How Should Sandals Fit?

When the sun is shining, and temperatures rise, sandals become the preferred footwear for many people. Whether heading to the beach, taking a walk in the park, or simply running errands, a good pair of sandals offers the perfect blend of comfort and breathability. However, finding the right fit can be a challenge. Wrongly fitting sandals can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term foot problems, so understanding how sandals should fit is crucial.

Proper sandals should fit comfortably and snugly, giving your feet the support and protection they need to last the day.  Since sandals alone vary so much in style and design, we have listed a few things to look and feel for. Take a look at our guide on how to choose the best-fitting sandals for you!

TLDR: How should sandals fit? Determining your perfect fit is both an art and a science. Sandals should fit snugly yet still be comfortable for everyday wear. Shop men’s and women’s sandal styles from SASNola.

How Should I Look at the Sandal Measurements?

Size charts offered by the brand in question are your friend! Relying on size assumptions is often what gets us into a cycle of foot problems and pain, especially if it’s been some time since you’ve determined your shoe size. Even if you’ve been wearing the same size for ages, it may not be your perfect fit! If you’re in the market for a new pair of sandals, take the time to check your measurements against the charts. In order to understand them correctly, you need to be familiar with the most commonly used terms associated with feet.

For sandals, stand with the back of your foot firmly against a wall on flat, level ground. Then, measure from heel to toe, as you’d expect. Compare that measurement against the size chart.

Next, move on to width. As an official SAS shoes retailer, we use the following terminology compared to traditional width nomenclature:

Tradition Width	SAS Equivalent
AAA	Slim (S)
AA	Narrow (N)
B	Medium (M)
C	Wide (W)
D	Double Wide (WW)
E - EE	Triple Wide (WWW)

 

 

Tradition Width	SAS Equivalent
B	Slim (S)
C	Narrow (N)
D	Medium (M)
E	Wide (W)
2E - 3E	Double Wide (WW)
3E - 4E	Triple Wide (WWW)

 

Width sizing will vary based on your primary shoe size. As that size increases, so will the standard width of a shoe. If you have additional questions or concerns about your perfect width, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can give you more specifics on the shoe styles you’re interested in.

How Can I Find the Right Width and Length for My Sandals?

It is amazingly important to pay attention to the proper width and length of your sandals and check how they feel in the front and back. Here’s how to do it!

The Sandal’s Width

When looking for the perfect width of your sandals, take into account that they should accommodate the natural shape of your foot without any squeezing or discomfort. When your foot is properly supported, the pressure is evenly distributed, reducing the risk of blisters, calluses, and other foot problems. 

To check if a sandal is the right width, make sure your foot fits comfortably within the edges of the sandal's sole. Your toes should not hang over the sides, and there should be no noticeable pressure on the sides of your feet. If you notice any rubbing or pressure points, it may be a sign that the sandal's width is not right for you.

Width Adjustments

One of the best features to look for in sandals is adjustability. Many sandals come with adjustable straps or closures that allow you to customize the fit to your foot's width. 

Velcro straps, buckle closures, and elastic materials can all provide a more personalized fit, accommodating various foot shapes and widths. This adjustability is especially beneficial for people with particularly narrow or wide feet, as it offers more comfort and security when worn.

The Sandal's Length

Properly fitted sandals should align with the natural length of your foot, providing enough space to avoid pain, discomfort, or even potential injuries. When trying them on, check both your toes and heel to make sure they are a perfect fit.

Toes Placement

One of the most common issues with wrongly-fitted sandals is the lack of sufficient toe space. When trying them on, make sure there is enough room at the front for your toes to move freely. 

Your toes should never hang over the edge of the sandal, as this not only looks awkward but can also lead to stubbed toes, blisters, and other injuries. 

A good rule of thumb (pun intended) is to have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the edge of the sandal. This space allows for natural foot movement and swelling that can occur throughout the day, especially in hot weather.

Heels Placement

The heel placement in a sandal is just as important as toe space. For increased comfort and safety while wearing, your heel should sit comfortably within the heel cup without sliding out or feeling cramped. A sandal that is too short will force it to hang over the back edge, leading to discomfort and potential strain on your Achilles tendon. 

On the other hand, a sandal that is too long may cause your foot to slide forward, leading to instability and friction. To find the perfect fit, search for sandals that securely accommodate your heel, providing stability and preventing unnecessary movement.

How Can I Check Whether the Sandals Fit on Every Side?

To ensure the right fit, check how the sandals feel on both the front and the back. If you notice anything wrong with them, try a different size to make sure you are making the best purchase.

How Should the Sandals Feel in the Front?

Pay attention to the fit in the front of sandals to get the proper foot support and maximum comfort. Your toes should have a lot of space in the sandals’ toe box so that they can move freely without being squeezed or restricted.

Check if there is sufficient space (about a half-inch) between the longest toe (typically your big toe) and the front edge of the sandal. It will protect you from discomfort, friction, ingrown toenails, and other potential problems.

Apart from that, pay attention to any rubbing or pressure points around your toes and make sure the sandals fit your feet' natural shape and movement.

How Should Sandals Feel in the Back?

To find the sandals that provide the highest comfort and stability, you also need to check how they feel in the back. Make sure that your heel rests comfortably against the sandal’s back and doesn’t slip out or cause friction. With straps and closures around the heel, you can make adjustments to get a secure fit and avoid any unnecessary movement.

If you notice that your heel hangs off the back, it is a clear indication that these sandals are not the right fit for you because they may lead to instability and discomfort. Check if there is any rubbing or pressure on your heel, and make sure you feel snug but not too tight fit.

Additional Tips on Choosing the Best Sandal Size

Here are some additional tips worth following when you are shopping for sandals:

• Make sure to get your feet measured regularly to find shoes that are the correct fit.
• If your one foot is bigger than the other, go for the larger size, as shoes too small will be much more of a problem than shoes too big.
• Ensure that the base of the sandal fits your foot shape (no spillage or shrinkage).
• Sandals should have thicker soles with low-to-no heels to provide proper shock absorption and protection.
• Preferably, look for flexible sandals with velcro or buckle closure to craft completely custom-fit summer footwear.
• You can seek out sandals with arch support for your longitudinal and metatarsal arches (or utilize custom inserts to protect against plantar fasciitis).
• Shoe size and sandal size tend to be the same, but since sandals fit differently, you may find that sizing up from your standard shoe size is the route to go.
• Keep in mind that our feet naturally expand and swell throughout the day. 

Find Your Perfect Fit from SASNola