Lêkê

Lêkê are a type of plastic sandals popular in Ivory Coast, including as footwear for amateur soccer games.^[1][2][3]

Lêkê are considered the national shoes of Ivory Coast, worn by people of all ages, including school children and adults.^[1] Amateur soccer players wear lêkê for their practicality on sandy pitches and dusty surfaces, citing their lightness, better fit, and comfort.^[1] The popularity of lêkê in Ivory Coast extends beyond sports, being worn at parties and other social events.^[1]

Economics

While luxury brands like Gucci and Prada have created their own versions of jelly shoes, lêkê remain popular in Ivory Coast for both stylistic and practical reasons.^[1][4]

Lêkê are affordable, with local manufacturing making them widely available from street vendors for about $1.50.^[1][4] The sandals need frequent replacement due to strap breakage, but their low cost and ready availability ameliorate the process.^[1]

History

The origins of the lêkê date back to 1946 when a French knifemaker invented the original model using surplus plastic.^[1] In the 1980s, they were worn by those with limited financial means, particularly associated with the zouglou music culture.^[2][4] They have since been sold in Ivorian markets for 30 to 40 years, resisting the global popularity of flip-flops.^[2][4]

Culture

In Ivory Coast, lêkê are not only worn for soccer but also represent a cultural symbol, with specific colors associated with national pride.^[1] Sales of Ivorian flag-colored lêkê sandals increased during the Africa Cup of Nations, but they saw a decline after the national team faced losses.^[1]

References

This page was last edited on 10 April 2024, at 16:27