Summer Style Guide: Sandals
February 05, 2025
There really is no better feeling than the sun on your face and knowing that Summer is well and truly here. If there is one footwear style we all need once the weather hot's up, it's sandals. Sandals are perfect for those long warm days basking in the sun, they keep your feet cool, keep them comfy and best of all they look super stylish.
There are just so many amazing styles out there to choose from including wedges, flip flops, gladiators and many more; we are going to help you decide which style to go for and how to wear them so you can make a fashion impact this season. We are also going to share with you all our top secret tips on how to avoid running into any issues with your sandals, we'll help you with our repair and cleaning tips and explain why we think sandals are just so much better for your feet than shoes come the warmer months.
Sandals after all are one of the oldest pieces of footwear around and have stood the test of time for all these years. With the sizzling weather just around the corner, it's time to update your look with this wardrobe staple.
Sandal Styles
The choice is endless when it comes to choosing a pair of sandals, with so many different designs, colours and textures you'll be spoilt for choice. Why not grab one of every pair and rock a different look everyday come the Summer. Can't make your mind up? Let us take you through each style in a bit more depth…
Wedge Sandals
Wedge sandals are one of the most popular styles out there. Typically they have an open top, ankle strap and hessian wedge heel which gives them a lovely boho look. They will also add a much needed height boost should you need it and despite the wedge they are surprisingly comfortable to walk around in.
Wedges are the perfect sandal to style up for a special occasion such as a wedding or party, choosing styles in pastel colours or featuring pretty florals will give you a timeless look. For drinks with friends in the warm Summer evenings, style a pair of nautical striped wedges with skinny jeans and a bright top for a laid back look that screams fashion, don't forget to paint your toe nails in a bold and vibrant colour such as pink or coral.
If your little girl loves to walk around in your sandals, treat her to a pair of her very own wedge sandals in bold and bright colours with girly detailing. Completely comfortable, you can be sure her little feet will be kept cool and safe in this fashionable style. For older girls these would really set her prom outfit off in style, an eye-catching silver style will add a bit of grown up glitz to her outfit.
Flip Flops
Ah the trusty flip flops! It just wouldn't be Summer without this footwear essential. Perfect for work, for shopping and for hitting the beach, it is just so versatile making it one of the most popular styles out there!
The name flip flop originates from the sound that the sandal makes as you walk along and this style is worn by many people all around the world and can be dated as far back as 1,500AD in ancient Egypt making it one of the oldest sandals out there!
They are usually made up of a flat sole with a Y shaped toe post strap; however some styles don't have a toe-post and instead have one strap that crosses over the top of the foot. If you suffer with flat feet or an old ankle strain then these are probably not the sandals for you as they will not offer you the support you need. Flip flops are definitely the style you want to throw into your holiday suitcase, they are usually very cheap and with so many bright and fun styles out there they are perfect for the whole family to wear.
Mule Sandals
Mule sandals are one of those styles that just doesn't go away, they come back into fashion year in year out and that's because they not only look great but they are super comfy to wear!
There are so many different varieties of mules there is bound to be a style for you. Going for a leather pair will really give your feet the most comfort, the leather is malleable which means they are a better fit so your feet are going to love them! There are many different styles of leather mule sandals that will suit both men and women. If you're after a fashionable pair, say for a weekend with the family then try a toe post pair with sparkling diamantes or some bang on trend pool sliders!
If however you are looking for some mule sandals that will keep your feet cool whilst in the office choose some simple, comfort mules, these are designed to give you maximum comfort, which is needed when you're on your feet all day.
Mules are not always thought of as the trendiest of sandals out there, however we have a stunning range that will give you a super stylish look, check them out here.
Gladiator Sandals
If there is one sandal style that you must choose this season, make sure it's the gladiator!
With the design based on the old sandals that the Roman warriors used to wear, this is one style that has been around throughout history. Back in Rome, these sandals would be worn by the warriors fighting at the grand Coliseum, usually made from leather to mould to the fighters feet, some were such works of art that they were buried with the warrior.
