Summer = Sandal Season!
With summer, the official start of sandal season, in full swing, finding the right sandals are essential! Stay fashionable this season and check out what’s trending for summer 2023!
Puffy Summer Sandals
Puffy sandals have been regaining their popularity in recent seasons, and are expected to continue their upward trend in summer 2023. The reemergence of the puffy sandal continues the trend of 90’s and early 2000’s trends coming back into the cycle. Puffy sandals are made for wearers comfort with the puffy design providing a comfortable and sturdy feel for your feet while adding a touch of style to your summer outfits. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or attending a casual gathering, puffy sandals offer a stylish and relaxed look while maximizing comfort.
Platform Summer Sandals
Platforms across the board are looking set to dominate the retro fashion scene in 2023. Platform sandals have thick soles that add height and a trendy edge to your outfits. The platform gives stability and support which make them ideal for all-day wear without wearing out your feet.
Wedge Summer Sandals
Wedge sandals are a longtime, controversial, staple of summer footwear. As per Vogue, “The wedge sandal is back and better than ever before”. Known for their timeless appearance and ability to add height, the wedge sandals offer a classic silhouette that combines style and comfort into one easy to wear shoe. The wedge is super versatile and provides excellent stability because of their wide base. While not quite as tall as other heels, the wedge still accentuates the legs, adds height, and lets you keep your balance.
Flatform Summer Sandals
Flatform sandals should have a very strong showing this summer as they have continued to gain in popularity throughout spring. These sandals feature a flat platform sole that offers a subtle lift while maintaining a comfortable and level footbed. These sandals are a unique combo of comfort and retro fashion which makes them an appealing choice for those looking for an even lift and to add a throwback twist to the outfits. Available in a variety of styles, like slides or lace ups or straps, platforms can be paired with anything from a comfortable sundress, to jean shorts, and much more to create a stylish and effortless summer outfit.
Raffia Summer Sandals
For those who appreciate a retro/bohemian vibe, raffia sandals are a must-have for summer 2023. These sandals are made from raffia, a sustainable material made from palm leaves. The sustainability of these sandals are a worthy consideration in the age of fast and disposable fashion. Raffia can feature intricate and earthy textures and features, adding an artisanal look to your outfit. This organic vibe makes raffia sandals the ideal choice for boho-inspired outfits, beach days, or hot summer events. By opting for raffia sandals, you not only embrace style but also contribute to sustainable fashion.
Sizing and fit
Some quick notes on sandal sizing and finding the perfect fit. Sandals should fit snugly and the straps should be tight enough to hold the shoe in place without causing chaffing, redness, or irritation of any sort. If you feel any of these things, the fit is not quite right for your foot.
In order to start finding the perfect fitting summer sandals, you should consider the straps, footbed, and toe box areas. Straps should be tight enough to hold on your sandals while retaining a little bit of give. Exactly how much slack you should give theses straps is largely a matter of personal preference; however if you have some redness or chaffing around the strapped areas, you should play with different strap positions. Next, consider the footbed, the bottom of the shoe. If the footbed is too wide, small, hard, or soft you may experience sore feet. Ideally, the sandal should feel supportive without being too rigid for your feet. Finally, make sure that your toes are not crowded or pinched together in the toe box for optimal comfort. This one is pretty easy to feel, but very important fo having the proper fit in a sandal.