For over a year I’ve been searching diligently for a particular style of sandal, and today I thought I’d found them. I was wrong, but in the process made another, perhaps more interesting, discovery.
A while back I saw an ad for a pair of Sperry sandals in a vintage magazine. I neglected to note the date, but I’m sure it was from the late 1950s or early 60s. At any rate, the sandals were leather soles and a leather strap but with a rope thong that went between the toes. Sort of like what you see in the photo above.
I spotted these sandals the moment I entered the thrift store. It was one of those moment when the first thought of “Finally!” quickly gave way to “Close, but , no.” In other words, that little voice warned me before I even reached the rack that these were not the Sperry sandals I’d been searching for. There was a definite lack of the quality I’d expect to find in a pair of vintage Sperry shoes.
And I was right. The sandals were made by Kino, which rang a very vague bell, but which I really could not place where I’d heard of or seen them. They were leather, but the materials and the construction were obviously not high end. Still, they were cute summer thongs, in a style I’ve been wanting and they were very lightly worn.
So why didn’t I buy them? They were too big.
I was curious enough to see what I could find out about them, and a quick Google did not disappoint. Kinos are made in Key West, by the same family that has been making them since 1966.
Roberto “Kino” Lopez had owned a shoe factory in Cuba, which he left behind in 1962 when he left the island and the Castro regime. Four years later he took his savings and a small business loan and opened a small shoe making factory in Key West. The sandals are made by hand, using the same styles and patterns they have been making for three generations now. You can watch as the craftspeople make the sandals which are for sale in the factory shop.
On the website they have a page showing the sandals, but there is a notice that they are not taking on-line orders at present. I do suspect they will fill a phone order in case anyone wants to try. The prices are pretty tempting, and while I can’t vouch for them, the reviews on Yelp are very good.
They are great sandals. I’ve got around 20 pairs. Two pairs are at least 15 years old
I am in Key West for the weekend and am headed to Kinos this afternoon. The shoes are fantastic and I have at least 15 different colors. When we travel, people all over recognize them–so they are good conversation pieces. My favorites are a bronze textured pair and I’m hoping they have those today…I have worn my pair out. Order some online if you can’t make it to KW…you won’t be sorry!
Maybe I ought to just make the sacrifice and make the trip down the Key West.
Kino sandals are well worth the rive to Key West. Among the sheer beauty of Key West itself, pre-seasonal storms (of-course),Kino’s make the best sandals I have ever own. I used to wear flip-flops from Old Navy, and sneakers, and never anything else. It annoyed my mother to death.
My mom came back from her cruise to Key West one day years ago, and brought a pair of Kino’s to my room. She said, and I quote, “Throw away all of your flip flops. If you don’t like these sandals, you can take them back to Key West yourself!” and threw them at me. Being a teenager at the time I responded with one of those “I don’t care, i’m not throwing away my flip flops.”
I came home from school the following day, all of my shoes were gone except my Vet sneakers and Agriculture boots!!
I didn’t wanna wear cow-poo covered boots to school all day, and my Vet sneakers couldn’t get scuffed. Needless to say, I had to wear the Kino’s to school, and loved them! I have a few pairs now and will be getting more!
I have been a fan of Kino sandals since the early ’80′s when I began travelling to Key West, I have them in almost every style and color and since I live in Florida I get the opportunity to wear them often. I find them to be a very good quality and last for a long time. While not Sperry’s I would recommend Kino’s every day of the week and you certainly cant beat them for the price
Thanks for the recommendation!
I had a pair I bought in 1977 in Key West at the store. My new dog chewed them up in 1998 or I’d still have them. Bought a pair in 1999 and am still weating them (Lilly Style). I bought another pair and they’re up in the closet. Will probably never have to use them (unless I get a new dog again)! Best buy ever!
My wife has worn Kino sandals for over 36 years. They are very well made and stand up to time, she can’t kill them and she wears them almost every day in the spring & summer into the early fall.
I bought some Kinos in 2008 and they are my most frequently worn shoes. When my husband was in KW last month for a marathon I sent him to Kino and had him pick up more for me, some for my daughter, and a pair for my sister as a gift. Very reasonably priced leather sandals and best of all…MADE IN AMERICA!
You know, I post about a lot of products, but I don’t think any have gotten the level of reviews that Kino has.
So excited! On our way to Key West and will definitely by a pair (or more) of Kino sandals! I bought several pair many years ago and can’t wait to have new ones!!
I have been wearing Kino sandals since the early seventies and they are the best fitting sandals I have ever owned. They last forever and I get so many compliments on them when I wear them out. I just ordered yet another pair and can’t wait until they arrive. You can’t go wrong on the price or the craftmanship!! Donna
I really need to try these. Thanks for the recommendation.