Flat sandals are a wardrobe staple that can take you stylishly from everyday casual wear to dressier occasions. They provide much needed comfort for summer activities while keeping your feet happy and blister-free. Their versatility and adjustability make them a great choice for travel and accommodating swelling feet in heat and humidity.
When shopping for the best flat sandals with adjustable straps, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you find the perfect pair tailored for your needs and feet. Factors like materials, closure types, width sizing, traction, and support will impact comfort and performance.
This article will cover everything you need to know about choosing awesome flat sandals with adjustable straps for your lifestyle. I’ll share the top 5 most popular and highest rated pairs so you can get an idea of what’s out there and available. There are great options for every taste and budget. Finally, don’t miss the FAQ section which covers some commonly asked questions about these versatile sandals.
What to Look for in Flat Sandals with Adjustable Straps
Flat sandals come in an array of styles, materials, and features – so it’s important to decide what elements are must-haves for you before shopping.
Style
Consider when and where you plan to wear your new sandals most. Casual styles like sporty strapped or classic Birkenstocks are great for everyday wear. Leather sandals with sleek thin straps tend to have a dressier vibe for occasions and dates. There are also hiking and outdoor styles with rugged traction soles and quick-dry mesh uppers. Having a few pairs in different styles covers all your bases!
Materials
Leather, suede, fabric, and synthetics like PVC are common sandal materials, each with pros and cons. Leather is classic and durable, fabric dries quickly if wet, while PVC is totally waterproof. Suede looks great but needs protection from staining. The material that fits your lifestyle is ideal.
Closure Type
Adjustable ankle, slingback, and heel straps allow customization of fit while features like buckles, velcro, or elastic give you options for easy fastening and release. Those with dexterity issues may prefer velcro and wide buckles over very slim straps. Heel straps help prevent slipping while slingbacks make on/off easier.
Support
If you’ll be on your feet a lot, prioritize arch support, contoured footbeds, and cushioning. Features like memory foam, latex cushions, and textured footbeds provide comfort where you need it most. Brands like Vionic excel at built-in arch support.
Width Sizing
Those with narrow or wide feet should look for brands offering shoes in extended widths. Vionic, Naot, and Birkenstock among others have narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide options to get the ideal fit.
Budget
Prices cover a wide range – you can get basic style sandals for $20 or premium leather pairs for $200+. Set a realistic budget but know leather and comfort brands will be pricier. Watch for sales to get deals on higher end designs.
Traction
Sandals with textured rubber or lugged outsoles perform best outdoors and prevent slipping on slick surfaces. Hiking styles have the most aggressive treads while casual varieties focus more on flexibility and style.
Other Features
Vegan/eco materials, machine washable fabric straps, odor fighting footbeds, massaging/contoured footbeds, and water friendly materials like leather and PVC are bonus features to look for if those elements appeal to you.
Now that you know what features to look for in flat sandals, let’s get into the top 5 most popular and reviewed pairs that look stylish while keeping your feet supported and comfortable all day long.
The Top 5 Flat Sandals with Adjustable Straps
Birkenstock Mayari
Price: $99.95
The Mayari is one of Birkenstock’s signature silhouettes for women with its sleek crisscrossing toe loop straps and adjustable ankle buckle to customize fit. The contoured suede lined cork footbed provides arch support and conforms to your feet over time. The roomy toe box allows toes to spread naturally. These are the perfect sandals for casual summer wear, travel, and walking thanks to the ergonomic German design. The Mayari comes in regular and narrow widths.
Features:
- Suede lined cork footbed molds to feet
- Contoured arch support
- Roomy toe box
- Ankle buckle and toe loop straps
- Regular and narrow widths
- Variety of suede and leather finishes
Pros: Supreme comfort and arch support. Stylish, versatile design. Durable materials.
Cons: Break in period as cork footbed softens. Runs large.
Best For: Everyday wear, travel, walking, casual and dressy occasions
Where to Buy: Birkenstock.com or authorized retailers
Teva Olowahu
Price: $50
The Teva Olowahu is a sporty strappy sandal perfect for adventures outdoors and in water. The quick-drying webbing upper is paired with a Shoc Pad foam midsole for comfort and happy feet even when wet. The mix of straps across the toes, instep, and ankle are fully adjustable for the ideal fit. These sandals provide grippy traction thanks to the Durabrasion rubber outsole – great for hiking and water activities. At just $50 they are an affordable choice for active sandal seekers.
Features:
- Adjustable webbing straps across foot and ankle
- Shoc Pad foam midsole for cushioning
- Durabrasion rubber outsole
- Variety of fun colors and prints
- Quick dry webbing upper
- Women’s whole sizes 5-12, including half sizes
Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, budget friendly price, good traction and support.
Cons: Runs small. Minimal arch support.
Best For: Water activities, beach, hiking, casual everyday wear
Where to Buy: Amazon, Zappos, Backcountry, REI, Teva.com
Ecco Yucatan
Price: $140
The Ecco Yucatan stands out with its modern three point adjustable touch fastening straps for a secure fit and sleek silhouette. The soft nubuck leather straps feel buttery soft against skin while remaining durable. Underfoot, the patented Ecco Comfort Fibre System and removable textured footbed pamper feet with cushioning and rebound. The flexible direct-injected polyurethane outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, wet and dry. With premium materials and comfort technology, they are built for all day wear.
Features:
- Soft nubuck leather straps
- Touch fastening straps at heel, ankle, instep
- Textured, removable footbed
- ECCO Comfort Fibre System midsole
- Flexible traction outsole
- Available in wide width sizes
Pros: Luxe materials and comfort features. Secure adjustable fit. Stylish and versatile.
Cons: Expensive, but can find on sale. Break in period. Runs small.
Best For: All day wear, weekends, dressy occasions, travel
Where to Buy: Zappos, Nordstrom, ECCO retail stores and website
Vionic Tide II
Price: $70
Vionic specializes in built-in arch support and the Tide II is one of their classic orthotic-friendly silhouettes. A contoured EVA foam footbed cradles feet with a deep heel cup, while textured rubber outsole prevents slips. Full grain leather straps are soft and durable, finished with easy to adjust buckles for a custom fit. The Tide II comes in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths to truly accommodate all foot shapes. At $70, they are an affordable leather sandal with comfort features.
Features:
- Built-in arch support
- Full grain leather upper
- Contoured EVA foam footbed
- Textured rubber sole
- Narrow to extra wide width sizes
- Heel and ankle buckle closures
Pros: Excellent arch support. Many width options. Budget-friendly for real leather.
Cons: Runs small according to reviews. Minimal padding.
Best for: Everyday casual wear, travel, walking, jeans or dresses
Where to Buy: Amazon, Zappos, DSW, VionicShoes.com
Naot Sayuki
Price: $185
Handcrafted in Israel, the Naot Sayuki feels like a hug for feet with its adjustable slingback strap, padded sole, and lateral arch support. The premium anatomic cork and latex footbed lined in suede molds perfectly to your foot for long lasting comfort and shock absorption. Italian leather upper in colors like warm brown and black make this sandal versatile for both casual and dressy affairs. At $185 they are an investment, but built to last.
Features:
- Italian leather upper
- Anatomic cork and latex padded footbed
- Textured polyurethane outsole
- Adjustable slingback strap
- Shock absorbent
- Available in narrow and medium widths
Pros: Superior arch support and cushioning. Luxe materials. Stylish versatile design.
Cons: Expensive, but sales help. Break in period as footbed softens. Sizing varies.
Best For: All day wear, weekends, travel, office/work environments
Where to Buy: Zappos, Nordstrom, specialty comfort retailers, Naot.com
How to Choose the Perfect Flat Sandals with Adjustable Straps
Now that you know the top styles out there, it’s time to dial in the perfect pair for your needs. Keep these tips in mind while shopping:
- Consider your main activities like lots of walking or water use and pick shoes designed for that purpose. Hikers for trails, quick dry synthetics for water, etc.
- Make a list of must-have features like arch support, traction, wide widths, washable straps, etc. to narrow down choices.
- Prioritize comfort and support if wearing for extended periods – cushioning, contoured/textured footbeds, heel support.
- Focus on a fastening type that’s easy for you to manipulate like buckles or velcro if needed.
- Try shoes on at the end of day when feet are largest to ensure proper fit. Size up if in between sizes.
- Read size and fit reviews carefully since some styles run small or large.
- Shop brands with a good return policy in case you need to exchange for a different size.
- Set a budget, but expect to pay more for premium materials like Italian leather or built-in arch support. Watch for sales!
- If possible, try sandals on in store for best fit advice before buying online.
Taking the time to assess your needs and research options will ensure you get sandals tailored for your feet and activities. Adjustable straps allow room for feet to swell on hot days while providing customizable comfort and support. Don’t settle for basic flip flops – your feet deserve better!
FAQ About Adjustable Strap Flat Sandals
How do I clean leather and fabric sandals?
Leather can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Avoid extensive soaking. Let them air dry away from direct heat. Many synthetic fabric straps can go right in the washing machine on cold, delicate cycle. Always check material care tag to be sure.
My heels keep slipping out of sandals. Help!
First, make sure ankle and heel straps are adjusted properly for a snug and secure fit. You can also apply no-slip heel pads or grippers to your heels to help prevent sliding as you walk. Brands like Dr Scholl’s sell affordable heel cushions with traction dots to stop slippage.
What sandals are best for wide, flat feet?
Look for sandals with multiple touch fastening or adjustable buckle straps across instep, ankle, and heel to customize fit. Brands like Vionic, Birkenstock, and Naot have wide width options. Prioritize arch support, contouring, and cushioning in the footbed design for flat arches.
Should I pick a heel strap or slingback strap style?
Heel straps with an ankle strap help lock heels in place and prevent slipping as you walk. Easy to manipulate buckles or touch fasteners allow you to adjust tightness. Slingback straps may be simpler to get on and off but don’t anchor heels as well. Choose based on your preference.
How can I avoid getting blisters from new sandals?
Wear them around the house for short periods at first to slowly break them in. Make sure straps aren’t overly tight digging into flesh. Moleskin, bandaids, or gel pads applied to hot spots will help prevent irritation until they conform to your feet. Better yet, pick sandals specifically designed for comfort and support.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has shown you how to pick the perfect pair of flat sandals with adjustable straps for your needs. The right combination of style, fastening, materials, traction, and comfort technologies will have your feet happy all season long. Pay attention to little details like width sizing, easy closure types, and support features when shopping.
Take the plunge this summer beyond basic flip flops into the world of supportive, cushioned, and stylish flat sandals. Your feet will thank you! Adjustable straps allow room for swelling and a truly customized fit – a must for comfort in heat and humidity.
Now that you’re armed with expert tips and top recommended styles, you can shop smart knowing what features to look for. Kick off sandal season right in a pair you’ll love wearing daily for seasons to come. Happy strappy sandal hunting!