How To Choose Open Sandals For Indian Summers?

Walking in the sun and humidity in India can be a pain, with your feet literally in a heat trap. There are small things we can do to relieve that pain- like picking the right open footwear like sandals. But with so many options out there, how to choose open sandals for Indian summers.

This Yoho buying guide takes you through everything you need to know about picking comfortable open sandals for summers. Here, you learn how to choose open sandals that keep your feet comfy and cool, despite the heat waves around you. 

Why Open Sandals Are Ideal For Indian Summers

Research states that a comfortable in-shoe environment is within a range of around 28-34°C and 60-65% relative humidity. Closed footwear takes you out of that range almost immediately when summer starts in India. This traps heat and moisture, and also causes odour and fatigue. 

Open sandals solve these issues by:

• Allowing continuous airflow 

• Evaporating sweat instead of accumulating it 

• Foot fatigue reduction 

• Reducing skin friction with the material

• Keeping the sole cooler 

This study shows that shoes with highly breathable uppers reduce foot skin temperature. Open-toe sandals are even better as there is no upper at all over the toes, which is the part that sweats most. Hence, open sandals for sweaty feet are also a great investment you can make for daily comfort. 

Key Features To Look For In Summer Sandals

What’s better than the pleasure of a good design and the comfort of the right build when it comes to footwear? Here’s what you should look for when buying open sandals for summers:

1. Open-Toe Design Matters

The open-toe design is the most important feature for hot weather footwear. It ensures constant air circulation across the front of the feet. The heat and moisture escape naturally instead of building up. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or walking, open toe sandals for long walking hours are your best option.

2. Go For Breathable Straps

Plastic or rubber straps can press against your skin and trap sweat. This causes irritation and can tear your skin or cause blisters in humid weather. Good breathable sandals use soft fabric, mesh, or genuine leather straps. These materials are gentle, enable air flow and also dry more quickly when they get wet. 

3. A Cushioned Footbed Is The Key 

A hard footbed puts all your body weight on the heels and the balls of your feet. This leads to foot fatigue a couple hours in of wearing. Look for sandals with a layered or soft cushioned footbed. A healthy choice would be a combination of foam and EVA that compress slightly to reduce pressure. This gives your feet comfortable support all day, while also maintaining flexibility. 

4. Lightweight Construction Reduces Fatigue

Lightweight sandals for daily wear feel like you're barely wearing anything, which is what you need when it's that hot outside. Lightweight construction also helps reduce overall body fatigue as you're exerting less energy with each step and also lets you move faster. 

5. Anti-Slip Sole For Safety

Indian summers come with hardcore rains and wet roads for days on end. A sandal which is great on dry ground can become dangerous on a wet street. Anti-slip sandals for monsoon and summer have textured or high-grip soles, which are usually made with TPR or EVA. So if you're buying sandals for travel or outdoor use, an anti-slip grip is a feature you should not skip. 

You May Also Like: How to Protect Your Shoes in Monsoon

Best Types Of Open Sandals For Indian Summers

1. Strappy flat sandals are a classic choice for daily wear. They are lightweight, keep your feet feeling free, stylish, and go well with most outfits. 

2. Sporty open sandals with adjustable straps and strong grip soles are ideal for travelling and an active lifestyle. They provide more structure and security with a snug fit and without feeling too heavy.

3. Gladiator sandals provide coverage and support through multi-strap designs while keeping the foot ventilated. 

4. Chunky platform sandals have increasingly become popular for casual wear and outings. The thick soles also add a bit of height and are shock absorbent. 

5. Slip-on open sandals are one of the most convenient footwear types for Indian summers. They are easy on, easy off, and fast drying. They’re versatile too - great for beach trips and vacations, and running errands.

Which Sole Is Best For Summer Sandals?

The sole is the foundation of your comfort. Choosing the right material also makes a huge difference in safety and durability.

For most people, EVA soles offer the best overall balance. They are lightweight, cushioned and absorb shock well. EVA’s closed-cell foam structure also makes it water-resistant, so it doesn't get soggy or damaged.

If you're buying sandals specifically for the monsoons or to wear outdoors, go for shoes with TPR soles for maximum grip on wet surfaces.

