Buying sandals isn’t just for women, oh no. Sandals for men are a big deal too. And with sandal season upon us, wearing sandals in the summer months is probably one of the best things anyone can do for their feet. But when it comes to buying men’s sandals, it’s important to know the key features of the style chosen and the benefits they provide.
Some people might say that the only time a man should wear sandals is at the beach, but we don’t agree with that at all! Why shouldn’t you be able to keep your feet fresh and cool wherever you might be?
Knowing when and where you’re going to wear sandals should be a big part of the buying process too; are you planning to go walking through the hills? Are you planning to just mill around the garden or laze by the pool? Asking yourself these questions will determine which style you should go for and what to look out for when shopping.
There are many benefits to men’s sandals, and those benefits don’t mean you have to compromise on style either. If you are just planning a lazy day by the pool, then a good pair of sliders or flip flops will do the trick. Not only are they super easy to wear but they’re bang on trend too. If, on the other hand, you lead a more active lifestyle and the plan is to go scaling rocks and wading through lands unknown, then a solid pair of closed toe sandals is where it’s at.
One of the most important parts of any footwear is the arch support. If support is lacking in this area, over a long period of wear, you could find you’re left with foot problems. This could be Plantar Fasciitis (which can be extremely painful), heel spurs or even misalignment of the ankle.
If you’re not used to wearing sandals and you choose a pair without arch support, you could find your feet and legs become tired very easily, even causing muscle cramps and calluses due to pressure put on certain areas of the feet.
On that note, there are a number of solutions to maximise comfort and ensure your feet are kept in tip top condition. One of the best solutions would be orthotics such as inserts… you might question how on earth you use inserts in sandals but some are actually designed specifically for open-toe shoes and sandals and will stick to the footbed, making long term wear a possibility.
On the flip side, choosing a pair of sandals with arch support that are designed with orthopedic qualities in mind could actually help treat certain ailments, such as fallen arches and Plantar Fasciitis. Over time the muscle that runs across the sole of your foot between your toes and heel bone will stretch, easing the tension created when walking.
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If the plan is to lead an active day, but you still want the benefits and support you would normally get from a full pair of shoes, then sandals with straps might be where it’s at for you.
Straps on sandals are designed to secure the foot within the footbed of the sandal, making it more difficult for the foot to move around and ultimately, prevent fiction (which can cause sore and calluses). Most straps on men’s sandals are adjustable, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking for a little more flexibility.
These straps usually go around the top of the foot and sit below the ankle, men’s sports sandals will often also have an adjustable strap over the widest part of the foot, offering footwear that is completely customisable in terms of width fitting. More often than not, they’re velcro fastenings too, making them extremely easy to put on and take off when you need to.
Some sandals may not have the strap around the ankle but may still offer an adjustable strap across the top of the foot, this style is particularly useful for anyone that struggles with swollen feet, as it allows you to make adjustments throughout the day as needed.
Men’s sandals with heel straps are also a great alternative to the likes of flip flops and sliders as they add a little more security to the feet. These are great if you still want the option to slip your sandals on and off but don’t put too much pressure on your toes to keep them on your feet.
Choosing sandals with closed toes is probably one of the best options for you if you’re looking for something of a hybrid… a sort of shoe crossed with a sandal type of thing. The benefit of closed-toe sandals is that they offer the wearer all the support of a standard pair of shoes, but the breathable properties of sandals.
Closed-toe sandals are a great choice if you’re a keen walker and you want something a little more substantial than your average sandal. If you’re planning an adventurous day where the ground you’re walking on is expected to be a little wild and rugged, sandals with a closed-toe will offer that added protection from the elements that you’ll need. If however your plan is to do a lot of walking and the terrain is expected to be particularly tough, this is where you should change up the sports sandals for a good pair of walking boots. It’s better to be safe than sorry so they say!
Often, men’s closed-toe sandals are also blessed with a slightly more hardy sole as they’re designed for more extreme conditions. Many styles will also have the adjustable ankle strap we previously mentioned, along with the added bonus of a drawstring fastener - giving complete control over the fitting - from the toes to the ankle.
If buying a new pair of sandals is something you want to do this summer, then there are a few things to consider. Be sure to think about what you plan to wear them for and for how long. Flip flops won’t serve you as well as a good pair of sports sandals if you’re walking around sightseeing all day. Much the same as sports sandals aren’t really a practical choice when it comes to chilling on the beach. Choose wisely, but most of all… have some fun in the sun!
With so many different styles & features to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice!