The Top Tips to Remember When Buying Sandals and Thongs

Whether you’re getting ready to hit the beach or you just need a good pair of warm-weather shoes, sandals and thongs are the perfect choices.

When it comes to buying sandals, not all brands and styles are alike. Before you plunk down some of your hard-earned cash on a new pair of sandals, it’s a good idea to know what to look for so you’re getting the most for your money.

Read on for some pointers about what you should keep in mind when buying sandals and thongs for summer.

The Material Matters

Sure, you can find a very inexpensive pair of thongs at almost any store, but the materials used to make the cheaper versions can irritate your feet. Instead of buying sandals or thongs with plastic or rubber straps, choose a pair covered in a soft fabric instead.

When the straps are coated in fabric, they’ll be much less prone to causing irritation. Leather sandals are also a great choice, but just make sure they fit you correctly or else the leather straps can also rub on the top of your feet.

Aside from the strap material, the sole is another crucial part of any quality footwear. Look for soles that have a good, grippy design that will keep you from slipping and sliding on the sand or the sidewalk.

A lot of thongs and sandals have thin soles, but this can be really taxing on your feet, especially if you plan to walk in them for long distances. Choose something with a thick, supportive sole that can handle a lot of walking and moving around so your feet stay comfy.

A good way to test the quality of your sandals is to gently bend them and see if they fold. Anything that bends too far or bends in the center likely won’t give your footbed the support it needs.

Find the Right Fit When Buying Sandals

The material your new sandals are made of is important, but the actual fit is where the comfort factor really comes into play. Ideally, there should be a bit of space at the end of the footbed so that your heel is not sticking out over the end of the sandals or thongs.

Sandals that are too big won’t support your feet properly, so walk around in a pair for a few minutes before you make a purchase to see how snug they feel. Keep in mind that your feet may swell in warmer weather, so you might want to go up one half-size or choose a pair that feels slightly loose.

Make sure that the design of your sandals keeps them in place. Sometimes, certain styles will slip off your feet as you walk, making for a very uncomfortable experience. You can find out more about finding the proper fit online to guide you through your selection.

One of the best styles of sandals you can buy is those with adjustable, Velcro straps. These sandals make it easy for you to change the fit and feel to be tighter or looser, depending on your needs at the time.

When buying sandals, always choose something that will give you proper arch support. If not, you could end up with back and leg pain at the end of the day. If you’re looking for sandals made for trekking, be sure they have sturdy soles made for walking on natural terrain like rocks, gravel, and dirt rather than just sand.

Look for Something That’s Fashionable

The beauty of sandals is that they can look attractive with almost anything from dresses and skirts to shorts and jeans. Make sure you pick out a pair of sandals you can easily mix and match with a variety of outfits.

If you’re planning on buying sandals or thongs just for a vacation, you can choose something with a vibrant, wild print on the straps to make them fun. Otherwise, try to buy something featured in a more neutral design and colourway so it will match with a variety of outfits.

Thongs tend to be a much more casual shoe, while sandals can easily be dressed up. If you’re looking for versatility and flexibility, sandals are recommended.

Colours like brown, grey, or blue are all excellent choices when it comes to neutral shoes. Try a few pairs on and get a really good idea of how they look in different lighting if possible.

There are a few shoe brands that offer interchangeable straps so you can create several different looks with one pair of shoes. Alternatively, see if you can find your favourite pair on sale so you can get a few in a variety of colours.

It’s never a good idea to buy a new pair of sandals based on looks alone. You might love the way one brand or style looks, but they may end up being extremely uncomfortable to wear, so always try them on when you can.

Finding the Perfect Footwear

When it comes to buying sandals, it’s easy to choose the perfect pair for your feet once you know what to look for. These versatile shoes can be worn with all kinds of different clothing and can give your feet the support they need.

Try sandals made of high-quality material that won’t irritate your skin and that has a sturdy, supportive sole. Try on several pairs until you find the perfect fit for your feet.

Our picks: