Lifestyle Summer Clearance
The summer lifestyle clearout brings together the season's best pieces: Birkenstock Arizona, Gizeh, Madrid and Mayari sandals, in Birko-Flor, EVA or suede, Fred Perry Ringer t-shirts, lightweight Asics and Skechers sneakers, and canvas sandals and shoes Victoria for kids. New items selected for warmth, the beach, and city days.
Dress light for summer, at reduced prices.
Arizona, Gizeh, Madrid, Mayari: four sandals Birkenstock
The Birkenstock sandals share the same cork and latex footbed, but not the same story. The Madrid, with a single strap, was the first model to get this footbed in 1963; the Arizona, with two adjustable straps, appeared in 1973 and became the most well-known of the brand. The Gizeh, with its toe post, is inspired by sandals from ancient Egypt and joined the collection in 1983. The Mayari crosses its straps over the foot and adds a buckle around the big toe for a more secure fit than a simple flip-flop. For long walks, the Arizona holds the foot best; for slipping the sandal on and off in one motion, the Madrid remains the most practical.
By profile
The summer clearance is organized by profile:
The lifestyle clearance also features sneakers, junior, accessories, luggage, winter, on the lifestyle page.
Birko-Flor, EVA or suede: which material for summer
The material determines the use. Birko-Flor, a synthetic material that looks like leather with a soft backing, can be wiped clean with a sponge and doesn’t mind a rain shower. EVA, a very light, moulded foam that is completely waterproof, is the version for poolside and beach: it can simply be rinsed with clear water. Suede, more elegant, develops a beautiful patina but needs to be protected with a waterproofing spray and brushed dry. Birkibuc finishes imitate the look of nubuck while keeping the easy care of synthetics. Whatever the material, the cork footbed shapes itself over the weeks to eventually fit the imprint of the foot.
Ringer T-shirt and lightweight sneakers for the city
The Ringer Fred Perry T-shirt is recognized by its contrasting edges on the collar and sleeves and the laurel crown, the emblem of the brand founded in 1952 by Fred Perry, a three-time Wimbledon champion; this laurel echoes the one that adorned the ribbons awarded to the tournament champions. Made from lightweight cotton, it can be worn on its own during hot weather. For closed shoes, the sneakers with breathable mesh uppers, like the Asics GEL-NYC, keep the foot cooler than leather models, and the Skechers Uno features a visible air bubble in the heel for cushioning. The Victoria canvas shoes, a Spanish brand founded in 1915 in Cervera del Río Alhama, La Rioja, remain the lightest.
Sandals and canvas shoes for children in summer
For children, the Velcro sandal Victoria in dyed canvas adjusts in one move and stays in place during play, unlike a flip-flop that gets lost at the first sprint. The canvas sneakers Victoria Mercedes, with rubber soles, take over when walking for longer or running, and their canvas can be easily washed after a day of holiday fun. The shoe size is checked by leaving about a centimetre in front of the toes, measured at the end of the day when the foot has slightly swollen with the heat. The lightweight and breathable canvas dries quickly after a rain shower or walking on damp sand. End-of-line summer styles are often available in few sizes per model.
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right size of Birkenstock sandals?
Birkenstock offers two widths, normal and narrow. The foot should leave a bit of space in front of the toes and behind the heel, without overrunning the footbed; when in doubt between two sizes, the larger is often the right choice.
How long does it take to break in Birkenstock sandals?
Expect a gradual wear-in period of a few days to two weeks: the cork and insole compress under the warmth of the foot. Wear them first for a few hours a day before heading out on a long walk.
How to clean EVA sandals?
A rinse with lukewarm soapy water and a soft sponge is enough, followed by drying in the shade. Avoid the dishwasher, prolonged exposure to sunlight behind glass, and any source of heat, as they can warp the foam.
Do canvas sneakers go in the washing machine?
Many canvas models can handle a delicate cold wash, with laces removed and shoes placed in a mesh bag. Let them then air dry, stuffed with paper, without a tumble dryer or radiator that could peel off the sole.
How does a Fred Perry T-shirt fit?
Fred Perry fits rather close to the body, in the fitted style of British classics. If you prefer a looser fit or are unsure between two sizes, go for the larger one, especially since cotton may shrink slightly after the first wash.
