The Inbetweener? It’s a shoo-in
A NEW SEASON means change is, ahem, afoot in the shoe department. But the weather’s mixed messages have seen us fall foul of some mishaps. Tried to style out sandals in last week’s torrential rain? Us too. The seasonal shift brings with it more than a few shoe dilemmas. It may not be flip-flop season just yet, but we no longer require the snuggly, stompy comfort of a winter boot either.
But there is a solution. Enter: the Inbetweener. Not a sandal or a fully formed shoe, it instead acts as a hybrid that bridges the transseasonal gap. Blame the cult-y JW Anderson chunky-chain mule obsession, first spotted in his A/W ’20 collection, but ever since the backless shoe hit the mainstream, we haven’t looked back.
The Inbetweeners are a mixed bunch. First up, we’ve got the polarising clog, loved by high fashion and high street alike. A pair of timeless leather clogs can be lovingly wheeled out year on year – simply style with denim and a blazer to avoid Little House On The Prairie territory.
Next up, we run into the comforting, familiar arms of the backless loafer. While reassuringly smart enough to wear to the office, it skilfully maintains all the effortlessness of your favourite pair of threadbare slippers. Simply slip on (with chunky socks now; bare feet when it finally warms up a bit) and off you go.
Seeking something sturdy? Look for thick rubber-soled styles. These chunky, bolshie mules will see you through till summer, with the added bonus of allowing you to stomp through puddles like your inner child desires. In our opinion, they make for perfect festival fodder too. And this summer we might actually finally need some festi-ready footwear.