31
Aug
Summertime and the living’s easy, right? Well, yes, but only if you’re wearing the right footwear! When the temperatures rise and the weather is all nice and inviting, staying inside just doesn’t make sense. Summer means long nights out, walks on the beach, hiking the beautiful trails around the country, and so much more.
All of these activities, however, warrant a lot of movement and staying on your feet for quite a while, so being trapped inside uncomfortable footwear can ruin everything. Sneakers are a great option to wear when hiking, for example, but when a true Australian summer hits, all we really want to do is dress lightly and enjoy the good times.
This is where sandals come in.
Being the perfect summer footwear, sandals allow the freedom we need when the thermometer reaches numbers that are way up there on the scale. A stylish, yet simple piece, they should be designed with all the right things in mind. Easy to pair with accessories like bags, scarves, sunnies, and jewellery, it’s no wonder they’re such a favourite for the hot summer months.
However, as I said before, every summer activity demands a lot of walking and standing on your feet, and sometimes sandals may not ideal for every situation. Still, there are a lot of models out there, specifically designed with comfort in mind, so you should definitely check them out. For that very reason, here’s a bit of help to guide you when shopping for womens comfortable walking sandals.
The sole is the most important part of any shoe, not just sandals. The very thing that supports your feet, and with that your whole body, a quality-made sole will make all the difference between a well-made pair of shoes and one that’s just not worth wearing, no matter how cute it may be. When it comes to sandals, it seems like this issue takes on enormous proportions.
When you think about it, a sandal is basically just a sole with a few straps around to make it fit your foot, so paying attention to the sole should be your number one priority. A good sandal sole is one that’s thick enough to help you avoid the hot ground underneath, but breathable enough to not cause sweating or allow blisters to appear while you’re wearing it.
What’s more, since surrounding support for the foot is scarce, the sole needs to be anatomically made. Most often this means a contoured footbed in which your foot will lay nicely and won’t get stressed from all the walking you’re about to do. A nicely sculpted heel cup and proper filling for the rest are also highly recommended.
Materials like cork, which is derived from oak, is an excellent solution for a sole on comfortable sandals. Eco-friendly as well as able to be moulded in the right way, it’s a tell-tale sign of a pair of comfy ladies walking sandals.
If the sole is your foundation, the straps are your wall, and nobody wants flimsy walls.
The first thing you’ll need to look at when checking out the straps is the way they’re attached to the sole itself. Are they glued on the outside, sewed on, slipped between the different layers of the sole? This is a good indicator as to how long your sandals will last. Stitches are always better than glue, so if you have the chance, definitely go for that option.
Once you find the right pair of womens comfortable walking sandals, the last thing you’ll need to check is the closing mechanism of the straps. A nice, sturdy buckle is a great option and so are velcro straps. Finally, determine whether you’d like a flip-flop style or an open-toed kind of sandal.
Natural materials are best as they are way softer and can easily follow the shape of your foot, so anything that falls into this category should be excellent. Suede and leather are great choices, but so is a well-made, sturdy textile that won’t be too hard and will be able to adjust to your foot and way of walking. A combination of two or more materials is also a good option as it usually provides more stability and durability. This is valid for the sole as well.
Even if the sole is amazing and the straps are all good, if the size of your sandal isn’t right, everything will be in vain. As sandals give such freedom to the foot, they can also cause blisters and chafing, so you’ll need to be extra careful when buying them, especially if you plan to walk a lot in them. Women’s walking sandals come in the regular sizing as any other type of shoe, but don’t go by hunch or past experiences, definitely try the pair on before purchasing or closely follow the sizing guide online.
Make sure to allow space for the foot’s movement inside the sandal and that no part of the straps will be rubbing uncomfortably. What’s more, since these ladies comfy walking sandals have a sole that’s been contoured, you’ll need to ensure your foot falls right into that footbed. It’s the only way to truly take advantage of the anatomic feature of the walking sandal and have a carefree, blister-free summer.
