Scholl Gani slipper

The result of the collaboration between Ganni and Scholl should create a new craze for the star shoe of the sixties. Photo: Ganni/Instagram

We didn’t see it coming – and yet, footwear brand Dr. Scholl has thrown fashion a curveball with the most cutting-edge collaboration of the summer.

Out of nowhere, the Scholl sandal – that ’60s icon long since relegated to the kind of shoes worn strictly for the well-being of feet – has served up the collaboration of the year, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of its outdated image to soar to fashion heights as the summer must-have.

By all accounts, 2022 heralded the start of a very specific era in fashion, where the ugly, the old-fashioned, the outdated – even the glaringly kitsch – would suddenly become officially attractive, if not downright trendy.

The pandemic clearly gave rise to a breed of fashion partway between style and comfort. We saw Birkenstocks reworked by Manolo Blahnik, the return of wedge flip-flops, and the ever-persistent bucket hat take pride of place in our wardrobes.

Speaking of bucket hats, 2021 set the ball rolling with their return, as well as that of Crocs and clogs. Long-neglected, these one-time fashion rejects were suddenly being dug out from the depths of closets and elevated to the ranks of ultra-desirable must-haves by celebrities, influencers and fashionistas.

Comfort is king

As for that Scholl sandal: the Scandinavian style of Ganni – a brand that fashionistas have been snapping up for years – joined forces with one of the most comfortable shoes of all time.

It’s Scholl’s most iconic model, the Pescura, that has been reinterpreted with fresh modern prints, from flowers to checks to the Danish luxury brand’s monogram, all in a 1960s-inspired palette that nods to Scholl’s history. The result is likely to win over more than a few fashion fans.

The fruit of this partnership already oozes success, but the two brands added one final ingredient to leave their competitors out in the cold: an eco-conscious slant. Made in Italy, the sandals are crafted from organic cotton and recycled polyester, while the legendary sole is made of certified wood.

Style, comfort, and sustainability? We say: prepare to hear these mules clip-clopping around all summer long.

(Related: This was summer 2018’s most stylish pool float)

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