
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you can’t have failed to notice that there is a new sandal trend in town. Visit any park at any moment and I guarantee you will spot kids wearing cute, brightly coloured styles while mum goes matchy-matchy in metallics or neutral brown.
Sun-San and Saltwater sandals are HUGE at the moment – despite the American brand being around since the Second World War (it was a way for founder Walter Hoy to use up scrap leather from manufacturing military boots). In fact, this year the brand celebrates their 70th anniversary!

Thanks to their gorgeous colour combos, sturdy leather, rubber sole and rust resistant buckles – which means they can be chucked in the washing machine AND you can even run through rock pools or splash in the sea – they’ve developed a bit of a celeb cult following.


Despite its heritage in the US, the brand has actually only been in the UK for the past couple of years – brought over here by Rachel Laine, an entrepreneurial British mum who’d spotted them in the US, but found them hard to get hold of here.
Rachael set up craftymothers and landed the exclusive UK and European distribution of Sun-San and Salt-Water, turning them into this summer’s sandal must-buy.

I absolutely fell in love with them last year when I bought a navy blue ‘Surfer’ pair for Charlie. This year I’ve got him exactly the same in the next size up. Initially I was worried they looked a bit too feminine, but they don’t at all – they are simple, cool and ultra comfortable – most importantly, he hasn’t complained once about wearing them.

Image: Sun-San Sandals
Lila was a bit too small last summer, but has done pretty well this year – with her gold Salt-Water originals and I couldn’t resist the bright pink patent ‘Sweethearts.’

Image: Sun-San Sandals
My gold ‘Originals’ are fab – comfy from the first wear and despite being very flat – something I was a bit concerned about because of the ankle strap / cankle scenario – they look great with lightweight summer trousers and midi dresses.
There’s plenty of time left to get involved with the season’s coolest new sandal brand, check out their site for stockists, or purchase online there.

Comments ( 4 )
Mr Jones
I love the fact your son wears them! Go Charlie!
Something for male adults wouldn’t go amiss either.
I’m not the only man I know that would love an ‘old fashioned’ sandal instead of those hot overdesigned modern sports styles.
mamasvib
LOVE THIS!!! I kept putting off buying them for Miss M this summer as she has been outgrowing shoes so fast this summer! But she is defo having a pair or tow next summer (and I may even treat myself!).
Lovely post Erica and we must meet up soon x
Whatifiworeitthefirsttime
I’m usually up on us brands but these had passed me by. I shall definitively be looking them out for next year’s holiday. Thanks
Erica
They’re really great Sarah, definitely recommend them x