Lêkê


"Lêkê are a type of plastic sandals popular in Ivory Coast, including as footwear for amateur soccer games. Lêkê are considered the national shoes of Ivory Coast, worn by people of all ages, including school children and adults. Amateur soccer players wear lêkê for their practicality on sandy pitches and dusty surfaces, citing their lightness, better fit, and comfort. The popularity of lêkê in Ivory Coast extends beyond sports, being worn at parties and other social events. 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. ... In Ivory Coast, lêkê are not only worn for soccer but also represent a cultural symbol, with specific colors associated with national pride. 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. 




Young players wearing lêkê in Abidjan, where worn soles and scars from the sandals’ metallic clasps are a point of pride.

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