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]
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]
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]
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]