Worth It: Emme Parsons' Susan Tread Sandal

Make this handcrafted shoe a staple of your transitional wardrobe.

Emme Parson's newest tread sandal in tobacco brown
(Image credit: Emme Parson)

When Emme Parsons launched her eponymous shoe line out of her Los Angeles home in 2017, her life already revolved around design. Her previous life involved working as a graphic designer for fashion brands and magazines. 

With a less-is-more approach, Parsons applied her visual design skills to footwear, developing a line of minimalist shoe styles that were interpretations of classic silhouettes. Often described as quiet and disciplined, Parsons' approach to creating footwear is like many greats—slow and deliberate, emphasizing craftsmanship and sustainability. 

Her small collections, filled with a curated selection of essential shoe styles, are handmade in Italy. Practices follow long-held techniques that adhere to the highest standards in environmental responsibility: shoe materials are biodegradable, tanneries use natural dyes, and suede is bio-based, while the brand's packaging uses recycled cardboard and upcycled cotton.

The Susan Tread sandal, one of the newest additions to Parsons' collection, is yet another way to integrate her barely there footwear designs into your late summer/early fall rotation. Versatile and ultra-comfortable, the Susan is constructed with an intentionally thick, recycled tread rubber sole—ensuring comfort and durability. Nappa cording can be fastened around the leg or tied around the ankle. 

The Susan Tread is available in two colorways, black and tobacco brown. Choose your favorite, then start pairing with every outfit from now until you feel that chill in the air. 

Shop Emme Parsons' Susan Tread:

Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.