Women’s Leather Sandals

Leather Sandals Made for Women Who Notice the Details

Made for holidays, long lunches and slow days in the sun, these leather sandals bring together soft full-grain leather, distinctive design and the ease of a pair you can wear all day.

Each pair is handcrafted in small batches by women artisans in Kenya, using leather chosen for the way it softens and moulds gently to your foot over time.

WHY SAFARI?

Safari means "journey" in Swahili, and that word shapes everything about this collection.

It's the journey these sandals make, from a workshop in rural Kenya to a doorstep in Melbourne or Sydney. It's the journey of the women who make them, building skills and financial independence one pair at a time.

And it's the journey you take in them: long lunches, coastal mornings, days with no fixed plan. We wanted a name that meant something in the place where these sandals are made.

WHY WE USE GENUINE LEATHER, NOT SYNTHETIC

  • Genuine leather (what we use):

    • Breathes, so it stays comfortable against your skin in warm weather, unlike synthetic materials that can trap heat
    • Softens and moulds to your foot the more you wear it, with no stiff break-in period
    • Ages with character, developing a natural patina rather than cracking or peeling
    • Comes from a natural material, not a plastic-based coating

  • Synthetic leather (what we avoid):

    • Usually a plastic coating over a fabric backing, so it's stiffer and less breathable
    • Doesn't soften or age the same way. It tends to crack or peel rather than improve with wear
    • Often cheaper upfront, but rarely lasts as many years of daily wear

Everything You Need to Know

What are these leather sandals made from?

Full-grain cow leather uppers with a soft 100% sheep leather lining and insole, set on a flexible rubber sole. Handcrafted in Kenya.

Do leather sandals need a break-in period?

No. The leather softens and moulds to your foot the more you wear it, so there's no uncomfortable break-in period.

How do I choose the right size?

Our leather sandals for women fit true to size, so ordering your regular size is the best place to start. If you're between sizes or have a slightly wider foot, size up for a more comfortable fit.

Can my leather sandals get wet?

Keep them away from prolonged water exposure and extreme temperatures. For light marks, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and let them air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sun.

How do I care for my leather sandals?

Brush off dust and dirt with a soft bristle brush, wipe stubborn marks with a damp cloth, and apply a leather conditioner occasionally to keep the leather supple. Store in a cool, dry place, ideally with shoe trees to help them hold their shape.

Does my order include free shipping?

Yes, delivery is free on all sandals, dispatched from Melbourne within 24 hours.

How to Choose Your Leather Sandals for Women

Two women sitting on a green bench wearing flat leather sandals for women. The woman on the left wears blue leather sandals for women with a cream linen outfit and holds a glass of water.

1. Start with the silhouette you want

2. Then choose your colour

Each style is available in a range of colourways, from everyday neutrals to statement tones. Check the individual product page for what's currently in stock in your size.

3. Match the occasion

Beach days, errands, casual wear: thong or slide

Smarter casual, work, day-to-night: cross strap or circle design flat

4. Still Deciding?

See the real impact behind every pair: Our Impact →


THE MAKING

  • What "handcrafted" actually means

    Each sandal passes through eight pairs of hands before it reaches yours.


    The leather is selected by eye, cut by hand against a pattern, and shaped around a last before the straps are stitched and each sole is pressed and finished.


    No factory floor. No conveyor belt. Just a workshop in rural Kenya, skilled women who take pride in their work, and a process that can't be rushed.

  • 1. Leather selection: Each hide chosen by eye for grain and quality

    2. Hand cutting: Patterns traced and cut against the grain

    3. Lasting & shaping: Upper shaped around a foot last

    4. Strap stitching: Each strap hand-stitched and edge-finished

    5. Sole pressing: Sole bonded and pressed under heat

    6. Quality control: Final check by Jepchumba before packing

OUR IMPACT

  • 20+ women employed

  • Illustration of a girl reading a book with the number 9 inside a circle.

    9 girls kept in school

  • Logo with a hand sewing, map of Kenya, and text '100% Handcrafted in Kenya' on a white background.

    100% handcrafted in Kenya

Customers are saying

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Curious how these mini purses are actually made? Read our Mini Purse making-of guide →

Jepchumba, a Kenya artisan at Miriam Bella, helping create handmade leather sandals and shoes.

JEPCHUMBA - QUALITY CONTROL

Jepchumba has worked in our Kenya workshop for three years. She's now head of quality control — the last set of eyes on every sandal before it ships. Her earnings helped fund her daughter's university fees. Her daughter is studying nursing.


When you buy a pair of Safari sandals, this is the chain of impact your purchase creates.