View source for Sandal

{{Short description|Type of footwear with an open upper}}
{{Redirect|Sandals|the Caribbean luxury resorts operator|Sandals Resorts|the holy relic at Prüm Abbey|Sandals of Jesus Christ|other uses|Sandal (disambiguation)}}
[[File:Sandals on feet.jpg|thumb|Man wearing sandals]]
[[File:Nikko black sandal.jpg|thumb|Modern fashion sandals]]

'''Sandals''' are an open type of footwear consisting of a [[Sole (shoe)|sole]] held to the wearer's [[foot]] by straps that go over the [[instep]] and around the [[ankle]]. Sandals may also feature a heel of varying heights. While the distinction between sandals and other types of footwear can sometimes be unclear (as with ''[[Huarache (shoe)|huaraches]]''—the woven leather footwear from Mexico—and peep-toe pumps), sandals are generally understood to leave most of the foot exposed.

People choose to wear sandals for several reasons, including comfort in warm weather, economic benefits (sandals typically require less material than closed shoes and are easier to manufacture), and as a [[fashion]] statement. Sandals are commonly worn in warmer climates or during warmer seasons to keep feet cool and dry. The open design reduces the risk of developing [[athlete's foot]] compared to enclosed [[shoe]]s, and wearing sandals may be part of the [[Therapy|treatment]] regimen for such infections.

== <span class="anchor" id="Etymology"></span><span class="anchor" id="Names"></span> Name ==
The [[English language|English]] word ''{{linktext|sandal}}'' derives from [[Middle French]] {{lang|frm|{{linktext|sandale}}}}, which came from the [[Latin language|Latin]] {{lang|la|{{linktext|sandalium}}}}. The word first appeared in [[Middle English]] as {{lang|enm|sandalies}}.<ref name=oed/><ref>[[John Wycliffe]], [[:s:Bible_(Wycliffe)|Bible]], [[:s:Bible_(Wycliffe)/Mark|Mark]], [[:s:Bible_(Wycliffe)/Mark#Chapter_6|6:9]].</ref> The Latin term itself derived from [[Ancient Greek language|Greek]] ''sandálion'' ({{lang|grc|{{linktext|σανδάλιον}}}}), the [[diminutive (linguistics)|diminutive]] of ''sándalon'' ({{lang|grc|{{linktext|σάνδαλον}}}}), though the ultimate origin remains uncertain.<ref name=oed>{{citation |last= |first= |contribution=sandal, ''n.¹'' |title=Oxford English Dictionary |url=http://www.oed.com |contribution-url=https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/170526 |date=2023 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford }}.</ref> In Greek, the names referred to particular styles of women's sandals rather than being the general word for the category of footwear. Similarly, in Latin, the name was also used for [[slippers]], the more common term for [[ancient Rome|Roman]] sandals being {{lang|la|{{linktext|solea}}}}, whence English ''[[sole (shoe)|sole]]''. The English words ''[[sand]]'' and ''[[sandalwood]]'' are both [[false cognate]]s.

== History ==
[[File:Sandalias de esparto (29139609730).jpg|thumb|right|[[Esparto]] sandals from the [[6th millennium BC|6th]] or [[5th millennium BC]] found in [[Spain]].]]
[[File:Egyptian sandals, vegetable fiber - Bata Shoe Museum - DSC00009.JPG|thumb|upright|Pair of ancient vegetable fiber sandals from Egypt.]]
[[File:Fancy sandals.png|thumb|upright|Girl wearing sandals held to the feet by both thong and straps.]]

