TNothing beats a great pair of sandals. Not only can they make you feel stylish and cute, but they also give your toes some much-needed wiggle room. Some sandals are casual and summery, while others show off an edge, but they’re all designed to take any outfit to the next level. Then there are the mainly utilitarian options – perfect for light walking, doing chores, running errands or whatever you want to do without having to wear heavier footwear.
Furthermore, even though sandals are lighter in construction than many other shoes, they can still be just as sturdy and reliable as a pair of running shoes. For many women, appearance is the priority when purchasing their next pair of sandals. This isn’t a bad starting point, but there are other factors to consider as well. For example, experts recommend buying nice women’s sandals which also provide a certain degree of support. But what if you put form above function? In that case, you can still get a pair of well-constructed sandals that will support your feet no matter how long you wear them. What should you pay attention to when buying women’s sandals?
Here are the most important criteria to consider when buying women’s sandals…
#1. What you are going to do in it
Do you need sandals for your next night out on the town, or are you looking for a pair of lightweight shoes for your next camping trip? There are virtually endless styles of sandals, all designed for a specific purpose. Just by looking at it, you can usually easily tell what activities a sandal is made for, but there are other features available that you may want to look for specifically. These features include arch support, moisture-wicking insoles, waterproofing, and more.
#2. How long you want them to last
A pair of sandals isn’t usually considered an investment, but it’s wise to spend more than the bare minimum on your next pair. Why? Because they are more likely to last longer. Sure, there are rare examples of $15 options that last a decade for no apparent reason, but those cheap sandals are more likely to last six months and then end up in landfills. If you want a pair of sandals that will last, consider buying from a reputable brand that sells quality products. This is a case where quality is better than quantity. If you find a pair you like, you can enjoy them for more than a few months.
#3. How well they support your feet
Realistically, sandals are not the most orthopedically friendly shoes you can wear. That said, some of them do offer some level of support. If you want sandals with a little arch support, avoid the completely flat ones; they won’t do anything for your feet. Instead, look for options with soles that are relatively thick and designed to mimic the shape of your feet. It’s even better if you can find sandals that will mold to your feet over time; these provide the best arch support you can get from a sandal.
#4. How well they cushion your feet
Even the tamest urban environments require shoes that protect your feet from uneven surfaces and dirt. Unfortunately, the soles of many sandals are so thin that they cannot even protect your feet from the smallest stones. Fortunately, you don’t need heavily padded soles to get the job done. As long as they are reasonably thick and have some cushioning, the soles of the feet should be protected from most types of surfaces.
If you know you will be going on rougher terrain, you should of course buy sandals with thick soles and sufficient cushioning. To test how much cushioning a sandal has, simply press a finger into the insole. If you can make a dent, there is a fair amount of cushioning.
#5. How they are built
From slippers to 15 cm high wedges, women’s sandals come in all shapes and sizes. The biggest problem is deciding which one works best for you! Sometimes the choice is simple: you need a new pair of sandals for your home, so you buy a basic pair of waterproof slippers. But what if you’re looking for sandals that can spice up your favorite outfits while being comfortable enough to wear all day if necessary? That can be a bit harder to find. You’ll probably end up with something strappy, with little to no heel and some sort of secure closure.
What if comfort isn’t such a big deal? In that case, add heels and new features, such as fishnet mesh or transparent straps. Whatever you get, remember that the construction of the sandal will largely determine when and where you can wear your new shoes.
#6. How well they fit
Almost everyone comes home from time to time with a pair of shoes that don’t fit exactly. Usually the reason for this was that they were just too cute to pass up, even if the toe box was a little narrow or the heel chafed a little. This is less of an issue with sandals, but even the simplest women’s sandals can cause problems if they don’t fit properly. If a strap is a little too tight or the shoe itself is a little too narrow or too short, just don’t get it. No matter how great those sandals look, you’ll find it hard to concentrate on them if your feet are in pain.
Sandals may not provide as much support, but they shouldn’t hurt you. It’s normal to get a few blisters as your feet get used to the new shoes, but this shouldn’t be normal. If so, it might be time to get a new pair of sandals that will treat your feet better. If you take the time to select the perfect pair, your feet will thank you.
Featured image: @louboutinworld/Instagram
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