(Credit: cottonbro studio)
When it comes to the best sandals for women in Singapore, comfort is the name of the game. But as sandals come in many iterations, scoping out the right one for a specific occasion depends on the material, appearance and support they provide. If you’re scratching your head on which pair to take home, here’s a guide on how to choose the perfect one!
| Purpose | Brand | Price |
| Beach | Melissa Sun Downtown Ladies Sandal | $69.00 |
| UTUNE Summer Ladies Sandals | $39.44 | |
| The Kelly Studio Gladiator Strap Sandal | $76.30 | |
| Cameljeans Women’s All-Match Non-Slip Flat Sandals | $57.97 | |
| Hiking | Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal | $129.90 |
| IELGY Open-Toed Casual Sandals | $19.08 | |
| Birkenstock Mayari Sandal | $76.26 | |
| Formal Events | Melissa Essential Wave Women Sandals | $95.00 |
| IELGY Korean Baotou Sandals | $34.66 | |
| SAPPUN Veriel Strap Sandals Mule | $77.28 | |
| ECCO Flowt Wedge Cork Women’s Sandal | $259.90 |
Starting off strong with the Melissa Sun Downtown Ladies Sandal (available on Melissa Official Store), it’s definitely a pair of sandals you should have in your shoe rotation for the summer. It’s part of the brand’s capsule collection, Melissa Sun, which features affordable sandals that mostly come in block colours. The versatile shades, like black, pale pink and white will easily complement any outfit. Made with Melissa’s trademark MelFlex™ material, they’re flexible, waterproof, and comfortable. Functionality-wise, they also pack a punch. Don’t underestimate those thin straps, for they’ll ensure your sandals have a secure fit as you run across wet surfaces or through water. It’s no doubt they’re one of the best beach sandals for women in Singapore!
The UTUNE Summer Ladies Sandals (available on UTUNE Official Store) stands out from the others with its fun, doodle-stroke camo print design. The print is intriguing — while it looks like a cheetah’s spots, it also resembles crayon art! If you prefer something less adventurous, these UTUNE sandals also come in basic black, which can easily be paired with any fit you have on. The other three colourways include purple with a sky blue-green print, pink with a lovely red and white print, as well as cream with a red-and-blue camo. Besides the unique designs, these UTUNE sandals are made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), a foam-like waterproof material, making it an excellent choice for water-activities or walks along the beach.
And for our petite queens who can’t live without a little platform, you’ll be happy to know that these UTUNE sandals for women boast a 4cm thick sole, making it one of the best platform sandals for women in Singapore. However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll be walking on a hard brick. And that’s because the sole is soft and provides ample support and traction when worn.
Want to create an effortless but sophisticated look while frolicking on the beach? The Kelly Studio Gladiator Strap Sandal (available on thekellystudio.sg) is one of the best water-resistant sandals for women in Singapore to wear at the beach! The Kelly Studio’s simple lace-up gladiator sandal is simply perfect for the job! As compared to most other rattan or rubber flip flops, these sandals are made of PU leather. This material adds to the sandals’ functionality, making them much more durable in the face of sandy, gritty beaches. to. But most of all, there’s nothing like a pair of lace-up leather sandals to make you feel elegant even on the sand! Simply pair these The Kelly Studio sandals with a flowy mesh skirt or a pair of linen pants and voilà, you’re now a stylish, confident queen!
Cameljeans is a Chinese brand that specialises in all things sandals. From beachy and sporty sandals for women to heeled fashion sandals — you name it, they have it! One of their best-selling footwear is the Cameljeans Women’s All-Match Non-Slip Flat Sandals (available on cameljeans.sg). It features a chevron-like stitching pattern, which evokes a tropical feel. Choose from the pink, blue, or black colourways; the latter does not come with any contrast stitching, making it perfect for those who prefer a more minimalistic look.
Besides the vibrant colours in the design, the rubber sole and footbed of these Cameljeans sandals were also made to feel extremely secure and cushioned when worn. This sandal is best for trips to the beach or water activities as it has quick-drying straps, a waterproof EVA insole, and a water-resistant sole that is non-slip with enhanced grip for walking on wet ground. It’s no wonder this is one of the best beach sandals for women in Singapore!
If you’re looking for active footwear that’s both lasting and comfortable, look no further — the Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal (available on Teva Official Store) is just what you need. When it comes to safety shoes and outdoor footwear, Teva is one of the best brands to lean on and that includes their hiking sandals for women too. In fact, these Teva sandals are designed with ample cushioning for the footbed, while the straps can be adjusted according to the terrain you’re braving. For those worried about slippery paths and rough grounds, the durable rubber outsole of these sporty sandals for women provides added traction so that you’ll maintain a sure and steady footing. The Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal is definitely one of the best hiking sandals that supports your foot on uneven grounds.
For those who have a penchant for anything adorable yet functional, this is a sign to get your hands on the IELGY Open-toed Casual Sandals (available on IELGY Women’s Shoes Official Store)! They come in three colours: a sleek black, stark white, and a creamy beige that reminds you of bubble tea. What makes it even more adorable is that its sole has been indented with the shape of a teddy bear! Overall, these IELGY sandals are one of the best hiking sandals for women in Singapore because they’re designed with secure straps and excellent traction, which allow you to perform well in sports and other similar activities.
