Sandals Vs Shoes
Choosing sandals over shoes is a tricky one, The weather in the UK isn’t always the most predictable, which can make choosing footwear difficult.
If it’s hot, hot, hot outside, with next to no chance of rain, sandals are a definite winner. They allow your feet to breathe where some styles of shoes can be quite restrictive when it comes to air circulation, causing your feet to sweat. Getting hot and sticky is never something you want to endure - so opting for a practical, comfortable pair of ladies’ sandals may be your best bet.
There are, however, benefits to wearing shoes over sandals. If the weather does decide to make an about turn, generally shoes will give you the protection against the elements that you need. They also offer more support for the feet, which is a better option for anyone that struggles with foot health. As a general rule, sandals don’t have the heel and toe support offered by shoes, meaning there’s a greater chance of injury when wearing them.
You should also decide if wearing sandals is a practical option depending on what it is you plan to do with your day. If you’re going on a 10 mile hike through the hills,you’re going to need substantial support and protection for the rough terrain. In that case sandals may not be the best option. There are, however, sandals that are specifically designed for walking - these will usually have a supportive footbed, a hardy, non-slip sole and supportive ankle straps. As the footbeds of walking sandals (or sports sandals as they’re often known) are usually contoured to support the whole of the foot, it’s important to make sure you buy the correct size for you.
Sandals Vs Ballet Pumps
Ballet pumps are the go-to footwear in most seasons, but when it comes to summer, there are a few reservations you might need to think about. It’s quite easy to get hot feet in ballet pumps, particularly if they’re not made from natural material or don’t have a suitable lining. As you’d most likely wear them without socks, going for a pair made from canvas or leather would be your best option.
If you’re not quite up for swapping the pumps for sandals, going for open-toe ballerinas might be an option. These will allow your feet to breathe while still offering the heel support needed.
Like flip flops, ballet pumps aren’t really suitable for long term wear or long distance walking as they don’t offer any instep support. This is where sandals can be a great alternative. Flat sandals are great alternatives which still support the feet and going for those with an ankle strap will add further support and keep your feet secure.
Sandals Vs Slippers
This might seem like an odd comparison to you, but ultimately it could be the best swap you make during the hot weather.
Wearing slippers should always feel like you’re walking on clouds and when you get in at the end of the day, they’re like a faithful friend, ready and waiting to rescue you from the weariness of a busy day. BUT, they do get quite warm!
Slippers can literally turn a bad day into a pretty good one, but during the warmer days of summer, it’s easy to get sweaty feet quite quickly! Usually fur-lined and made from man-made materials, there’s little chance of your feet getting the fresh air they need to stay cool. Due to the overheating, your feet will sweat more which means bacteria can build up quite quickly if worn everyday, this will cause them to smell… and no one wants smelly slippers!
This is where sandals are a good alternative. Trade in the slippers for a nice pair of sliders, which will still provide the comfort you desire but aren’t as stifling.
Sandals Vs Boots
If you’re wearing boots in summer, it’s time to swap them out for something a little lighter. Obviously if you have to wear work boots, there’s little you can do, but if you’re looking for alternatives to walking boots, then sandals are where it’s at.
As we mentioned before, sandals designed specifically for walking are a great alternative to traditional hiking footwear and can give your feet the freedom they need to breathe and remain at a healthy temperature. The problem with boots is that generally, you’d also be wearing pair of socks or two which can make your feet sweat excessively. Add to this the friction of walking and you’ve got yourself a blister or two.
Boots are however the perfect choice if you plan to visit a festival, because we all know that mud is a thing! Choosing sandals in this situation might not be the wisest decision so it’s worth packing both, just in case. The same goes for hiking: walking sandals leave you little protection against the elements, difficult terrain and any little critters that might fancy a feast, so for longer hikes or walks way out in the wilderness, you’ll need some sturdy boots. Choosing wisely is the key!
