Sandals and Summer Footwear

FOOTWEAR · GLOBAL

Sandals and Summer Footwear

Support and structure, materials and fit, blisters and feet in heat

Sandals are worn for whole days in summer and are the least supportive footwear most people own, which is why feet ache in July.

Structure matters

A flat, thin, unstructured sandal offers no arch support and no heel cup, so the foot works harder all day. A contoured footbed and a slight heel make a considerable difference over distance.

Flip-flops make the toes grip to keep them on, which changes how you walk. They suit a beach and a poolside rather than a day of walking.

Fastening

Adjustable straps at the ankle and instep hold the foot in place, which is what prevents sliding and blisters. A backstrap turns a sandal into something you can actually walk in.

Materials

Leather moulds to the foot and softens. Synthetic straps do not stretch, so they must fit from the start, and they hold sweat. Cork and moulded footbeds shape to the foot over a couple of weeks.

Fit

Try them at the end of the day when feet are largest. The foot should sit within the sole with no overhang at the sides or the heel, and straps should not press into the skin.

Blisters

New sandals cause blisters between the toes and at the strap edges. Break them in over short periods, and deal with a hot spot the moment you feel it.

Choosing for the occasion

A supportive walking sandal for days out, something smarter for evenings, and cheap flip-flops for the pool. One pair rarely covers all three, and trying to make it do so is why feet hurt on holiday.

Break new sandals in before a trip rather than on the first day of it.

Care

Wipe leather footbeds, let cork dry naturally and keep sandals out of direct sun, which cracks straps and shrinks leather.

Feet and health

Persistent foot pain, numbness or a wound that heals slowly needs a podiatrist rather than a different sandal. Anyone with diabetes should check feet daily and avoid open footwear where injury is likely.

Athlete's foot spreads in communal changing rooms and pools, so wear flip-flops there and treat it promptly.

Check the footbed can be replaced or the sandal resoled before paying for something expensive.

Buy sandals at the end of the day, when feet are at their largest.

Feet in heat

Swelling is normal in hot weather, which is why a sandal that fits in May can be tight in August. Wash and dry feet properly, and treat athlete's foot promptly.

Anyone with diabetes should be particularly careful with open footwear and check feet daily.

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