Shoe styles can vary greatly from boots to ballerina flats to loafers, but for many of us, sandals are the footwear of choice, especially in the warmer summer months. Sandals are extraordinarily comfy, and there’s no doubt that they let your feet breathe. With certain pairs of sandals, it’s almost as if you aren’t wearing anything at all! But when you are thinking of adding to your sandal collection, there’s nothing quite like a nice leather pair. Leather has been used as a footwear material for centuries, and we are, in fact, completely familiar with those so-called Jesus sandals that are styled in much the same way that the characters in the Bible wore them. But going back to the question: why should you go for leather sandals instead of other sandal materials? Why choose leather sandals for your feet? Here, your top questions are answered.
- A highly-durable material
Leather is definitely long-lasting, and it’s one of the most durable footwear materials around. There is even leather footwear from thousands of years ago that still exists today. So there’s no question that leather lasts – and it’s a highly durable material that becomes even more comfortable over time as it adheres to the shape of your feet. Leather also features excellent resistance, and with just the right maintenance and repair, you can wear your leather sandals for years, even decades. Even though leather may be more expensive than other materials such as canvas, cloth, or rubber, you know that it will last for a really long time, giving you full value for your money.
- A comfortable pair at any time
Since leather is malleable and can mould itself to the contours of your feet, especially over time, this quality makes it quite comfortable as footwear. This is particularly true for leather sandals such as the aforementioned Jesus sandals, which are not only comfortable but can also give your feet and soles the support they need. Here’s one tip: if you’re going for leather sandals, buy a pair which features inner soles made of leather as well, as this will prevent your feet slipping and sliding inside the sandals, making them more secure.
- A more hygienic material
As a material, not many people may know that leather breathes. Yes, and this means that the material allows the air to go around the interior of the sandals, which, in turn, allows better absorption and allows sweat to evaporate effectively. Your feet will undoubtedly feel cooler if you are wearing leather sandals, and it can also regulate the humidity, preventing your feet from feeling sticky or hot. And since sweat can easily evaporate, there is less likelihood of bacteria buildup in the footwear, which we all know can cause an unpleasant smell and even disease.
At the end of the day, leather sandals offer a host of advantages compared to other materials like rubber, canvas or fabric, and synthetic leather. As long as you choose a pair that’s the best fit for your feet and you select your leather sandals with their purpose in mind (for instance, for all-day walking, sandals with straps on the ankles are ideal, but slip-ons are perfect for a lunch or brunch out), you can’t go wrong.