Sandals or Sneakers with Shorts (Long)

Hello.

A couple of forum posts had me thinking about my summer wardrobe and how well it's worked for me this season.

I started with Solids in the Summer (Long) which was a closer look at why I'm not wearing my solid tops and t-shirts.

Then Suz's post with Summer MVPs and belly flops had me looking closer at my footwear too. Thanks Suz!

One thing I noticed about my footwear this summer season is that I am rarely wearing sandals. I seem to always reach for socks and sneakers instead, especially when I'm wearing shorts.

I purchased these blue sandals in the beginning of the summer. They looked like a no brainer, I have a heavy blue based wardrobe, they are comfortable, and they are easy to get on and off (they are velcro!)

Yet I've rarely worn these sandals all summer with shorts, instead favoring sneakers with shorts instead.

Here are two recent outfits that I have worn recently and tried to include the sandals.

1. and 2. Pink and Blue with Sandals
I've worn this outfit a few times but always end up changing to the sneakers.

3. and 4. Pink and Blue with Sneakers
This outfit has been on heavy repeat the past few summers, I just adore the pink and blue pairing.

5. and 6. White and Stripes with Sandals
Here are the sandals again with a striped t from NAS.

7. and 8. White and Stripes with Sneakers
Once again I ended up changing to the sneakers.

Thanks for looking!

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Caslon Stretch Cotton Blend V-Neck T-Shirt

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by Lisa

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4 months ago

Jenny H

Veteran

I find that if I'm doing a lot of walking, I fare better in sneakers than sandals. Even if I apply lots of Body Glide, a lot of walking in sandals will leave my feet with lots of blisters, pain, and regret. I wish that weren't the case because I enjoy the way sandals look and their cooling impacts.

Suz

(website)

For me, it depends a lot on activity. As Jenny said -- sandals in humid weather can be tricky for much walking. Except for off-road sandals -- I have a pair from Ecco that I wear on hikes but not as fashion wear.

I think these outfits look equally good with sneakers and sandals and you may choose sandals more often next year.

JAileen

As I mentioned on Suz’s MVP thread, our summer has been hellish. Fifteen days in July were 100F or hotter. So I’ve worn shorts every single day, with sleeveless tops. My footwear depends on the activity. If I were to go somewhere like a music class, I would wear nice sandals, like my Bernardos. If I were taking Bob Barker for a couple mile walk, I would wear my khaki Teva sandals. If I were handing out sack lunches to the homeless, I would wear my Stan Smith sneakers. If I were going on a hike, say above Lake Tahoe, I would wear my Salomon hiking shoes.

I should mention that 20 plus years ago I developed plantar fasciitis walking the dog while wearing Teva sandals. The Tevas I had then were completely flat, while the Tevas I have now have great arch support.

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Lisa

Jenny H and Suz - Activity will certainly affect my choice in footwear. I'm most often taking walks around the neighborhood or running errands and for those settings, I want sneakers. I have not found sandals comfortable most of the time, because my feet sweat and slide around in them. But I think these are worth holding on to. Just because I'm off sandals this year, doesn't mean I won't want them next year. These are a pair that check all my boxes when it comes to selecting sandals. I do think it's a fine line, you never want to hold too many items for "what if" but I think a handful of pieces that carry over to the next season that were worn little or not at all is fine. It's all about balance.

JAileen - First, Bob Barker is adorable. *pets head* Some great insight here. Depending on the activity I may change my footwear. I haven't been at the beach much this season, but if I were at the beach or on a cruise I'm going to want to wear sandals, not socks and sneakers.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You're in a sporty sneaker mood, Lisa! Works well with your sportier look these days. Milk it

That said, these outfits look GREAT with both sneakers and sandals. I couldn't pick a team! You absolutely rock those long white shorts! KILLER on you.

I'm rarely a sandal wearer. I prefer closed toe shoes - full stop. I wear refined loafers and pretty flats a lot of the time in Summer! That said, when we were in VERY got and humid Greece last year (no a/c most of the time) - sandals were the only option. I had two pairs and I walked miles and miles of the ruins and the Acropolis in them. Rocky, sandy and uphill. They worked sooo much better than sneakers. They were AMAZING!! Sneakers gave us blisters! All the locals wore sandals too. The ancient Greeks and Romans were onto something with the sandals they made famous

Angie - I am definitely in a sporty mood this year and enjoying every minute of it. And happy to collect my first Killer rating, it's been a while.

That's really interesting about your experience with sandals in Greece. Climate and terrain will certainly have a heavy impact on what to wear. Thanks for sharing!

MsMary

You look so stinkin' cute! My eye prefers the sneaker versions of your outfits (although the sandal versions are great, too), but for myself I almost always choose sandals with shorts.

Sal

I like all these looks- sometimes it’s just a mood thing why something gets chosen over others. You really suit shorts and sporty looks.

I have feet that get very hot in summer so sandals work better for me or sneakers with good socks. I suspect my summer footwear may need some additions due to a minor foot problem I have developed causing a lump on my left foot that rubs in some sandals.

Star

I just cannot wear sneakers in summer in the hectic heat (like Angie in Greece).

Doris Conroy

Active Member

I think sneaker would look so much cooler than the sandals

RobinF

Sounds like you are in the mood for sneakers. They both look nice so I’d do what feels best. I prefer sandals for me. I love sandals and can’t wait for the weather to warm up enough to wear them.

Joy

I have given up on shorts and sandals because of my age. Sandals don’t give the stability or coverage my feet need. Milk them now and enjoy.

I like the sporty look of sneakers on you. You look like you know what you are doing.

Thanks everyone for looking! I appreciate it and I hope you are enjoying your summer.

MsMary-Sandals and shorts is a classic combination. I also liked your flip flops collection I saw in another thread. Thanks for looking!

Sal-I struggle to find sandals that work for my fuzzy, sweaty feet. Many sandals rub the skin or my foot slides in them from the sweat. Sneakers and socks has been so much easier. Especially when I use the smartwool no show socks which help with sweating. Thanks for looking!

Star-I'll wear the sneakers and you wear the sandals, we can cover all bases then. *high five* Thanks for looking!

Doris Conroy-I do think sneakers in the summer is a little more of an unexpected vibe, because everyone is wearing sandals in my area. Thanks for looking!

RobinF-Yes I am having a sneaker moment lately. Thanks for looking!

Joy-I am certainly in a sneaker mood this season. I have found that sneakers work better than most sandals for support which is a bonus. As someone who has had foot surgery in the past I understand fussy feet. Brands that have worked for me with sandals and support are Ecco, Taos, Naot, and Vionic (depending on your foot needs). Thanks for looking!

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like both looks on you. It's funny how we gravitate to some things more than others in different years. I have been tending toward sneakers more than sandals this summer, too. I agree with you that a good pair of sandals that checks all the boxes is worth keeping around! For me, anyway, they can be surprisingly hard to find.

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