Birkenstock Mayari 71793 toe-loop sandal in black

The Birkenstock Mayari in black (style 71793) is a flat, backless sandal with two adjustable straps and a slim loop around the big toe, set on Birkenstock's familiar cork footbed. It's the sort of sandal you slip on in May and barely take off until October.

Materials and comfort

The upper is Birko-Flor, Birkenstock's own synthetic material: hard-wearing and very low-maintenance, without the fuss of leather. Underneath, the cork-latex footbed is contoured to the foot, with arch support and a raised toe grip that keeps your foot settled in place. The EVA sole is light and has a deep tread that grips well on pavements and the seafront promenade. It's made in Germany.

Fit

Both straps fasten with metal pin buckles and adjust independently, so you can loosen the instep and keep the forefoot snug, or the other way round. The toe loop crosses diagonally and stops your foot sliding forward, which makes a real difference compared with a flip-flop. Being backless, it's on and off in seconds.

How to wear it

Black makes it incredibly easy to style: denim shorts and a white tee, linen dresses, or wide-leg trousers and a shirt for something a little smarter. It works just as well for a day of errands around Marbella as it does for the beach or a holiday, and as Birko-Flor wipes clean easily, summer sand and dust are no great worry.