This ‘Orthopaedic Shoe’ Brand Is Having A Fashion Comeback

Let’s be honest, Camper has never screamed the coolest brand on the block. Known for its practicality and ‘orthopaedic-style’ shoes, it’s a brand more fitting for an artsy uncle or nerdy cousin. But as we know, fashion has a funny way of spinning the block and what was once considered clunky can be made cool again. Since launching in 2016, the now viral Camper Kobarah Sandal, has garnered quite the Gen-Z fan club, embracing the spongy-sculptural shoe with open arms (or feet and socks).

Why the buzz now? Well, since the rise of avant-garde fashion brands - Rick Owens walked so the Spanish brand could run - the doors of genderless footwear have been well and truly flung open - hence all eyes on Camper’s Kobarah style. It also helped that Camper expanded its sizing to a UK 11, only adding to its appeal.

Almost a decade later, the shoe has graced the feet of influencers and fashion editors alike. The Kobarah sandal -  inspired by the snake of the same name – has a heel that wraps the foot and comes with a removable insole to cushion your feet throughout the day, in a way normal heels don’t. Cleverly designed, the wedge of the heel is designed to alleviate pressure from the balls of your feet. The silhouette has drawn comparisons to the cult Julian Hake Mojito heel - another sculptural, rule -bending design.

While they might raise an eyebrow or a double take, there’s no doubt the Kobarah sandal feels relevant to the fashion landscape now, with the rise of maximalism and Y2K there is undeniably a platform for quirky, off-beat pieces. Instagram and TikTok have built a strong case for the shoe and have endless amounts of style inspiration. Just like the oddity that was the Givenchy Marshmallow, or the 2011 Isabel Marants Bekett Sneaker, this is the kind of shoe that will anchor an outfit. The only downside we’ve spotted is that they fit smaller, so size up – and scroll to shop our favourite colours now.

Shop: Camper Kobarah Sandals

Main image credit: @katjasminee @kaylavhmh @janaisinclaire

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..