An Ode to Capri’s Leather Sandals: The Essence of Mediterranean Style

Is there anything more synonymous with Italian style than a pair of strappy, made-to-fit leather sandals? Capri’s most beloved keepsake is exactly what many style-forward visitors have in mind when they think about bringing something home from the island, and for good reason: the Capri sandal has been a symbol of Mediterranean style for generations.

Of course, it’s not quite sandal season yet (though I do love a sandal moment with jeans and a cozy sweater for a shoulder-season wardrobe moment), but Capri season is right around the corner. My partner Paolo just got back from a few days on the island for work and said the town has been busy preparing for the influx of visitors who typically begin arriving in early April for Easter vacation.

That being said, there is nothing quite like an off-season visit to Capri if you live nearby. Much of the island is closed, but the quietness can feel surreal. With roughly 12,000 or so Capresi full-time residents, having what feels like the entire island to yourself can almost feel like a pipe dream.

The Capri Sandal Then and Now

Before there were Instagram influencers, there were tastemakers like Diana Vreeland, and of course the woman most of us think of when we picture Capri’s iconic sandal: Jackie Kennedy, who helped put the shoe on the map for Italian summer aficionados everywhere.

Probably to not much surprise, the roots of the style go back much further. We owe much of the early inspiration to the Greeks and Romans, who are believed to have worn leather-laced prototypes more than two millennia ago. It is even said that Emperor Tiberius, the Roman emperor who famously vacationed on Capri, is credited with bringing the style to the island, where it was first admired and eventually adopted.

Fast forward to the years following World War II. After immense economic and geographic devastation, Capri, much like neighboring Naples, faced food scarcity and hardship. But by the 1950s and ’60s, the island experienced a 360-degree transformation that almost seemed too good to be true. Artists, designers, journalists, and yes, First Ladies, began flocking to Capri each summer, offering glimmers of hope and helping lead the way of the dreamy ideal of la dolce vita.

Making of the sandals

If you’re shopping for the real deal sandals, there are a few details that set an authentic pair apart, aside from the fact that a strappy silhouette tends to flatter just about every foot.

First is durability. Have you ever walked the hills of Capri? These shoes were made to last. A proper pair is crafted using 100% Italian leather soles that are hand-sewn and never glued together. One of the easiest ways to recognize this craftsmanship is by the easily recognizable white stitching that runs around the outer edge of the sole. If you are going for a more simpler pair, the leather straps, usually soft calf leather, should be measured to fit the instep and width of your foot before being carefully nailed into the sole. And if you are drawn to a more decorative style, pay close attention to the embellishments. Any high-end artisanal shop will use real stones or crystals that are NEVER made of plastics.

Much of my insider fashion knowledge comes from the artisans of Naples, who eat, breathe, and live their craft and who love sharing a bit of industry lore. When I first visited a now-retired artisan tucked down a cramped alleyway in the Spanish Quarters, his small studio pictured above, he told me that many of the Capri sandals sold on the island today are not made exactly as they once were. Because of the sometimes uncontrollable demand from visitors, many shops now use soles that are already pre-cut and pre-stitched. According to dear old Pasquale, however, a true Capri sandal should be personally measured and cut to match the exact shape of your foot. Though, there are MANY shops that still produce quality products worth a visit.

Capri Sandal Shopping

If you want to buy a pair on the island today, and neighboring coastal hot spots, these are the shops worth seeking out.

Capri

Of course, there are a lot of "fish in the sea" when it comes to Capri sandal shops on the island (it’s like finding the best pizza Margherita in Naples), so go straight to the best in the business. Here are my two picks:

Da Costanzo: The sandal shop of all Capri sandals. Da Costanzo has made its mark in the industry and has been a beloved favorite of icons like Jackie Kennedy and Ingrid Bergman. What stands out about Da Costanzo is its dedication to luxurious colors, styles, and modern silhouettes that distinguish it from many of the other shops on the island. Not to mention, the quality has nearly stayed the same since opening in the early 1960s.

Canfora: Another shop loved by stars like Grace Kelly and, once again, Jackie O., Canfora opened right after the war in 1946 when the island got back on its feet and began to feel the “boom” of a longing for a new dolce vita. Canfora is noted for its decadently decorated sandals, often adorned with large crystals, feathers, and strings of stones.

Ischia

Mario d’Ischia: If you find yourself on what I believe is Campania’s best island, Ischia, head to Lacco Ameno and make a pit stop at Mario d’Ischia. The shop has been around since 1978 and they’re the real deal: made-to-measure sandals crafted using your exact foot measurements and butter-soft leather straps. I walked away with a new pair for €90. If you visit during peak summer season, be aware that it may take a few days for them to be ready.

Naples

Pietro Ferrara Capri Sandals: Tucked down a side street in Naples’s coastal, ritzy Chiaia district is where Signor Vincenzo has been dedicated to the Capri sandal, as well as many other hand-made leather shoes, for generations.

Sorrento

Sandali Corcione: Many visitors to the Amalfi Coast, or even the nearby islands, end up in Sorrento at some point. When you’re not sipping a Limoncello spritz or diving into the sea from the town’s iconic beach-side decks, Sandali Corcione crafts Capri sandals exceptionally well since 1925.

Positano

Nanà: This shop is not your typical tourist trap. A third-generation family of skilled artisans dating back to the 60s. The grandson of the original founder, Vincenzo, is leading the show, following in his skillful grandfather’s footsteps without hesitation.

Ways to Wear ‘Em

The best part of these sandals is the endless ways to style them, to wear them, and to weave them seamlessly into your daily wardrobe, from spring, summer, and fall.

The in-between seasons

From bed to bar to beach

Summer evening sparkles

For more coastal-coveted readings…