Manolo the Columnist: DT Leilani from Island Slipper
By Manolo the ShoebloggerManolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.
Dear Manolo,
I have a lovely warm cruise on my schedule this winter. I’d like to find a unique pair of sandals to take but I want them Made in the USA. Any ideas?
Brenda
Manolo says, happily, there are many American companies who continue to produce first-rate feetwear in American factories from American materials.Sadly, at least for the person who is looking for the stylish sandals to wear on the cruise, most of these high-quality American feetwear companies specialize in boots, and not just the cowboy boots, either.
The best and most rugged work boots in the world are produced in America by such companies as Frye, Wolverine, Whites Boots, and West Coast Shoes, the nearly century-old, family firm in Oregon, who use American leathers to custom make the world’s best pole climber, forest ranger, and motorcycle cop boots, in other words, serious shoes for serious occupation.
There is, however, one American company that produces exactly the sort of fun-in-the-sun sandal the Manolo’s friend desires, Island Slipper, the Hawaiian based firm that has been making casually fantastic thong sandals in Hawaii for more than sixty years.
The Manolo’s favorite is the sweet DT Leilani thong, available in three different colors, which you can order directly from the company’s website: http://islandslipper.com
November 6th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
For your inner Jackie Kennedy, there are the preppy classics, Jack Rogers Navajo sandals, also made in America. The metallics go with everything and are a mod pop on the traditional WASP model.
http://jackrogersusa.com/
November 6th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I’m not fond of flip flops (fine, fine, thong sandals–whatever) myself. These are a great alternative, http://www.islandsandals.com. They are handmade in Maui by a man who got his start designing sandals for the 1950s Greek and Roman movies. Super-awesome!
November 6th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
AYYYYY! Dear Minky, the Manolo completely forgot about the Jack Rogers sandals! Many thanks for reminding him of this old, wonderful brand.
And, thanks to the Katie for that fantastic recommendation!
November 6th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
But do remember that the Stephen Bonannos are more authentic: they predate Jack Rogers, and *they* are the ones worn by Jackie and Lilly, not the JRs!
November 6th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
And here’s the link to the Bonannos: http://www.stephenbonanno.com/About%20Us.htm
November 7th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Also, don’t forget Magdesians (http://www.zappos.com/magdesians), and Munro American (http://www.zappos.com/womens-munro-american-sandals)!
November 7th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Oops, and also Onex (http://www.zappos.com/womens-onex-sandals) and Dezario (http://www.zappos.com/womens-dezario-sandals)….
November 10th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
What’s up with this blogger that tries desperately to assert that Jack Rogers is not the authentic sandal worn by Jackie Kennedy? This is broadly substantiated in every major book about the woman and is also cited by the John F Kennedy Museum & Library’s own book about Mrs. Kennedy’s style. Just ask Hamish Bowles of Vogue – he’ll clarify it for you. So will Candy Pratts – all the Who’s Who in Fashion. It’s rather odd that a competitive sandal company that began just in recent decades would assert its claim to the Jack Rogers sandals from the 1960’s. For me, I’ll stick with the record on this one from the country’s important institutions. Love my Jacks!!!