Which sandals to choose depending on the occasion: beach, city or event

Not all women's sandals are made for everything, even if we sometimes take it for granted. The ones that are ideal on the sand can take their toll after a couple of hours on asphalt, and the ones that shine at a celebration rarely survive a walk through the waves. The key isn't piling up pairs, but understanding what you need from each one. This guide helps you get it right depending on the plans you have ahead. 

The three factors that make the difference

Before looking at colour or design, it's worth paying attention to three things that separate a comfortable day from an uncomfortable one.

The first is support. The more kilometres you plan to walk, the more straps, buckles or fastenings you'll need: a foot that moves around inside the sandal ends up rubbing, and prolonged rubbing ends in discomfort. The second is the material. Leather breathes, moulds to your foot as you wear it and lasts several seasons; jute brings lightness and that unmistakable Mediterranean character; synthetic materials stand up better to water. The third is height and sole. 

Flat doesn't always mean comfortable a sole with no cushioning is as tiring as a poorly designed heel, and a well-designed wedge can be easier to wear than a stiff ballet flat. With these three criteria in mind, choosing becomes simpler.

For the city: comfort for long hours on your feet

The city in summer demands more than it seems: markets, cobbled streets, terraces and long walks. You need a sandal that can keep you company for hours without taking its toll.

Here versatility comes first. A light platform or a low wedge offers extra comfort and height without overloading the ball of the foot, and goes just as well with shorts as with a printed dress. Pay attention to cushioning and arch support: these are the details that decide whether you end the day full of energy. Leather also has a notable advantage: it moulds to your foot as you wear it, so it feels better every time.

For an event: detail and presence without giving up comfort

Weddings, dinners or celebrations that go on late call for another level. Here you want presence and a refined design, but also the guarantee of making it to the end without taking your shoes off.

The key is a firm, well-made base, with a cushioning insole and a structure that holds the heel and instep: that's what lets you move with ease all evening. From there, go for details that add something a metallic strap, a gold finish, a standout shade, without overloading the outfit. Neutral tones and gold work as wildcards for different looks and several seasons: if in doubt, they're a safe bet. A good pair for events isn't chosen for a single day, but to get years of wear out of it.

For the beach: lightness that stands up to water and sand

A beach day is more demanding than it seems. Here you want footwear that doesn't deteriorate with moisture, sheds sand easily and handles the trip from the towel to the beach bar without discomfort.

The flat sandals are the natural choice, but choose wisely: prioritise light, flexible soles and straps that hold firmly, especially if you're going to walk along the shoreline. For more casual ground and the water's edge, hard-wearing materials are more practical. And if you'd rather elevate your outfit without giving up comfort, a leather sandal in natural tones goes perfectly with a sarong, a straw basket bag and the rest of your summer wardrobe.

Choose by plan, not just by looks

The most common mistake is choosing a sandal by how it looks on the shelf rather than by how we're going to use it. It's worth reversing the order: think first about the plan how much you'll walk, on what ground and for how many hours and let comfort and material guide the decision before design. The good news is that you don't have to give anything up.