Nanushka's Yola sandals are perfect for those seeking some comfort

Stacked-sole trainers, bumster pants and anything by Miuccia Prada — fashion works best when it divides opinion. Certainly, it makes for bemused entertainment and increased comedy value at the pub.

This season’s wearable Marmite comes from Budapest-born label Nanushka — the brainchild of Sandra Sandor — whose unforgettable sandals are well on their way to becoming the most talked-about footwear choice of the summer.

Imagine a tubular marshmallow lined with satin — or, indeed, vegan leather — crossed with a Japanese geta sandal and you’ll have a good idea of what this style is all about. Christened the Yola, this shoe serves as the perfect piece of punctuation for a spring/summer Nanushka offering that’s all about easy-to-wear separates and an inspiring use of luxury vegan textile. At least that’s my view. Admittedly, colleagues here on the Standard’s features desk need more convincing, but stick with me.

Available in a host of options including striking violet satin and black leather, this Asian-inspired sandal makes a majestic addition to a silk or satin summer dress. Let’s, for the sake of pigeonholing, categorise it as a cocktail flat. Certainly, the Yola will make an impact on your favourite evening dress that a dull old pair of court shoes can only dream of. Although, at £290, you may need to wear your pair of choice on more than one occasion in order to maximise value per wear.

In the luxury setting of Net-A-Porter and Farfetch, the Yola is in good company, with both retailers noting keen interest from their most fashion-forward customers. Not surprisingly, given their uniqueness, the shoes are a hit with the #influencers of this world, with the rosebud shade emerging as the most photogenic. But it’s the squidgy sensibility that sets this style apart. “The contrast between the rigid form and puffy, pillowy texture makes the Yola modern,” notes Sandor. “It’s an update on a traditional Japanese style.”

Of course, this being peak sandal season, Yolas aren’t the only shoe style to draw our eyeline to pavement level. This week, as part of a project with Tuscan hotel Il Pellicano, Matchesfashion.com unveils a collaboration between hotelier Marie-Louise Sciò and Birkenstock. Spanning vibrant colours and textures, including raffia and towelling, the style is reborn.

A collection of neoprene sandals by Japanese label Suicoke are growing a cult following. Designed for ideal posture, they mould to the foot for maximum comfort and come in a variety of vivacious prints. Truly, it’s comforting stuff.