Maybe it’s the White Lotus effect. Perhaps our love affair with mules acted like a gateway footwear drug. But leather fisherman sandals have never been hotter than they are right now. As sneakers take a backseat, and guys start to become more comfortable showing a little ankle, these leather beauties—almost a hybrid of a loafer and a '90s woven sandal—are primed to cross the Atlantic.

Whether you refer to them as Jerusalem cruisers or your only core memory is seeing your uncle grill in these, the origins date back to the early 20th century. Originating in the Mediterranean, they were worn by fishermen and other labor workers who required durable and protective footwear. The typical silhouette is a hefty woven pattern made of leather with a T-strap and ankle closure. They're lightweight, breathable and more durable than they look.

They're also more versatile than you might think. “I'm happy you're putting this on record somewhere because I started making the sandals three years ago,” says Davide Baroncini, the founder of luxury cashmere label Ghiaia. “Shoes and watches say a lot about a person—a tough guy may think they're dorky at first ... until he sees me showing up to dinner wearing them like any other shoe.” Which is exactly how you should treat them—like any other shoe. With socks or without, they're not simply vacation sandals. They're elegant yet easy going. Baroncini also credits knowing what looks good on yourself as a major part of pulling them off properly. “Matty Matheson is someone who looked excellent in our sandals. He understands proportions brilliantly, and that's the key to sporting these—but also any piece of clothing.” The sandals can be seen as a statement footwear option; however, they're functional enough to last for a long time and are sure to patina beautifully the more you wear them. Here are three different sandals and ways to build a look around them.