After disappearing for a while it wasn't until the 1960's when the gladiator sandals came back into fashion, up until then fashion had been a little stiff but the people of the 60's loved these flesh baring sandals and enjoyed creating their own unique hippy inspired pairs using braids and studded straps.
As they have made comeback after comeback they have lost some of the original design however they are still usually flat, strappy and very eye-catching. Nowadays they are worn mostly by women and girls rather than men and come in a range of colours and designs. Style them up with a floaty Grecian style dress for a stunning look for work or play this Summer.
Heeled Sandals
Just because Summer's here doesn't mean you have to ditch the heels completely, simply swap your usual pair for some heeled sandals instead.
This style of sandal is absolutely perfect if you are attending a Summer wedding, be it as a guest or part of the wedding party itself. With sky high heels and beautiful detailing these are truly show stopping sandals that you can wear time and time again.
Working in an office environment during the Summer can be really tough on your feet and while many offices allow you to wear sandals to keep your feet cool and comfortable sometimes a smarter look is required, again a pair of strappy high heeled sandals would be perfect and work so well with your office attire, choose a pair in classic colours such as nude or black and team them with a fitted skirt and sleeveless blouse.
Another heeled style that is back with a bang is the block heel, with a distinctive seventies look about them, they are one style you must have in your wardrobe. With authentic wooden heels, studded suede and a range of different colours harking back to the bygone era, they are perfect for adding to your festival outfit. Team with wide flared jeans, or floaty dresses and kimonos for a hippy look. Despite their heights they are in fact one of the most comfortable styles out there and you can rest assured your feet will love them.
Flat Sandals
The range of flat sandals out there is one of the biggest there is! Flat sandals really are one of the most comfortable styles out there and the best bit is they look amazing! For all you ladies choose from sparkling diamantes, glamorous jewels and pretty flowers, take your look from day to night simply by slipping on a pair of glitzy flat sandals.
Love walking? Then sturdy flat sandals with robust grip soles and easy fasten straps are perfect if you enjoy walking with the family. For all you men our collection of men's sporty sandals are perfect if you too like to be outdoors during the Summer months, they are so comfy on your feet and also very durable, match them to three quarter length trousers or shorts.
Keeping the kids cool and comfortable in Summer can be a bit of a struggle but you can make sure their feet are sorted in a pair of flat sandals. For your little girl choose pretty colours, lots of sparkle and all their favourite characters including Frozen and Disney Princesses, for those boisterous little boys choose sporty flat sandals that they can run around in all day long, again pick out fun and bold styles, with the easy slip on or easy fasten straps the little ones can put their own sandals on making them feel a bit more independent. Flat sandals are also perfect for toddlers and babies, they will love their feet being kept cool while for those just starting to walk you can be sure they have enough grip and support to keep them steady on their feet.
Summer Sandal Trouble Shooting
As with all footwear there are a few questions you had about sandals that we wanted to answer so you can find that perfect pair you are looking for this season. We're here to help and offer advice where we can, so if you've got a question about sandals, take a look below, you might just find the answer you are looking for…
Why do sandals smell?
When the days are hot and you're on all your feet all day, your sandals can start to smell a little. Try and pick out styles that are leather as these tend to cope better in hot conditions however you can also try cleaning your sandals to help eliminate any smells. Wipe them over with a wet wipe or antibacterial spay after use and leave them to dry out in a cool room. Styles like flip flops can easily be freshened up by popping them in the shower or wiping them over with warm soapy water.
Why do sandals squeak?
We've all been there, walking along and your footwear just won't stop squeaking! This can happen when both your shoes and your feet are dry/wet or can be caused by the friction between the insoles and the actual soles of your footwear.
