While you’re enjoying the summer weather and relaxing in the sun, keep in mind that you still need to take care of your feet! Whether you’re walking on the sand or beside the pool’s edge, keep these tips in mind when selecting which sandals are right for you.
“The best sandals for walking or wearing for a long period of time should have a heel strap. This increases stability, reduces the ability for the heel to slip and will reduce the need for the toes to grip to keep the sandal on the foot. It can also help prevent injury in the long run,” said Michael Fishkin, Certified Pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
These types of sandals should also have a more rugged sole on them for traction and additional stability. Also, slide-type sandals should only be used for lounging or pool side.
Some sandals have arch support built into the footbed which makes things better if you are seeking the additional support,” he added.
Some of the brands and models he recommends are Chaco, Teva, Keen and Spenco. For poolside wear, the Chaco Chillos Slide, Spenco Kholo and the Teva Voya are excellent options for easy on and off.
“Chaco is a great brand, they have arch support, straps that you can tighten around the midfoot and forefoot,” Fishkin said. “For women, I recommend the Z1 Classic Sandal, or the Z Cloud. They feature adjustable straps, more durable outsole and a nice supportive and cushioned footbed. For men, I like the Z1 Classic Sandal. They feature adjustable straps, more durable outsole and a nice supportive and cushioned footbed.”
Teva is one of his recommended brands. For men, he likes the Hurricane XLT2, Terra FI 5 Universal or the Katavi 2. They feature adjustable straps, more rugged outsole and a nice supportive and cushioned footbed. For women he recommends the Hurricane XLT2, the Tirra, the Verra models. They too feature adjustable straps, more rugged outsole and a comfortable, supportive and cushioned footbed.
“Keen is another fantastic brand. Their sandals are supportive and a bit more protective depending on the terrain that you are walking on. They have a rubber toe guard on most of their sandals for extra protection. The founder of Keen was a sailor and was tired of bumping his toes when he would be on the boat, so he came up with these styles that offer more protection,” Fishkin said.
“Spenco is a fantastic brand if you are looking for a lounge sandal with added support. They manufacture all types of OTC arch supports which they incorporate into the footbeds of their sandals,” he added.
