Would you think these were women's shoes?

[ToThineOwnSelfBe]

An older (65+), male turned up to an event wearing these. A few younger people were commenting to each other that they looked like women's shoes, and a family member of the man with aforementioned shoes overheard and insisted that no one in their right mind could possibly construe them as women's shoes and that they're clearly men's shoes.

Now I'm all for people wearing what they want, if Uncle Dave wants to wear stilettos and a mini skirt, that's his business, the same as I can wear trousers, a jacket and a tie if I want. Also, I appreciate that a lot of clothes are worn by either sex without anyone batting an eyelid (see hoodies). And that fashion changes and what's "acceptable" (for whatever that word is worth) does change.

But the question is... what would you actually think of these shoes on a man? I tend to agree with the younger folk, only because of the peep toe, which I've never seen on a man's shoe before. And in this context, I do think Uncle Dave would be embarrassed if he knew people thought he was wearing ladies shoes. Thoughts?

They're fairly feminine but I can imagine an arty bohemian man wearing them

I used to have those shoes. They were phenomenally uncomfortable so I got rid of them!

They look like a very plain unisex sandal to me.

Abarcas (or avarcas) were originally developed in Menorca for farm workers over 100 years ago. The soles are traditionally made from old tyres, and many still have that look... black rubber with a tread.

Men, women and children wear them in Spain. They are for everyone.

Unisex, see tons of them in the traditional leather maker shoe shops in Spain (in fact people queuing up for them in Madrid)

We see lots of men wearing them in Spain when we go. I think they look nice.

It’s disappointing that the younger people were so fixed on these being for women, although not surprising with so many younger people being so preoccupied with the nonsense that is gender.

Yes, its like the 60s, 70s and 80s never happened.

I have no idea how society has ended up like this. Incredible

How exactly can a shoe be female?

I think we're used to seeing women wearing them in this country, but I wouldn't bat an eyelid if I saw a man in them. They're just flat sandals.

This.

Menorcan sandals, unisex.

Menorcan sandals are ancient and traditional and unisex.

Ignorance ain’t a good look.

My dad wears these, as do I and my sister

Not they're not "mostly worn by women"; they're worn by everyone in Spain, including very normal and non arty men.

I hate how men are expected to wear dreary neutrals whilst I can't get a female-sized safety boot that doesn't have fucking PINK on it somewhere.

What's wrong with making stuff for both sexes in a range of colours?

I hate how I can't get a female-sized running shoe that doesn't have fucking PINK or purple on it somewhere.

Menorcan sandles. Worn by all ages and sees in Menorca. Not sure many men would wear them when not on holiday though.

I think that the current trend to make anything and everything gendered is a backwards step. So what if these are more commonly worn by women in the U.K.? Will the sky fall in if a man wears a pair of comfy shoes? The OP should be telling these narrow minded young people to chill out, not coming on here to gather evidence for her (or his) biases.

See these on men in European countries.

Unisex.

Though I'd imagine the bloke wearing them to be quite artsy/Boho.