In recent years, the men's sandal has gone from an easy punchline to a certifiable fashion statement. (Within reason, of course—maybe leave those ratty pool slides in the back of your
closet for now.) It's no accident that some of today's most stylish dudes—everyone from Tyler, the Creator to John Mayer to Kanye West—have worked the easy-wearing footwear into their rotation. It doesn't hurt that Nike has been consistently upping its sandal game, while fashion labels including John Elliott and Rick Owens have pursued collaborations with longtime sandal makers like Suicoke and Birkenstock. Now, we can add two new sandals to the growing list from two unexpected sources: Dr. Martens and New Balance.
Dr. Martens, of course, is famous for its tough-wearing boots. And if you've ever wondered what that iconic leather boot would look like in sandal form, you're in luck. The beloved British brand has teamed up with forward-thinking Japanese label Suicoke for the duo's first-ever collaboration. At the heart of the project are reworked versions of two mainline Suicoke designs: the DEPA and the BOAK. Both silhouettes get remixed to include iconic Dr. Marten signatures like smooth black leather, the trademark outsole, and famous yellow welt stitching. The collection will be available on March 13 via Dr. Martens, with prices ranging from $210 to $220.
Next up is the all-new New Balance 750, from the brand's latest spring-summer collection, which explores what a classic New Balance sneaker would look like as a sandal. The strappy silhouette is made from a stretchy neoprene upper, with a thick treaded midsole that can be worn in and out of water. The sandals are also equipped with four durable ripstop straps that are lined with adjustable Velcro. Currently, the style is offered in black, bold teal, and eye-pleasing tan. It retails for around $80, and you can expect the style to see a broader release in the upcoming months.
Spring is just around the corner, and sandal season will be upon us before you know it. Whether you're looking for a sandal to romp around your block or one that can handle a sun-filled weekend outdoors, either of these is sure to do the trick. The only surprise? The brands behind them.