Every now and then, a piece of our past asks to be revisited. At Groundcover, we believe that true craftsmanship has a long memory, and some designs aren't ever really "finished" - they’re simply waiting for the right moment to step back into the light.
This is the story of the Palma, a sandal that journeyed from our 1990s archives to become one of our modern-day bestsellers.
The 1998 Original: The "Two-Strap"
The story actually begins in 1998. Justin McCarthy, Groundcover’s founder, designed a simple-but-sturdy leather sandal known then as the Two-Strap. It was a "no-fuss" companion built to soften and become more comfortable with every mile walked.
Despite its practical charm, the Two-Strap didn't quite find its footing at the time, and sales were slow. After a four-year run, it was quietly retired from our catalogue in 2002. For over two decades, the design sat in our archives, a quiet relic of Justin’s early work
A Surprising Request
Fast forward twenty-one years to 2023. Michaelhouse Boys High School reached out to Justin’s son, Daniel McCarthy (a Michaelhouse alumnus himself), and his wife Angela. The school was looking for a specific type of footwear for their students: a cork-soled, slip-on style sandal that could handle the rigours of daily schoolboy life.
As it turned out, the solution wasn't a new design - it was already waiting for us. The retired Two-Strap ticked every single box for the school's requirements
Reborn as the Palma
We didn't just bring the design back; we rebuilt it using everything we’ve learned over decades of craftsmanship. Reintroduced as the Palma, this "heritage reborn" sandal features:
- Premium Material: Crafted with 2.2mm whisky-coloured oiled leather that develops a unique patina over time.
- Ergonomic Support: Set on a genuine cork base that ensures a natural walk and improved foot hygiene.
- Long-Term Reliability: Built to endure the years, not just survive them.
A New Legacy
What began as a specific school order has blossomed into something much larger. In just two short years, the Palma has grown into one of Groundcover’s best-selling sandals after it’s re-introduction into our catalogue. It serves as a beautiful reminder that a good idea sometimes just needs the right moment to truly shine.
The Palma isn't just a product to us; it’s proof that quality and simplicity are timeless.
