If you’ve noticed rope sandals suddenly popping up all over Amazon, Pinterest, and your summer feed, you’re not imagining it. The woven, slightly outdoorsy sandal has become one of those fashion trends that manages to feel both new and oddly timeless.
One pair that caught my eye is the Nomadic State of Mind Mountain Sandal. Unlike the many inexpensive rope-inspired sandals flooding Amazon right now, Nomadic State of Mind has been making its signature rope footwear since the late 1990s.
The brand’s sandals are handmade using polypropylene rope, with the rope itself produced in North Carolina. Nomadic State of Mind says its rope is partly reclaimed and chosen for its durability, while the company also repurposes much of its leftover material rather than sending it to a landfill.
And honestly, that’s part of what makes this pair so appealing.
The Mountain Sandal has that effortlessly cool, vacation-ready look that works with basically every summer outfit. Think linen pants and a button-down, denim shorts and a tank, a flowy maxi dress, or even your favorite swimsuit when you’re heading from the beach to lunch.
The rope construction gives it a more interesting texture than a basic leather slide or rubber flip-flop, while the relatively minimalist design keeps it from feeling overly “hiking sandal.”
It’s also a great example of why rope sandals are having such a moment. The aesthetic falls somewhere between coastal, boho, outdoorsy, and minimalist, which makes the shoes surprisingly easy to style. And because the sandals have been around for years, you’re getting the look without buying into a microtrend that will necessarily feel dated next summer.
Another bonus: Nomadic State of Mind describes its rope sandals as vegan, durable, lightweight, colorfast, and machine washable.
Why I’m Into Them
I think the appeal is that they look like the kind of sandal you could throw into a suitcase and wear for an entire vacation. They’re casual enough for sightseeing but cute enough that you don’t necessarily have to change shoes before dinner.
And if you’re someone who loves the “expensive-looking but actually practical” fashion category, these definitely fit the bill.
Rope sandals have been around longer than the current trend cycle, but they’re getting a fresh fashion moment right now. So if you’ve been looking for a way to try the trend without buying a super-trendy pair you’ll only wear for one season, the Nomadic State of Mind Mountain Sandal is worth a look.
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