Women's slingback sandals

How to choose

Start with how you'll wear them. For a lot of walking around town, go for a flat sole with a secure fit over the instep, such as the wide twin straps of the Birkenstock Arizona. If you'd like a bit of height without losing stability, a wedge spreads your weight more evenly than a slim heel and copes far better with cobbled streets.

Look closely at how the sandal holds your foot. With no heel counter, grip comes from the straps, so adjustable ones make it easier to get a good fit for wide or narrow feet, or feet that swell in the heat.

Materials and comfort

• Leather: moulds to your foot over time, breathes well and ages nicely. Metallic finishes such as bronze look polished while staying comfortable.
• Raffia: light, airy and unmistakably summery. Lovely with linen dresses and beachwear.
• Synthetic: lightweight, easy to wipe clean and happy around water – practical for everyday wear.

It's also worth checking the footbed: a contoured or cushioned insole makes all the difference when you're on your feet for hours.

Fit and sizing

In an open-back sandal, your heel shouldn't hang over the sole or sit too far from the edge, and your toes shouldn't poke out at the front. If you're between sizes, bear in mind that feet tend to swell slightly through a hot day. Not sure about a particular style? Call or email us and we'll help.

Care

• Wipe leather with a damp cloth and use a nourishing cream now and then so the sun doesn't dry it out.
• Keep raffia away from soaking: brush it dry and dab any marks with a barely damp cloth.
• Synthetics clean up with water and a mild soap.
• Always dry them in the shade, away from direct heat, and store them somewhere airy at the end of the season.