The comfortable footwear brand Kork-Ease, widely recognized for its cork-soled buffalo sandals that dominated the 1970s disco scene, now offers a remarkable collection of lightweight and comfortable summer sandals tailored for today's shoppers. Among these is a pair of flat sandals that has finally returned to the market after being unavailable for years. These sandals are highly praised by a HuffPost colleague, who describes them as the best, most comfortable, and cutest sandals of all time.
Restocked and Beloved
HuffPost breaking news assignment editor Lydia O'Connor informed us about the brand's restock of the Dara sandal. O'Connor previously purchased the now-discontinued Nara style years ago, but Kork-Ease confirmed to HuffPost that both styles share the same upper design, differing only in the outsole.
I never imagined they would be restocked because the brand hasn't produced standard flat sandals in years, and I couldn't understand why given how exceptional they are, O'Connor said. She even bought a pair on eBay last year out of desperation to replace her worn-out ones that had deteriorated after years of constant use.
Design and Comfort Features
The Dara sandal features the same criss-crossing leather upper and adjustable ankle strap found in many of Kork-Ease's iconic shoes. However, instead of a high platform, the Dara boasts a flat, cushioned footbed with a textile lining and rubber sole, ensuring all-day comfort suitable for long walks, dinners, or any occasion requiring a cute and comfortable summer shoe.
O'Connor can attest to the sandal's all-day comfort from personal experience. She shared that these were the only shoes she brought on a vacation to Greece and Sicily last year, wearing them daily for two consecutive weeks, including to a wedding and while walking approximately 15,000 steps per day.
Stylish and Secure
Despite their comfort, the sandals maintain a level of stylish elegance that surpasses more ergonomic options. The adjustable buckle straps ensure a secure and customized fit. A Nordstrom reviewer noted that they took the sandals out of the box and wore them all day without any issues, finding them true to size and adorable with a casual maxi skirt. Although pricey, the reviewer deemed them worth the investment and is considering purchasing another color. O'Connor added that the sandals seamlessly transition from day to night.
Availability and Colors
The Dara sandal is no longer available in the dark brown shade shown in O'Connor's photos, but it can be purchased in three similarly versatile colors: lighter brown, metallic bronze, and black, in women's sizes 6 to 11. Note that Nordstrom has separate product pages for each color, so while the metallic bronze is linked below, shoppers can click on the provided links for the black and brown options. The black color is currently unavailable at Zappos.
Shop the sandals for yourself below, and perhaps you will also be convinced to purchase them repeatedly.
Additional Comfortable Sandals
Explore more comfortable women's sandals curated by the HuffPost Shopping team:
Blowfish Malibu Slide Sandals
Slip into a pair of easy breezy slides from Blowfish Malibu. These sandals feature a casual silhouette with a touch of elegance, thanks to interesting detailing along the upper and side vents that are both functional and stylish. The cork foam footbed offers substantial support, while the rubber outsole provides good traction. Available in three colors: two in faux leather and one in natural canvas.
Affordable Flip-Flop Sandals
These minimalist summer shoes can be surprisingly stylish, especially when paired with a more put-together outfit like trousers and a button-down. Available in a wide range of colors, including black and red, these elevated sandals are designed for maximum comfort. The memory foam footbed cradles the foot gently, and the non-slip outsole ensures stability. The lightweight construction makes for easy movement.
Birkenstock-Inspired Sandals
This top-selling sandal features many hallmarks of its pricier Birkenstock counterpart: a cork sole with molded arch support, soft adjustable buckle straps, and easy slip-on styling. Reviewers praise the soft, natural-looking leather and the comfortable, well-fitting design.