Although other types of [[footwear]] such as [[carbatina]] are equally simple to manufacture, sandals represent the [[History of footwear|oldest known footwear]] discovered to date. Pairs of [[Artemisia tridentata|sagebrush]] sandals found in 1938 at [[Fort Rock]] [[Fort Rock Cave|Cave]] in [[Oregon]], [[United States]], were subsequently [[radiocarbon dating|dated]] to between 10,500 and 9,300{{nbsp}}[[Before Present|years ago]].<ref name="robbins">{{cite book | first = William G. | last = Robbins | title = Oregon: This Storied Land | publisher = Oregon Historical Society Press | date = 2005 | isbn = 978-0875952864}}</ref>

The [[ancient Egyptians]] crafted sandals from [[palm tree|palm]] leaves, [[papyrus]],{{sfnp|Wilkinson|1847|p=336}} and{{mdash}}particularly in [[grave goods]]{{mdash}}gold. Egyptian statues and reliefs depict sandals both worn on feet and carried by [[sandal-bearer]]s. According to [[Herodotus]], papyrus footwear was mandatory attire for [[Ancient Egyptian religion|Egyptian priests]].<ref>[[Herodotus]], ''[[History (Herodotus)|History]]'', Book 2, §37.</ref> In [[Mesopotamia]], sandals (known as "[[Biblical sandals]]") were typically constructed from [[rawhide (material)|rawhide]] and [[Straw (agricultural product)|straw]] or dried grasses. Wealthy individuals often adorned the thongs with gems, gold, or silver beads.

Straw shoes, sometimes in the form of sandals and sometimes carbatinae, were ubiquitous [[Hanfu footwear|Chinese footwear]] in antiquity.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In [[Ancient Greece]], ''sandalia'' proper were a kind of sandal principally worn by women.{{sfnp|Peck|1898}} The [[sole (shoe)|sole]] was made of wood, cork, or leather and the upper chiefly consisted of a strap between the big toe and second toe and another around the ankle.{{sfnp|Peck|1898}} The sandal of [[Homer]] was the ''pédīlon'' ({{lang|grc|πέδῑλον}}).<ref>[[Homer]], ''[[Iliad]]'', Book 24, l. 340, and ''[[Odyssey]]'', Book 8, l. 368.</ref>{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} By the [[Classical Greece|Classical Period]], the general term for sandals was ''hypódēma'' ({{lang|grc|ὑπόδημα}}).{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} Most forms included a strap across the toes ({{lang|grc|ζυγός}}, ''zygós''), another strap between the big and second toe, and a third across the [[instep]] ({{lang|la|lingula}}); this last was frequently made with metal shaped like a heart or leaf.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} The ''rhaḯdia'' ({{lang|grc|ῥαΐδια}}) extended the straps of the sandal up the calf.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} Some Greek sandals{{mdash}}like the women's ''tyrrēniká'' ({{lang|grc|τυρρηνικά}}){{mdash}}employed wooden soles.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} The effeminate [[baxea]] ({{lang|grc|{{linktext|πάξεια}}}}, ''páxeia'') was usually made of [[willow]] leaves, twigs, or fibers and was associated with [[ancient Greek comedy|comic actor]]s and [[Greek philosophy|philosophers]].{{sfnp|Yates & al.|1870}} The [[ancient Greek tragedy|tragedians]] wore the [[cothurnus]] ({{lang|grc|{{linktext|κόθορνος}}}}, ''kóthornos''), sandal-like [[boot]]s that rose above the midcalf and typically incorporated [[platform shoe|platform soles]] that led to others wearing them to appear taller.<ref>Serv. in Virg. Ed. II. cc.</ref> By the [[Hellenistic Period]], some sandals show evidence of extreme ornamentation. One found from the settlements in [[Greek Crimea]] was a [[platform shoe|platform]] design with 12 separate layers in its sole and gold decoration.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}}

Due to the general discomfort of the typical [[class in ancient Rome|upper-class]] [[calceus]], it became standard practice in [[ancient Rome]] to change into sandals ({{lang|la|{{linktext|solea}}}} or {{lang|la|{{linktext|crepida}}}}) or [[soccus|slippers]] when at home. It was considered unusual that [[Augustus]] seldom followed this custom. However, wearing comfortable shoes in public was deemed effeminate, and criticism of this habit was commonly used as an insult by politicians and writers.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} Notable figures including [[Scipio the Elder]], [[Verres]], [[Mark Antony|Antony]], [[Germanicus]], and [[Caligula]] were all specifically criticized for this practice. This social stigma persisted until at least the reign of [[Hadrian]].{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}} Because shoes were removed when reclining on couches to dine, it was normal to wear slippers or sandals to meals even at other houses. Due to this social stigma, when a [[Litter (vehicle)|litter]] carried by [[slavery in ancient Rome|slaves]] was unavailable for transport between houses, proper etiquette required walking to the destination wearing [[calcei]] while carrying the indoor footwear under one's arm. Guests would then change shoes in the entryway before having slaves remove their dining footwear in the dining room.{{sfnp|Anderson|1870}}

