It Exudes the Dignity of "Leather"! 5 Years in Development—What Is the Passion Infused in Island Slipper’s Carefully Crafted EVA Sandals?

When people hear "Island Slipper," the first thing that comes to mind is their classic thong-type PT (B) 202. The "PT" or "PB" in the product code stands for the color of the sole: Tan or Black, respectively.

This summer, their line-up welcomes the brand new model “EVAPT202,” a design crafted over five years using EVA material.

Why did Island Slipper, so passionately committed to leather sandals, decide to focus on EVA now? We spoke with Yuki Miura from the press team at GMT inc., Island Slipper’s exclusive distributor in Japan, to find out.

An EVA model—the First in Nearly 80 Years of Brand History

PT (B) 202 is one of Island Slipper’s signature thong-style sandals.

The signature is in the use of full-grain leather (the highest grade cut from the outermost layer) and suede for the straps and insole, delivering that gripping comfort on your sole and the enjoyment of the unique aging that only genuine leather can provide.

However, this season welcomes the first-ever “all-EVA” design in the brand's history.

“The origin actually comes from the voices of Japanese customers. Because PT (B) 202 is made of leather, it can feel somewhat heavy, and it's not the best option around water.

"We received direct feedback from customers saying, ‘I want something lighter and water-resistant.’ That led us to develop an amphibious model using EVA.”

Originally, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a type of plastic used in building and packing materials, but due to its excellent functional properties, it has become widely used in sneakers and sandals in recent years.

“EVA is super lightweight with outstanding cushioning; it absorbs the impact with every step. Plus, it doesn't absorb water, so it holds up well against rain, sweat, and it’s highly resistant to UV rays and temperature changes.

"Custom colors and textures are easily achievable too, which is another plus.”

The design concept behind "EVAPT202" was to replicate PT202—the brand icon—as faithfully as possible. But the development process was loaded with challenges.

Production was handled by a Spanish factory with experience making EVA footwear for global brands.

The process is injection molding, melting EVA resin at high temperature and then forcing it into a mold under pressure.

The first sample managed to capture the shape, but the texture was just slippery plastic—worlds apart from the original.

Getting the leather-like texture right wasn’t a quick fix.

We tried changing the resin blend and repeated trial and error, but it still wasn’t working. So we went back and reworked the mold itself, adding finer details.

By continually tweaking every detail after that, we were finally able to achieve a matte, leather-like surface, even recreating the subtle grain patterns unique to each pair.

We even completely reproduced the stitch bumps, so for both the Whisky (photo above) and Black colors, you’d never know at a glance that it’s made from EVA.

The whole process, delayed by the pandemic, ended up taking as long as five years.

When I actually put them on, as expected from being made entirely of EVA, they are so light that I barely feel their weight.

"As for cushioning, we adjusted the EVA blend to get it as close to the original as possible. We've struck just the right balance—not too hard, but not too soft either. The raised arch in the midsole is also faithfully recreated, providing solid support for your foot's arch."

The embossed surface gives it a pleasant, smooth feel against your skin. And because of the material, it's super easy to care for—you can simply rinse them with water if they get dirty.

The outsole features the brand's original rubber sole called Island Pro® found on the leather and suede models, so you still get excellent grip.

"As for durability, these sandals have passed third-party testing. The connection between straps and soles—a typical weak point—has been carefully reinforced, so you can wear them without worry.

"On top of that, considering the environmental and ethical concerns, there's a real possibility that maintaining a stable supply of high-quality leather will get harder in the future; I really see the potential of this material for the long term."

You can’t ignore the excellent cost performance.

With the current weak yen and rising material costs, the leather PT202 now costs well over 20,000 yen. By contrast, the "PT202 EVA" is just 9,900 yen (tax included)—under 10,000 yen.

"EVA was always less expensive and easier to mass-produce than leather or rubber, but with the costs of custom molds and logistics, this price is really the limit. But we kept to this accessible price because we want more people to discover the appeal of Island Slipper through this model."

They just launched, but the response so far has been outstanding.

"During our pop-up shop pre-sale, they sold at two or even three times the normal speed. Many customers who already own the PT202 were so happy with the feel, they decided to buy a pair as well."

The buyers for select shops also gave them rave reviews, and this season you can even find them at BEAMS.

"One of the best things about Island Slipper is how effortlessly it matches with everything from denim to slacks or even a full set-up. This model is no different, giving your outfit a casual yet refined look."

With the popularity it's been receiving, they’re now planning to release more derivative models.

"It's still in the planning phase, but possibilities include the Shower Sandal Type 705 and the Cross Belt 223. Plus, there may be even more new designs that are only possible with EVA, so we hope to see more fresh models in the future."

The luxurious look and perfect fit of leather remain—yet these are amphibious, easy to care for, and less than half the price of the original. The "EVAPT202" showcases all the potential EVA material has to offer. Why not give them a try?