Sandals: how to choose

How to choose sandals

Start with where you will walk and how long you will be on your feet. A flat sandal such as the metal-buckle flat keeps the day easy from a first coffee to the walk home, while a cross-strap platform wedge lifts you clear of hot pavement for a market stroll that runs into a late terrace dinner. For evenings, a fine stiletto changes the line of a dress; a pointed toe and a single strap keep the shape clean rather than fussy.

Think about toe shape as well as heel height. A round toe leaves a little room across the toes, a square toe gives a measured, modern line, and a pointed toe draws the leg long. The pearl-bow square-toe sandal shows how a single detail can set the mood, while the pointed-toe stiletto with buckle strap keeps everything else quiet.

Fit matters more than any single measurement. Choose your usual EU size from the 34 to 45 range, then use the buckle or ankle strap to settle the fit. The strap should sit snug without pressing, with room to slide one finger underneath, and the heel should sit squarely beneath the back of the foot. If a style has a single strap across the instep, check that it holds the foot without cutting in.

Materials, details and fit

Our sandals use a range of uppers: smooth PU with a soft sheen, artificial PU, cloth, two-layer cowhide and glossy patent. Linings include PU, imitation leather and mesh, and the soles are rubber. Each material gives a different finish and weight, so let the occasion guide you. Patent has a bright, polished face for evening, cowhide has a lightly grained surface for long days, and cloth keeps a platform wedge feeling light on the foot.

Details do the practical work. A metal buckle at the side adjusts the fit, a belt buckle closes an ankle strap, and a lace-up style lets you tie the straps where they feel steadiest. A pearl-tied bow is decorative rather than adjustable, so check the fit of the strap first. A slim ankle strap should hold the foot without digging in, and a wide cross strap should sit flat across the instep.

Heel height and toe shape change how a sandal feels as much as how it looks. A stiletto above 8 cm lengthens the stride, a thin 11.5 cm heel gives a light, lifted line, and a 1 cm front height gives the toe a slight lift. A platform wedge spreads the lift underfoot, while a flat sole keeps the day grounded. Whichever you choose, the front of the sandal should leave enough room for your toes to sit naturally and the heel should not overhang the sole.

How to style them

For daytime, keep the rest of the outfit easy. Wear the metal-buckle flats with cropped linen trousers and a market tote, or with a cotton midi dress at the beach. The cross-strap platform wedge works with wide-leg linen trousers, a cotton midi dress or cropped jeans; the straps sit across the instep and the round toe keeps the front comfortable. A lace-up chunky heel adds a little boldness to a linen shirt and cropped trousers.

For evenings, let the sandal carry the line. A pointed stiletto with a single buckle strap looks composed with a slip dress, while the patent stiletto ankle strap moves from desk to dinner with a tailored trouser and a fine knit. The gold ankle-strap stiletto brings a warm gleam to bare legs at a summer wedding, and the pearl-bow square-toe pair suits garden parties and seated dinners where a soft detail is welcome.

Balance is the useful rule. If the sandal has a pearl bow, a buckle or a lace-up front, keep the rest of the look quiet and let the shoe speak. If the sandal is plain, use colour: white, black, red, gold, orange, soft pink, beige or plum red can set the tone for the rest of the outfit. A flat in white or gold is a light finishing note for bright days, while black or deep red gives an evening sandal its edge.

Care and storage

After wearing, wipe smooth PU, artificial PU and patent with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then let them air dry away from direct heat. Do not soak them or leave them on a radiator. For two-layer cowhide, use a soft dry cloth to lift dust and a brush along the seams; for suede, brush gently when dry. Mesh linings benefit from fresh air after a long day, and a quick wipe inside keeps them feeling clean.

Fasten buckles and ankle straps before storage so they keep their shape and do not catch on other pieces. Store each pair separately, ideally in a dust bag or a box, with a little tissue in the toe to hold the shape. Do not pile heavy shoes on top of a stiletto or a pearl detail. If a strap has a metal buckle, keep it from pressing against the upper for long periods.

Rotate your sandals rather than wearing one pair every day, especially in hot weather. Let them dry completely before putting them away, and keep them away from direct sunlight, which can dull a patent or satin-tone finish over time. A little care after each wear keeps the straps supple and the soles ready for the next long walk.

Standout pieces

• Pointed Toe Stiletto Sandal with Buckle Strap: A single slim buckle strap keeps the line clean while the smooth PU upper catches light with a soft sheen and the rubber sole stays quiet underfoot.
• Cross-Strap Platform Wedge Sandals: Two broad crossing straps and a platform wedge give steady lift for long afternoons, with a cloth upper lined in smooth PU.
• Leather Platform Sport Sandals: Two-layer cowhide straps, a mesh lining and a cushioned platform sole make this pair the steady choice for long pavements and market days.
• Pearl Bow Square Toe High Heel Sandals: A pearl-tied bow above a square toe and a thin 11.5 cm heel give a light, dressed-up line, with a 1 cm front height and rubber sole beneath.