How to buy the right sandal
Sandals are a summer staple, but the wrong pair can leave you with sore arches, blisters, or even make existing foot problems worse. The good news? With the right design, sandals can be both stylish and supportive.
We’ve asked two experts to share their insights. Podiatrist Neda Piri explains how flimsy sandals can affect your feet, plus what features to look for if you struggle with issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Then, sandal expert Martin Pitman reveals the design details that separate fashion-only sandals from those built for all-day comfort.
About your sandals, as told by podiatrist, Neda Piri
What common foot problems are made worse by flimsy or unsupportive sandals?
- Any form of arch or heel pain can often be exacerbated by poorly fitting sandals, including but not limited to:
- Non-insertional plantar fasciopathy
- Baxter's nerve entrapment
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Fat pad syndrome
- Insertional tibialis posterior tendinopathy.
- Forefoot conditions such as Morton's neuromas, Intermetatarsal or Metatarsophalangeal joint bursitis, Neuroma bursal complex, Osteoarthritis at the first metatarsophalangeal joint or other lesser metatarsals, and, in some cases, hallux valgus can be aggravated.
- Skin and nail conditions such as blisters, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, and thickened toenails can also worsen due to flimsy, ill-fitting or unsupportive sandals.
How can well-designed sandals make a difference for people with conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions?
Well-designed sandals can help individuals with plantar fasciitis and bunions by providing an alternative to sports shoes and traditional enclosed footwear, particularly for those who have advanced bunions that struggle to conform to narrow toe boxes and minimal depth.
Ideally, the features in a sandal should match the features of an individual's foot profile to complement their foot shape, foot posture and flexibility. A well-designed sandal would be lightweight, with some form of arch support, varying levels of cushioning, a slight heel pitch, a sturdy outsole, a heel counter, comfortable upper material and comfortable straps for adjustability would increase overall comfort levels by offloading areas of the foot that may be experiencing high load. The level of ‘support’ should vary depending on an individual's needs/ activities/ and environments. Some individuals may find minimalistic sandals comfortable if their foot health and strength are in optimal condition and their feet have built the capacity to tolerate less overall support. As a very general guide, I’d recommend the below:
- A more flexible pes planus foot type would benefit from a slight heel pitch, mild cushioned footbed, mild-moderate arch contour/fill, some flexibility at the forefoot to allow for flexion at the 1st Metatarsophalangeal joint and adjustable straps at the heel, midfoot and forefoot to match an individual's foot shape. The aim of the sandal is not to greatly offload or provide high levels of support, but rather to provide comfort for leisurely paced activities, as that is what the sandal is intended for.
- These features would differ for a more rigid pes cavus foot type that would benefit from increased cushioning at the forefoot/ heel, slightly higher arch contour/contact that runs medially-laterally to avoid leading to further supination at the midfoot, and a low heel pitch to reduce the likelihood of ankle instability.
What practical advice would you give someone who wants to wear sandals daily without harming their feet?
I would recommend they reflect on their footwear spectrum and the types of sandals they own, their intended activities and whether there is any presence of pain. I’d ask them to consider wearing their less ‘supportive’ sandals for less intentional or stressful activities, such as casual outings and quick errands, and to consider more robust, higher cushioned, durable, and more structured sandals for more vigorous activity. I’d also highly advise that the sandals should at the very least complement their foot shape.
How can a podiatrist help with finding the right sandal?
Our role is to assess our patients' foot shape, foot posture, foot biomechanics and their clinical history and intended activities/ intensity levels. We combine this information with their style preferences and provide a list of sandal options, often with specified styles that we believe are more suitable / less suitable and provide the patient with autonomy and confidence to make the right choice.
Neda Piri, Podiatrist and Director of Podiatry Beyond
What I love most about being a podiatrist is the chance to help people at all stages of life. Whether it’s keeping kids active, supporting athletes, or helping older adults stay independent, my goal is always the same: to keep people moving comfortably.
I’m passionate about raising awareness of just how much podiatrists can do. We play an important role in the Allied Health space, and I’d love to see our skills and expertise recognised even more in the future.
About your sandals, as told by sandal expert, Martin Pitman
What key design elements separate a supportive sandal from one that just looks good?
While a sandal's aesthetic appeal might catch your eye, the key design elements separating a truly supportive sandal from one that just looks good lie deep within its functional architecture.
Foremost is an anatomically contoured footbed, which provides crucial arch support, cradles the heel with a deep cup, and evenly distributes pressure across the foot, promoting natural alignment and reducing fatigue. This is a stark contrast to the flat, unyielding platforms often found in fashion-first sandals, which offer no support and can lead to discomfort and long-term foot issues.
