Double strap Birkenstocks versus crisscross sandals and T bar

Phoebe Philo started the bulky flat sandal trend with her spring 2013 collection one year ago. As Karl Lagerfeld said “There is not beauty without some strangeness in the proportions!” one year ago the ugly shoe trend conquers spring 2014 – It needed some time to become mainstream. However, even when buying an intentionally ugly shoe some considerations have to be made to wear it in style instead of sloppy or bucolic. Double strap shoes, crisscross sandals and T-bars are on offer. Which style to choose mainly depends on the shape of the feet….

crisscross sandals

Celine two strap sandals from spring 2013, photo@celine.com

The classic double strap, think Birkenstocks Arizona sandal ($130, birkenstock.com) or Givenchy floral sandal ($795, barneys.com) has two horizontal straps which guide the view directly from side to side thus making the foot look really wide and short. For all woman, who already know that they have small, wide feet and short toes this style does t work. However, it goes perfectly for all those woman who have long and narrow feet with long toes!

For all those woman with short and a little wider feet crisscross sandals are a great choice. This shoe somehow guides the view longitudinally thus elongating the foot and making it look narrower. Besides the incredible Céline spring sandal (I have fallen terribly in love with them and hope to get a pair during summer sale…) Isabel Marant’s Holden sandal is great. On the cheaper side TopShop, H&M as well as Zara have their version to offer. If you are not brave enough to wear the super bulky trend right now Ancient Greek sandals has the right style for you.

Celine

Some great crisscross sandals, photo@polyvore.com

  1. Holden sandal, Isabel Marant, $510, barneys.com
  2. Hula crisscross sandals, TopShop, $35, topshop.com
  3. crisscross sandals, HM, $19,95, hm.com
  4. crisscross sandals, Zara, $79,90, zara.com
  5. Thais pony hair sandals, Ancient Greek Sandals,  EURO 165, mytheresa.com

T-bars like the Olsen approved Birkenstock Gizeh ($89,95, birkenstock.com) have the same foot elongating effect as the crisscross sandals. However, some people (… including myself) won’t feel very comfortable while walking in them and get blisters very soon.

crisscross sandals

Ashley Olsen wearing her Birkenstock Gizeh in NYC in 2011, photo@pinterest

What do you prefer the classic double strap, a crisscross sandal or a T-bar?

2 thoughts on “Double strap Birkenstocks versus crisscross sandals and T bar

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