When people think of sandals, they probably think of the gladiator-style ones with a strap across the toes. However, there’s a lot more to sandals than that. It’s true that every few years new types of sandals pop up, but there are also hybrid versions of all the more classic styles. Kitten heel flip-flop slides are just one example.
That being said, let’s clear up a few things before we get started on the different types of sandals:
What are the Different Types of Sandals?
Sandals are a type of footwear, typically consisting of a sole held to the wearer’s foot by straps passing over the instep and, sometimes, around the ankle. I think everyone can agree that sandals are the most comfortable footwear. Sandals are suitable for summer because it protects your feet from hot pavements and sun rays.
You can find a pair of sandals for every occasion along with different types of jackets and types of sneakers at our store: from beach sandals to hiking sandals, from flip flops to slides. Sandals are one of the most versatile types of footwear you can wear as they go with just about anything in your wardrobe. They’re ideal for both men and women during warm weather months because they provide great ventilation and allow your feet to breathe!
Types of Sandals: History and Origin
The word “sandal” comes from Greek words meaning “shoe” (san) and “sole” (dal).
The earliest known sandals date back to approximately 7000 B.C.E. when they were used as protection from rough terrain during hunting expeditions in Mesopotamia. They were usually
made out of leather and sometimes had straps attached for added support and comfort.
The Greeks began using them as early as 1400 B.C.E., but they were not common until around 1000 B.C.E. when they became popular among the Romans who wore them while performing athletic activities like running races or jumping over hurdles while competing in the Olympic Games held at Olympia every four years between 776 B.C.E.- 393 C.E.
Are Sandals Different For Men & Women?
The answer is yes! There are some differences between men’s sandals and women’s sandals. However, the trend of androgynous clothing has stemmed from new styles of sandals that are now available in unisex, meaning the same sandals for both men and women but generally speaking, they all serve the same purpose— to keep your feet cool while protecting them and providing comfort at the same time.
20 Types of Sandals for Men & Women And Unisex
1. Types of Sandals: Slide Sandals
A slide sandal is a type of sandal that has a sole that can be slid onto and off of the foot. This type of sandal is often made from leather, but it can also be made from other materials, such as plastic and rubber. They are typically worn by men and women alike. They also tend to be more comfortable than other types of sandals without straps around the ankles. However, they offer less support than flip-flops do and can get hot if you wear them for long periods of time in warm weather climates.
2. Types of Sandals: Gladiator sandals
These are a type of sandal for women and men that has an open toe and an ankle strap with no heel strap. They are usually made from leather or synthetic materials, such as plastic or nylon, and they come in many different colors and styles. These types of men’s sandals were originally worn by Roman soldiers who needed something to protect their feet while marching long distances through rough terrain.
3. Types of Sandals: Flip Flops
These are similar to slide sandals, but they have an extra strap across the top of your toes to keep them from slipping off when you walk or run (hence “flip”). They’re typically hawaii style made with softer rubber than slide sandals, so they feel more comfortable against bare feet—but this also means that they don’t hold up as well over time as other types of sandals do!
4. Types of Sandals: Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals typically have adjustable straps across their tops which makes them easy to put on and take off quickly without having to worry about tying knots or using clips. You can easily adjust each point where it contacts your foot by tightening or loosening its straps, but unlike gladiator sandals, these straps stay on.
5. Types of Sandals: Floss sandals
These are a type of sandal that has a strap that goes around your ankle, with the rest of the shoe being open also called naked sandals. The floss strap is usually made from leather or suede and is often decorated with tassels, beads, or laces. They come in different heel sizes in different colors.
6. Types of Sandals: Huarache Sandals
A type of sandal that originated in Mexico and Central America. They have been worn since pre-Columbian times. What goes with brown? Huarache sandals! As they are made out of leather or canvas and consist of two straps that cross over each other at the top of your foot, forming an X shape on top (hence “huarache”), it looks like a shoe kind but actually a sandal suitable for both men and women. Huarache sandals usually have no heel support or arch support, but they do provide good traction because they are open-toed.
