By Luca 
There are moments in life when the simplest realization hits you hard, almost like a sudden wake-up call. One of those moments came to me unexpectedly when I found myself standing in front of my closet, staring at my shoes, trying to figure out what to wear. I looked at all the footwear options I had: a couple of pairs of sneakers, a few dress shoes for formal occasions, boots for the winter, and then—sandals. There they were—more sandals than anything else. At that moment, it hit me like a wave: I had an overwhelming number of sandals. And somehow, they had become an indispensable part of my daily life.
At first, I couldn’t quite put my finger on what made them so essential. I had always associated sandals with the warmer months, with beach trips and casual days spent lounging around in the sun. But as I continued to gaze at the rows of sandals, a realization began to dawn on me. These were the shoes I reached for the most, no matter the season. They were my go-to footwear for nearly every occasion—be it running errands, meeting friends for lunch, or even just hanging out at home. Sandals had crept into my life without me fully recognizing it, becoming a comfort I didn’t even know I needed.
Looking back, I can trace the start of my sandal obsession to the warm summer days of my youth. Growing up in a region where the sun shone nearly year-round, sandals were naturally a go-to choice. I remember my first pair of flip-flops—simple, casual, and oh-so-comfortable. As a child, I wore those sandals constantly, whether I was running around the backyard or playing at the beach. They were light, breezy, and allowed my feet to breathe, which made them perfect for the endless summer days.
As I got older, my affinity for sandals only grew. But what started as a seasonal obsession quickly turned into something much more permanent. I noticed that when the temperature dropped, I would still reach for my sandals, even when they weren’t necessarily the most practical option. On weekends, I found myself wearing them with jeans or casual dresses, and they always seemed to complete my outfit perfectly. But it wasn’t just about style—it was about comfort. The more I wore them, the more I realized that sandals were more than just shoes; they were an experience in themselves.
However, it wasn’t until one particular trip that I understood how deeply my sandals had embedded themselves into my life.
It happened last year, on a business trip to a city that was far colder than I had expected. I had packed all the usual winter essentials—coats, scarves, boots, and thick socks—but I didn’t think to pack my trusty sandals. It seemed silly to bring them, given the chilly weather, and I assumed they would be unnecessary for a few days of meetings and conferences. Little did I know, that decision would come to haunt me.
The first day without sandals felt like any other day, and I didn’t think much of it. But as the days went by, I found myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable. The shoes I had packed—sturdy boots and dress shoes—felt heavy on my feet. I was constantly adjusting my shoes, feeling stifled by the closed-toe design, and by the end of the day, my feet felt sore. I missed the lightweight freedom of my sandals. It was like something was missing. I had never realized how much I relied on them until I was without them.
During the trip, there were moments when I had to walk long distances—around the city for meetings, to the hotel for a quick break, or across the airport terminals to catch a flight. Each time, I found myself wishing I could slip into something lighter. My boots made my feet feel cramped, and my dress shoes didn’t have the same relaxed comfort I had become so accustomed to. Every step felt like a reminder that I hadn’t packed the one pair of shoes that would’ve made me feel at ease.
By the end of the trip, I had learned an invaluable lesson: I couldn’t live without sandals, no matter the season or occasion. When I finally returned home, the first thing I did was open my closet and pull out my favorite pair of sandals. The moment I slipped them on, it felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. The difference was striking. I could breathe again. My feet were free, comfortable, and at ease.
It wasn’t just about the shoes—it was about how they made me feel. Sandals had become a part of my routine. They represented comfort, simplicity, and freedom. They were the shoes I wore when I wanted to feel relaxed, whether I was lounging on a weekend or running errands around town. They were the shoes I put on when I wanted to be my most authentic self, not encumbered by the constraints of formal footwear or the weight of closed shoes.
The absence of sandals had shown me just how much I had come to rely on them. Without them, I felt off balance, as if a small but important piece of my comfort was missing. It wasn’t just about fashion—it was about feeling grounded and free. Sandals were the footwear that allowed me to go about my day with ease, and I never realized just how essential they were until I was without them.
Since that trip, I’ve made it a point to always pack a pair of sandals, no matter where I go. I wear them more than I ever thought I would, and I’ve even started to make them a part of my daily routine at home. There’s something about slipping them on that instantly lifts my mood. The simple design and lightweight construction allow my feet to breathe, and I can’t help but feel more relaxed when I wear them. Whether I’m walking around the neighborhood, grabbing coffee with friends, or simply lounging on the couch, my sandals are always my first choice.
It’s funny how a pair of sandals, something so simple, can offer so much. They give me the freedom to walk without pain, to feel the earth beneath my feet, and to embrace comfort without sacrificing style. I’ve come to realize that sandals are the epitome of a carefree lifestyle. They allow me to go with the flow, to be comfortable, and to feel grounded no matter where I am.
The lesson I learned from that trip was simple: don’t overlook what makes you comfortable, especially when it comes to footwear. We often prioritize style or practicality without realizing that comfort is equally important. For me, sandals have become a reminder that comfort is not something to be sacrificed for the sake of appearance or convenience. Instead, comfort should be a priority, and it should be part of everything we wear.
Looking at my closet now, I see my sandals not as a seasonal obsession, but as a staple of my wardrobe. I’ve learned that there’s no need to restrict them to just summer or beach vacations. They’re versatile, easy to wear, and they always make me feel good. Whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy one, sandals have found their place in my life.
The truth is, I can’t imagine my life without them anymore. They’ve become more than just shoes. They are my comfort, my freedom, and a constant reminder that the simplest things can bring the most joy. So, the next time I look at my closet, I’ll smile and think about how lucky I am to have something as simple and perfect as sandals to carry me through each day.