In his autobiography [[Edward Carpenter]] told how sandals came to be made in England:

{{Quote|While in India [[Harold Cox]] went in [18]85 or [18]86 for a tour in [[Kashmir|Cashmere]], and from Cashmere he sent me a pair of Indian sandals. I had asked him, before he went out, to send some likely pattern of sandals, as I felt anxious to try some myself. I soon found the joy of wearing them. And after a little time I set about making them. I got two or three lessons from W. Lill, a bootmaker friend in [[Sheffield]], and soon succeeded in making a good many pairs for myself and various friends. Since then the trade has grown into quite a substantial one. G. Adams took it up at [[Millthorpe, Derbyshire|Millthorpe]] in 1889; making, I suppose, about a hundred or more pairs a year; and since his death it has been carried on at the Garden City, [[Letchworth]].<ref>[[Edward Carpenter]] (1899). [http://www.edwardcarpenter.net/ecdd7.htm ''My Days and Dream'', chapter 7] via Edwardcarpenter.net</ref>}}

== Construction ==
{{Unsourced section|date=August 2023}}
[[File:Anatomy of Sandals.svg|250px|right|thumb|Anatomy of a sandal]]

A sandal may feature a [[sole (shoe)|sole]] constructed from various materials including [[rubber]], [[leather]], [[wood]], [[tatami]], or [[rope]]. The sole is typically secured to the foot either by a narrow thong that passes between the first and second toe, or by straps or laces (variously called latchets, sabot straps, or sandal straps) that cross over the arch of the foot or wrap around the ankle. Sandals may optionally include a [[heel (shoe)|heel]] of varying heights (from low to [[High-heeled footwear|high]]) and may feature heel straps for additional security.

