Choosing the most appropriate outdoor clothing in the UK has never been a simple task. In recent years the summers, in particular, have been disappointing with heavy rain and even floods hitting several parts of the country at the height of the summer season. With the weather being so unpredictable it becomes increasingly difficult to choose what to wear - temperatures can quickly change between downpours, so layering items of clothing has become the accepted norm.Choosing the correct form of footwear to cope with the British weather and varied terrain can be even more tricky. Often you can see a whole host of footwear items worn from wellies, Ugo-types, to Flip-Flops and sandals. So, do we really need sandals in the UK and if so, which ones are the most suitable for our unstable climate? In this article I try describe some of the best brands of sandals available in the UK which are likely to meet your particular needs whatever the weather!
A matter of priority!
When choosing sandals it is normally a matter of prioritizing what is more important to you. Is it style, colour or comfort? Obviously all 3 are important but it can be difficult to find a sandal providing all 3 attributes without spending a fortune. Fortunately, as a footwear technologist and having spent years in the footwear industry I've managed to locate some brands of sandals and Flip Flops for women, men and children that tick all the boxes to varying degrees.
Style
Finding the correct style of sandal is in fact quite easy regardless of your budget. Sandals of varying heel heights, colours and finishes have been a key fashion look for several seasons. However, finding styles that suit the 'changeable' British weather can be a bit more challenging!
Wedge Sandals on platform bases probably offer some of the best protection to the foot. Being slightly 'raised' from the street level they make it easier to avoid getting wet by puddles or splashes. They also look great and wedges in particular are a key fashion look available at a range of outlets from you local Tescos or Sainsburys supermarket as well as a number of high-fashion outlets at a range of prices.
When buying sandals to cope with the UK weather one tip is to considering buying sandals which have a closed toe area to them. As well as keeping the foot dryer, they also offer greater protection and support at the front of the foot and toe area.
Style and ComfortCombining style and comfort can seem like a hard task, particularly for sandals. How many of us have had uncomfortable stroppy high heel sandals and either paid the price with sore feet or had them ruined just by getting them wet or muddy? Fortunately there are some brands which offer both style and comfort.
Hush Puppies have been renowned for their comfort for many decades. Recently they dramatically improved the 'look' of their product offering so you can get high fashion wedges, mules and sandals that not only look good, but also offer the padding and comfort that feet want. Being designed in the UK they have also worked hard to 'engineer' the sandals so that they perform well in all the conditions that the British summer can throw at them. They have achieved this largely by using high quality leathers and suede that repel rain and moisture.
If you are looking for Flip Flops to compliment your summer wardrobe, you should be going for brands such as iPanema, Rider, Haviana or Fit Flops. As well as looking great and being available in a whole host of colours, finishes and heel heights, these brands are made from high quality materials. These materials not only mean that the Flip Flops are kinder to your feet adding comfort, flexibility and shock absorbency, but that they also perform under challenging conditions. This means that they perform equally well on the beach or walking in a muddy field.
Support and Comfort
We British do so enjoy our country walks in the summer, often meandering through towns and villages on route to greener pastures and ultimately a nice country pub with a beer garden! For such occasions you will be looking for a sandal that requires a bit more support, comfort and protection. However, with our weather being so varied we need to be aware of the unique conditions that our feet have to contend with. If the foot happens to get wet from the rain and then hot and sweaty from prolonged use then you could be creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This not only leads to smelly sandals but can also form fungal infections. There is also the danger that the foot begins to swell with blisters forming.
Walkers who like to do more challenging routes across different terrains and who want to be prepared for varying British summer weather conditions should be looking at shoe brands such as Merrell or Teva sandals if they wish to avoid some of the more extreme issues that the foot can suffer. These brands provide rough, tough soles with grip and protection for your feet. They also come with multiple straps which allow them to fit around your foot from all angles for ultimate comfort and support during physical activity. Most Merell sports sandals have foot beds that are treated with Aegis Antimicrobial solution helping to combat smelly feet.
Both brands offer sandals that are completely waterproof as well as being suitable to be worn in and around water. Their soft material and flexible soles offer the necessary support and comfort the foot needs in challenging environments. However you needn't be in water to get the full benefit of these sandals. With Teva in particular offering their all-terrain sandals in a host of attractive colours and finishes, these sandals look and feel equally good around town as well as on the rock pools. Furthermore, the grippy soles ensure you will not slip on dirty, wet pavements after a sudden downpour.
In conclusion, with global warming and UK summers getting hotter there is of course a need for anyone intending to walk outside to buy some form sandals in the UK. They offer the best possible environment for the foot during the British summer which on a good day is typically warm and humid. However, given the sudden changes in weather possible, it is best to be prepared for all extremes, going for styles and brands that not only look good but perform best under these challenging environments.
Ordering your sandals
I strongly recommend that you order your sandals before everyone else by buying before the sunshine appears. This way you avoid the mad rush when stock tends to sell out quickly. If this happens you may find yourself unable to get your first choice. Given that all good retailers allow you 28 days to return unworn shoes it makes sense to buy them a bit early as you'll still have a month to return them if you change your mind!
Also, consider trying to find a UK online retailer with a registered company address as this should reduce shipping time and give you a little more confidence that you can easily return your shoes should they not be suitable. You should also be able to contact them by phone if necessary and get advice.


