Our Products 

From the bedroom of the brothers’ Brixton flat to the office that is now called Gandys HQ, Gandys has come a long way in a very short space of time. 

2013 saw Gandys launch in some of the UK’s leading retailers including Selfridges, Topman and Schuh. 

But it wasn’t always this way!

The first prototype looked a lot different to the Gandys we know and love now. The original Gandys was made from hemp with a handwoven rope strap. Rob and Paul would load up their car to try and sell them on Brighton Beach and Clapham Common, leaving postcards on car windscreens as a way of advertising.

Constantly testing and measuring the design, they decided to emulate the handwoven strap using modern materials and innovative design processes. Switching materials to 100% mouldable rubber, they designed a unique rope strap and a very high quality sole, each embossed with a passport stamp of the brand.

With both Rob and Paul working all day in their day jobs, they committed to working on building their product and brand every night for a full year until unfortunately, or you could say fortunately, Paul was involved in a car accident and had to take 2 weeks off work. It was during this time that the brothers were able to get their pitch out to national retailers. 

That important first bite

The first bite was from a major high street retailer in the UK who contacted Gandys and wanted to take the flip flops on. However, after much deliberation, the brothers took the call that the store wasn’t in line with their brand – and despite not knowing when the next bite would be – they said no. A terrifying but important decision for a start up brand.

For the next 6 months, the brothers wondered if they had done the right thing, continuing to work all the hours and contacting companies and refining the brand. After 6 months they got their break and were signed up by USC. 

From there, they enjoyed a domino effect and soon after, ASOS and the House of Fraser wanted to stock Gandys.

The resulting story was the product of hard work, persistence and a promise to do whatever it takes.

The brand has now famously been backed by entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson, been sold at major festivals this summer, are on sale in major high street retailers in the UK and are currently launching globally – what a journey in a year and a half ! 

The range has grown, from the first prototype to the model you see now, available in 14 vibrant colours, all named after famous backpacker locations - as well as an exclusive new print collection for Selfridges, designed in-house - consisting of printed designs including army print and leopard print.