Quick answer: Choose sandals on two things — how the shoe stays on your foot, and what the sole is made of. An adjustable strap or ankle wrap keeps the sandal secure and does most of the work; a slide relies on your toes gripping. For the sole, EVA cushions and is light, while PU is firmer and more hard-wearing.

Sandals get bought on looks more than any other shoe, which is why so many end up unworn. The styles below all look similar on a product page and feel entirely different after a mile of walking.

What are the main sandal styles?

Style	How it stays on	Best for
Slide	A single band across the foot	Short distances, poolside, errands
Mule	Closed or decorative front, open back	Dressier looks, casual to smart
Wedge	Strap plus a raised sole	Height with stability
Thong / flip-flop	A toe post, sometimes an ankle wrap	Beach, holidays, warm weather

Slides and mules

The easiest to put on and the least secure to walk in — there's nothing holding your heel, so your foot works harder to keep the shoe on.

That's fine for short distances and it's why slides dominate summer. A pair like these black Greek key mule sandals uses a PU sole with a cushioned PVC insole — flat, simple, and dressy enough to wear out.

Adding a low wedge makes a mule considerably more wearable. These platform slip-on mules pair a low wedge with a cushioned EVA insole and a breathable fabric upper, which is a much better combination for a day on your feet.

Wedges

The most comfortable way to get height in a sandal, because the sole supports the whole foot rather than balancing you on a point.

The feature that matters is adjustability. Our adjustable EVA wedge slides combine a toe-strap with a buckle, so you can tighten the fit — and a thick, wear-resistant EVA sole that absorbs shock. Being all-EVA, they're also water-friendly and easy to clean, which matters more with sandals than any other shoe.

Thong sandals and flip-flops

The lightest option, held on by a post between the toes. Comfort depends almost entirely on the sole, since there's very little upper.

A wide ankle wrap changes the equation completely — it takes the load off the toe post and stops the foot sliding. The hibiscus flower thong sandals combine that wrap with a soft fabric upper and an EVA cushioned sole, making them genuinely walkable rather than a five-minute beach shoe.

EVA or PU: which sole is better for sandals?

EVA for comfort and water resistance; PU for structure and durability. With sandals this matters more than with closed shoes, because there's no upper doing any of the cushioning work.

• EVA — a lightweight foam that absorbs shock and doesn't mind getting wet. The right choice for beaches, pools and walking.
• PU — firmer and harder-wearing, giving a more structured shoe. Our flat PU slip-on sandals use it throughout for a clean, simple summer flat.

The practical test: if the sandal will get wet, choose EVA. Water and repeated drying is what breaks down fabric-lined and PVC-insole sandals fastest.

Which sandals should I choose?

Best for	Pair	Why
Walking and travel	Adjustable EVA wedge slides	Buckle-adjustable with a thick shock-absorbing sole
Beach and pool	Hibiscus ankle-wrap thong sandals	Wide ankle wrap plus an EVA cushioned sole
Dressing up	Greek key flat mules	Clean flat silhouette that works casual or smart
Height without instability	Platform low wedge mules	Cushioned EVA insole under a low wedge
Everyday simplicity	Flat PU slip-on sandals	Durable PU throughout, easy to wear

For occasions where a sandal needs more height, our guide to heel heights covers what's actually comfortable — and the high heels collection includes strappy platform styles that bridge the two categories.

What do I wear sandals with?

• Wide-leg and cropped jeans — a flat slide balances volume above without adding bulk below.
• Maxi dresses — a wedge stops a long hem dragging. Browse long dresses.
• Shorts and skirts — ankle-wrap styles visually shorten the leg slightly, so they work better with shorter hems.
• Denim shorts — flat mules keep the look casual without going full beach.

How do I care for sandals?

• Check the care line — it varies a lot. The Greek key mules specify dry clean; the platform mules are spot clean only with a damp cloth.
• All-EVA sandals are the exception — they rinse and dry easily, which is why they suit water.
• Dry away from direct heat. Sun and radiators harden foam and shrink fabric uppers.
• Rinse off salt and sand the same day. Sand between the insole and footbed wears the cushioning down fast.
• Don't machine wash any of them. It separates the sole from the upper.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a slide and a mule?

A slide has a single band across the top of the foot. A mule has a more closed or decorative front with an open back. Both are backless; the mule generally reads dressier.

Are wedge sandals more comfortable than heels?

Usually, yes. A wedge supports the whole length of the foot instead of concentrating weight onto a heel point, so it's more stable and less tiring.

Which sandals are best for walking?

Anything with an adjustable strap and an EVA sole. The strap stops your foot sliding and the EVA absorbs shock — a plain slide with a hard sole is the worst combination for distance.

Is EVA or PU better for sandals?

EVA is lighter, more cushioned and handles water well. PU is firmer and more durable with a more structured look. For beaches and walking, choose EVA.

Can I wear sandals in water?

All-EVA sandals, yes — they're water-friendly and easy to clean. Sandals with fabric uppers or PVC insoles degrade faster with repeated soaking and drying.

How do I stop flip-flops rubbing between my toes?

Choose a style with a wide ankle wrap, which takes weight off the toe post, and a soft fabric upper rather than hard plastic at the contact point.

What size should I buy in sandals?

Your usual size, but check your foot doesn't overhang the footbed at the heel or toe. Overhang is the most common sandal sizing problem and it causes rubbing at the edges.

Can sandals be dressy?

Yes. A flat mule in a solid colour or a low wedge reads considerably smarter than a flip-flop, and both work for warm-weather events.

Key takeaways

• How the sandal stays on matters more than how it looks: straps beat slides for distance.
• EVA soles cushion and handle water; PU soles are firmer and more structured.
• Adjustable buckles let you fine-tune fit — the single most useful sandal feature.
• A wedge gives height with far more stability than a heel.
• An ankle wrap takes pressure off a thong sandal's toe post.
• Care instructions vary widely: some dry clean, some spot clean, none machine wash.
• Check for foot overhang at the heel and toe when sizing.

Conclusion

If you're buying one pair, make it an adjustable EVA style — it covers walking, water and warm weather without complaint. Add a flat mule when you want something that works for an evening, and keep slides for the short distances they're actually designed for.

Browse the full sandals collection, or see slippers for indoors.