This can easily be remedied though, use a sprinkling of talcum powder under the insole in the gap between them and the sole or slip a folded up paper towel in there instead. Another couple of ideas to try are removing the insoles, if they are squeaking because of moisture, removing the insoles if possible and drying them out in a cool place will help, if the sandals are leather always be sure to use a leather spray to keep them in tip top condition and stop any noise.
Why do sandals hurt my feet?
This question is one of the most popular we have heard. Your sandals could be hurting your feet for a number of different reasons. It's always important to remember when picking your Summer sandals that your feet will swell due to the heat so your normal shoe size could feel tight and rub against your feet causing sores and blisters, always take this into account when picking your Summer footwear.
Wearing sandals without socks after a long cold Winter of keeping your feet covered can be a shock to the system, it may take a little while for your feet to get used to the no socks. If your feet are struggling and you need a bit of relief, soothe them in a foot bath of warm salty water and add a few drops of relaxing oil. If your sandals are plastic not leather these don't mould as well to your feet so if you can always try and choose leather as these tend to be more malleable, which is more comfy for your feet in the long run.
Why Do Sandals Cause Cracked Heels?
There are unfortunately some downsides to wearing sandals. Flip flops especially can cause painful cracked heels. The pressure of walking in them can harden the skin on the heel of your foot and after being exposed to the fresh air this can cause them to crack, it is highly painful so it's important to keep moisturising them and use a soft pumice stone to help buff away any dry skin when you are in the shower. Another good idea is to mix up which sandals you are wearing to help relieve any pain that is being caused by flip flops.
Why are sandals better than shoes?
Sandals are one style that has always been there throughout history, they really have stood the test of time which goes to show just how popular they are. When the weather warms up there is nothing worse than having your feet cooped up in a pair of shoes, it's so much better to let them breathe. Sandals are much better for your feet in Summer as they are light, airy and comfortable. With many of them being open you don't have to worry about your feet getting hot.
There can be many health benefits to swapping your shoes for sandals, they can help correct your foot posture and help to promote good balance. One other benefit that is great for your purse is that sandals tend to be quite inexpensive compared to shoes, which means you'll have more spare pennies for that Summer wardrobe.
Are Sandals Appropriate For Work?
Yes, of course sandals are appropriate for work. Your work place will always be sympathetic especially when the weather is hot it is important for employees to be comfortable, always take into account the sort of dress code you have, if things are on the smarter side choose heeled sandals or wedges to give your outfit that dressier finish if things are a bit more casual then go for gladiators, flip flops and flat sandals. It can be quite hard for men to wear sandals in the office but comfy, leather sandals can be paired with coloured chinos for a relaxed Summer look.
How Should Sandals Fit Your Feet?
The fit of your sandals is very important to ensure comfort all day. If you are normally a half size then with sandals you are going to have to go up by half a size to a whole size as sandals tend to come in whole sizes. This isn't always a bad thing though; having that little extra room can be an added bonus. Having a little bit of spare room in your sandals means you won't have the unsightly toe overhang and if your feet swell during the day, your sandals have room to accommodate them. If you are wearing flat sandals then these can be more to your exact size and where possible choose material that is stretchy and malleable to your feet.
With heeled sandals choose styles with a 1 inch to 1 ¼ inch heel, this slightly elevates your heel and helps your foot keep its natural arch shape, they are also great sandals for easing foot arch pain.
With sandal straps always make sure the front strap is snug, this is the one keeping your sandal on your foot, there should be an inch under the strap though for any swelling. The ankle strap should fit in the Achilles arch, which is the curve at the back of your heel and this should be slightly looser than the front strap. If you find you are suffering with blisters or sores from the straps then choose sandals with easy fasten straps or buckle fastenings, always leaving room to adjust them is necessary.
So there we have it, our essential Summer sandal guide! We hope you now have a better idea of the style of sandal you want and take into account all our little tricks and tips to keep your feet comfy and cool this Summer. With the hot weather on the way you don't want to be wasting time decided which sandals to pick, so get them now and enjoy the Summer when it arrives!
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.