Bamboo clothing for people who wear sandals a lot

Short answer: In sandals the foot is exposed, and there is no sock to absorb sweat. That means the foot stays dry thanks to the air around it, but there is also no layer between skin and strap when the strap rubs.

No sock means more friction

Without a sock between them, the strap rubs directly against the skin with every step, all day long. New sandals therefore often cause blisters at exactly the same spots until the leather or fabric softens and takes the shape of the foot. This break in period is something many people underestimate when buying new summer sandals.

Wearing socks with sandals is an option

In practical terms a thin sock solves the friction problem completely, because it sits like a protective layer between skin and strap. It is more of an aesthetic choice than a practical necessity though, and most people decide for themselves whether they want that solution visible. See women's bamboo footies for an invisible option.

For closed shoes in the evening

If you switch from sandals to closed shoes later in the day, a sock that keeps the foot dry becomes far more important than in the sandal itself. Sweat from a warm day collects quickly inside a closed shoe. See women's bamboo socks for the evening shoe change, so the foot stays comfortable.

Feet get dirty in open shoes

Open shoes mean dirt, dust and small stones stay in direct contact with the skin all day. That is another reason to keep a pair of thin socks in your bag, ready to put on if the foot needs a break from being open. It does not change the sandal choice itself, but it makes the day more comfortable.

Wash the feet, not just the sandals

Sandal straps can be wiped with a damp cloth, but the foot itself is rarely given an extra wash during the day, even though it has been exposed to far more dirt than usual. A quick rinse in the evening makes a real difference to how the foot feels after a day in open shoes. See washing and care for tips on gently washing socks and footies.

Choose material based on how much you walk

If you only walk short distances, the strap material matters less. If you walk far every day, a soft, shape holding material makes the difference between a comfortable day and sore feet in the evening. See women's bamboo footies if you want a thin layer that stays hidden under the sandal.

Change sandals if they already chafe

If a particular pair of sandals rubs the same spot every time, no matter what you do, the problem is usually the sandal and not the foot. Try a sock as a temporary fix, but also consider another pair for daily wear if the chafing keeps returning anyway despite the sock.

In winter the sandal gets replaced anyway

Once the cold arrives, the question of socks in sandals becomes irrelevant for most people, since closed shoes take over. Use the changeover to check whether your socks need refreshing after a summer of heavy wear. See women's bamboo socks for a fresh start to the season ahead.

The same rules apply to men's sandals

Men experience exactly the same friction in sandals as women, and the solution is the same regardless of gender. A thin sock or a choice of softer straps solves the problem well. See men's bamboo socks for a style that works well with open summer shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Why do sandals cause blisters?

Because the strap rubs directly against the skin without a sock in between. New sandals are worst until the material softens and takes the shape of the foot.

Can you wear socks with sandals?

Practically yes, it solves the friction. It is more of an aesthetic choice than a practical necessity though, one most people decide for or against themselves.