Anyone who has spent time wandering around Monastiraki in Athens or the tourist shops in the Greek islands will tell you about the dizzying selection of leather sandals available. You can find just about any style and color for just about any foot. I own several pairs. These sandals are perfect for casual wanderings and are especially great for beach bumming. Granted, the leather doesn’t always fare well if it comes into contact with water, but at 20 or so euros a pop, who cares?
Ancient Greek Sandals, founded by ex-Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton shoe designer and Greek native Christina Martini and footwear businessman Nikolas Minoglou take these classic Greek sandals a step further (no pun intended). Starting at 120 euros, these sandals are pricier than the styles available in the tourist shops. However, the difference is in the quality and the design. The sandals are handmade by local craftsmen using traditional methods and natural, chemical-free leathers that are supplied locally. And, unlike most footwear, these babies get better with age—the leather softens with wear and darkens with exposure to the sun. The designs are inspired by Greek art, history and mythology. Appropriately, each style is named after a mythological character. Including the Muses. Let me introduce you to…
Clio, Muse of history…
Erato, Muse of love poetry…
Melpomeni, Muse of tragedy…
and Thalia, Muse of comedy…
And a few of my non-muse, but equally mythological favorites…
Ancient Greek Sandals are available handmade to order on the company’s website and will be shipped from Greece in 30 days. Gotta have time to make ‘em…you know you’re getting the real deal. They are also sold by several retailers, including net-a-porter.com and shopbop.com.
Until soon,
E
