Fisherman sandals are trending with summer on the horizon, and we’ve found two styles that cost less than £100
With spring finally here, it’s out with the thick leather boots and in with more breathable, lightweight footwear that give our feet space to breathe. And one spring and summer trend we’ve been loving of late is the current celebration of the fisherman aesthetic, which encourages us to bear nautical accessories, fish-themed attire, cable-knit sweaters and, of course, the classic Fisherman style sandals.
These chunky, plait-style sandals are ideal for the transition from spring to summer as they’re not quite open toe but not quite a closed shoe and feature a big buckle – which adds stability and practicality but, let’s face it, serious style too.
And one of the top shoe brands, Dr Martens, has recently launched its new Fisherman sandal, the gorgeously chunky Wrenlie Leather Fisherman Sandals, which ooze ‘nostalgia’ as well as ‘ attitude, timelessness and versatility’. Coming in both black and ‘grizzly brown’, they feature the brand’s signature hardware, yellow stitching and quad shore sole and have been praised for their comfort level.
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At £150, they’re quite the investment. But those that have taken the plunge to bag them have been hailing them as super comfortable and ‘built to last’, with one shopper raving: “These are my first pair of fisherman’s sandals and I love them.
“Yes they are heavy – but not too heavy – and I hardly notice once walking. They are incredibly sturdy, so they will likely last me years! I love the colour and soft leather. I think they’ll need wearing in so will probably wear with socks at first rather than risk blisters.”
Now, if you are looking for a somewhat cheaper alternative that is not quite so stompy as these, as someone who loves a good trend – especially when it involves a timeless classic – I’ve found two similar pairs of sandals that are the fraction of the cost without compromising so much on look or quality and don’t weigh quite so much.
Firstly, the FatFace Cali Cali Tan Brown Cage Sandals, which retail at £65.50. With a similar thick sole and yellow stitching around the edge, these fisherman-style sandals are made from 100% leather and feature the same woven style upper.
With a bronze buckle detailing – that’s not quite as oversized as Dr Martens’ style – the shoes are a lovely alternative and come in a tan colour that shoppers ‘really rate’. Also on the FatFace website, shoppers can snag the Elodie sandal, also £65.50, which have a lovely vintage feel and similar Fisherman style but in black and beige suede.
Another option that has received the seal of approval from fashion fans is Dune’s Lisherman chunky flatform sandals, which cost £89. Available in black and deep burgundy red, the shoes come in sizes 3 to 8 and have a 3cm heel. Made from leather and with an adjustable ankle strap, the slight flatform sandal is described as a ‘classic beach sandal with its bold, contemporary design,‘ with fashion fans sharing how ‘soft’ they feel.
Shoppers have been praising these shoes, calling them ‘gorgeous’ and ‘wonderfully comfortable’. One person who gave the shoes a five star review said: “Lisherman dark red sandals, look fabulous, wonderfully comfortable and super great as can dress up or down, stylish with a linen suit, practical for a summer mooch or walk, love them.”
Another raved: “These feel great quality. Generously sized- I’m usually a 6. 5 but the size 6 fits well. They’re a robust sandal without being too chunky. Pretty comfortable so far!”
Complimenting the shoes’ softness, a third happy customer shared: “Very comfortable sandal, the sole is soft on the foot & they look lovely with a midi dress.”
Although for one person, the shoes weren’t suitable for their feet as they said: “Not suitable, very wide fitting,” so keep that in mind. The Lisherman sandals are available on Dune’s website for £89.
However, if you’ve fallen in love with Dr Martens’ Wrenlie shoes, the sandals come ‘highly rated’ and have been praised for being ‘build to last’. One person said: “I really was in two minds about purchasing these but I am delighted, they are versatile, comfortable and great quality. They are edgy and stylish. Heavy but will last a lifetime and help tone my legs! I bought UK3 and they are perfect. I think it will get great wear through various seasons. If like me, you are undecisive – buy them!”
Someone else shared how they were ‘great sandals for people who don’t like sandals’ and said: “Perfect sandal for those of us who don’t like wearing sandals. Lots of coverage, soft and comfortable leather. Well shaped footbed. Does not slip off when walking about (a problem I have with so many sandal designs) The thick sole gives you and extra inch in height but they are quite heavy.”
Elsewhere, Walk London’s Budapest Fisherman sandals are on sale on ASOS for £60 down from £70, while Anthropologie’s Fisherman Sport Sandals are £95.
