Strappy Sandals: How to Choose and Style a Pair

The best strappy sandals for warm weather have a secure heel or ankle strap, a cushioned footbed and a heel low enough to walk in all day. Pick a neutral color first, then add a bolder pair once you know which outfits you reach for most.

Below: how to choose by heel height and strap style, which colors work hardest, and six outfit formulas from denim shorts to a wedding guest look.

Section 01

What makes strappy sandals work in hot weather?

The open design lets air reach your feet, and the thin straps leave most of the foot visible, which keeps the shoe visually light. That is why they sit well with both a flowy dress and a pair of tailored trousers: the sandal never competes with the outfit.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd treat the straps as lines that draw the eye along the foot. Thin straps in a skin-near tone read as a longer, quieter line. Wide or crisscross straps break the foot up and become the focal point.

Section 02

How do you choose between flat, low heel and block heel?

Flat strappy sandals for casual days

Flat strappy sandals are the easiest everyday pick for shorts, sundresses and travel. Look for some arch contour, because a paper-thin flat sole gives your foot very little support on long walks.

Low heels for comfort with a bit of lift

If you want height without the strain, Harvard Health notes that for women, the most comfortable shoes are low-heeled but not necessarily flat, no higher than three-quarters of an inch. A strappy sandal with a low heel is a good fit for that range.

Ankle strap block heel sandals for dressier plans

A block heel spreads your weight over a wider base than a stiletto, and the ankle strap keeps the shoe in place. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist explains that high heels and tight shoes put pressure on the ball of the foot, and the higher the heel, the greater the pressure. If you will be standing for hours, go lower or save the tall pair for short outings.

Section 03

What fit and comfort details should you check?

A sandal that rubs is usually a fit problem, not a you problem. Check these before you buy:

• Your heel sits snugly and does not slide when you walk.
• You have about a quarter to a half inch between your longest toe and the front edge, which matches Harvard Health's guidance on toe space.
• Straps are adjustable and lie flat without cutting into the skin.
• The sole is firm, with arch support.

Strappy sandals with a cushioned footbed are worth seeking out. Podiatrist Gina Hild, DPM, says that "Footwear that offers cushioning plus heel and arch support can help you relieve and manage symptoms". If you have ongoing foot pain, check with a podiatrist before choosing a pair.

Section 04

Which colors and strap styles are most useful?

Tan, nude, black and white cover most summer wardrobes. A nude or tan strap blends with skin and works with almost every color of dress. Black gives a sharper edge with trousers, and white feels fresh with pastels and denim.

Metallics such as gold act like a neutral with warm tones and add a little shine for evenings. Braided straps add texture, which is a quiet way to make a plain sandal feel finished. Gladiator and crisscross styles suit relaxed, boho outfits where the shoe is meant to be seen.

Section 05

How do you style strappy sandals?

Denim shorts and a white tank

Flat tan sandals, high-waisted denim shorts, a white cotton tank and a light linen shirt over the top. A straw tote finishes it.

Floral maxi dress

Gold sandals with delicate ankle straps work well here. Keep jewelry fine and the bag woven. For more skirt ideas, see flowy maxi skirts for warm breezy days.

Tiered midi skirt

Brown gladiator-style sandals suit a tiered skirt and a cropped blouse. More combinations are in strappy sandals paired with midi skirts.

Tailored trousers for smart casual

Black block-heel sandals with beige trousers and a tucked white tank give a clean line from waist to foot. It works for a casual office or a coffee meeting.

Sundress for the beach

White flat sandals with braided straps and a pastel sundress keep things light. For sand and sun, there are more ideas in sandals with strappy details for hot beach days.

Wide-leg pants for evening

Nude block-heel sandals balance the volume of high-waisted wide-leg pants. Add a satin camisole and a light blazer. Flowy wide-leg trousers are a good base.

Section 06

Can you wear strappy sandals to a wedding?

Yes. For strappy sandals for a wedding, choose a block heel or a low heel in metallic or nude, with an ankle strap so the shoe stays put on a dance floor or a lawn. Block heels are also more forgiving on grass than thin heels, which sink in.

As an architect trained in evidence-based design, I'd keep the shoe the quietest element if the dress is patterned, and let it shine in metallic if the dress is plain.

Section 07

How do you care for strappy sandals?

Wipe them clean after wearing and store them somewhere cool and dry. Leather and suede look polished and last, while synthetic versions are easier to wipe down. Cushioning wears out: Gina Hild, DPM, notes that "Shoes typically only last about six months or so depending on the activity level of the individual."

For bags, hats and jewelry that suit each pair, see the best accessories to match strappy sandals.

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Filed under Wardrobe Basics