Birkenstock, a podiatrists approved footwear brand, is known to manufacture the most comfortable and supportive sandals. This footwear brand is prized for its signature high arch support footbed that has orthopaedic benefits such as foot pain alleviation and corrective arch alignment.
This is why the Birkenstock Mayari Sandal (available on cuoma.sg) is one of the best hiking sandals for women in Singapore who love hikes or long-distance walking. While Birkenstock is famous for their wide selection of suede sandals, the Mayari Sandal is special as it comes with adjustable criss-cross straps and a single-toe loop to ensure additional support for hiking on tougher terrains.
The Melissa Essential Wave Women Sandals (available on Melissa Official Store) is one the best formal sandals that women in Singapore should have in their spring-summer shoe rotation. Flats and slip-on sandals are popular because of their versatility, and the fact that they go well with most things in your wardrobe. In fact, this pair of Melissa sandals can easily be paired with a maxi dress to create a casual-but-chic outfit. Other stylish but comfortable sandals include the Melissa Mia Ad Mule Platform Women Sandals and the Melissa Campana Papel Espadrille Women Sandals (both available on Melissa Official Store), perfect for recreating a 70’s inspired look.
They say that beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be with the IELGY Korean Baotou Sandals (available on IELGY Women’s Shoes Official Store)! This comfy pair of IELGY sandals have a classy, timeless design that’s reminiscent of Chanel’s ballet flats. It comes in a classic all-black shade, as well as an apricot one that features black toe caps. We could’ve almost mistaken these sandals for slip-on shoes, except that they’ve been designed with a kitten heel to provide a slight elevation! But don’t worry, these gorgeous sandals have received numerous rave reviews about how comfortable they are.
When it comes to having a variety of colours and designs for women’s footwear, SAPPUN is the brand to trust. In fact, the SAPPUN Veriel Strap Sandals Mule (available on SAPPUN OFFICIAL) is one of their bestsellers — they’re classy and elegant, and come in six neutral tones. Pair these SAPPUN sandals with a simple black jumpsuit or an A-line dress to cook up an effortlessly chic formal outfit! But if you want something monochromatic, go for black, white, or even the sleek silver pair for some shine. For more earthy tones, you can also opt for pale yellow, mint, and beige. As usual, SAPPUN never fails to have the best sandals for women in Singapore to wear at any formal event!
The ECCO Flowt Wedge Cork Sandal (available on ECCO Official Store) is the best sandals for women in Singapore who spend long hours on their feet. This stylish sandal features soft leather straps and ECCO’s CORKSPHERE Suspended Footbed which moulds to the shape of your feet with each wear. Despite its chunky appearance, this wedge sandal has a lightweight and cushioned sole — the comfiest sandals to wear to formal events. Other sandals that are suitable for formal occasions include the ECCO Sculpted Lx 55 Women’s Platform Heel Sandals and the ECCO Sculpted Lx 35 Women’s Heeled Sandals (both available on ECCO Official Store) which offer elevation without the pain typical heels inflict.
You’ll likely get bombarded by the multitude of choices out there when you’re looking for the best sandals for women in Singapore. Between platform sandals for women, to strappy heeled sandals that’re perfect for a demure look, you might find that narrowing it down to the right sandal is harder than finding a needle in a haystack.
Besides the colours and design, you’ve also got to make sure they’re suitable for the occasion and terrain. You can’t possibly be wearing flip flops to a formal event. Similarly, you won’t find yourselves going for a trek with a pair of heeled sandals. Here, we’ve pegged it down to the main features you should look out for:
| Occasion | Features to look out for |
| Beach days |
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| Hiking and sports |
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| Formal events |
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Sandals are a wardrobe essential, especially for strolling around humid Singapore. But there is no denying sandals provide less support than shoes do. In fact, prolonged wear of sandals that lack proper support can cause serious health problems.
Other than blisters and calluses, ill-fitting sandals can result in severe injuries like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis — the inflammation of the Achilles tendon (the tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone) and plantar fascia (the tissue along the bottom of your foot), respectively.
To procure the best sandals, podiatrists at the Women & Children Centre advise looking out for these features before making purchase:
| Feature | Specifications |
| Length | A thumb’s width between longest toe and the front end of the sandal |
| Width | As wide as your foot |
| Height | One to two inch heel for shock absorption |
| Arch | Built-in arch support — especially for flat feet |
| Straps | Fastening mechanisms across the ankle |
| Stability | Firm (but not rigid) outsole that only flexes at the front where the foot bends during toe-off |
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends investing in sandals made of natural materials like supple leather, and to go for sturdy soles that do not twist easily. EVA is also one of the best materials for sandal soles as it is lightweight yet durable — best for long-distance walking and hikes. While sandals come in a variety of materials, some podiatrists argue that the best sandals are made of cork and include a suede cover. In all, a good sandal should provide relief, cushioning and support to help alleviate foot pain and prevent health implications.
From beach trips to formal events, sandals can do it all! Strappy sandals, platform sandals, or slip-on sandals for women — the list goes on. They’re one of the most versatile and comfortable footwear, especially in a hot and humid country like Singapore. Keep your feet cool and comfortable, while looking stylish with this list of the best sandals for women to wear in Singapore. You can also check out the best ballet flats and the best school shoes for more footwear options!
This article was updated on 17 September 2024. Additional research done by Quek Jie Ann.
Ending the year with a blast (of fireworks).
Prep a merry feast!
Deck the halls with boughs of holly!
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