7. Types of Sandals: Wedge Sandals
Wedges are a type of sandal that has a platform between 3-8 inches high, which provides height without sacrificing comfort or stability. Wedge sandals have thick straps that wrap around your foot and ankle, but they also have a wedge heel on them so they’re stable enough to walk around in while still providing good support. These are the sandals that go with everything.
8. Types of Sandals: Platform Sandals
These are similar to wedge sandals, except that they have platform heels instead of wedges, they’re usually made out of leather or rubber. Platform sandals, in addition to the platform underfoot, may also have an elevated heel. The platform and elevated heel decrease the incline of the foot and put less strain on the ball of the foot area. Platform sandals are also more comfortable because they decrease the pressure placed on the ball of the foot, which can be an area prone to injury when wearing high heels.
9. Types of Sandals: Jelly Sandals
These are the most basic of the sandals, and they have a very casual feel. They tend to be quite comfortable and easy to slip on and off. They are also available in unisex. They are also available in brown colors mostly called brown slip-on sandals.
10. Types of Sandals: Birkenstock Sandals
These are usually made from leather or suede and are often an ankle-high style with an adjustable strap around the ankle. These can be worn with jeans or shorts, but they’re not ideal for dressing up.
11. Types of Sandals: Kitten Heel Sandals
These look like regular heels, but they have a slight kitten heel that gives them a more feminine look than regular heels would have. They come in both open-toed and closed-toe styles, making them great for any occasion where you want to dress up but still be comfortable. They are your going-out sandals.
12. Types of Sandals: Peep-Toe Sandals
These are similar to jelly sandals but with more sophisticated materials like patent leather or suede accents instead of plastic ones (like jelly). The peep toe is usually about 1″ long so it doesn’t show too much skin but still adds some sexiness to your outfit.
13. Types of Sandals: Toe loop sandals
They are a type of sandal that has a strap that goes over the top of the foot. The strap is usually made from leather or suede, and it can be decorated with jewels or other embellishments.
14. Types of Sandals: Espadrilles
Espadrilles are another type of sandal that has been worn for centuries in Europe and North Africa. They are typically made from canvas, rope, or leather, with a flat sole and two straps that wrap around the ankle.
15. Types of Sandals: Menorcan (Avarca) sandals
They are similar to espadrilles but have one strap instead of two. The name “avarca” comes from their origin: Menorca, an island off the coast of Spain where they were first worn in the early 19th century by fishermen who needed something sturdy yet comfortable during long days on the water.
16. Types of Sandals: Clear-heel sandals
These sandals are just what they sound like: a clear heel on an otherwise clear sandal! They’re often made with clear plastic or glass heels but can also be found in wood or metal as well as other materials such as leather or suede.
17. Types of Sandals: Tatami Sandals
Tatami sandals are made of straw and have a flat sole. They are usually worn indoors, but they can also be worn outdoors in rainy weather.
18. Types of Sandals: Waraji Sandals (Rope Sandals)
Waraji sandals are made of straw and have rounded sole that resembles the shape of a boat. They can be worn indoors or outdoors. These sandals are for men especially. Available in unisex.
19. Types of Sandals: Clog Sandals
Clog sandals are made from wood or leather, and have a thick sole with a high back heel. They are usually worn outdoors, but can also be worn indoors in rainy weather.
20. Types of Sandals: Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals are made from rubber or leather and have a thin sole with no back heel. They are usually worn outdoors, but can also be worn indoors in rainy weather. They are available for men especially.
Final Thoughts
Sandals are a necessity for all kinds of outdoor activities, especially those held on special occasions like the summer season. There are different types of sandals depending on your personal preferences, your current fashion trends, and most importantly the occasion you will wear them. In this article, I have identified the 20 types of sandals that you might need this summer. I hope these suggestions will be able to help you pick the best one for your next vacation or special occasion.