Describe your foot shape and we'll tell you which sandals to wear this summer

During summer, our feet and legs are the centre of attention. The good part is that we can enhance them to our liking with our shoewear, as we do the rest of the body. However, it’s sometimes difficult to choose the pair that won’t leave our feet in pain and full of sores. If sandals are your Achilles’ heel, keep reading: with the tips we’ll give you in this article, it will be super easy to find your dream sandals once and for all.

What you need to know to choose your sandals

• Colour: Where it comes to colour, it really depends on the occasion. If you’re looking for timeless sandals that will be in your wardrobe forever, opt for neutral colours that won’t go out of style and that you can use with any outfit. If you are looking for shoes for a specific outfit, then make sure that the colour matches the look perfectly. It will make the difference from a basic outfit to a stylish one!
• Heel size: This is more of a personal choice. Some of us love heels, others can barely walk in medium ones, so that’s up to you! You can go for flats or kitten heels for extra comfort during the day, and chic elegant heels for the night. Just remember that if you’re petite, even a little heel will make you look taller.
• Fastening: When it comes to fastening, proportions and comfort play an important role. If you choose sandals with laces on your ankle, you should know that they will make your legs look shorter, so you may want to choose something else if you are petite. On top of that, if your ankles tend to swell up with hot weather, these types of sandals might not be ideal for you.

Best sandals for each type of foot

As you have probably noticed, not all sandals look as good on every kind of foot. Just like clothing, sandals are made with a specific shape in mind, which may result in a pair not being a good match for you. But, fret not! We have all the info you need to find your next pair of favourite sandals.

The right sandals for wide feet

Women with large soles should choose leather or suede shoes. These are elastic materials that adapt to the movements of the foot, so they do not cause abrasions, as synthetic fabrics sometimes do. Furthermore, you will want to avoid shoes with thin straps, as they will leave an imprint on the foot, causing discomfort. The best sandals for wide soles are the most covered ones and have the thickest straps. Women’s wide-fitting shoes should be slip-ons and not too tight. So, the ideal shoes for you are sandals with thick straps, moccasins, espadrilles and ballet flats. Pointed or square-toed shoes should be avoided at all costs, as they will make the foot look even bigger.

Want to see some examples? Here are flat sandals in a casual version paired with wide-leg trousers and a colourful top, and in an elegant version under a lovely dress and a cardigan.

The most flattering sandals for narrow feet

For your sandals, choose laced or gladiator ones. Prioritise sandals with straps, since these types of shoes will support narrow feet well. If you prefer it, you may also choose sandals with ankle straps. Choose sandals that have straps that form a motif, like strings that intersect on your feet to make it look larger. Pointy shoes are perfect for these types of feet!
Try to avoid sandals that have just one large strap and a large sole, like slip-ons.

Here’s your inspiration! What do you think of our first proposal with strappy sandals teamed with shorts and a T-shirt for a casual look? Or do you prefer a more romantic look, with a pleated skirt and an off-shoulder top?

Ideal sandals for flat feet

If you have flat feet, always choose quality products with a comfortable sole made from natural materials. Avoid wearing high heels all day and save them for special occasions only, as they force the foot into very unnatural positions. When choosing sandals, we recommend that you opt for the ones with bands and straps that support the foot. On the other hand, avoid minimal flip-flops that emphasise the shape of the ends by uncovering them completely. Choose soles that follow the natural shape of the foot without forcing it to be in uncomfortable positions.
Want to see some ready-to-wear looks? For a laid-back style, pair your comfy sandals with a pair of flowing trousers and a top. If you’re looking for a dressier evening ensemble, wear the same pair with a pair of white trousers and a floral print blouse.

Sandals suitable for hallux valgus

It is clear that the quality of the footwear comes first, and in this case more than ever. The shoes you choose to wear must be soft and comfortable. Specific shoes for feet with a wide sole can also be an excellent choice, to avoid excessive rubbing and discomfort.
Faux and rigid leathers, such as patent leather, should be avoided, because they tighten and mark the skin. Nappa and suede are better, as they are more adaptable and enveloping. When choosing the sandals, be careful that the straps or stitchings don’t go directly on the bone; this can cause discomfort and pressure to this delicate part. Aside from all that, it’s up to you if you feel comfortable showing your feet or not. You can opt for minimal sandals with just a few straps that will let your feet breathe, or choose wide straps that can hide them, if you are not comfortable showing them.

This pair is super versatile. You can wear it either to the beach with shorts and a floral blouse or for a fuss-free evening look with a jumpsuit, one of our favourite pieces for this summer.

The pes cavus is one of the most common morphological problems in the feet and is the opposite of the flat foot. It causes an accentuation of the plantar vault, which is excessively curved. Therefore, the medial area of ​​the foot tends to detach from the ground depending on the severity of the cavity. This drastically reduces the support surface and prevents correct weight distribution. In this case, apart from using specific insoles, we recommend sandals that have a very comfortable and soft sole, that can follow the shape of the foot and help you have all the support you need to walk correctly.

These sandals are super comfortable for a day of sightseeing. Go for this daytime look with a short skirt and a tank top in a flattering colour and keep them on to continue your day out. Simply wear them with a long dress and a denim jacket in a vibrant colour if the weather cools down.

Did our summer ideas inspire you? Remember that if you are having trouble finding a particular garment, such as comfortable sandals, your Personal Shopper can help you. Just let her know when you order your next Lookiero!