laidback london is an ethical shoe label that was set up in 2002. The brand is about the product and the people that make it. We are committed to working out of Africa where we are making a positive social and economic impact on the local communities that we work with.

Our signature sandal line is hand crafted using traditional techniques. Where possible, raw materials are sourced locally. The leathers come from a small tannery they are dyed by hand and then left out in the sun to dry naturally. The rubber outsoles are sourced from a local factory and these are prepared and cut by hand. The uppers are embellished with beads by hand every fifth bead is sewn directly onto the leather. On average, one person can embellish four pairs of uppers in one day. These labour intensive processes provide much needed jobs and give the sandals an authentic, handmade feel.

The line has been influenced by various African cultures, tribes and artisanal workmanship. Over the years we have been able to provide training, support as well as crucially, a constant flow of work that provides a sustainable income, which in turn has a significant impact on the local communities as well as on the next generation.

Every shoe has a story. Your story starts here.

STORY

Since 2002.
laidback london was born out of a desire to go back to basics. To make products the old fashioned way - by hand, using traditional techniques. To work with the imperfections to create naturally unique and individual products. Timeless pieces that are made to last, that wear better with age.

Walk, don’t run.
Having moved to London in 1997, the label’s founder wanted to bring back a part of the laid-back lifestyle he had experienced growing up on the coastal town of Mombasa to the big city. The first pair of laidback london sandals were sold from a market stall on Portobello Road in the summer of 2002.
Giving back. Making a difference.
We have established an infrastructure that creates jobs, provides sustainable incomes for the workers and preserves their skills and artistry. The work we do has a positive social and economic impact- empowering local communities, giving hope and providing opportunities through education for future generations.

Made by hand.
Keeping the processes hand made allows us to build the work force and create maximum employment. The leather, which is sourced from a local, family owned tannery is hand dyed and sundried before being cut by hand. The uppers are then hand embellished with tiny colourful beads using a technique that symbolises the traditions of the various local tribes. Different to any other, this painstaking method of sewing every fourth bead directly onto the leather can take one person up to half a day to embellish just two pairs of sandals.The uppers are then hand embellished with tiny colourful beads using a technique, which symbolises the traditions of the various local tribes.

The Originals.
Best know for what has now become the brands signature line, laidback london sandals have a truly authentic, handmade feel.

LAIDBACK LONDON - Aria Light Brown Silver

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