We'd be lying if we said you're going to be instantaneously obsessed with this shoe trend. Hence the title. It's going to take some getting used to. The S/S 19 collections presented last September showed us a lot of things. Some were glamorous, some were nostalgic, and others were downright confusing. "Tourist sandals" were undeniably among the confusing set. The rubbery soles and unflattering straps were all our eyes could focus on whenever they were present, and we couldn't help but wonder how the general public would respond.
The good thing about the fashion crowd is that they love a good controversy. Giant dad sneakers? Down. Laura Ingalls Wilder dresses? Done. Sandals that look like they belong on a tourist walking around Disneyland with three fanny packs on and a map open? Definitely. We know; we know. We haven't been packaging this shoe trend in the most positive light, but that's because we're confused about it ourselves. We know this trend is "cool" in the sartorial world, but will it hold its own out there among all the people who don't know who Sandy Liang is and who still don't understand why someone would pay more than $30 on a pair of shoes? Who's to say?
There is one thing we know for certain: If you're reading this, you probably love fashion, and you're probably willing to take risks and push boundaries, which is why we love you. With that said, this is a shoe trend you'll have to get used to. Whether you hate it now and love it later or vice versa, the tourist sandal trend is more than just a trend. It's a movement. And in case it wasn't clear, we are here for it fully.
Go on to see this 2019 shoe trend on the runway and Instagram, and then shop our favorite styles.
During Fashion Week
The S/S 19 collections are what proved to editors, It girls, and celebrities alike that these sporty sandals were officially a thing. Some of the coolest designers in the industry, both up-and-comers like Collina Strada and veterans like Dries Van Noten, topped off look after look with this kind-of-quirky, kind-of-cool sandal trend.
On Instagram
Not too long after the buzz of this new, weird footwear trend began, influencers and fashion girls took to documenting these tourist sandals left and right on the 'gram. Whether it was the excitement of spotting the latest footwear staple at luxury fashion houses like Chanel or finally seeing how someone would style the shoes IRL via influencers forward takes, this spring trend stirred up quite a lot of emotions—both good and bad.
Shop Our Picks
Believe it or not, we're already seeing ample amounts of tourist sandals pop up on a variety of retail sites. While Teva is the clear leader of the pack in terms of price and It-girl approval, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see the curation of options we've shopped out for you below.
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