We're a team of footwear enthusiasts on a mission to help every Australian find their perfect pair of sandals.
Best Sandals Australia was born out of frustration. Like many Australians, our founder spent countless summers dealing with uncomfortable thongs that fell apart after a few beach trips, sport sandals that left blisters, and "premium" footwear that failed to live up to its price tag. After one particularly disappointing purchase of what was supposed to be a high-quality leather sandal with proper arch support, the idea was clear: Australians needed an honest, independent resource for sandal information.
What started as a personal blog documenting our sandal-testing adventures has grown into Australia's most comprehensive resource for summer footwear. We've tested sandals on the scorching sands of Bondi, the rocky trails of the Blue Mountains, the slippery surfaces around countless backyard pools, and everywhere in between. We understand that Australia's unique conditions demand footwear that can handle extreme heat, salt water, UV exposure, and the transition from beach to barbecue.
Our team has collectively worn through hundreds of pairs of sandals over the years. We've learned the hard way which cork footbeds truly mould to your feet and which are just marketing speak. We know the difference between genuine arch support and a simple raised bump in the insole. We've experienced toe-post chafing, heel overhang, and strap blowouts so you don't have to. Every recommendation on our site comes from hands-on experience, not manufacturer press releases.
We believe everyone deserves comfortable, durable sandals that suit their lifestyle and budget. Our mission is simple: provide honest, thoroughly researched information to help Australians make informed footwear decisions. We're not here to push products or maximise affiliate revenue. We're here because we genuinely care about foot health and believe that good sandals make summer better.
Whether you're looking for budget-friendly thongs for quick trips to the shops, premium leather sandals for coastal walks, or rugged sport sandals for bushwalking adventures, we've done the testing and research to help you choose wisely. We consider factors that generic reviews overlook: how sandals perform on hot Australian pavement, whether they'll survive a summer of salt water exposure, and how they'll feel after a full day at a music festival.
Our small but dedicated team brings together diverse perspectives and experiences. We're united by our love of Australian summers and our commitment to honest, helpful content.
Founder & Lead Tester
A podiatry graduate turned footwear enthusiast, Marcus has been obsessed with proper foot support since experiencing plantar fasciitis in his twenties. He personally tests every sandal we recommend and leads our product evaluation process.
Content Director
With a background in health journalism and a passion for hiking, Sarah ensures our guides are accurate, comprehensive, and genuinely helpful. She specialises in our outdoor and adventure sandal content.
Research Analyst
James dives deep into materials science, manufacturing quality, and user feedback to ensure our recommendations stand up to scrutiny. He's particularly interested in sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
We don't just read product descriptions and rewrite marketing copy. Every sandal we feature goes through real-world testing across multiple conditions. We assess comfort during extended wear, evaluate build quality for durability, test grip on wet surfaces, and monitor how materials hold up to Australian sun exposure. We also consider value for money, because the best sandal is one that performs well without breaking the bank.
Our reviews include detailed information about sizing accuracy, break-in periods, arch support levels, and best use cases. We're transparent about both strengths and weaknesses, because we believe you deserve the full picture before making a purchase.
We want to be completely transparent: Best Sandals Australia is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. This means we earn a small commission when you purchase products through our links, at no additional cost to you. This affiliate revenue helps us maintain the site and continue testing new products.
However, our editorial integrity is non-negotiable. Affiliate relationships never influence our recommendations or ratings. We recommend products we genuinely believe in, and we're not afraid to tell you when a popular sandal doesn't live up to the hype. Your trust is more valuable to us than any commission.