5 Things To Keep In Mind When Selecting Women’s Sandals

Sandals are a huge deal – understandably so. They do have a certain appeal and classic feel to them, which you cannot find in many shoes, and their popularity is due to how easy they are to wear as well as their versatility. Their designs are also impressive, ranging from tie up flatforms to the basic flip flops that you can wear on the beach or a casual afternoon out. You can also get them in very beautiful fashion sandals that you can wear when going out to the nightclub and still look as stunning as ever.

Clearly, the world of women’s sandals is huge – enough to make you doubt whether you are picking the right pair when you go out shopping. If you have ever been in such a predicament, don’t worry – we have written this guide for you to help you make an informed choice. However, it is important to know the different kinds of sandals, as well as their components, and many other things.

 Varieties

Casual walking sandal

These are the most versatile sandals you can get, as they fit in very well with almost any environment you can think of. They are also lightweight, and this allows you to use them on the beach, restaurants, and a day out with your friends or on your own, when you go out shopping, and many other places.

You will usually find them in a wide array of constituent materials, which include leather and synthetic textiles.

Water sandal

You cannot go with a walking sandal to a wet area, otherwise you risk ruining it. If you are planning to go for activities that require you to be in wet conditions, it is best to purchase a water sandal.

They usually feature an outer sole that has extra grip, and this gives you extra traction when walking on slippery surfaces. They feature waterproof materials in their makeup, to protect the sandals from being waterlogged. This makes them great for when you decide to go fishing, swimming; generally hang out near water, or even boating.

Hiking sandal

These are the durable version of the walking sandal, as their primary design allows you to use them when you go out to do outdoor activities like hiking – those that walking sandals cannot withstand. They have a thick midsole, added stitching for durability purposes, thick upper with added straps, as well as thick outsole to give you extra traction.

Due to their design, they lend themselves well for many outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and rock scrambling.

Fashion sandals

This is the epitome of style and comfort – their main emphasis is the beauty of the shoe, while still impressing on the comfort and performance front. If you are looking for a functional and versatile sandal that turns heads, then this is your best bet.

Guide to selecting the best one

The activities you plan to do

This is among the first questions you need to answer when selecting a pair, as not all sandals will fit the purposes you have set them for. Even though you will find some walking sandals bearing designs for ‘all round’ usage, you will eventually learn that different sandals fit different purposes. If you select the wrong pair, it will become very uncomfortable, or look out of place for the specific scenario when you use them.

The materials

These will play a major role in the comfort and durability of the shoe, as well as how good they look and the environments they are suitable for. Here are some common constituent materials you will get:

Leather

This is very common due to its flexibility, stretch ability and durability, as well as being available in a variety of styles and colors. One major advantage it has is its change of character as you use it, which makes the shoe look even better with time as it absorbs the details of the environment you use it in and the natural oils your skin produces. The most common types are nubuck, brushed and full gain. The disadvantage is that you cannot use it in water environments, as it tends to get soggy.

Textile  

This is becoming a more common feature of sandals, especially in the uppers. They are usuallystitched on harder materials like leather or synthetic plastics.

Natural rubber

for hiking sandals, this is the most common constituent material, and it comes in two forms; brown and carbon. Brown rubber is more flexible and softer, while carbon is harder and more durable.

Synthetic materials

These are also becoming more popular, as they are more affordable. Theyalso tend to dry out faster than leather, therefore are more comfortable for walking. The most common types are polyester, nylon, polypropylene, rayon and Lycra.

The design of the straps

This will also play a major role in the comfort level of the shoe, so you need this to be comfortable enough so that you can accommodate the dimensions of your feet. The straps should also be positioned correctly, to avoid scratching against your feel that leads to blisters or abrasions forming.

Breathability

Sandals do have an open design, but your feet will still be partially covered by the upper. The strap widths and their constituent material will also determine how breathable it is, with natural fabrics being more breathable than synthetic ones. If you live in a humid place, this is very important.

Support and flexibility

When picking the ideal sandal, make sure the forefoot is flexible while the mid-foot to heel is stiff, and this will provide maximum stability due to how the foot moves. You will also find some manufacturers stating their techniques, which they used in the making of the shoe to accommodate the movements.

Note that the more cushioning is used in the insole and midsole, the more comfortable the sandal becomes, even in walking sandals.

Conclusion

Selecting a pair of sandals is not the easiest task, but when you have some knowledge of why you are selecting them, you are more likely to make an informed choice. The main priority here is style, but do not sacrifice your comfort in the process.