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Mainstream Israeli sandals

HannahC

Just in case you are now thinking that all Israeli women wear sandal booties - here are the mainstream Israeli sandals:
on my foot: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink
front view: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink
one sandal (so that you can appreciate the thickness of the sole): http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink

These particular ones are from a brand named "Kaya", but there are several brands doing similar type of sandals. These are everywhere. Can you see how chunky they are? I don't think I've ever seen sandals that chunky anywhere else. The platform gives almost 3'' elevation, but since the difference of height between the heel part and the front part is not so big, they don't really feel like heels. Plus, the footbed is very padded and comfy, and the straps are very very soft. These are easily 8-hours sandals. I always have a pair of sandals like these, and I replace them when they wear out. During the summer, I wear them on days when I know I will have to do a lot of walking.

Isn't it interesting that this type of footwear, which is worn by more than 50% of women in Israel, seems to be unique to Israel? Why is this, I wonder?

46 replies

Latest reply was from greenglove

Anonymous

I like them, they look super comfy. I like sandals that have this kind of sole that does not bend when you walk, so they kind of roll along and your feet don't seem to get tired. Are the soles on yours wood?

HannahC

No, the soles are not wood, though they are painted to look like wood. I think they are rubber? They have a bit of a springy feeling to them, which adds to the comfort.

Anonymous

They certainly look like shoes that would not tire the feet. I have Dansko shoes that have similar characteristics and I describe them as springy too.
Thanks so much for sharing the mainstream Israeli sandal with us.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Interesting! You mean you don't walk around in sandal booties 7 days a week? Like San, I have Dansko sandals that are similar to this. They are comfy!

tarzy

Veteran

They actually remind me of the "Born" brand, which I happen to like. Since I'm a bit short (5'4") I like that little pop of height. I have these in black - I bought them a few years ago, but I hardly wear them now because I'm afraid they're too clunky:

http://www.6pm.com/product/7291173/color/19

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I would be interested to hear what Angie thinks of those sandals and the Borns. Is clunky okay for certain looks? I wonder about the original hippie kork-ease sandals, they seem to be around again. I kind of like that look, even with skirts.

Maya

Veteran

I like those shoes Hannah. They have nice delicate straps but a solid platform.

I know I sound like a hypocrite since I always say how I like dainty sandals, but I also like "clunky" platforms. I think maybe what I mean is that I like girly sandals. I just wouldn't wear these because they would completely mess with my PPL since everything I have is hemmed for flats.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for posting pics, HannaC. I saw the brand and women wearing this type of look and the look that Tara posted. They totally work for Israeli style. Also, you have to see these types of sandals sported with the rest of a stylish ensemble to be convinced. It can go horribly wrong, OR, work like a dream. (You see! Even though I'm a Chanel girl, I’m a lot more open minded than Karl Lagerfeld).

Tara, I think I’ve seen you in those Borns and really liked them.

GoXtina

(website)

How tall are the average Israel women? The shoes are cute!!

shana

Veteran

I remember this style of shoes being popular here in the late 90's. Being a shrimp myself, I loved the height it gave me without the high-heel feeling. In fact, I still have a pair in this sort of style in my summer shoe box - it was a Calvin Klein pair that I loved and had to hunt down in my size by going to at least 5 different Macy's stores to find (this was in 1998 or 1999 so online shopping was not quite what it is today). I haven't worn mine in years but I am keeping it for nostalgia (so silly)....

HannahC

Tara,
I love your "Borns"! But I do wear my "Kayas" a lot, and they are a lot clunkier, so I am used to the clunky look I like how it toughens a girly dress, and also the combination of height and comfort is the best.

GoXtina,
I think the average Israeli woman is of the same height as average European or American one (well, maybe a bit shorter than an average American). But we sure love our platforms!

Maya,
All my pants are PPL for heels. But even if your pants are PPL for flats, you can still wear chunky platforms with skirts and dresses, right? I agree with you - even though these are not dainty, they are definitely girly.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Actually the average American women is quite short – 5ft 4-ish. The Euro women averages at 5ft 6-ish).

