Very few things can hinder one’s travel plans quite like a pair of uncomfortable shoes. The risk of getting blisters while aimlessly exploring a new city or twisting an ankle on the cobblestone streets of Paris has led me to be strategic when picking out footwear for trips to avoid any unnecessary hurdles along the way. In the rare instances that I choose to prioritize style and forsake comfort, I’d often tuck a pair of spare flats into my bag.
However, stowing an extra pair of shoes on my person, more often than not, meant having to forgo compact bags for the sake of space. Even my thinnest sandals or most bendable flats left very little room for other essentials in size-appropriate carryalls, while small baguettes and quaint handbags were basically out of the question. That is, until I was introduced to Kindred Label’s foldable sandals, which were seemingly the answer to my prayers of practicality.
Convertible footwear is a concept that many brands before them have explored. Where I’ve found others have fallen short, though, is the ability to balance style and comfort in one seamless design. Most collapsible heels have a somewhat homely silhouette that can feel out of place with an otherwise stylish outfit, while Kindred Label’s Hannah thong sandals look like something out of The Row, without the steep price tag. After seeing them online, I decided to check them out for myself.
Two things I instantly noticed, and liked, about the shoes: They came in a reusable Tyvek pouch that’s padded with a zipper fastening to keep them safe and secure, and were made with a rigid leather—a sign of high quality. Over the next few weeks, I found myself throwing the foldable sandals into various bags when on the go—whether that meant traipsing around Cape Cod or the five boroughs of New York City. It made it easy to get from point A to point B without carrying extra baggage or having to make a pit stop back to my room at Nantucket’s Faraway hotel.
If you’re even thinking about investing in a pair of foldable sandals to add to your travel wardrobe, this is everything worth knowing before taking the proverbial plunge.
What are they made of?
Aesthetics aside, one of the things that separates Kindred Label’s foldable sandals from other convertible shoes on the market is the craftsmanship behind each design. Each pair is made by artisans in Portugal using Italian and Portuguese leather for longevity. What I found most impressive, though, is the subtle science behind the patented, shape-shifting design that goes completely unnoticed once you’re wearing the shoe. “Our mechanism uses two magnets and an elastic hinge, enabling the shoes to fold flawlessly in half and snap back into place when flat,” says founder Cassidy Caulk.
How comfortable are they?
Like most high-quality leather shoes, Kindred Label’s sandals take some wearing in. Upon the first few wears, I found them to be rigid with little to no traction on the soles, which left me slipping and sliding in the rainy Brooklyn streets. However, after a few weeks of natural wear and tear they loosened up, practically molding to my feet in a way that’s comparable to a good pair of jeans. This quickly earned them a spot as my go-to slip ons when I want to switch out my heels for something more comfortable when walking through the stony-brick streets of Nantucket. However, even after they’ve been broken in, they’re still not ideal in wet weather as the soles don’t have much traction. It’s worth noting that if you have a tendency to drag your feet when you walk, you’ll feel the slightest bend in the sole, reminding you that they’re made to bend and fold once you take them off. But, overall, it’s nothing to be too concerned about and becomes unnoticeable with time.
How much space do they take up?
When folded in half, each individual sandal is about the size of your standard billfold wallet. The pair comfortably fits into everyday bags like a shoulder bag or backpack. (Pro tip: You’ll want to place them in a side compartment or smaller pouch to keep them away from any miscellaneous items that might poke or press against them, like keys or pens.) I had no issues carrying mine in a compact purse on a night out in Harlem, where a quick shoe change was necessary.
As for packing the sandals in a suitcase, it’s best to avoid putting heavy things directly on top of them to avoid any deformation or damage during your travels. To maintain their shape, the brand founder suggests stuffing the sandals with soft materials like socks or lightweight clothing to prevent them from getting squished or losing form while stowed away in your luggage.
Are they worth the cost?
Overall, despite the sandals being a bit pricey for a pair of seemingly simple flip-flops, they’re so worth the purchase if you like to bring a variety of shoes with you on a trip but need to pack light. The sandals are also great for travelers who like to spend an entire day away from their accommodations and want the peace of mind an extra pair of more comfortable footwear can bring.
