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Are you man enough to wear these mandals?

GERMAN tourists are rejoicing - mandals are the latest trend for summer but would you let your mate wear them to the pub?

Crocs. Better or worse? Picture: Supplied
Crocs. Better or worse? Picture: Supplied

THEY usually wear boots or sneakers, but a new shoe trend is emerging for blokes - mandals.

Open-toed leather shoes for men were seen on European runways and are now heading Down Under as footwear brands take cues from Dolce &Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo and Dior Homme's Kris Van Assche.

But would the typical Aussie bloke actually wear them?

Myer menswear face Kris Smith said no to open-toed shoes for blokes.

''Personally, I'm not a massive fan of open-toed shoes, especially for guys,'' Smith said.

''I had a bit of an issue for a while about women wearing open-toed shoes, it's just something that didn't appeal to my eye. Definitely no for a guy.''

But Smith admitted to being a fan of thongs.

''I do wear thongs. But as far as shoes with just the toes peeping out, I definitely wouldn't wear those.''

Men's style expert Josh Flinn said mandals could work, if styled properly.

''These days men are wearing man-tans, which are male kaftans, we're wearing super short shorts and . . . for spring 2014, the shapes have been more feminised,'' Flinn said.

''Personally, I'm not a big fan of the Jesus sandal because most guys I know have ugly feet, but a lot of guys are getting pedicures.

''If you wear them (mandals) the right way...with a linen trouser and the cuffs rolled up. Thank God they're not Crocs.''

FallenBROKENstreet designer Justin Crawford said mandals would be a big look for the Aussie spring/summer.

Open shoes for men have been done in leather with cut-outs or slide-on peep-toed loafers in brown or black and Dior Homme has made open-toed sneakers.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/are-you-man-enough-to-wear-these-mandals/news-story/5eadf86280cb5a7ed8a34a2c3aeee5a8