The Case for Mandals
Preface
As a semi-frequent user of mandals, I will try my darndest to write objectively and fairly on this topic. I’m not a lobbyist. I’m not endorsed by a footwear company. I’m a simple man. And sometimes I wear mandals.
For clarity and respect, “mandals” is a somewhat informal portmanteau. Man+sandal=Mandal. The shoes are in no way reserved for men only. They are worn by women and men, and people who identify as neither/other.
Today marks two weeks into the official season of summer. Yesterday was Independence Day. The smell of yesterday’s burnt charcoal lingers in the backyard, the stars and stripes continue to flap in the air, your patriotic Old Navy shirt is in the hamper, crushed cans of Pabst and Miller Lite remain in the trashcan, yesterday’s swimwear is now dry, and Facebook feeds are littered with cute all-is-perfect red white & blue selfies and videos of fireworks.
These are constants and similarities. I mean, beer and cookouts go together like PB & J. Celebration and fireworks are one of the all time classic marriages. Burgers and independence are iconic. These kind of summer things just work. And I’m here to tell you about the overlooked coupling, whether you approve or disapprove: Foot and Mandal.
The History
The oldest known footwear of any type is the sandal. The Fort Rock Sandals, of Oregon, are made of sagebrush bark and are more than 10,000 years old. The ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians wore sandals. To put this into perspective…homo sapiens have evolved in and out of behavioral tendencies and patterns. As humans, we have harnessed electricity in the past 10,000 years. In the same span, we’ve made automobiles, been to the moon and back, communicated via radio waves, erected skyscrapers, advanced medicines, invented the Snuggie, and engineered artificial intelligence. There’s something to be said in the fact that man has not regressed from the sandal.
The Flak
To some, the mandals are an eyesore. They are the manifestation of a regrettable and questionable decision that implies maturity and induces an odd sense of repulsion. Some just don’t want to be photographed with you and your mandals. Some folks think feet are downright disgusting. Mandals aren’t fashion-forward, although bold. They are a part of the unwritten yet universally known uniform of the person who oversees the grill. They are your father’s go-to footwear. The only obvious downsides to mandals are their inability to withstand rough winter conditions, i.e. no lining/cover over the foot, (although I’ve witnessed Michiganders donning a pair while out in the snow, prompting a “What’s the big deal” attitude) and their lack of arch support. This last point is a simple gripe, as I’m personally overcoming a bout of plantar fasciitis. I’m still not dissuaded from putting on my reliable pair of mandals, much to the exasperation of my peers. Sometimes looking ugly feels the best.
The Upsides
Spoiler: The pros outweigh the cons. Mandals are adjustable and easy to put on. They skip the socks and shoelaces, perfect when in a rush. Their velcro straps, often at the toe and around the ankle, allow for feet of all widths to fit snugly. Mandals are breathable; they are the next best thing to being barefoot. They can be worn with or without socks! Again, controversial. The socks serve as a sweat wick, teaming with casual breezes to keep things cool. Furthermore, if you have some fun socks to show off, mandals are the way to go. The possibilities are nearly endless.They are remarkably durable and have long lifespans. They have thick soles that resemble car tires, making them ideal for outings like simple walks and park visits. Mandals are the unlikely shoe paragon. They say, “I work for a living, but I love my downtime.” You can wear them while tending the garden; you can wear them while napping. Coming to think of it, I can hardly think of a more American blue-collar item.
In a politically divided America, mandals are a curiously polarizing subject of discussion and style. And I get it. They’re not sexy, but they get the job done. Whether you love them or not, history is pointing in a direction indicating that they’re here to stay. And summer has just begun.
Hugo is an actor and freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter (@hugosaysgo) for half-baked thoughts and on Instagram (@hugosnaps) for photography. Happy reading.