== Variants ==
* [[Barefoot]] sandals, footwear with the appearance of sandals but lacking a sole.
* [[Birkenstock]] sandals, a comfortable and trendy sandal made from cork.
* {{Anchor|caligae|roman_military}}[[Caligae]], a heavy-soled classical Roman military shoe or sandal for marching, worn by all ranks up to and including [[centurion]]
* [[Carbatina]], open footwear worn in ancient Greece, Italy and the Middle East
* [[Clip-on sandals]] or [[clip-toe sandals]], a style similar to flip-flops{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* [[Crocs]], clog-like shoes made from synthetic, rubbery, waterproof material, first created in the United States in 2002
* [[Clog (shoe)|Clog]] can be formed as a heavy sandal, having a thick, typically wooden sole
* Crochet sandals<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://freecrochetpattern.weebly.com/crochet-patterns-sandals.html |title=Crochet Sandals |access-date=2014-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724014505/http://freecrochetpattern.weebly.com/crochet-patterns-sandals.html |archive-date=2014-07-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Fisherman sandal]] is a type of T-bar sandal originally for men and boys. The toes are enclosed by a number of leather bands interwoven with the central length-wise strap that lies along the instep. An adjustable cross strap or bar is fastened with a buckle. The heel may be fully enclosed or secured by a single strap joined to the cross strap. The style appears to have originated in France.
* [[Flip-flops]] (called thongs in Australia) are typically cheap and suitable for beach, pool, or locker room wear
* [[Geta (footwear)|Geta]], a classical Japanese form of elevated thong, traditionally of [[cryptomeria]] wood; the crosspiece is referred to as a ''ha'', which translates to ''tooth''
* [[Grecian sandal]], sandals from [[Greece]] and [[Salento]] (Italy), a (generally flat or low) sole attached to the foot by interlaced straps crossing the toes and instep, and fastening around the ankle. A similar style is sometimes called [[gladiator sandal]]
* [[High-heeled footwear|High-heeled sandal]], a type of sandal with an elevated heel. They allow the wearer to have an open shoe while being less casual or more formal, depending on the style of the sandal.
* [[Hiking]] and [[trekking]] sandals are designed for hiking or trekking in hot and tropical climates, usually using robust rubber outsole, suitable for any terrain, and softer [[Ethylene-vinyl acetate|EVA]] or Super EVA foam insole. These sandals are usually shaped to support the arched contour of the foot. The straps are usually made of polyester or nylon webbing for quick drying after exposure to water and to minimize perspiration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sourceoutdoor.com/hiking-gear/14-sandal-technology|title=Sandal and Footwear Technology - SOURCE Hydration & Sandals|access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> Also suitable for many other adventure sports and activities where quick drying and reduced perspiration is required, including rafting, traveling, paragliding, skydiving.
* [[Ho Chi Minh sandal]]s is one name for a homemade or [[cottage industry]] footwear, the soles cut from an old automobile tire and the straps cut from an inner tube. Made and worn in many countries, they became wider known in the US as worn by the rural people of Indochina during the [[Vietnam War]], leading to the name.
* [[Huarache (shoe)|Huarache]], a Mexican sandal,<ref>[http://www.huaraches.com/information/a-brief-history-and-guide-about-huaraches-mexican-sandals Huaraches: Mexican sandals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007144711/http://www.huaraches.com/information/a-brief-history-and-guide-about-huaraches-mexican-sandals/ |date=2016-10-07 }} from Huaraches.com</ref> with sole made of a tire tread, or [[huarache (running shoe)]], a flat sandal used by minimalist runners.
* Jelly sandals or [[jelly shoes]] were originally a version of the classic fisherman sandal made in PVC plastic. They were invented in 1946 by Frenchman Jean Dauphant in response to a post-war leather shortage. Later designs featured translucent soft plastic in bright colours; hence the later name of jelly sandals or jellies. Recently, a whole range of styles have been produced in this material, mainly for women and girls, but the classic unisex design remains popular.
* Jesuslatschen<ref>[http://www.ddr-museum.de/de/museum/objektdatenbank/?inventarno=1004163 DDR Museum: Sandals in GDR so called ''Jesuslatschen'']</ref>
* [[Jipsin]], a traditional [[Korea]]n sandal made of straw
*[[Ojota]], an extremely durable Peruvian sandal made of [[Tire recycling|recycled tires]] that is traditionally worn in the [[Andes]] by [[Quechua people]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sylwiatravel.com/have-you-ever-heard-about-peruvian-sandals-yankees/|title=Have you ever heard about peruvian sandals Yankees?|date=2014-10-29|website=Sylwia Travel Peru|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://threadsofperu.com/pages/traditional-andean-clothng|title=Traditional Andean Clothing|website=Threads of Peru|access-date=2019-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Cómo se hacen los Yanquis u ojotas en Perú (viral)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqn2R8apQUA|language=en|access-date=2019-08-29}}</ref>
* [[Paduka]] are the ancient (the time of the [[Ramayana]]) Indian toe-knob sandals. They are not really worn on a daily basis now except by monks or for ceremonial purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaboutshoes.ca/en/paduka/the_paduka/index.php|title=All About Shoes|first=Bata Shoe|last=Museum|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=29 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229190953/http://www.allaboutshoes.ca/en/paduka/the_paduka/index.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Patten (shoe)|Patten]], a type of oversized clog often with a wooden sole or metal device to elevate the foot and increase the wearer's height or aid in walking in mud
* {{anchor|gladiator|roman}}[[Roman sandal]], a sandal held to the foot by a [[Shoe#Shoe construction|vamp]] composed of a series of equally spaced, buckled straps
* [[Saltwater sandals]], a flat sandal developed in the 1940s as a way of coping with wartime leather shortages, primarily worn by children
* Soft foam sandals, invented in 1973, are made from closed-cell soft foam and uses surgical tubing for the straps. They are sold primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast in beach side gift shops.
* [[Strappy sandals]], open footwear characterized by multiple straps that secure the sole to the foot
* [[T-bar sandal]]s, primarily for children, with an enclosed heel and toe. It is fastened by a cross-wise strap or bar secured by a buckle, or more recently by Velcro. A length-wise strap extends from the vamp and joins the cross-strap over the arch of the foot to form a T shape. A common variant has two cross-straps. The toe is often pierced with a pattern of holes or slots. The sole is low-heeled and usually of crepe rubber, stitched-down to the upper. First seen in Europe and America in the early 20th century, by the 1950s they were very common for boys and girls up to their teens, but are now mainly worn by much younger children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://histclo.com/style/foot/sandal/sandal-ct.html|title=closed-toe sandals|access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> This style or similar styles are also called "Mary Jane" shoes.
* [[Upanah]], ancient Indian sandals
* [[Waraji]], Japanese straw sandals common in the [[Edo period]]
* [[Wörishofer]], a ladies' sandal with a cork wedge heel
* [[Zōri]], a flat and thonged [[Japan]]ese sandal, usually made of straw, cloth, leather, or rubber

