The perfect summer sandal / Nisolo review

If there were a pair of sandals that could make you feel like your life is insta-perfect instead of the mess that it actually is, it’s these slides from Nisolo! Read on to see why these ethically-made sandals have become a staple in my summer capsule. And to make things sweeter, there’s a fun *discount* waiting for you at the end!

Nisolo is an ethical footwear and accessories brand that pays their workers beyond fair trade wages and provides them with healthcare and safe working environments. For transparency, they publish their social impact report on their website.

Some really awesome highlights:

At their factory in Peru, all employees work on contract, which guarantees a stable salary, benefits, and consistent work. They are paid 27% above fair wages and Nisolo invests in their financial literacy and personal development, even offering yoga classes!
Nisolo also works with partner factories in Mexico, which must meet their strict ethical standards. Workers are also paid at least 27% above fair wages and have safe working conditions and healthcare.
Nisolo employs independent artisans in Kenya and Peru, helping to preserve generational craftsmanship and create jobs in low-income regions. I really loved that the social impact report recognizes how artisans are more knowledgeable about the needs of their communities than outside companies or organizations, and that fighting extreme poverty can start with helping artisans build their own businesses.

I bought the Isla slides in the color latte. It’s the perfect minimal sandal in a creamy, light beige shade of soft leather.

fit: It fits true to size. If you’re in between sizes, size up. I wear a 5.5 – 6 (European size 36) and the 6 fits me well.

comfort: They’re more comfortable than I expected. The leather is a bit stiff at first, but the insole has a bit more cushion than it appears. They require a little bit of breaking in before the leather softens.

walkability: I made this word up. But anyway, these shoes will do for a fair amount of walking, but are not made for long distances. Because they’re slides, they easily fall off your feet and I can imagine this becoming an issue if you walk very quickly. These are slides for lazy Sunday brunching and browsing bookstores, not for power-walking through the city (although they’d be a great office shoe!).

styling: These slides pair well with anything, making them a perfect addition to a summer capsule wardrobe. Their timeless silhouette also means they’ll stay in style for years to come. Pair with frayed denim for a lunch date with your friends, wide-leg trousers for a casual workday, or a sundress over a swimsuit for a day at the beach.

care: I am so guilty of not taking good care of my shoes, but Nisolo helpfully sends a little card with your purchase detailing how you can care for leather shoes. A cloth bag is also included for storage. I’m definitely going to try my best to care for these babies.