We’ve finally gotten a taste of the warm weather! Summer is on its way. That means we can put our boots in the closet and take out our sandals.
Because sandals have less structure than boots or running shoes, it can often be difficult to find a pair that fit you perfectly. Many sandals, particularly fashion sandals, don’t offer enough support necessary for our foot health and comfort. There are a few factors we must look at when choosing the best sandals for our feet.
Factors for Choosing the Best Sandals
1. Buy the right size
It seems obvious, but often, people will buy shoes a size too small or too big because their size is out of stock, they think it looks better, or they don’t know how sandals are supposed to fit.
A well-fitted pair of sandals will not be uncomfortable. Your toes won’t hang off the front, and your foot won’t spill over the sides or back of the sole. However, there shouldn’t be too much room either. If the foot moves around too much or has too much space on the sole, you could get blisters.
2. Make sure it has support
One negative aspect of fashion sandals is that they rarely have enough support for your arches. Shoes like flip flops are typically flat, meaning they don’t provide the support you need to wear them for a prolonged period. You should always choose sandals that provide support for your foot. Depending on the style of the sandal, you can also use orthotics or insoles to help give you the support you need.
3. Wear the right sandals for your activity
This is something that is often overlooked. There are various types of sandals that have different features to support the foot throughout various activities. You wouldn’t wear flip flops that you use at the pool to go hiking, would you?
There are specific sandal brands and designs that we can help you find to fit your needs. Whether for hiking, walking, relaxing, or by the pool, there are sandal styles that will give you the support you need.
4. Choose the right material
Just like with any footwear, choosing the right material for your sandals is particularly important. Leather, suede, and fabric are great for letting your foot breathe. Memory foam and certain types of rubber usually last longer and give good protection and support, but rubber on the sole can prevent your foot from breathing properly. If your feet sweat too much in the sandals, they can get slippery or lead to bacteria growth.
5. Choose back support
Sandals without support around the ankle or back of the foot are easier to blister in and can put more stress on the foot. A strap at the back of the sandal just below the ankle that fits well is a great way to provide more support.
Make sure the strap isn’t too tight or too loose – if it moves around easily, you could get blisters.
Contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic
If you’re looking for sandals with good support for summer, contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic. We can help you decide what type of footwear and sandal style is best for your foot to avoid pain and discomfort while still looking stylish this summer!
Contact us today!