Secondly, the strap system plays a vital role; supportive sandals feature adjustable, multi-point straps made from soft, durable materials that securely hold the foot in place without causing discomfort, preventing excessive movement that can cause blisters or instability. Fashion-oriented designs often feature thin, non-adjustable straps that prioritise minimalism over secure fit. The sole unit of a supportive sandal is engineered for shock absorption, flexibility where needed (like the forefoot), and a durable outsole with reliable traction, offering protection and stability on various surfaces – a stark departure from the often rigid, thin, or purely decorative soles of less functional footwear.
Ultimately, while one might turn heads, the other is designed to keep your feet healthy and happy with every step.
How do features like adjustable straps or contoured footbeds change comfort and fit?
Features like adjustable straps and contoured footbeds are transformative because they bridge the critical gap between mass-produced items and individual human anatomy, fundamentally altering both comfort and fit. Adjustable straps empower users with the ability to create a customised "micro-fit," cinching or loosening to accommodate varying body dimensions, specific activities, or even daily physiological changes like swelling. This dynamic adjustability prevents common issues such as pinching, chafing, or gapping, ensuring continuous contact and even pressure distribution, which in turn significantly reduces discomfort and enhances stability.
Similarly, contoured footbeds are designed to cradle the foot's complex anatomical structures – the arch, heel, and metatarsals – where a flat surface provides no natural support. By aligning with these natural curves, they evenly distribute body weight, absorb shock, and provide crucial support for otherwise unsupported arches, stabilising the foot, mitigating fatigue, and promoting proper biomechanical alignment up through the ankles, knees, and spine.
Together, these thoughtful design elements transform a generic product into a personalised extension of the user, dramatically improving both the physical fit and the overall experience of comfort and well-being.
What should people avoid when looking for sandals for all-day wear?
When the quest for all-day wear sandals begins, it's easy to be swayed by fleeting trends or initial appearances. However, avoiding specific pitfalls is crucial for ensuring lasting comfort and preventing foot fatigue.
Firstly, steer clear of excessively flat footbeds devoid of any arch support or cushioning. While visually minimalist, these offer no biomechanical support, leading to potential heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and overall foot strain by the end of the day. Prioritise contoured footbeds that cradle the arch and provide ample shock absorption.
Secondly, beware of thin, rigid, or poorly placed straps. Straps that dig into the skin, rub against bunions, or allow the foot to slide excessively are a recipe for blisters, chafing, and instability. Opt for wider, softer materials like leather or quality synthetics, preferably with adjustable closures, to ensure a secure yet gentle fit. Additionally, resist the allure of high heels or, conversely, models that are entirely flat with no built-in elevation; both extremes can disrupt natural gait and place undue pressure on specific parts of the foot. A moderate, stable wedge or block heel often offers better weight distribution than stilettos, while a very flat sole lacks crucial elevation for ankle stability.
Thirdly, when looking for sandals you can wear all day, avoid heavy or bulky styles that can make your feet feel tired and weighed down. Instead, opt for lightweight sandals that offer support without extra weight, helping you move comfortably and effortlessly from morning to night.
Finally, never let aesthetics completely trump practical considerations; cheap, non-breathable synthetic materials might look appealing initially, but can cause excessive sweating, odour, and skin irritation over hours of wear. By consciously sidestepping these common blunders, you can ensure your all-day sandals are not just stylish, but true allies in keeping your feet happy and pain-free, no matter where your day takes you.
What’s the most overlooked factor people should consider before buying sandals for all-day wear?
Of all the factors considered when buying all-day sandals—arch support, cushioning, and style—the most critically overlooked is the precise measurement of your foot's volume, not just its length.
A sandal’s straps must act as a customised harness, securing your foot without any undue pressure points or, conversely, excessive slippage. A design that is too narrow or shallow will create a tourniquet-like effect across the top of your foot, leading to swelling and discomfort over hours of wear. Conversely, straps that are too loose or intended for a higher-volume foot will force your toes to claw subconsciously for grip, creating fatigue in your arches and calves.
This perfect balance of secure hold and gentle containment is the unsung hero of all-day comfort, ensuring your foot remains stable, supported, and free to move naturally without fighting its foundation. Ignoring this fit nuance often leads to the false conclusion that a sandal is "uncomfortable," when in reality, it was simply never the right volume for your unique foot.
Martin Pitman, a seasoned expert and strategic foresight of a highly accomplished engineering manager for MFG, boasting a 25-year international career
Frustrated by the common dilemma women faced—choosing between stylish shoes and comfortable ones—two visionary podiatrists embarked on a groundbreaking mission across New Zealand. They meticulously measured over 10,000 women's feet, compiling an unprecedented dataset to precisely understand the nuances of the female foot and, ultimately, what truly defines the "perfect fit." This extensive, scientific research, combined with their profound expertise in biomechanics, laid the foundation for the revolutionary footwear brand, Ziera. Born from a deep understanding of women's unique needs, Ziera was launched to empower women to stride with superior comfort, support, and confidence, proving conclusively that enduring style and exceptional wearability no longer had to be mutually exclusive.
