Are you heading south this winter on vacation? Or planning a warm, sandy getaway elsewhere?

It's important that you check your sandals beforehand to ensure they will offer you great support, fit, and comfort. No one wants foot pain when on vacation at the beach or walking through Disney.

First, dust off those summer sandals and slip them on - do they fit? Are they in good condition? Check for wear patterns on the bottom sole, cracks or disintegration of the cork or EVA.  Each of these elements are vital to inspect because they can affect your feet and how they feel at the end of a long day. If your sandals don't pass this check, then they can prevent you from fully enjoying your holiday.

If you need new sandals for that beach vacation or trip to Florida, then keep reading!

My favourite brands are Birkenstock, Mephisto, and Keen. They fit great, offer arch support, and are durable. If you require a sandal which is waterproof, look for Birkis or Vionic sandals.

Birkenstock (Milano)
Keen (Whisper)
Vionic (Ryder)

If you can't be without your custom orthotics, there are also brands that are orthotic friendly, which means the footbed can be removed and replaced with your custom orthotics. These include Naot, Finn Comfort, Cambrian, and Wolky.

NAOT (Rianna)
Finn Comfort (Gomera)

Cambrian (KONA)

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a comfortable and durable sandal, you will be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about foot pain.

Have a great winter getaway!

Images of Birkenstock, Keen, Vionic, Naot, Finn Comfort, and Cambrian footwear provided by Canadian Footwear.