Summer is the season of sunshine, long days, cold drinks, and—let’s be honest—footwear debates. As soon as the temperature rises, people start pulling out their seasonal favorites: flip-flops. They’re everywhere. At the beach, on the streets, in grocery stores, even in fancy cafes where they probably shouldn’t be. And while I understand the appeal—easy to slip on, light as air, minimal fuss—flip-flops have never been my thing.
For me, it’s always been sandals. Real sandals. The kind with actual straps, structured soles, and a commitment to both comfort and support. And while some of my friends like to poke fun at me for my “grandparent shoes,” I’m the one who’s laughing when we’ve walked for miles and my feet still feel like they’re on vacation.
It wasn’t always this way. Like most people, I went through my flip-flop phase. You know the type—those flimsy, flat foam things you get for five bucks at the drugstore. I wore them because everyone else did. They were cheap, easy, and, well, popular. But it didn’t take long to realize that popularity doesn’t always equal quality. After a full day in flip-flops—whether it was exploring a new city or just running errands—my feet would be screaming. No arch support, no cushioning, just a thin layer of rubber between me and the pavement.
One particularly painful summer day, after walking half a mile in cheap flip-flops to a street fair, I came home with sore heels, aching calves, and a blister the size of a quarter. I knew something had to change. That’s when I gave sandals another look—not the “fashion sandals” that look cute but have zero function, but actual, sturdy sandals made with support in mind. It was a revelation.
The first pair I bought was nothing flashy—just a neutral-toned sandal with adjustable straps and a thick, contoured sole. But when I slid my feet into them for the first time, I swear I heard angels sing. They held my foot in place, hugged my arches, and made me feel secure. For the first time in ages, I felt like I could walk all day and not think about my feet even once.
And so began my love affair with sandals.
Ever since then, I’ve worn sandals religiously during summer. I wear them to the beach, to brunch, on vacation, even on casual work days. And let me tell you—every summer, without fail, someone in my friend group comments on my choice of footwear.
“Those look like hiking sandals,” they say with a smirk.
“Wow, going for the orthopedic vibe?” one friend once joked.
Another time, someone straight-up called them “dad shoes.” I just smiled, shrugged, and kept walking—comfortably, I might add—while they hobbled along in their paper-thin flip-flops, trying to hide the discomfort behind a cool façade.
Here’s the thing: sandals get a bad rap because people associate them with practicality over style. But that’s the beauty of them! They are practical. They’re made for real life—walking, standing, exploring, living. And in recent years, the designs have caught up to the function. These days, you can find sandals that are not only supportive but genuinely stylish. From sleek leather designs to colorful sporty options, there’s a sandal out there for every aesthetic.
I’ve found pairs that look just as good with summer dresses as they do with shorts or jeans. I’ve worn sandals to rooftop parties, outdoor concerts, and even a wedding (yes, really—it was a beach wedding, and I stood tall while everyone else tiptoed awkwardly through the sand).
Beyond the looks and the comfort, though, there’s something else I love about sandals: the freedom. Not just the physical freedom of letting your feet breathe or the mental freedom of not worrying about sore arches—but the freedom of being yourself. Choosing what works for you. Defying trends when they don’t serve your well-being.
There’s a quiet kind of confidence in that. It’s like saying, “I know what makes me feel good, and I’m going with that—judgment be damned.” And the funny thing is, that kind of confidence is contagious. Over time, some of the same friends who used to poke fun at my sandals started asking me where I got them.
“I don’t know how you walk so far without complaining,” one said after a weekend trip.
“It’s the sandals,” I replied with a grin.
“Okay, seriously, send me the link,” she admitted, eyes on my feet.
Victory never felt so comfortable.
Now, I’m not trying to convert the entire world to Team Sandal (okay, maybe a little), but I do think we need to rethink the way we view summer footwear. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s sustainable—physically or environmentally. Sandals, on the other hand, offer longevity, support, and versatility. They’re designed to go the distance—literally.
Plus, let’s talk about the sensory joy of wearing a good pair of sandals. The air on your toes, the soft give of the sole under your foot, the ease of slipping them on and heading out the door. It’s a kind of minimalism that still feels full. It’s summer distilled into a feeling: relaxed, open, and ready for whatever comes your way.
Sandals, to me, are more than just footwear. They’re a mindset. A commitment to comfort. A small act of self-care that adds up over time. They remind me that style doesn’t have to hurt, that function doesn’t have to be boring, and that it’s okay—more than okay—to choose what works for you, even if others don’t get it.
So when the next summer rolls around and everyone’s reaching for the latest $2 flip-flops at the checkout aisle, you’ll find me over here, strapping on my sandals with a little extra satisfaction. Let them laugh. Let them judge. I know what’s waiting for them at the end of a long summer day: sore feet, blisters, and maybe a quiet realization that I was onto something all along.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—comfort is cool. Confidence is cooler. And sandals? They’ve got both.