6 Best Women’s Sandals

Sandals are the essential, go-to footwear for summer. They’re cozy, stylish, versatile, and easy to slip on and off. While sandals are definitely carefree and easy to wear, choosing a new pair is a little less breezy. The variety of types, styles, and brands can be overwhelming whether you’re buying from a retail store or online.  

A pair of carefully chosen sandals will spare you the trouble of replacing, refunding, or the woe of completely wasted cash. Our guide should help your sandal-shopping faster and more satisfying to get you ready for the summer.  

TYPES OF SANDALS 

Women’s sandals fall within two basic types–heeled and flat. Heeled sandals are an indispensable part of any fashionable woman’s wardrobe because they flatter and complement any summer outfit. Flat sandals are more casual, comfortable, and practical; they’re great for leisurely walks in warm weather. Every woman should have at least one pair of each type of sandals in her collection.  

STYLES  

Several different styles are available for women’s sandals. Various strap, footbed, and heel designs determine the level of comfort, and the occasion or activity the sandals are best suited for. They also differ in the manner that they’re worn and fastened. 

Mules – Also known as clogs or slide sandals, these look awesome when worn with a light summer dress or skinny jeans. They come heeled or flat with an open-back construction. In general, closed-toe heeled versions are referred to as clogs, while open-toe flat models are called slide sandals. They usually have two narrow straps or a single wide strap. The straps are often buckled and made from leather or synthetic materials. There are models that come with two straps crossed over one another. They’re very easy to put on and off because of their backless, belt-free design. On the other hand, the absence of heel support may affect your gait, making them inappropriate for walking long distances.  

Sports Sandals – These are an ideal choice for hiking and adventure trekking. They have much more material than conventional sandals to provide maximum protection and may be mistaken for shoes. These sandals are frequently made with waterproof components which include toe support, soles with added traction, multiple straps, a lace-up fastening system, and a thicker heel collar. They look amazing when paired with cargo pants, shorts, jeans, or even a summer skirt if you’re not planning to do any heavy-duty backpacking. Go for a style with neutral hues that go well with garments of most any color. 

T-Straps – Named for their straps that wrap around the ankle and extend to the center of the toe, heel, and sides which produce its unique ‘T’ shape, these sandals are a summer favorite. Their design is very sensual and shows a great deal of the feet. They lend a subtle silhouette that flatters and elongates the legs. Let these sandals shine by wearing them with neutral and basic-colored apparel. Equally elegant as flats or heels, they work best when matched with a plain dress, skirt, or jeans and trousers with hems that brush the ankle strap. 

Strappy Sandals – A variation on the T-strap, these sandals have extra straps incorporated for enhanced support and visual appeal. One of the trendiest types are gladiator sandals. These flats, evocative of footwear worn in Ancient Rome, are equipped with straps that are tied up to the ankle or just below the knee. They’re excellent as casual summer flats which harmonize most effectively with a floral skirt or denim shorts. The heeled variant with ankle-high straps are more versatile: they work well with formal wear and summertime office wear.

Platform Sandals – These classic 70s sandals are making a huge comeback. They have a level platform that spans the whole foot, with a chunky, flat sole. The soles are usually made from wood, cork, rubber, or hard plastic. The soles provide an even lift and wobble-free footing. Some are designed with the heel raised half an inch to an inch higher than the arch of the foot which shouldn’t post any concern about stability. These sandals deliver a touch of retro chic to any wardrobe. They look incredible when worn with anything from a dress or skirt to a pair of hot pants or skinny jeans. If you’re constantly on your feet or do a fair amount of walking, cork or rubber soles absorbs shock and cushions your feet much better than other materials. 

Wedge Sandals – They’re similar to platform sandals in design but differ drastically in heel height. These sandals can have heels as high as 6 inches. Go with low wedges with one or two-inch heels for an understated look, or pull out all the stops with five-inch heels. Regardless of heel heights, these sandals are highly versatile and suitable for any occasion. Paired with the right attire, they can go from day to night, office to club, and casual to dressy. 

Flats – Comfortable and lightweight, wearing these sandals are the next best thing to going barefoot. A majority of designs are unsuitable for formal wear, but there are some elaborately adorned flats that go exceptionally well with an evening dress. For the most part, these delicate and dainty sandals are the epitome of summer casual wear. They’re perfect floral dresses, skirts, capri pants, jeans, or shorts. No summertime wardrobe should be without a pair of these sandals.  

Flip Flops – Crafted exclusively for casual wear, these are the most affordable type of sandals. They have a very basic design composed of a flat rubber sole with two straps in a ‘Y’ shape that rest between the big toe and second toe. They’re light and slender enough to fit in your handbag for a day at the beach or by the pool. Keep in mind that there are businesses such as upscale restaurants and clubs that frown upon, or altogether prohibit the wearing of these sandals within their establishments. 

BUDGET 

The price of sandals depends largely on the brand and the materials they’re made from. Expect to pay more for luxury designer brands. Sandals made from leather or suede are more costly than rubber or plastic sandals. Also, bulkier, larger sandals like wedges and platforms are generally more expensive than mules or flats. It’s really about your preference. Remember that overspending on a pair of sandals is never a good idea, but underspending has its own share of potential risks and inconveniences. What may seem like a bargain pair may break apart before summer’s end. Be sure to check out the quality of the materials, read online reviews, and ask your family or friends about a style, brand, or model you’re interested in. 

FIT 

Whichever type or style of sandals you choose, they should fit perfectly. Sandals shouldn’t be too tight or too wide. It’s crucial that they fit correctly not only for comfort but for health reasons as well. Ill-fitting sandals may cause painful foot conditions like Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and bunions, to name a few. The footbed should snugly accommodate your foot without the toes sticking out. Make sure the straps aren’t overly tight or excessively slackened. Although breaking in will enhance their snugness, a new pair of sandals should fit and feel right the first time you wear them. 

ARCH SUPPORT 

A poorly supported arch can make walking uncomfortable which can lead to back pain and posture issues. There are a lot of inexpensive sandals that are made from nothing more than cardboard and fabric. These cheaply manufactured items place unnecessary strain on your feet and legs. If you have high arches or flat feet, wearing sandals without proper support may produce further discomfort. Sandals with first-rate arch support from quality materials ensure a relaxed stance and stress-free movement. 

HEEL CUSHIONING 

Sandals with insufficient heel cushioning can bring about blisters, even when walking short distances. Inadequate padding may also generate bruises if you step on a stone or a pebble. Except for sports sandals, most styles of sandals don’t come with much cushioning in the heel. When buying sandals, see to it that the heels are reinforced with materials that absorb shock and buffer your feet from rubbing or chafing.  

SUITABILITY 

The glitzy pair of sandals that caught your fancy may not supply your feet with the protection and support for the activity you’re buying them for. You wouldn’t want to wear platform sandals to the beach, go to work in flip flops, or head out to the woods to hike in a pair of strappy heels. Consider when and how you’ll be using your sandals, then choose accordingly. Purchase a pair of sandals for looks as well as use.  

FOOT CARE 

There are no two ways about it. Even the most beautiful, most expensive pair of sandals can’t make up for poorly groomed feet. Rough heels, unkempt toenails, and chipped nail polish are better kept under wraps. If you can’t keep a regular foot care regimen over the summer or thinking of wearing socks with your sandals, we recommend skipping sandals and sticking to shoes.