Sandals and flip-flops for women and men range from flat strap sandals to wedge sandals, including slides, leather sandals and strappy sandals.
For walking for long periods, a cork footbed, like on Birkenstock, is less tiring than a thin sole; a wedge sandal Tamaris elevates without arching the foot like a heel.
The sandals Birkenstock lead the selection. The two-strap Birkenstock Arizona sandals, the one-strap Birkenstock Madrid sandals, the toe-post Birkenstock Gizeh sandals and the Birkenstock Mayari sandals all rest on the same cork and latex footbed, which contours to the shape of your foot. They come in Birko-Flor, an easy-going synthetic material, leather, suede, and EVA, a lightweight foam, like the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals. The Big Buckle versions feature a big buckle, and most models are available in two widths, regular and narrow.
To gain a few extra centimetres, the wedge sandals Tamaris, including several platform models, and the wedge sandals Steve Madden rest on a single, more stable sole than a thin heel. The sandals Buffalo, from the German brand known for its platforms, offer the platform sandal in vegan materials.
The sandals Pikolinos, from the Spanish leather specialist brand in Elche, are exemplified by the Pikolinos Tarifa sandals. Les Tropéziennes by M. Belarbi, a French brand born in Saint-Tropez, designs flat sandals and suede mules, and the sandals Geox round off the selection. For men, the men's leather sandal can first be found at Birkenstock, with the suede Arizona sandals.
For the beach, pool, or home, the slides take over. The slides Cacatoès, from the brand that started in Marseille with models made in Brazil, like the Cacatoès Rio De Janeiro slides, are alongside the slides Crocs with a metal buckle for women, the flip-flops Havaianas, the Brazilian flip-flop brand, and the slides adidas Adilette. All men's and women's slides also have their own selection.
The sandals Teva, from the American brand founded in Arizona, secure the foot with adjustable straps: the Teva Hurricane XLT3 sandals and the Teva Original Universal sandals, with three straps. These are the strap sandals in the selection, perfect for walks and outdoor days.
The men's sandals include the Birkenstock Arizona sandals, the Birkenstock Kyoto sandals with an adjustable velcro strap, and the slides. The women's sandals range from the Birkenstock Madrid and Gizeh sandals to the women's flat sandals Les Tropéziennes and the wedge sandals Tamaris.
The golden sandal complements a summer dress in the evening as well as light trousers during the day, while the silver sandal plays the same role with silver jewellery. Black sandals go with everything, from a long dress to flowing trousers; white sandals brighten up a holiday outfit. The heeled sandal, whether thin or block, is kept for a wedding or evening event, while the flat sandal is for walking all day.
The bargain sandals include the special shoe offers, where prices drop on last season's models, and the new shoe arrivals showcase the latest pairs. At the end of November, the Black Friday shoes also includes Birkenstock sandals and slides. Fast delivery and guaranteed best price.
The Birkenstock sandals come in two widths, regular and narrow, in addition to size. The heel and toes should not overhang the footbed: comparing with a pair of Birkenstock sandals you already own remains the best reference for the Birkenstock size.
The flat sandal can be worn all day and on all surfaces. The wedge sandal elongates the silhouette with a continuous sole, more stable than a thin heel: a good compromise for a dressed summer outfit.
The sandal secures the foot with straps or bands, often up to the heel. Open-toe shoes refer to any footwear that leaves the top of the foot exposed, while a slide is simply defined as a wide strap over the top that slips on without fastening.
Brush leather and suede dry, and allow a wet pair to dry away from a radiator. Birkenstock recommends a special cork polish as soon as the cork sole becomes dull and dry.
Models made from synthetic materials, such as Cacatoès PVC slides or Havaianas flip-flops, can handle water from the beach or pool. Leather and cork should be kept dry: a beach sandal should be chosen without leather.