You’ve been shopping around for a new pair of sandals and landed on some you absolutely love, but what size should you order?
Regardless of whether you prefer strappy sandals, sliders, wedges or flip flops, finding the right fit is important. Ill-fitting footwear can cause discomfort and lead to posture issues which can quickly degenerate into more serious foot problems.
We know selecting the right size while shopping online can be difficult, so how can you make sure you’re ordering the right ones (and save yourself the hassle of having to return or exchange your sandals)?
How should sandals fit?
Sandals that fit properly should be comfortable and secure. They shouldn’t cause you blisters or discomfort during or after wearing them. Here are some things to think about while trying to determine if a pair of sandals is the right fit for you:
Width
Your sandals should comfortably accommodate the widest part of your feet so that they are not cramped in. If the balls of the feet or the toes stick out over the edge at the sides, the sandal is too narrow.
Sometimes, it’s better to go one or half a size bigger than your regular shoe size, as during the day your feet may expand, especially during the warmer months or if you’re standing for long periods of time. By sizing up, you’re allowing your feet enough room to expand without your sandals becoming too tight. If your feet slide around too much, your sandals are too big and they may cause chaffing and blisters.
Length
Your toes and heels should not exceed or hang over the footbed of the sandals. If they do, then the sandals are too small. Most brands have a sizing guide available, so you can measure your feet at home to determine which size is best for you. There should be a small amount of space between your foot and the front and the back of the sandal. The optimal amount for the back around 5mm between your heel and the edge of the footbed and in the front, you should aim for about 10mm between your toes and the edge of the footbed.
Tip: Measure your feet in the evening instead of the morning as they expand throughout the day!
Arch support
If you’re standing or walking around a lot, it’s a good idea to opt for sandals with built-in arch support. If you wear orthotic inserts, make allowances for them when thinking about the size.
Straps
We love a strappy sandal. Gladiator sandals in particular are a popular style for women, but they too have to be carefully sized. Sandal straps shouldn’t dig into your toes, feet or ankles. They should be snug enough not to cause chaffing or blisters, but should still be comfortable to wear for a long period of time. Adjustable straps are great if your feet are prone to expanding throughout the day. Aside from being uncomfortable, sandals that are too tight also give your feet an unpleasant appearance.
The way the straps are constructed and attached to the footbed is also important. Some canvas straps are made from a single layer of material and are stitched onto the edge of the footbed. These won’t be as comfortable or durable as straps that are made from two or more layers that run through the footbed. Some sandals (like the Teva Hurricane) use a tube-shaped canvas strap, which is beneficial because it doesn’t have an edge, so it won’t chafe or scratch your skin when the strap inevitably rolls and moves against your foot.
The shape of the straps will determine how comfortable your sandals are. Some straps are designed with your anatomy in mind, following the shape of your bones for a perfect fit.
Materials
Whenever you shop for sandals, pay attention to the materials they are manufactured from. Sandals made from leather, such as Salt-Water sandals, will often ‘relax’ after you wear them a few times, adjusting and moulding to the shape of your foot. While they might feel a bit stiff at first, they will soon become the most comfortable footwear you own. The same happens with Sketchers or Birkenstock sandals, which have a soft footbed that will mould to the shape of your foot in time.
Shape
The shape of the footbed changes the way your sandals fit. Anatomically shaped footbeds will run slightly smaller because your foot doesn’t sit as flat in them, meaning it doesn’t spread out as much. Having an ergonomically shaped footbed is better for your feet and provides more comfort. Common features in anatomically shaped footbeds include a heel cup, built-in arch support and a toe grip. All of these promote the correct alignment of the bones in your foot.
Fit for purpose
The type of occasion or activity you’re shopping for will influence the sandals you should buy. People like teachers, nurses and hospitality workers value supportive, anatomically shaped sandals because their jobs are demanding and can cause them a lot of pain and discomfort.
Lovers of the outdoors will opt for sandals that are comfortable, hardwearing and can withstand a variety of weather conditions.
If you’re buying sandals for a wedding or a night out, you’ll probably want something a bit more stylish. But just like choosing the right outfit for the occasion, picking the right sandals will make a big difference.
So, should you buy sandals bigger or smaller?
If your feet are prone to swelling, going a half or a whole size up might be a good idea. We advise against ordering sandals that are too small, as they can cause a lot of discomfort and posture issues.
The most important thing is that sandals fit you correctly and that they are comfortable. If you’re still not sure what size to go for, the best thing to do is order multiple sizes and try them on. Again, it’s best to try them on in the evening after your feet have expanded. Once you’ve found the right size you can return the other pairs and keep the one you’re happy with.