Some of the latest trends in summer shoes are more than just fashionable; they’re good for your feet. Many individuals feel that summer shoes are notoriously 'bad’ for your feet. Thongs with toe-posts and no support, open toes and other fashionable shoes are typically not the best thing for your feet. However, the latest styles offer added value in the form of support, protection and materials that breathe with your feet, keeping them cool and comfortable.
What’s the difference between sandals and clogs?
There are obvious differences between sandals and clogs. Clogs have closed toes, and soles that are shaped to fit your feet. They offer support and comfort that most sandals do not. Sandals, on the other hand, let air circulate around your feet and keep them cool and comfortable.
Most podiatrists will tell you that sandals are not good for your feet. Clogs, on the other hand, enjoy widespread support from health professionals all over the country, and the world. In fact, many brands of clogs are marketed specifically to professions that spend a lot of time on their feet, such as nurses, doctors and cooking professionals.
Why are clogs so good for your feet?
Support for your feet
Clogs are made with roomy toe boxes that let your toes grip and flex the way they are meant to when you walk. The wooden footbeds are shaped to fit your feet, and offer excellent arch support. The bottoms are designed to rock with your feet when you walk, setting you off into the next step as you step off of the last one.
Foot protection
Unlike most sandals, clogs cover your feet and toes, protecting them from toe stubs and other hazards.
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
—Bible: Hebrew Proverbs, 6:27-9.
Why Are Sandals Good for Your Feet?
Lightweight
Clogs are typically far heavier than sandals. With a typical clog weighing in at close to a pound, each time you take a step, you’re carrying extra weight on your feet. Sandals are typically much lighter, often weighing just a few ounces. That takes a load off your feet - literally.
Great air circulation
Sandals allow air to circulate around your feet, which keeps your feet cooler and reduces the chances of moisture related foot problems like fungus and peeling skin. It also makes them very comfortable for wear in hot weather.
The New Generation of Clogs and Sandals
The line between clogs and sandals is blurring these days. Crocs and many manufacturers offer clogs that look a lot like sandals, and sandals that offer the advantages of clogs. Sandals with rocker bottoms, padded wooden insoles and breathable materials have taken away most of the criticisms that podiatrists make about sandals. Clogs in materials like rubber and PVC and ventilated uppers provide the air circulation and light weight that sandals offer.
With sandals and clogs taking on each others’ advantages, it is far harder to state definitively that one is better for your feet than the other. In fact, the latest generations of clogs and sandals are both actually good for your feet, if you find the right pair of shoes.
Choosing Shoes that Are Good for Your Feet
For nature, heartless, witless nature,
Will neither care nor know
What stranger’s feet may find the meadow
And trespass there and go,
Nor ask amid the dews of morning
If they are mine or no.
—A. E. (Alfred Edward)
Whether you choose sandals or clogs, the important part is choosing the right shoes with the right fit. Here are some tips for choosing both sandals and clogs that are good for your feet instead of destructive.
Tips for choosing good clogs
1. Be sure that the soles are long enough to fit your feet comfortably. Especially when choosing clogs with open heels, be sure your heels don’t hang over the back.
2. Try on shoes late in the day. Your feet typically swell over the course of the day. Buy shoes in the late afternoon so that you are sure you choose the right size to be comfortable all day long.
3. Make sure that the toe box of the clogs is wide and comfortable enough to allow your toes to wiggle.
Tips for choosing sandals that are good for your feet
1. Consider the heel height. Remember that when you wear higher heels, your weight is pitched forward onto the balls of your feet. Especially with open-toed shoes, your toes could hang over the edge or be jammed against straps. Choose sandals with padded insoles. Many of the new sandal styles have comfort soles padded with memory foam to conform to your feet and pad each step. Consider the placement of the straps on the sandals. Where do they fall across your feet? Will they rub in uncomfortable places when your feet are moving?
4. Again, as with choosing clogs, go shopping for shoes late in the day when your feet have swollen to their normal size.
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning fashion and shopping often highlighting certain brands and products such as Dansko Sandals.