Understanding Why Sandal Sizing Matters
Finding the right sandal size seems straightforward until you discover that the size you wear in sneakers does not match your sandal size, or that different brands fit completely differently despite being labeled the same size. Proper sandal sizing is crucial not only for comfort but also for foot health. Ill-fitting sandals can cause blisters, calluses, back pain, and even long-term structural issues with your feet.
Unlike closed shoes that can accommodate minor sizing errors through lacing adjustments or stretching, sandals leave little room for error. The open design means your foot is visible, making any size mismatch immediately apparent, and the minimal structure means there are fewer ways to compensate for poor fit.
Measuring Your Feet Correctly
Accurate foot measurement is the foundation of finding well-fitting sandals. Many women have not had their feet measured since childhood and continue wearing the same size despite natural changes in foot dimensions over time. Pregnancy, weight changes, and ageing can all alter foot size, making periodic re-measurement worthwhile.
To measure your feet at home, stand on a piece of paper with your full weight on the foot. Trace around the foot, keeping the pen or pencil vertical. Measure the length from the heel to the longest toe and the width at the widest point of the foot. Perform this measurement for both feet, as most people have one foot slightly larger than the other.
Accounting for Foot Swelling
Feet naturally swell throughout the day and in response to heat, activity, and salt intake. This swelling can increase foot volume by as much as half a size, making timing an important consideration when shopping for sandals.
The best time to try on sandals is in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest. Buying sandals in the morning when feet are at their smallest often results in footwear that becomes uncomfortably tight by the end of the day. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where summer heat causes significant foot swelling.
If you are shopping for sandals specifically for warm-weather wear, consider sizing up slightly to accommodate expected swelling. This is especially important for sandals with non-adjustable straps or slip-on styles that cannot be loosened as the day progresses.
Width Considerations
Many sandal brands offer only standard widths, which can be problematic for women with narrow or wide feet. Understanding your foot width and how different sandal styles accommodate varying widths can save considerable frustration during the shopping process.
Wide-footed women should look for sandals with adjustable straps that can be loosened to accommodate greater width. Styles with multiple adjustment points offer more flexibility than those with single buckles. Avoid sandals with rigid, non-stretchy straps that cannot adapt to foot width variations.
Narrow-footed women face the opposite challenge of finding sandals that stay secure on the foot. Look for styles with snug-fitting straps and consider adding heel grips or cushioned inserts to take up extra space. Ankle straps can help keep sandals in place on narrow feet where they might otherwise slip.
The Toe Overhang Question
A common sizing dilemma involves how much, if any, toe overhang is acceptable in sandals. Ideally, your toes should sit comfortably within the footbed without hanging over the front edge. However, some sandal styles are designed with minimal toe clearance, making slight overhang normal.
The key is distinguishing between intentional design and poor fit. If your toes extend past the footbed and contact the ground when walking, the sandals are too small. If there is a sliver of footbed visible beyond your toes, the sandals may be slightly large but are unlikely to cause problems.
For sandals with toe loops or thong designs, ensure your toes can grip the post comfortably without excessive stretching. The post should sit naturally in the space between your first and second toes without causing spreading or rubbing.
Heel Fit and Positioning
Proper heel positioning is crucial for both comfort and the appearance of your sandals. Your heel should sit centred on the heel cup of the sandal, neither extending over the back edge nor positioned too far forward within the footbed.
Heel overhang is both uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing, causing instability and making sandals appear too small. If your heel extends past the back of the sandal, you need a longer size. Conversely, if there is significant space between your heel and the back of the sandal, you may need a smaller size or a style with an ankle strap to keep the foot positioned correctly.
The heel cup depth also affects fit. Some sandals have pronounced heel cups that cradle the heel, while others are nearly flat. Women with smaller heels may find that deep heel cups provide better security, while those with larger heels may need flatter styles that accommodate their dimensions.
Arch Length Versus Overall Length
Foot size involves more than just total length. Arch length, the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot, varies between individuals and affects how sandals fit. Someone with a short arch length relative to their overall foot length will have different fitting needs than someone with a proportionally long arch.
This becomes particularly important in sandals with contoured footbeds designed to support the arch. If the arch support in the sandal does not align with your actual arch, the sandal will be uncomfortable regardless of the overall length being correct. Try sandals on and note whether the arch support sits under your arch or ahead of or behind it.
Some brands offer sizing guidance based on arch length, and these recommendations can be valuable for achieving optimal fit. If you consistently find that arch supports in sandals feel misplaced, consider looking for brands that specifically address arch length variations.
Trying On and Testing
When trying on sandals, spend sufficient time walking, standing, and sitting in them to assess fit under various conditions. A sandal that feels fine when you first slip it on may reveal problems after a few minutes of walking as pressure points become apparent.
Walk on different surfaces if possible, as hard floors provide different feedback than carpeted areas. Pay attention to any slipping, rubbing, or pinching. Check that your foot remains stable within the sandal without excessive movement and that straps do not cut into skin.
If shopping in-store, try on sandals with the type of foot accessories you would normally wear with them, such as toe rings or anklets, to ensure they do not interfere with fit. Bring any orthotic inserts you use, as these can significantly affect how sandals fit.
Online Shopping Considerations
Buying sandals online requires additional care due to the inability to try before purchasing. Research brand sizing carefully, reading reviews that mention fit. Many online retailers include sizing guides with specific measurements that allow comparison with your foot dimensions.
Order from retailers with generous return policies, and do not hesitate to order multiple sizes to try at home if unsure. Check reviews for comments about sandals running large or small, and adjust your size selection accordingly. Remember that sizing can vary not only between brands but between different styles from the same brand.
Conclusion
Finding the right sandal size involves more than simply knowing your numerical size. By understanding how to measure your feet accurately, accounting for swelling and width variations, and paying attention to the nuances of fit when trying on sandals, you can find footwear that provides all-day comfort and supports healthy feet throughout sandal season.