Choosing the right summer sandals for your feet

Last updated on August 2nd, 2022 at 02:50 pm

Jump to:

• Are sandals good or bad for your feet?
• Which are the best sandals for wide feet?
• Which are the best sandals for narrow feet?
• Which sandals can help prevent sweating?
• Which are the best sandals for feet with bunions?
• Which sandals can help prevent swelling?
• Which are the best sandals for arch support and plantar fasciitis?

Footwear often changes with the seasons- and in summer, it’s all about sandals.

With this guide, you’ll be able to slip your feet into comfortable fitting sandals that suit you just right. Here we answer all your questions about the best sandals for different types of feet, and the most comfortable sandals for problem feet.

Looking for more information about the best size and fit for sandals? Check out our comprehensive guides for fitting men’s sandals and women’s sandals too.

Are sandals good or bad for your feet?

Wearing sandals can often cause issues for your feet. They don’t provide much heel and arch support, and can’t absorb shock- resulting in pain when worn for long periods of time.

However, the good news is that it’s easy to find sandals that are healthy for your feet. The right sandals can:

• Reduce pressure on your feet. Most sandals don’t restrict or compress your foot from the top, side, and back- freeing your feet from the pressure other shoes would place on them.
• Allow your feet to breathe. The open nature of sandals allows your feet to breathe and prevents them from overheating and sweating excessively during those warm summer days.
• Provide you with a practical footwear option. Easy to slip on and off, sandals are perfect if you’re at work, a picnic or the beach. While it’s not advised to wear them all day, wearing sandals can be an ideal choice of footwear for the summer months.

Which are the best sandals for wide feet?

If you have wide feet, it’s best to avoid sandals with a side or upper covering, This will prevent your foot pressing against the sandal’s material and causing you pain.

Your feet also won’t look like they’re too big for your sandals- as you won’t have those tell-tale red strap marks.

• Women with wide feet might find sandals with toe posts, ankle and back straps will provide the best lift.
• Men with wide feet should consider sandals with toe posts and open upper and side straps.

Which are the best sandals for narrow feet?

Sandals with adjustable straps are great for narrow feet, as they can be tightened to relieve pressure on your toes and grip your sole more tightly.

Adjustable straps are widely available for women in search of the best sandals for narrow feet. For men, they might be more difficult to find- in which case sandals with non-adjustable upper straps, which fit the top of the foot, can prevent sandal dragging and excess friction.

Which sandals can help prevent sweating?

The best sandals for sweaty feet are ones that are as open as possible. Find a pair that don’t cover the side and top of your foot- this will keep your feet cool and prevent your sandals sticking from to your feet.

Avoid back or heel straps which keep your foot locked in place, as this may make sweating worse.

Which are the best sandals for feet with bunions?

The best sandals for feet with bunions are the ones with a small amount of covering, as these will allow your feet to breathe.

Look for toe post styles with ankle and back straps- these sandals will provide a nice fit while leaving the bunion alone.

Which sandals can help prevent swelling?

Warm weather can cause fluid retention in the body, which can sometimes lead to swelling.

If you’re in need of comfortable sandals for problem feet that are experiencing this issue, seek out styles with flat soles that provide ankle support.

An open style sandal will be the most effective, as this can keep your feet cool while regulating your body temperature.

Which are the best sandals for arch support and plantar fasciitis?

If you suffer from arch issues or plantar fasciitis, look for sandals with a snug foot strap and deep heel cup for motion stability.

Sandals with built-in arches can also help. Fundamentally, you want to make sure your sandals will keep your feet in place on uneven as well as even ground. If you’re looking for high arch support in other footwear, insoles provide strong arch support.