How to Choose Summer Sandals You Can Actually Walk In

A great pair of sandals can make a summer outfit, but a bad pair can ruin a day out. We have all bought sandals that looked beautiful in the box and then rubbed, slipped or pinched after an hour of walking. The trick is to look beyond the design and think about how and where you will actually wear them.

This guide covers what to look for when choosing women’s sandals for summer, from straps and soles to materials and care.

Think About Where You Will Wear Them

Start with the occasion. Sandals for a beach holiday, a city break full of walking, the office and an evening wedding all have different needs:

• City walking: look for a cushioned footbed, a sole with some grip and straps that hold the foot in place.
• Beach and pool: slides, flip-flops and water-friendly materials that dry quickly.
• Office: leather sandals with a closed heel or ankle strap often look smarter and feel more secure.
• Evenings and events: block heels are easier to walk in than stilettos, especially on grass or cobbles.

Straps Make the Difference

The straps decide how well a sandal stays on your foot. Slides and mules are easy to slip on but give little support, so they are best for short distances. Ankle straps, T-straps and slingbacks hold the foot more securely, which means less gripping with your toes and less tiredness at the end of the day. A classic pair of black leather T-strap sandals is a good example of a style that is both secure and easy to dress up or down.

Check where the straps sit. Edges that cross a bony part of the foot or sit right on the back of the heel are more likely to rub. Adjustable buckles are helpful if your feet tend to swell a little in hot weather.

Materials and Soles

Leather straps usually soften with wear and adapt to your foot, while synthetic materials can feel stiffer at first. Suede looks lovely but does not like water, so it is better for dry days. For the sole, a little thickness and flexibility goes a long way. Very thin, completely flat soles offer almost no cushioning on hard pavements, so if you plan to walk a lot, choose a pair with a supportive footbed.

Breaking In and Caring for Sandals

Even comfortable sandals benefit from a short breaking-in period. Wear new pairs around the house for an hour or two before taking them on a long walk. If a strap still rubs, a small plaster or a soft gel pad in the right spot can help while the material softens.

To keep your sandals in good shape through the season:

• Wipe leather straps with a damp cloth after a day at the beach to remove sand and salt.
• Let them dry naturally, away from direct sun or heaters.
• Clean the footbed now and then with a mild soap solution.
• Store them in a dust bag or box at the end of summer.

Ready to find your summer pair? Browse our full range of sandals for women, and for more ideas on bright summer looks, read our guide to styling women’s red skirts.