A sandal is a light, open shoe that straps onto your foot, leaving most of it exposed to the air. Unlike sneakers or boots that enclose your whole foot, sandals typically have a sole that protects the bottom of your foot and straps that hold the sandal in place across the top or around the ankle.

Sandals are among the oldest types of footwear humans ever invented, with examples found in ancient Egyptian tombs over 4,000 years old. People have worn them throughout history in warm climates because they keep feet cool while still protecting them from hot sand, rough ground, or sharp rocks.

Today you'll see many styles: flip-flops with a simple strap between the toes, sport sandals with multiple adjustable straps for hiking, and dressier sandals for special occasions. Some people wear sandals all summer long, while others prefer them only at the beach or pool. The word can also describe a sandaled foot, like when you notice your friend's sandaled feet getting sandy at the playground.