The TOKU Helsinki is a women's leather sandal built around two things: simplicity of line and genuine comfort in wear. Clean Nordic silhouette, full leather lining, ergonomic insole, and an elastic side strap detail that moves with the foot rather than resisting it. Handcrafted in southern Estonia by the same small family workshop that has been making shoes since 1927 — and recognised by the Estonian Design Awards as The New Estonian Classic.
The ochre colourway is warm without being loud. It sits naturally with linen, cotton, and light summer fabrics, and the leather deepens in tone with wear and light.
What Makes the Helsinki Different
Leather lining — not synthetic. Most sandals at this price point use a synthetic or textile interior. The Helsinki uses genuine leather throughout — upper and lining. A leather lining doesn't trap heat the way synthetic materials do, shapes itself to the foot over time, and holds up to repeated wear far better than foam or fabric alternatives. It also feels noticeably different underfoot from the first wear.
Elastic side strap detail. The side straps incorporate a stretch element that accommodates the natural movement and slight swelling of the foot across a long day. It's a small functional decision that makes a meaningful difference in how the sandal fits after four hours on foot compared to four minutes in a shop. It also gives the silhouette a slightly softer, more relaxed quality than a fully rigid strap.
Ergonomic insole covered in soft latex and leather. The latex layer provides cushioning that responds to your foot's weight distribution rather than compressing uniformly. It's not a flat insole with some padding on top — it's shaped to support the arch and distribute pressure across the whole foot.
Lightweight EVA outsole. The same sole material used in quality athletic footwear: flexible, shock-absorbing, and significantly lighter than rubber alternatives. You feel the difference in weight over a full day of walking.
TOKU: Handmade in Southern Estonia Since 1927
TOKU is produced by Omaking, a small family company in southern Estonia with roots going back to 1927. Every pair is genuinely handmade — not assembled at scale, but crafted in a workshop where the same traditions have been maintained across generations of makers.
The brand follows a slow fashion philosophy: natural materials, considered design, styles built to remain relevant across multiple seasons rather than a single trend cycle. TOKU has been recognised by the Estonian Design Awards, whose jury described the brand as The New Estonian Classic — a mark that reflects both the quality of the work and its grounding in a genuine craft heritage.
The Helsinki sandal is one of TOKU's most popular designs. The name and the aesthetic reflect a Nordic sensibility: spare, functional, quietly refined.
Wear It With
The Helsinki in ochre works across a wide range of summer contexts:
Everyday warm-weather wear: The neutral-warm colourway pairs well with white, cream, tan, terracotta, and olive — most summer wardrobe staples. The clean silhouette doesn't compete with what you're wearing.
City and travel: Lightweight EVA sole, leather lining that breathes, and a low-profile design make these practical for walking cities or packing in a bag. Comfortable enough for a museum and appropriate enough for a dinner.
Slow fashion wardrobe: If you prefer fewer, better things — natural materials, a known maker, a design that doesn't date — TOKU is exactly that kind of brand. These sandals are made to be worn for several summers, not replaced after one.
Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Upper |
Genuine leather |
| Lining |
Genuine leather |
| Insole |
Ergonomic, latex and leather covered |
| Outsole |
Lightweight EVA rubber |
| Strap detail |
Elastic side straps for flexible fit |
| Colour |
Ochre |
| Sizes |
EU 36–42 |
| Gender |
Women's |
| Brand |
TOKU (by Omaking) |
| Made in |
Southern Estonia, Europe |
| In production since |
1927 |
| Award |
Estonian Design Awards — The New Estonian Classic
|
Sizing the Helsinki Sandals
Available in EU sizes 36–42. One of the product images shows a foot measurement guide specific to the Helsinki — use it before ordering if you are between sizes.
The Helsinki fits true to size for most customers. If you have a wider foot or plan to wear the sandal all day in warm weather (when feet tend to swell slightly), consider sizing up half a size. The elastic strap detail provides some natural accommodation.
From myshoes24.com
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Handmade in Estonia — genuine slow fashion from a family workshop with 95+ years of history
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Free shipping across Europe on every order
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30-day hassle-free returns — unworn, full refund
Also from TOKU: the Berlin Sandals — unisex leather sandals with a similar clean silhouette in dark grey.
TOKU is made by Omaking, a family company in southern Estonia producing handmade footwear since 1927. Designed in Estonia, recognised by the Estonian Design Awards as The New Estonian Classic.
