The Key West Sandal

The many colors of Kino sandals

In Key West, the primary footwear is sandals.  While on a trip to Key West, my wife placed a post on Facebook telling the world how much we were enjoying our trip.  Within hours, two of her friends, one who grew up in KW and the other who visits there often told her that she "had to go to Kino's".  Up until this point, we didn't even know that there was such a thing as a Kino sandal. Immediately, it became of utmost importance that we visit Kino's which just happened to be within blocks of our hotel (WARNING:  If you are staying at either the Hyatt or Margaritaville, Kino's is within very easy walking distance).

So, off we go down a few blocks on Front Street which runs parallel to Mallory Square, headed toward Kino's.  One block south of Duval Street is the intersection of Front Street and Fitzpatrick Street.  Turn left and within twenty or so yards is a building with a small plaza and a very small sign, "Kino's Sandals".

Kino's Plaza

If you are looking for upscale retail, then don't go to Kino's.  When you enter the small plaza, you will find Kino's in the left corner of the stucco building.  When you first enter, you will notice a long "L" shaped counter filled with two or three styles of a very simple sandal.  There will be a large selection of colors and the colors may change from day to day.  Behind the counter are big cardboard boxes of different-sized sandals.  You wait your turn and hope to be waited on.  Once waited on, they will gather the sandals that you request and you can then either continue to shop or pay for your new footwear.

Behind the counter in full view is the "sandal factory" where the sandals are made.  It is very interesting to be in the same location where the sandals are being handmade.  The whole Kino's experience has a bit of a Central American feel to it.

Main counter inside Kino's.

The sandals are made with natural leather uppers and natural rubber soles and seem to last forever.  I have talked with two different female customers who came in to buy more Kino's although they were wearing perfectly good Kino sandals.  One woman took the pair she was wearing off and told me, "Look at these.  They are five years old and I wear them all of the time."  Besides the Kino's name being worn off from the inside of the sandal, the sandals looked as good as new. Perhaps being handmade by craftsmen instead of by a machine helps them to last longer.

Now here is the best part:  The sandals cost somewhere between $14-$18.  Most of the women's sandals cost $14-$15.  My wife loves hers and wears them all of the time.  On our last trip to Key West, my daughter, son, and son-in-law, all asked that we get them another pair of Kino's

There are a few negatives when shopping at Kino's.  First, you are in a tropical climate and the store will be warm.  It will be even warmer if the store is busy.  Second, the store may be very busy especially if a large cruise ship is in town.  Third, the people working behind the counter are doing their best but may seem to overlook you.  If you get that feeling, in a nice way, let them know that you are there and what you need.  They will help you.

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind Key West experience and an inexpensive sandal that lasts for years and molds to your foot, then a trip to Kino's is in store for you.

*Kino's is located at 107 Fitzpatrick St, Key West, FL

**I am an avid tourist of Key West, FL. The purpose of my blog, Southernmost Point, is to give an honest observation from a tourist perspective, not a "Chamber of Commerce" or merchant's perspective. I will give honest and helpful information.