Vani

Veteran

Phew, at 5ft 2in, I feel a lot better Angie

HannahC, I feel comfortable just looking at those sandals. My feet want springy and spring-like, soon

Patience

Veteran

Hannah, I love your sandals. I'm another one who has a soft spot for platform sandals. In fact, the other pair of gladiators I bought this season has a platform. I always wonder about their stylishness though. It seems to me that the platform will never be truly dressy. The look and the height without the toe to heel difference is exactly what I like about them for my 5'3" height.

HannahC

Angie - really? The Euro women are so much taller than American ones? How interesting! I'd say an average Israeli woman is about 5'5'' or something.

Somehow I had the (obviously wrong) impression that Americans are taller than Europeans.

Niva, it is not only already spring here, it is very summery!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I tried these shoes a few weeks ago. They were SO comfortable, but my pinky toe popped out the side between the straps. These remind me of your sandals, Hannah.
http://www.endless.com/dp/B001.....34-0709852

anne

Veteran

That is interesting re height. I wonder what the average Aussie women is...
Well I just did a bit of ( not what I would call accurate) web research and it said 5" 4.5. This makes me at 5"4 almost average. (I think though, that among my own generation, the average would be higher)

Anonymous

I also am surprised that the average American woman is not taller.
I love platform shoes because you get the height without the high heel. Even though I am 5'8" I would like to get a pair of platform sandals because then I would have all my good jeans hemmed for heels and I could wear the more comfy platforms with the same jeans.

HannahC

Patience and San - exactly! The platform and not much difference toe-heel is really great for walking (and the additional bonus of hemming my jeans for heels is great too). I don't wear them as dressy sandals, though - I have other (less comfortable) options for when I am dressing up.

Sarah - I love the sandals you posted, but notice the huge difference between the heel and the toe height. I am not saying they won't be comfortable, but they will surely feel different from my sandals (which feel almost like flats).

Anne - well, I was really curious too, and a web search gave me the number 5'4.1'' for Israeli women. I am pretty sure my generation is taller, though.

Hmmm ... maybe I should get in touch with "Kaya" marketing department and let them know that there is an interest in their sandals abroad (just kidding).

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Are those hard to drive in? I have a pair of Coach platform sandals and it's really hard to drive. Of course mine are about 4".

HannahC

Sarah,

No, they feel like slippers for all practical purposes. Driving is absolutely fine in them. I once used to have 4'' platforms (similar style, just higher platform), and indeed it was hard to drive in them. Maybe 3'' is the limit.

fourkidstoo

Member

Hi,
I got a pair of Kaya a few years ago and love them. I asked my friend in Israel to find me another pair but does not no where to go. Where did you find them? I searched the internet in America and Israel and you are the only link to Kaya sandals. Thanks

HannahC

Hi Fourkidstoo (I wonder, "too" like who else?)! Cute nickname! Kayas are sold in "Gazit" stores and in "Yulia" stores. I don't think they have their own stores. And they don't sell over the Internet (such a missed retail opportunity!). Which city you friend lives in? I can guide her in Haifa Regardless, the safest bet should be to go to a large mall - both "Gazit" and "Yulia" stores are usually located at malls. Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I just have to say that I saw three women wear sandal booties on the streets of Seattle last week and they looked FABULOUS:

1. With black harem pants
2. With skinny jeans
3. With a Grecian dress

Wish I had taken pictures :0(

HannahC

Angie, I am hijacking my own thread, but I just had to share: the new popular style here is harem clamdiggers (I mean, harem pants at the clamdigger length). I just saw a woman wearing them with an edgy top, and she looked absolutely stunning!
I saw those harem pants in the store, and was sorely tempted to try them on - they are jersey, hence looked extremely comfortable, and came in beautiful colors. But my husband wouldn't approve ...
Oh, and sandals booties are everywhere in the stores here.
Please take pictures next time!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I saw that look sported in Israel too, HannaC! Very fab. It TOTALLY works in Israel with the sandal booties.

I am challenging you to get clamdigger length harem pants! They completely suit your lifestyle and geographical location. Casual, cool, breezy and edgy. Hubby *might* get used to the idea especially since you'll be in good company. At least TRY them! For me.

Maya

Veteran

Wait a second! When did harem pants become YLF approved?! Did I miss something?

fourkidstoo

Member

Thank you so much. My friend lives in Haifa. Are these store there.

HannahC

Fourkidstoo, the Kaya sandals are sold in Haifa in "Yulia" store. It is on the first floor of the "Grand Kanyon" mall. This where I got mine

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