Message, the brand new shoe model that makes a speciality of cork footbed slides, makes the daring declare its best-selling sandals are like “a hug you possibly can put on.” In true commerce editor trend, I replied to completely nobody: “We’ll see about that,” and requested the model if I might check them out for a few months. It did not take lengthy to comprehend these could be the sandals I might put on all summer season lengthy.
About Message
Earlier than I dive into my expertise with Message’s hero sandal, the Mullen Slide ($160), here is just a little data dump in regards to the sparkly new sandal model that is very probably going to take over our social feeds and our closets.
Message launched with two slide kinds in April of this yr: The Mullen and The Shaw, each designed with a sweat-, odor-, and waterproof cork footbed that is not solely sustainable (the model sources a cork that comes from Portugal utilizing—reasonably, reusing —wine corks), but in addition extremely snug and supportive.
The unisex sandals are created from a proprietary Hugflex strap that maintain toes in place whereas concurrently providing stretch—mainly, they’re slides you possibly can stroll lengthy distances in with out flying off each two seconds (or ever, actually—and I confirmed that). At $160 a pop, they’re undoubtedly a extra elevated slide—however the high quality and luxury are palpable. These are designed to be your go-to sandals for an extended, very long time.
Associated Tales
My sincere evaluation of the Message Mullen slides
I began sporting the Mullen slides again in April after they first launched. The second I slipped into my pair, I knew these have been particular. Requiring zero break-in, the cork footbed felt cushioned and durable, giving me simply the correct quantity of arch assist for my fallen arches. The Hugflex strap is manufactured from a move-with-you stretch materials that really did hug my toes as I walked. However sporting them round the home and to the grocery retailer felt like a straightforward check—how would they maintain up on trip?
I virtually solely wore them on a week-long trip to Mexico, placing all my belief of their design to assist me in my travels. I wore them on the airplane, the seaside, the pool, and varied strolling journeys to eating places and retailers (we did not have a automotive). Not solely did my toes keep snug the complete time, however they held up even after getting moist, sandy, and sweaty in 100-degree warmth (with 100-percent humidity, no much less).
There’s nothing sophisticated in regards to the Mullen slides, which I really like. They’re versatile sufficient to pair with some denims or shorts, but you possibly can simply throw them on should you’re sporting a gown or skirt to perform that easy, coastal “put-togetherness” I often solely affiliate with individuals who can afford to trip within the Hamptons and have the arrogance to eat meals in white button-up shirts. We will in all probability name it “quiet luxurious” if you would like—they are under-the-radar luxe and positively have the worth tag to match.
And sure, Message slides get two thumbs up from podiatrists
The cherry on prime is that these slides are authorised by podiatrists, who love their foot-friendly options. Suzanne Fuchs, DPM a foot and ankle doctor and surgeon in Jupiter, Florida, tells W+G that she likes them as a result of they supply arch assist, cushioning, a large toe field, and so they’re light-weight and versatile.
“These sandals are designed with built-in arch assist, which helps to keep up the pure alignment of the foot. This characteristic is explicit helpful for people with flat toes or fallen arches,” Dr. Fuchs says. (No surprise I really like them a lot—my fallen arches are in sandal heaven.)
Dr. Fuchs additionally loves the cushioning the sandals are identified for, saying the footbed “helps to soak up shock and scale back stress on the joints, making them snug to put on for prolonged intervals.” She provides, “In comparison with different sandals, the Message sandals stand out as a result of their concentrate on foot well being and luxury.”
One other podiatrist, Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, whose apply is predicated in Ohio, tells W+G that the “thought course of, and the ergonomically design and supplies will make these one of many higher sandals in the marketplace,” explaining, “The foot mattress appears to be a well-crafted and molded cork materials, which is a good materials for assist (and is used a fantastic deal and customized orthotic gadgets).”
Message at present provides two kinds: the Mullen (those I examined) and the Shaw Slide ($160). The one distinction between the 2 is that the Shaw has a little bit of an extended strap, so it covers extra of your foot (plus it has totally different colour choices).
The underside line? In the event you’re searching for a slide that is really supportive, will final you for a lot of, many adventure-filled summers, and provides your wardrobe a cool, informal edge, then this sandal would be the neatest thing you spend money on all season lengthy.
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