Sandals essential summer footwear: Comfortable, Stylish, Cool and More

Sandals come in all shapes and sizes these days.

Sandals are great for Summer. They can help your feet stay cool and on so doing keep you cool in general. They can also keep your feet, and their skin, in peek condition with a natural flow of air circulating around them.

Gone are the days when sandals seemed to only fit into a couple of types. There were:-

• Flip Flops
• Old Fashioned Granny type sandals
• Modern strappy high heeled, ankle breakers
• Beachwear

On the whole the choice was poor and the colour of sandal was so often white, tan or brown.

These days there are many stylish comfort sandals that look really good, are fashionable and often the choice of the super model brigade.

Sandals for every occasion

I guess it could partly be due to our more exotic vacations these days why sandals have taken off so much of late?. Perhaps it is because we are more casual these days? It could also be that these days we tend to have more disposable income and far more footwear than years ago. Women in particular often have cupboards full of boots, shoes and sandals. Also many people take more than one decent vacation each year.

Whatever the reason, our love affair with the humble sandal has grown and so has the choice on offer.

FLIP FLOPS

Flip flops used to come in just a couple of styles and be very basic. Flip flops basically consist of a foot base a couple of straps across the toes and a toe post which sits in between the big toe and the one next to it.

Flip Flops were always uncomfortable, only available in one or two colours, cheap, and preety nasty. Most people wore them begrudgingly around the pool area.

These days flip flops have joined the ranks of proper footwear. They may be made in good leather, have gentle supported toe posts and be made by impressive brand names. Of course this means that they can cost a small fortune. Basic flip flops are still available though.

BACKLESS SANDALS

These sandals are more like proper footwear, just with no back strap.

COMFORT SANDALS

There are a wide range of manufacturers these days that produce comfort sandals. Some of these sandals may seem a little old fashioned but others have a very credible brand name. They may be stylish, expensive, sought after, trendy and more.

In the sandal region it is no longer true to say that you have to suffer to look good.

BIRKENSTOCK

Birkenstock is a German company that produces stylish sandals. They can be pricey but they do have special offers. Check out what is on offer on line or in the sales for good deals. I recently purchased a pair of backless Birkenstock sandals for a mere £19.99.

Birkenstock's became fashionable due to the super models who were wearing and recommending them. The inner sole has a sort of support shape which cushions your foot. This means that Birkenstock's can look a little large as your foot fits inside the foot bed.

SCHOLL FOOTWEAR

Once referred to as Dr Scholl, Scholl has been making a good range of summer footwear for years. At one time these sandals were notoriously uncomfortable though. These days they seem to have incorporated comfort and style as well as retaining that "good for your feet" appeal.

Scholl's can also be a little expensive so you need to shop around. Some are a little old fashioned but many look great with a pair of jeans and other casual summer wear.

FLY FLOTS

Fly Flots are made in Italy. They are often sold at a competitive price in stores such as Pavers of York, on Ideal World or in the sales. Not as expensive as my first two options they are still not cheap.

These sandals have a specially constructed base that is supposed to cushion your feet well, offering anti-shock technology. There are many pretty sandals in this range but probably for the older wearer or by someone who puts comfort at the top of their list of requirements.

PADDERS

Padders are a similar brand to Fly Flots but at a more reasonable price. They may not last as long but sometimes that is not a problem. Many people just want a quick sandal option for their summer holiday.

CROCS

Crocs were one of the trendiest sandals, come shoes, around at one time. They still are with some consumers. However they are not always comfortable. You will need to break them in and they may not be right for you. If they are though they could end up the comfiest summer footwear you have ever worn.

OVERALL

These days all of the above also have a men's range available. Granted the choice is not as vast as for women but it is not bad. Some also have children's styles and sizes.

If you have foot problems such as wide feet or fallen arches a good fitting pair of comfort sandals could be a godsend.