The summer season is upon us and it’s time to finally show off the pedicures that you’ve hidden under wool socks and waterproof boots. In Toronto, it’s quite easy to find functional, fashion-forward sandals for all. Here is a list of five brands that you can find on the streets of Toronto.
Zvelle
Located on Davenport Road, Zvelle is a fashion brand that sells shoes and bags for everyone. Founder Elle AyoubZadeh, who was born in Toronto but has lived in Iran, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia, launched Zvelle in 2015 and the brand has taken off since then. Although their men’s section is limited, they offer an extensive selection of stylish sandals at a great price. They prioritize quality and often offer clients solid discounts on their shoes. The Zvelle Xin currently comes in a bronze and black colour scheme and is marked down from $355 to $150! You’d be hard-pressed to find deals like this while in-season.
Yeezy
Looking for a shoe that will be comfortable while scoring some serious streetwear style points? The Yeezy slide seemingly took over social media upon its initial release in December of 2019. The slide is available in unisex sizing and ranges from easy to match black and beige or summer-ready colourways like a glowy green and bright blue. Your best chance of finding the slide will be at one of Toronto’s many streetwear consignment shops. Hotbox, Essential Canada and Rerun are just a few stores that carry the shoe. Otherwise, stores across Canada offer the slide for retail price via raffle. As well, the Adidas Confirmed app will conduct a randomized draw for users on release day.
Cougar
With over 70 years in the shoe-making business, Cougar is a Canadian brand that offers shoes with a four-season function that still look fashionable. The company blew up in 1976 with their Pillow Boot which was well insulated, fashion-friendly and terrific for Toronto winters. Today, they offer shoes for women and kids, ranging from heavy-duty winter boots to warm-weather sandals. Their Prato leather sandals are available in black or white and are the perfect sandal to pair with flowy dresses this summer.
Suicoke
Although they’re made in Japan, Suicoke sandals can be found directly on the streets of Toronto and offer totally unisex designs. Suicoke has made dorky sandals cool with many silhouettes offering thick straps, unique materials and fun details. Capsule and Livestock sell the brand in-store, as well as the Hudson’s Bay. If you’re looking for a more extensive shopping selection, their official website sells to Canada, and Montreal-based Ssense also offers a full-size run. The Moto silhouette is perfect for a lounge-filled weekend, grocery shopping or tactical fits that need a kick.
Poppy Barley
Poppy Barley is a sustainable shoe company that is proudly designed in Canada. They offer their products in sizes for everyone, ranging from 5-15 in men’s sneakers and 5-12 in women’s. With every product, Poppy Barley keeps the environment and sustainability in mind. Their products are manufactured in factories that meet their standards for ethical production. Currently, Toronto shoppers can buy their shoes online only. Their Fisherman sandal gives you the gladiator look while still being comfortable and fashionable.