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Yoga sandals.jpg|Yoga sandals have thongs that pass between all of the toes.
File:Grecian sandals.jpg|Grecian sandals.
File:Teva Terra Fi 5 Sandals.jpg|Hiking/sport sandals.
File:MulticolorSandalette.jpg|[[High-heeled footwear|High-heeled]] sandals.
File:HuarachesZaachila.JPG|Mexican sandals
File:Debbie Reynolds Auction - Charlton Heston and Jack Hawkins high sandal boots from "Ben-Hur" (1959) (5851596277) (2).jpg | [[Charlton Heston]] and [[Jack Hawkins]]'s [[caliga]] sandal-boots from the [[American film]] ''[[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]]''
File:Tire Sandals.jpg|Vietnamese sandal
File:Sandaletter -- 2019.jpg|Low heel sandals
File:Sandals (5).jpg|Sandals with a toe thong
File:Navy blue fashion sandals.jpg|Fashion sandals
File:A Some Japanese traditional zori and setta in the Japanese Shoe Shop.jpg|Japanese [[zori]] 
File:Taiwanese Blue and White Flip flops from Lung Mei Beach.jpg|Flip-flops
File:A simple sandals in the office.jpg|Hiking sandals
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Fashion}}
* [[Birkenstock]]
* [[Crocs]]
* [[Keen (shoe company)|Keens]]
* [[List of shoe styles]]
* [[Mule (footwear)|Mules]]
* [[Slipper]]
* [[Socks and sandals]]

== References ==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |last=Anderson |first=W. C. F. |date=1870 |editor-last=William |editor-first=Smith |editor-link=William Smith (antiquary) |display-editors=0 |contribution=Solea |contribution-url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text.jsp?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0063%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DS%3Aentry+group%3D3%3Aentry%3Dsolea-cn |title=A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities |location=London |publisher=John Murray}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |last=Peck |first=Harry Thurston |date=1898 |title=Sandalium |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0062%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DS%3Aentry+group%3D3%3Aentry%3Dsandalium-harpers |encyclopedia=Harper's Dictionary of Classical Antiquities |location=New York |publisher=Harper & Brothers}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wilkinson |first=Garner |date=1847 |title=Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians |url=https://archive.org/details/mannerscustomsof02wilk_1/page/n5/mode/2up |volume=II |location=London |publisher=John Murray}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |last=Yates |first=James |author-link=James Yates (minister) |author2=James Henry Flather |display-authors=1 |date=1870 |editor-last=William |editor-first=Smith |editor-link=William Smith (antiquary) |display-editors=0 |title=Baxeae or Baxae |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text.jsp?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0063%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DB%3Aentry+group%3D1%3Aentry%3Dbaxeae-cn |encyclopedia=A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities |location=London |publisher=John Murray |ref=CITEREFYates_&_al.1870}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Sandals}}
{{Wiktionary}}

{{Footwear}}
{{Clothing}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sandals| ]]
[[Category:Footwear]]