By Pierra Calasanz-Labrador “In a way, I wish it would break so I’d have an excuse to buy new pairs,” quipped Rachael Laine in mock frustration. Rachael, who is the managing director of Salt-Water Sandals Europe & Asia, was talking about the signature durability of Salt-Water Sandals, which has become a summer staple in the US, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, South Africa, and now, the Philippines. “It’s a sandal for everyone—for a child, a grandmother, or a mom, who, on her school run, doesn’t want to wear flip-flops or a clunky shoe. She can just put on her Salt-Waters and go get the kids; they’re practical and comfortable,” said Rachael. At an intimate launch to formally introduce the brand to the local press, she passionately shared the enduring heritage behind the American cult classic. In the 1940s, Missouri-based Walter Hoy aimed to create sturdy, practical sandals by using leftover leather from military boots. His experiment resulted in comfortable, reliable footwear to help us weather through the everyday in style. To this day, Salt-Water Sandals is still owned by the same family, who has carried on Hoy’s legacy for 70 years now. What’s made Salt-Water Sandals such a beloved icon is that its leather is coated in a water sealant that shields it from water and moisture. Thus, each pair is fortified and made wearable in both dry and wet weather—making it ideal not only for hot and humid Philippine summers, but also the monsoon season. They’re perfect even for our temperamental weather—you won’t be worried about wearing your Salt-Waters in a storm. “They’re leather, but they’ll dry off, and you can wear them again the next day.” The sandals also feature rust-proof metal tongues to allow the straps to be easily adjusted for a comfortable fit. Salt-Water fans will attest that with each wear, the sandal molds itself to your feet for a snug fit. Yet, the foundation is strong enough to maintain its original form and withstand extreme conditions, making it the ultimate partner for both urban explorations and beach adventures. “And it packs flat, too! In fact, I brought five pairs on this trip, and I wear a different pair every day,” Rachael revealed. “Salt-Water means so many things to so many different people—it could be the celebrity or socialite wearing a pair of gold slides with her caftan when she goes swimming at her club, or it could be for a young businesswoman who is wearing jeans and a white polo and a pair of red sandals instead of her usual flip-flops because they’re a little bit more elegant, a little bit more classy. And then they’re also a really good pair of sandals for a child to just run and play in, they won’t break—the mom knows that they’re a tried-and-tested family brand.” From trendy metallics (ooh, rose gold!) to neutral-colored leathers, you can dress them up or down however you like. “I love the fact that they can be chic, but also practical,” gushed Rachael. Her personal favorite? “I really love the white slides; I like the fact that it’s fresh, it reminds me of summer, and it’s really easy to just slip on and off. Other than that, I’ve fallen in love with the Tan Original, which is the first one ever made. The first pair I owned was a bright yellow, and today I’m wearing this jazzy red, but generally I gravitate toward the more classic shades.” Rachael also tipped us off that a shade made specifically to complement Asian skin tones is in the works. “Watch out for it soon!”   Salt-Water Sandals is available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza; Common Thread, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall; Mothercare, Greenbelt 5,Active Fun BGC; Playground, Robinsons Magnolia, Trinoma; and online at saltwatersandals.com.ph