Women's Sandals

Heel height settles a sandal before any strap does. Raised styles lead the range, running from a low block through kitten and stiletto heights to wedges and platforms, some fastened at the ankle, others held by a single band across the toes. Flat pairs sit the foot level and lean on their strapping instead, in thong, crossover, gladiator and fisherman constructions that either wrap the arch or leave it open.

Backless styles ask nothing of the ankle at all; a flip flop splits the toes with a post, while a slide passes one wide band over the instep and is stepped into. Uppers run through smooth and grained leather, suede, raffia and woven cord; footbeds are moulded or padded, and soles range from a thin stitched leather edge to a moulded rubber tread.