When describing a type of footwear, the word "sandal" is often used in reference to those attached to the foot with thongs or straps passing over or around the ankle. Sandals, in the most basic form, are typically made from leather, fabric, or rubber. They are ideal for warm-weather and hot-weather wear as they often expose much of the foot.

While it is clear that people started wearing them in ancient times, it is hard to say where they originated. Sands, or sandals, are a form of footwear associated with the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians, the first to use them in the world, constructed shoes out of leather and placed them on the feet with thongs. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore them, and they were made of straw, leather, and linen. However, the Greeks and Romans preferred to wear those with straps that crossed over the foot rather than thongs.

There are many different types found all over the world. The most common type, however, are flat, open-toed styles that expose much of the foot. There are also more fashion-oriented, designed for high heels and typically feature sturdier materials. Another type of sandal is the espadrille. This is a flat, open-toed style originally made in France. They are also known as "Casablanca" or "poor man's loafers" since they were originally designed for men to wear while working. Nowadays, women wear them more commonly since they expose the toes.

There are many different styles available to consumers today. A shoe sandal is a type of open-toed sandal that exposes the ankle. They may have a soft interior that ensures comfort and support for an entire day of wear. The shoe sandal is not typically the most stylish and covers much of the foot.

A work sandal is also known as clogs or a clog sandal. They are often worn by men, who typically have large calf muscles, to absorb shock when walking on hard surfaces. These typically have rubber soles that distribute the pressure and prevent the feet from excessive rubbing. They are also known as "babalans" in Indonesia. A dress sandal is typically a closed-toe, open-toed style that exposes the toes and ankle. They may be made from leather, linen, canvas or other materials. They are easily adapted to any style of clothing.

The G-String sandal, also known as G-Strings or thongs, are open-toe styles that expose the ankle. The flip-flop sandal is typically an open-toe style that exposes the ankle. They are typically worn in the summer. The EVA sandal is a casual rubber sandal made from a light material called ethylene vinyl acetate. This material is often used to make comfortable shoes since it is lightweight and soft. They are water-resistant and often have a soft interior that protects the feet. They are typically worn during leisure time or travel. The top brands in the market today are Birkenstock, Teva, Reformation, TKEES, Cult Gaia, Emme Parsons and Loeffler Randall.