There are many different styles of running sandals available today and choosing the most appropriate for your terrain and weather conditions is essential. Some of the style considerations to keep in mind when you’re selecting a pair of sandals to run in are:

Zero Drop: Zero drop sandals are the same as minimalist running shoes and have a zero drop from the heel to forefoot. Many wearers feel that a zero drop encourages a more natural style of running and promotes striking with the forefoot instead of the heel. Landing with the heel is linked to an increase in the risks of running-related injuries and is encouraged by a higher drop from the heel to toe.

Straps: There are two types of strap closures to choose from which are vertical, or horizontal. Vertical straps are thong styled and rest between the toes instead of across them, as with horizontal styled straps. Some wearers prefer vertical straps because they have less material across the top of the foot, whereas, others prefer horizontal straps because they feel more secure and cover more of the toe area.

Closed-toe: While a closed-toe detracts from the minimalistic feeling of running in sandals it does provide better protection and should be considered when running on hazardous terrain.

Open-toe: An open-toed sandal is more breathable and airy than a closed-toe but offers less overall foot protection.

Trail: Trail-specific options are available and feature a more solid sole unit, usually with a rubber outsole and a deeper lug pattern to grip the loose stones or wood of the trail.

Off-Trail: Off-trail sandals are similar to trail ones, only they usually have a closed-toe for added protection from the hazards of the terrain and will usually expose less of the foot overall as a safety design.

When it comes to running in a pair of sandals, their overall weight affects how well the wearer can perform. A more substantial shoe requires more energy expenditure which in turn, causes slower times. However, it is essential not to sacrifice comfort in the hopes of attaining higher speeds as wearing an uncomfortable shoe can burn more energy through increased shock-absorption with every step.

Specific materials are lighter than others that are going to weigh you down. Elements to consider are:

Synthetics: Synthetic materials are human-made and consist of two layers, a backing layer, and an external layer. Synthetic materials are lightweight and breathable making them a strong consideration for footwear.

Foam: Foam is a top-of-the-line material for shoes and sandals alike. It’s ultra-lightweight and absorbs shock better than many other articles out there.

Leather: Leather is an all-around great material for the construction of a shoe. It’s breathable, lightweight, and long-lasting which is why it’s a favorite for many shoe manufacturers and consumers.

Mesh: Mesh is a lightweight woven material that allows for perfect airflow and keeps feet cool and dry no matter how far you’re going to run.

Another thing to keep in mind is looking for materials that are going to wick moisture away from the foot; this will prevent a build-up of bacteria that causes odors. An excellent moisture-wicking component is leather, while some synthetics are very good as well. For additional odor-control, look for shoes that have Cleansport NXT technologies, or those that explicitly have anti-microbial properties.

Staying comfortable during and after your run is of paramount concern. Wearing a shoe that lacks in certain features will leave your feet, ankles, and legs feeling fatigued and painful. Depending on your level of strength running without proper cushion and support can cause all sorts of painful injuries and can result in a decrease in your overall performance. Some of the features to look for when selecting a pair of sandals based on comfort are:

EVA Footbed: Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is a human-made foam polymer. It is an excellent material for use in footwear due to its soft and flexible properties. EVA provides a superb cushion while maintaining a lightweight and thin profile.

Arch Support: Arch support is something many individuals prefer to have ample of, especially those with flat arches or Plantar Fasciitis. Many of the shoes on this list have features that add an extra level of arch support.

Anti-slip: It’s essential that you’re sure of foot while running and preventing slips is of significant concern. It’s not a comfortable feeling when you slip and hurt yourself which is why you should choose a pair of sandals that have dependable traction for multi-terrain grip. Rubber is the best option as it provides superior hold, as well as, weather-resistance.

When thinking about the comfort of sandals for runners, it’s important to consider various areas of possible concern, including rubbing and blisters. When a sandal has straps and closures, it’s vital to thoroughly ensure there is going to be no rubbing before taking them out for a run. Rubbing and friction cause blisters which are painful and can impede overall performance, affecting you for days, or even weeks at a time. It’s also a good idea to inspect the footbed area and make sure there are no points of pressure that are going to press too much on a specific area of the underside of your foot as this too will cause blisters and calluses.

When it comes to running footwear, the brand behind the design plays an integral role. Everywhere you turn these days including newspapers, magazines, and on television, we see celebrities and Hollywood’s A-listers, wearing great footwear. Running and athletic shoes are no different.

The pairs featured on this list are some of the most coveted designs from the biggest athletic brands in the business. When looking at the brand, take note that it is not the end-all-be-all of running shoes, however, choosing a brand that is well-known and reliable might make the difference between a comfortable run and injury.

No one wants to spend their entire paycheck on a pair of shoes, even if they are for something as important as for fitness. When we were evaluating items, we really took into consideration a few different things when it comes to price. Primarily, we really wanted to focus on sharing brands and products that offered a blend of a good price and value for your money.

To do this, we scanned through a couple dozen different types of sandals. We looked at the price range and came up with an average or an estimated market value for running sandals. This number was then used in choosing the best products. For example, we would look at a product and ask ourselves:

No matter the type of good you are planning on purchasing, by asking questions like above, it can really help to ensure you are receiving your money’s worth for a purchase.