We've expanded our barefoot sandal range this year with another Seaside model: The freshly produced Seaside Luxe is now available in the Feelgrounds online shop – the opportunity to grab another pair of Seaside for this summer!
In this blog article, we introduce the new sandal model, explain which features it shares with our first Seaside model, and how the two models differ from each other. Our popular first Seaside barefoot sandal with cotton straps will of course continue to be available. To avoid confusion with our new model Seaside Luxe , we have officially renamed our first sandal model to "Seaside Twill".
While Seaside Twill is a very casual sandal with a focus on natural and breathable materials, our new Seaside Luxe style is a somewhat more elegant version thanks to its synthetic leather straps.
Both Seaside models have the same flexible yet durable rubber sole. In both cases, Seaside is fitted with a natural cork insole for comfortable foot feel. The sole thickness of just 7 mm allows you to feel the ground beneath your feet while still being thick enough for comfortable wear on asphalt and other hard surfaces. The secure fit of the barefoot sandal on the foot, the wide toe box, and the flat sole without a heel support a natural gait.
What are the differences between the two models?
Color selection and sizes
Both barefoot sandal models are unisex and, like all current Feelgrounds shoes, available in sizes EU 35 to EU 49. The Seaside Twill is available in six colors: Biscuit Beige, Burgundy Red, Black, Deep Olive, Dusty Pink, Navy Blue, and Stone Grey. Our new model Seaside Luxe is available in Black, All Black, Metallic Rose, and Sienna.
Strap material
The main difference between the two sandals is the material used for the straps. Seaside Twill has straps made of natural cotton, and Seaside Luxe features more stylish synthetic leather straps. Both materials are great – simply choose what you prefer. While the cotton straps give an overall more casual look, you can also wear the Seaside Luxe with its synthetic leather straps for many more elegant occasions.
Cut
Seaside Luxe comes from the start with the improved cut of the second Seaside Twill production batch (Spring 2022). This means that both this year's Seaside Twill pairs and all Seaside Luxe pairs have a slightly larger hook-and-loop fastener area on the heel strap compared to the first Seaside Twill generation (which we launched in Summer 2021). This is particularly useful for customers who wear Seaside with a tightly pulled heel strap. We've also given Seaside Luxe another update: The strap section that protrudes past the small rivet over the toe separator is shorter on Seaside Luxe, providing an even more comfortable fit. All future Seaside Twill generations (from 2023 onwards) will also benefit from this update.
Size finding
Seaside Luxe fits true to size. If you already own a pair of Seaside Twill , we recommend choosing the same size for Seaside Luxe as well, since the sole has identical proportions.
With sandals, too much space in front of the toes can lead to frequent stumbling. That's why we made the Seaside soles slightly shorter than the soles of our other closed shoe models. Therefore, we generally recommend the same size for Seaside that you normally wear in your other Feelgrounds shoes. You'll find the exact measurements for Seaside's sole length and width on the Seaside product pages under "Size Information" or on our special size finding page.
However, choosing your perfect Seaside size depends not only on your foot length and width, but also on your foot volume. Seaside Twill is best suited for feet with medium to low arch volume. Seaside Luxe fits comparatively a bit looser and is therefore perfect for medium arch volume. Both models' straps have an elastic band on the inside of the arch to provide a good fit for a variety of foot shapes. However, for feet with particularly flat arches, we recommend Seaside Twill instead.
Customers who fall exactly between two sizes, we recommend choosing the size based on your foot volume. If you have a high-volume foot, choose the larger size. If you have a low-volume foot, choose the smaller size.
This year we've also updated our Seaside size guide PDF. The printable PDF now includes not only the sole length but also shows its complete outline, so you can easily check compatibility in width and length. The position of the sandal's toe separator is also marked on the PDF.
Same care instructions for both Seaside models
You can clean the sandal straps with a soft brush, some water, and a gentle cleaning product. For cleaning the sole, we recommend a soft, dry brush to remove loose dirt. Afterwards, you can spray a thin layer of shoe odor eliminator to neutralize any odors.
Note: Cork is a natural material and can change color when it comes into contact with moisture. Therefore, discoloration over time, such as from sweat, is completely normal. The sandals are not suitable for sports or water wear.
If you have questions or need personal advice on sizing or fit, our support team is happy to help.