Finding the right fit
When it comes to finding a pair of comfortable sandals, getting the right fit is key. First and foremost, whether in terms of the length or width of the sandals, they should contour and fit the shape of your feet well. The sandals should comfortably accommodate the widest (width) and the longest (length) parts of your feet. If you find that your toes are sticking out over the edge at the sides or extending past the soles, then it means that this particular pair of sandals is too narrow for you.
On the flipside, if you find that your feet slide around too much when walking in them, that would mean that they are too loose. Either way, sandals that are too tight or loose will result in discomfort, and even cause blisters and irritations.
A little tip to consider is that your feet tend to expand throughout the day, hence for a more accurate and comfortable fit, it is better to try on shoes in the evening – this will help you find shoes that fit well all day. You can also determine whether you should size up or down. There should not be more than half a finger's worth of gap on the sides or the back of the sandals.
How to fit sandals better
To achieve a better fit, you can consider buying ball-of-foot cushions that not only provide additional cushioning but also prevent your feet from slipping around while you are walking. If your sandals come with back straps, you may want to get heel grippers to prevent them from sliding on and off your feet.
The bottom line is, never sacrifice comfort for style. Do not be tempted to get sandals in the wrong size, just because you like it - you may end up not wearing them at all because of how badly they fit.
Tips on caring for your sandals
Cleaning the insole
To clean the footbeds, wipe them down with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grime. More stubborn stains may require a mixture of baking soda, water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid, which you can rub onto the footbeds with an old toothbrush. Be sure to work it up into a lather before wiping it off with a damp cloth. Repeat once every few weeks to keep your shoes smelling fresh, and sprinkle the footbeds with a small amount of baby powder or baking soda to absorb moisture and odours in between washes.
Cleaning leather
Since leather is a more delicate material, exercise caution when handling it. Dampen a soft cloth with just a bit of water, before dipping it into saddle soap or a leather cleaner to create a lather. It is important that just a small amount of water is used, so it does not dry out the leather components of the sandals. Use even, circular motions and gentle force to clean stains away. You can also follow up afterwards with a leather conditioner to give the sandals a polished shine.
Cleaning faux leather
The general rule of thumb applies - use a damp, but not wet, cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution to clean, and wipe off any excess moisture with a microfibre cloth. Allow adequate time for the shoes to air-dry before wearing them again. Regular maintenance will ensure that your sandals last longer.
Cleaning suede
Due to the nature of their fibres, dirt can easily be brushed away in most cases with a bristled brush - for best results, purchase a dedicated suede brush that has special bristles designed for suede fibres. Tougher stains can be removed with a suede eraser, and oil stains can be removed with a light sprinkling of cornstarch. To protect the suede after it's cleaned, spray it lightly with a suede protector, which will help prevent stains and water damage in the future.
There are so many types of sandals available today that it will be very difficult to find a shoe collection that does not include a pair - or many pairs - of this beloved shoe style. From flat sandals for everyday wear to dramatic platform sandals for glamorous formal events, the sandal's endlessly adaptable silhouette makes it ideal for reinvention. This means that it can be made suitable for almost all occasions. We hope that this guide will help you find your perfect pair of sandals.
