Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/315387
18 S U M M E R 2 014 U N TAC K E D When I opened the box of my Katharine Page san- dals, I wanted to bury my face in it and soak in the scent. e smell of quality leather—intoxicating to any horseperson—wafted out and was irresistible. at was my introduction to my Keswick model sandals, and our relationship just got better and better from there. Honestly, the hardest part of the process was deciding which style I wanted—they'd all be welcome additions to my closet, for sure. Page, an amateur hunter rider, started her sandal company in 2012, cleverly introducing the clas- sic, enduring style of quality tack to footwear. She succeeded in spades; each model has echoes of fine bridlework details, with exquisite leather and white stitching. e Fairfield, Keswick, Devon and Del Mar (each style is named for a historic horse show) all bear fancy stitching reminiscent of a hunter show bridle. From the rich quality of the leather to the preci- sion and beauty of the stitches to the details of the fit, every aspect is high-class. My style even has small roller buckles, like little girth buckles, on the ankle strap. ey make adjusting the fit simple and quick. ese are about as far from flip-flops as you can get. eir craftsmanship elevates them from mere "sandal" to fine footwear, so they look as good with jeans as they do with a nice sundress. e sole and support of the Katharine Page sandals are minimal—there's no spongy cushioning. But they fit your feet so well from your first wear that padding would be extraneous, and once they get broken in, they mold to your feet like a second skin. A stylish, classy second skin! e only issue I had in our early days together was that the leather soles were a bit slippery, but once they'd gotten scuffed a bit and "worn-in," they picked up some traction, and I had no further issues. As she explains in her company's backstory online, Page believes luxury is about simplicity, comfort and longevity, and the sandals she produces absolutely speak to that. ey have a healthy price tag attached—most models are $375 (the bling of the Swarovski crystal-enhanced Palm Beach model puts that price at $385), and that's more than I've ever paid for a pair of sandals, but these are truly a step above. It's like wearing the equivalent of the nicest bridle you can find, just on your feet. You can learn more at katharinepage.co (not to be confused with .com!), or find Page herself in her booth at various East Coast shows this summer. —Molly Sorge, Associate Editor EDITOR'S PICKS Katharine Page Sandals