It is at this point every year in the Spring, that we start to get those Summer feels! The temperature gradually rises and we get the odd heat wave, where the bikinis and open toe shoes make an early appearance. What is just as exciting as the weather, shopping for your new summer wardrobe of including those all important strappy summer sandals of course! Because what woman does not enjoy keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Although searching for fresh summer sandals is exciting it is important that you choose the right ones, this way you can enjoy the heat in comfort and style.
1) Is the Heel too high?
This may be an obvious thing to point out, but it is so easy to get carried away when you are shopping for your shoes online. Sky high stiletto heels sell from the images alone, no point reading the product details when the shoe pictures scream feminine elegance. But hold on for one moment think about the practicalities, you are probably going to want to change shoes before you even get to the end of the night. There are ways to go high yet still be sensible. A high wedge heel has got to be the most comfortable type of heel, they provide more stability than other heels as the sole of the shoe is flat to the ground. Platform heels are great too as they always appear higher than they really are, although you must look at how steep the incline is so you do not make a mistake. If you are not keen on platforms or wedges, block heels are a good choice as they provide a lot more stability than stiletto heels.
2) Are the straps wide enough?
You have got to love barley-there shoe styles, but it is important to remember that wider straps are going to be more comfortable to wear. Feet swell when they are hot so in summer there is no avoiding this. Thin straps may rub on the skin especially if you have not allowed enough room for your feet to swell. If you do choose sandals with thin straps, ensure they are made from high quality soft material, to prevent any rubbing. It is not a good look to wear your summery heels or flats with plasters!
3) Do the ankle straps fit correctly?
Either way, your ankle straps are too loose or too tight this can be a problem. If you have wide ankles it can be difficult buying strappy sandals with ankle straps, sometimes the straps are just not long enough to fasten. If you think you may just about get away with fastening the ankle strap on the last hole, be sure that you are allowing enough room for your ankle to swell when you get hot. Also decide if you are happy with the way the shoes appear when done up on the last hole, as sometimes this is not a good look. It is just as important that your ankle straps are not too loose, after all it is these straps that are going to support your foot. Whether you are looking for flat sandals or high heels this is always something to consider.
4) Will they be cool enough in the heat?
The more open the sandal shoes are the better as there will be better airflow to keep your feet nice and cool. Go for strappy sandals with open backs as well as open toes. A closed toe style may appeal to you if you do not like your feet, but just remember this is going to get extremely uncomfortable as your feet sweat. Embrace your feet, put on your favourite nail varnish and they will be ready for open toe shoes. Nobody goes around staring at feet so be brave and get those toes out!
5) Will I get enough use out of them?
Invest in women’s sandals that are neutral in colour so you can wear them with practically any outfit, bear in mind darker colours will show up less dirt. Leather or synthetic leather are ideal to keep clean, you can simply wipe away any stains. Any fashion sandals that have a heel that can be re-heeled are a great choice so you can wear them year after year, just be sure to keep checking the heel tips before you go past the point of no return!
