Cushe Manuka Strip Sandal

June 6, 2011

Cushe has some great stuff, but this sandal didn’t work for me. It chafed my feet and seemed as if it didn’t fit well, so I sent it to Irene to get her take on it. In a demonstration about how gear is very individual, she loved it and provided the following review. ~HG

The Cushe Manuka Strip sandals are cute, with a sophisticated look, and a fit that says “let’s go hiking.” Mine are brown soft full grain leather with what the manufacturer calls a breathable stretch body, 3-point toe post sandal attached to the outsole sidewall, anatomical last shape for a natural fit, a lining of ventilated textile mesh, suede leather footbed that includes ultra soft Phylon molded EVA compound offering lightweight durability and providing increased underfoot comfort, and the outsole is a molded rubber foot-shaped outsole. Wow, so what does this all mean? A fabulous looking, feeling, fitting, sandal!

When writing reviews I like to learn a bit about the company behind the brand. Cushe has touched my soul with their core values, and their objectives, not only for their product, but also for the planet, and the lives its inhabitants. Reading their web site made me just want to up and order more shoes from them. Have a read through their web site here and see what they’re all about.

I immediately fell head over heels for this cute sandal. I put them on right away and wore them all day. By the end of the day, my feet felt wonderful, but the top of my second toe on one foot was sore and had been rubbed almost raw from the leather toe piece. I did not realize this was happening until it was too late. What to do, how could I give these sandals a good test if my toes are rubbed raw? I tugged at the leather and was able to pull it up a bit so as to not rest on my toes, hallelujah, this worked. These are now my new favorite sandals. They look great with jeans, dresses, and capris. I am pleasantly pleased with how styling I am a looking with the simple addition of these sandals to my wardrobe.

The footbed is perfectly fitted to the contours of the bottom of my feet making for a very comfortable wear all day long. What I really like about the footbed is the hibiscus flower design, though it’s not visible when my foot is in this sandal, I know it’s there, sort of like knowing you have the sexiest thong you own on and no one else knows except you, and that’s part of the fun. Here is what the manufacturer has to say about these little additions that make a tremendous difference in their product: “We love detail – the little things you can and can’t see that make our product that extra bit unique and special”, and yes they do, thank you.
These sandals are so comfortable and the rugged pattern of the sole offers such good grip that I was tempted to go hiking in them, however, my senses kicked in and I did not head out on the trail wearing them. I can, and have walked many hours in these sandals while power shopping in the big city of Anchorage. Folks like me who live a couple hours from Anchorage know all too well about power shopping and miles of walking required when visiting the big city, especially when visits to town are limited to every 6-8 weeks.

These sandals are true to size for what I wear in a woman’s shoe. I highly recommend them and am looking into ordering a pair of shoes from Cushe because I am so pleased with their company values and their product.