ShopDiary

Are Alpargatas the next Havaianas?

Two or three years ago, Havaianas dominated the market as the hottest summertime shoe. This time around, alpargatas, another South American casual shoe, is set to invade the U.S. market. Enterprising Amazing Race alum, Blake Mycoskie, has given the traditional Argentinian utility shoe a modern flair with TOMS Shoes. The shoes have closed canvas uppers, soft leather insoles and rubber soles. I’m not impressed but neither was I with the Havaianas and here I am sporting a pair now that they’re passé. And given that alpargatas are basically espadrilles, I think that woven soles are better matched with canvas uppers. At any rate, I hear that TOMS’ alpargatas are very comfortable. And for every pair purchased, TOMS will donate a pair to a child in need. So if you’re not sure about it design wise, maybe their feel good cause will convince you to part with $38 for a pair.