Yoho Recommends: Best Open Sandals For Summers

Daily Wear - Open Sandals For Long Summer Days 

Yoho SDL 119 Leather Sandals for Men

The SDL 119 is a premium and classic leather sandal built for daily use. 

• It has a premium leather upper, leather insole and lining that feel as good as they look. 

• The contoured footbed has a soft, sturdy arch support, which also helps in pressure distribution. 

• The sturdy, lightweight EVA sole has a solid grip and doesn’t wear or tear easily.

Subtle and clean, this pair of breathable sandals for Indian summers go well with a variety of fits. 

Yoho Knotty Twist Sandals for Women

Knotty Twist is aesthetic, but what it packs within makes it a great choice for a daily wear sandal.

• The suede footbed has soft cushioning, and the cork insole adjusts to your feet’s shape and movements. 

• The foam padding is shock-absorptive, so you can bounce and skip in them. 

• The EVA sole is lightweight for long hours of ease of wear.

With a handcrafted, boho chic look, this pair of comfortable summer sandals goes well with casual and semi-casual fits. 

Travel Open Sandals

Yoho Gladiator Sandals for Men

The Gladiator, crafted with genuine leather, is made for utmost style and function on the road. 

• They come with a back zipper and laces for a secure, adjustable fit. 

• These sandals for travel in hot weather have a multi-strap design that provides ventilation for your feet. 

With a unique, bold look, you are secure and comfortable whether you’re sitting or walking for hours. 

Yoho Tropica Denim Sandals For Women

The Tropica Denim is a stylish travel companion that keeps you comfy at all times. 

• The cork within the midsole adjusts to your feet’s shape and movements.  

• The anti-skid sole ensures you walk in comfort across all kinds of surfaces. 

Lightweight and comfortable in a denim + floral construction. This fits the vibe of what you need in the best sandals for hot and humid weather on the go. 

Best Open Sandals For Walking

Yoho TrailX Sandals For Men

For walking enthusiasts, the TrailX sandals check every box. 

• The cushioned EVA insock and high-grip TPR sole keep you steady. 

• The soft lining reduces irritation. 

• Overall, you get soft and sturdy support. 

The construction, including the sporty design, is built for active movement. 

Wanderz 003 Sandals For Women

The Wanderz are one of the best sandals for walking in summer. 

• Its EVA sole and strong grip make it a reliable walking partner. 

• The platform design provides added cushioning underfoot. 

Beach & Vacation Sandals

TrailEazy Sandals For Men

The TrailEazy is a sporty fisherman sandal crafted for active use. 

• It has a soft lining that absorbs water, a high-grip TPR sole, and elastic laces for finding your secure fit.

• This combination makes it one of the best anti-slip sandals for monsoon and summer conditions. 

When you need footwear for beaches, hill stations and any vacation that involves more walking than sitting, these have got you covered. 

SLR 102 Sandals For Women

A platform slip-on sandal, it has a fun, powerful look that helps you stand out (literally!)

• It’s easy to dry

• The EVA sole is lightweight and comfortable on all surfaces 

It’s sculptured 7 stylish for outings and practical for a full day of walking. It’s a go-to for anyone looking for lightweight sandals for hot weather.

Read This: Beach Footwear Ideas & Buying Guide

With this guide, we hope we have made your journey of how to choose open sandals for Indian summers a bit easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you wear socks with open-toe sandals?

Yes, you can wear socks with open-toe sandals. However, since they’re designed to keep your feet cool and ventilated, it might defeat the purpose. Wearing socks traps heat and moisture. So if you need coverage, wear thin socks or toe socks in breathable materials.

2. Are EVA sandals good for hot weather?

Yes. For Indian summers, EVA soles are a smart, practical choice. It's structure provides great shock absorption while being lightweight. EVA sole is also water-friendly and dries quickly, so it doesn't become uncomfortable when it gets wet. The material also protects your feet from hot pavements.

3. Are open sandals better than sneakers in summer?

Yes, open sandals are beneficial during summers as they allow air to flow around and under the foot constantly. Research found that breathable mesh uppers in sneakers build up more heat and humidity than open footwear. If you need to wear sneakers for specific activities like long hikes, sneakers are recommended even in summer. For daily wear and travelling, open sandals for summer are the more comfortable choice.