Fashion Experts Evaluate Them; I Logged 20,000 Steps While Wearing Them—These IYKYK Sandals Deserve Every Bit of Praise.

      Although I grew up just a short distance from the beach, it might surprise you to know that I was never a fan of sandals. However, two decades of patience and one elegant former colleague sporting a chic pair of understated strappy sandals convinced me to make a purchase. Since I had never explored this type of footwear before, I knew my best option was to start with A.Emery’s Jalen Sandal. My summer shoe collection mainly revolved around elevated flip-flops or ballet flats, both of which offered little support and often caused my feet to overheat and develop blisters during long wear. Fashionable women such as Marianne Smyth and Zara Wong, who own a pair or two of A.Emery sandals, wisely incorporate the cross-ankle style into their wardrobes to avoid these discomforts. This lesson became clear to me the moment I slipped my feet into the luxurious sandals, instantly falling in love with them from the very first wear.

      A.Emery Jalen Sandals Review

      The arrival of the A.Emery Jalen sandals in my life was quite serendipitous. They coincided with my plans for a month-long trip to Italy. Roaming the Tuscan hills and the canals of Venice would have been impossible in constricting flats, while other breathable flat styles I owned lacked the anatomical support that the A.Emery Jalen sandals provided for my arches. As someone who appreciates elevated essentials with a twist—such as studded jeans, striped button-downs, and sheer skirts and tops with built-in draping—I chose the walnut suede color, confident they would add a textured contrast to my outfits while remaining neutral enough to pair with wardrobe staples without the risks of boring black or easily stained white. On one occasion in Rome, I walked nearly 20,000 steps in them, effortlessly navigating from the top of the Piazza di Spagna, around the Pantheon, and through Trastevere in comfort.

      These design priorities were at the forefront for A.Emery’s founder and designer, Anna McLaren. When discussing the craftsmanship behind the footwear, McLaren explains, “The Jalen Sandal is a refined everyday silhouette designed with both form and function in mind. The criss-cross straps and toe hold were created to gently frame the foot, providing a flattering shape and secure fit.” She continues, “Set on our signature molded footbed, the style embodies our commitment to clean lines, subtle details, and wearability. It’s one of our most popular styles, a genuine staple for the A.Emery customer, season after season.”

      For me, this purchase has proven to be fruitful as suede sandals are now a leading trend for the spring/summer 2025 season, seen in upscale high-street styles from Zara, Reformation, and M&S, alongside designer options like The Row’s beach leather thong sandals. With numerous variations available, including a slim option with thinner straps, it's no wonder these have gained a reputation as a must-have item. Their popularity stems from their versatility, easily complementing both casual outfits, like blue jeans and a simple top, as well as white skirts paired with a sturdier jacket. While I can only share my experience of their comfortable fit, the true testament lies in trying them on yourself.

      Thus, I've compiled a guide to the top A.Emery Jalen sandal styles and where you can shop for them. With summer approaching, these sandals will undoubtedly become your go-to choice.

      What Are the A.Emery Jalen Sandals?

      The A.Emery Jalen sandal is a shoe style that emerged in the 2010s. Within a decade, it has become a symbol of modern minimalist design and refined elegance. The shape features a rubber sole with anatomical details that cushion around the toe joints, with straps that cross over the foot and wrap around the ankle. It is completed with a gilded buckle and a single strap around the big toe.

      Are the A.Emery Jalen Sandals Worth It?

      Absolutely, the A.Emery Jalen sandals merit the investment due to two main factors—materials and construction. As previously mentioned, McLaren designed these sandals to be versatile enough to suit any woman’s style. For me, this means pairing them with loose trousers and a knitted vest in the office and a beautiful classic dress (the one I wore in Rome is from LA-based Rue Sophie and features a lovely deep V-neck and sheer drop-sleeve top for layering). The second consideration is the quality of the fabric. Even without suede protector spray, the material has endured heat, humidity, and wear beautifully. Furthermore, as A.Emery states, each sandal is handcrafted by artisans in the Delhi region of India, where makers receive “above-living-wage pay, safe working environments, anti-discrimination policies, and legal age requirements” that comply with global standards. Transparency is a core value of the brand, which guarantees that the leather used for the Jalen sandals is of the highest