Sandal with a bow

A sandal with a bow is the sort of shoe people buy for the look first, then for the walking. By our assessment, the bow gives it a dressier, more finished feel than a plain sandal, which is why it shows up so often in warm-weather outfits and occasion wear. The drawback is built into the shape: anything decorative on an open sandal can be fussy, and comfort depends heavily on the sole, straps and fit rather than on the bow itself. In practice this is a light, seasonal shoe, easy to pair with skirts, dresses or simple trousers, and usually chosen as much for style as for coverage. It sits between everyday flat sandals and more formal summer shoes, not trying to be sporty or rugged. That makes it a neat visual choice when the outfit matters more than hard-wearing use. The best version of it is the one that stays on the foot without constant adjusting.