The Best Leather Sport Sandals

The Best Leather Sport Sandals
Photo Credit brown sandals image by robert lerich from Fotolia.com

What To Look For

Look for a pair of leather sports sandals which provide traction, arch support and adjustability. Traction is important in any pair of sports sandals so that they may be used as intended, for outdoor activities. Sandals with good traction will be made of quality rubber with deep grooves and patterns on the sole of the sandal. Arch support protects the tendons in your foot from damage. Lastly, adjustability is important in a good pair of leather sports sandals both for stability and comfort.

Common Pitfalls

Beware of leather sports sandals that do not have a soft lining protecting your feet from the leather of the sandal. With extended wear, leather straps directly on the feet can cause chafing and sores. Always check a pair of leather sports sandals to be sure that they have a soft material sewed onto the undersides of the leather straps. Also, always check for stitching which holds the fabrics together. If there is no stitching, this implies that the fabric is held together with simple adhesive. Such adhesive will wear away with a few months' use.

Where To Buy

Purchase leather sports sandals from a retailer that sells shoes or from a sporting goods store. Either store should carry a comprehensive selection of leather sports sandals. Ask a sales associate what shoe he would recommend and why. The extent of the answer not only shows the associate's expertise but is a good indicator of the quality of product offered by the store. Try the sandals on and walk around in them to ensure that they are comfortable.

Cost

As of September 2010, leather sports sandals range in price from $30 to $300 depending on the quality of the product and popularity of the manufacturer. Sandals at the lowest end of the pricing scale are usually made of less durable materials by a lesser-known manufacturer. Alternatively, sandals on the highest end are usually good quality made by a popular brand name. The mid-priced sandals are typically the best value for the money spent. Mid-priced sandals are usually made of quality materials by a respected company.

References

Article reviewed by Martha Barksdale Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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