of Ancient Roman warriors (hence the name). Gladiators are expressive, striking summer footwear that accentuates the leg and adds a bold, slightly warlike and ethnic character to a look. They come flat-soled (the resort classic) or on a heel (a more dramatic, evening option). They go best with light dresses, shorts and boho style. Gladiator sandals are sandals with numerous straps rising up the leg, in which ancient-Roman roots combine with an expressive, bold silhouette that accentuates the leg and adds a warlike-ethnic, striking character to a summer look.
Hemp shoes
Hemp shoes are modern ecological footwear made of technical hemp: sneakers, slip-ons, boots and shoes whose uppers are sewn from strong hemp canvas. Hemp-growing is a distinctly Ukrainian heritage: for centuries hemp was cultivated on a large scale in the Chernihiv, Sumy and Poltava regions, and from its fibre people spun cloth, wove sailcloth and twisted ropes and cords (which is why Hlukhiv became the home of the Institute of Bast Crops). Hemp fibre is exceptional: it is stronger than cotton, breathes superbly, is naturally antibacterial, resistant to UV and needs no pesticides in cultivation, so it ranks among the most ecological materials. Modern Ukrainian makers (such as the Jo Hemp brand) are reviving this tradition, turning an ancient raw material into stylish, durable and 'green' footwear. It is a fusion of national heritage, sustainable fashion and care for nature.
High-tops
High-tops are sneakers with a high upper that rises above and wraps the ankle, unlike classic low sneakers. Historically the high cut appeared for ankle support in basketball (the legendary Converse Chuck Taylor and Nike Air Jordan), and later became a powerful symbol of street, hip-hop and skate culture. High-tops add a sporty, youthful and slightly rebellious character to a look, and also visually 'complete' the leg. They are worn laced or unfastened, with denim, sportswear and even contrastingly feminine dress. High-tops are sneakers with a high shaft above the ankle, in which basketball roots combine with a powerful symbolism of street and hip-hop culture that adds a sporty, youthful and slightly rebellious character to a look.
Huaraches
Huaraches are traditional Mexican sandals with a characteristic woven leather upper, in which strips of leather are interlaced by hand, forming an openwork, 'breathing' pattern. It is ancient footwear of the indigenous peoples of Mexico, known since pre-Columbian times. Huaraches combine the comfort of open summer footwear with the unique artisan aesthetic of hand weaving, so every pair is authentic and unique. They go well with resort, ethnic and boho style. The name 'huarache' also inspired a separate Nike sneaker model, but classic huaraches are precisely woven leather sandals. Huaraches are traditional Mexican woven leather sandals, in which the ancient craft of hand-interlacing leather strips combines the comfort of open summer footwear with a unique authentic aesthetic, making them a favourite of ethnic and boho style.
Running shoes
Running shoes are specialised athletic footwear made for running, with reinforced cushioning, a light 'breathable' upper and a flexible, springy sole that absorbs impact and returns the energy of the step. Unlike classic plimsolls, running shoes are a high-tech product: their construction is designed for the biomechanics of running, support of the foot and reduction of load on the joints. Leading brands (Nike, Adidas, Asics) constantly improve foams, insoles and cushioning systems. From purely athletic footwear running shoes passed into the everyday wardrobe too, thanks to comfort and the athleisure aesthetic. Running shoes are high-tech athletic footwear for running, in which reinforced cushioning, lightness and a biomechanically considered construction combine genuine athletic function with a comfort that made them popular in the everyday, athleisure wardrobe too.
Sandals
Sandals are one of the oldest types of open footwear: a sole fastened to the foot with straps, leaving most of the foot open. They were worn as far back as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and over millennia the basic idea has barely changed. Sandals are made for warmth: they breathe, do not overheat the foot and give a feeling of lightness and freedom. Modern styles are incredibly diverse — from simple beach and comfortable sport sandals to refined evening sandals on heels, adorned with stones. Straps can wind around the ankle, the instep or even the calf (gladiators). It is basic summer footwear that goes easily with both a beach and an evening look. Sandals are a symbol of the warm season, rest and an effortless, open beauty in which comfort and aesthetics go hand in hand.
Slides
Slides are simple open backless sandals into which the foot just 'slides' under one wide band across the instep (hence the name). Unlike flip-flops, they have no strap between the toes, so they are more comfortable and spare. Slides are maximally relaxed summer and home footwear, made for comfort and speed. From purely utilitarian beach and pool sandals they turned into a fashion item too: sports brands and luxury houses release designer slides, sometimes chunky, on a platform or with logos. Slides are open backless sandals with one band across the instep, in which maximum ease and comfort combine with a modern fashion reading that turned simple beach sandals into a stylish item of the sporty and everyday wardrobe.
Sneakers
Sneakers (trainers) are athletic footwear on a light rubber or synthetic sole, created for comfort, cushioning and freedom of movement. Born in the late 19th century for tennis and physical training, over time they went far beyond sport and became one of the most popular types of everyday footwear in the world. Modern sneakers are a vast spectrum: from classic canvas plimsolls (Converse, Vans) to high-tech running models and luxury designer 'sneakers'. They combine comfort with powerful cultural meaning: collecting, limited releases and 'sneaker culture' turned them into an object of desire and self-expression. Sneakers have long been appropriate not only with sportswear but with business and even evening dress. They are a symbol of comfort, youth and modern, democratic fashion.
Other Fashion Dimensions
Continue Exploring
Related sections
