Trustpilot

BLOG

One of the best parts about warmer weather is being able to put away your closed-toed shoes and boots and let your feet breathe in cute and stylish sandals. Like most other styles of shoes, though, choosing the right pair of sandals depends on a number of factors.

Things To Consider When Choosing Sandals

Comfortable stylish sandals are excellent fashion accessories which can breathe new life into existing outfits.

But, always remember that style should never be at the expense of comfort and foot health.

  • Avoid ‘flimsy’ – make sure your sandals are well constructed and that the inner sole has acceptable cushioning and arch support
  • Forgo ‘flat’ – flat footwear can put a strain on your heels, Achilles, and knees, so choose sandals with heels that provide stability and support
  • Assess your activity – the best summer sandals share many qualities in terms of being light in weight, well-ventilated, and have good traction. However, some styles/brands outperform others in certain metrics, making them much more appropriate for certain activities. Assess which qualities are most relevant to your summer lifestyle and choose sandals accordingly

How Sandals Should Fit

Sandals that fit properly should be comfortable and secure. They shouldn’t cause you blisters or discomfort during or after wearing them. Here are some things to think about while trying to determine if a pair of sandals are the right fit for you:

Width

Your sandals should comfortably accommodate the widest part of your feet so that they are not cramped in. If the balls of the feet or the toes stick out over the edge at the sides, the sandals are too narrow.

Length

Your toes and heels should not exceed or hang over the footbed of the sandals. If they do, then the sandals are too small. Most brands have a sizing guide available, so you can measure your feet at home to determine which size is best for you.

Signs your sandals are too small include:

  • Your heels protrude over the back
  • Any of your toes extend or hang over the front
  • Your toes extend or hang over the soles on either side
  • The straps dig into your heels, toes, or any other part of your foot
  • You get blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, or heel spurs
  • Your feet hurt during or after wearing them

Choosing The Right Material

Just like any other footwear the material of your sandal is also extremely important. For example, if you are looking for everyday wear sandals make sure that the rubber or straps do not dig into your skin. Whatever the event may be the sole purpose of your sandal is to provide you with the right style and fit along with comfort.

The Purpose & Use Of Sandals

You must know what is the purpose of the footwear in order to use it to its best capacity. If you’re buying sandals for holidays where there will be a lot of walking then your best option would be to go for a flat sandal with comfy straps and a decent sole. Whereas if it is a pair of sandals for dressing up for an event then a pair of elegant sandals with straps for support and a sturdy heel would be ideal.

Do You Require Support?

The arch in a good pair of sandals should be supportive of the tendons, ligaments, and plantar fascia of your feet. When your shoes or sandals have arch support, they spread the weight over a larger surface area and reduce the tension in the ball of the foot.

Prioritise Comfort & Arch Support

While the most important thing is getting the right size and width, you’ll want to find a pair with a comfortable footbed and arch support.

Not having good arch support can lead to a variety of ailments including plantar fasciitis (heel pain), inflammation in the ball of the foot, tendonitis, and arthritis to the instep. Too much movement when there is a lack of arch support can lead to issues such as hammer toes, bunions and problems even above the foot in the knee and hip.

At Gabor Shoes, we stock a range of sandals that are sure to fit any sort of foot, no matter what activity you are planning on doing from holiday sandals for those days walking around new cities to classier sandals to wear for an occasion.