It’s time to wave goodbye to winter and bring out your favourite pair of sandals! Of course, with the new season approaching, you may wish to purchase a new pair of sandals that fit better and offer more comfort. Here are five trusted tips to help you make the most of your options:

1. Consider what you want to get out of your new sandals.

When shopping for footwear, it’s important to keep in mind where and how you want to wear your new sandals. You may have your eye on a pair of fashionable sandals, but if they don’t offer ample support, it may become a dealbreaker for you. For example, if you’re going to wear your sandals around the city sightseeing, closed-toe sandals are safer and more durable. However, if you’re going to wear your hiking or camping, you will want something with waterproofing and extra support.

2. Choose a quality pair over quantity.

You may come across a store having a great sale on sandals, but it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. If you ignore the basics of construction, you may end up having to purchase a new pair shortly. You shouldn’t blow your entire budget on just one pair, but don’t choose something so cheap you will end up regretting the quality.

3. Give your feet love with arch support!

You want to ensure that your sandals are durable and comfortable to wear all day like Reef Sandals. For this reason, always opt for a pair that has arch support. Most fashion footwear is cheaply constructed with thin cardboard and scratchy fabrics. If you want to get genuine use out of your sandals, make sure you really focus on a quality construction that supports and hugs your feet.

4. Check for heel cushioning.

Unlike most shoes, sandals are unfortunately not as safe or cushioned to wear around the city or hiking. In fact, many people have gotten hurt before stepping on a piece of debris or rock as the heel of their sandals doesn’t have ample cushioning. This is especially true for fashionable sandals that are focused on looking trendy versus usable. It’s best to inspect these kinds of sandals in-person as you can press down on the footbed and see if there’s ample cushioning.

5. Always read online consumer reviews.

Sandals are hard to shop for online, but if you read the reviews, you can take the guesswork out of the buying process. Though people perceive things differently, you can at least reach a basic consensus on the quality of the sandals you’re looking to purchase. Plus, reviews can also help answer potential questions you may have.