sand-shoes
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Footwear for sandy terrain: "sand-shoes" are lightweight shoes, typically with rubber soles, designed for walking on sand, especially at the beach. They are often made of canvas or other breathable material and are intended to protect the feet from hot sand, sharp objects, or moisture while allowing for comfort.
Usage Examples
- (Lightweight shoes suitable for walking on sand.)
- (Footwear designed for sandy environments.)
Advanced Usage
- "sand-shoes" in historical contexts: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, "sand-shoes" referred to a type of casual, lightweight shoe worn for seaside holidays or sports, often with a rubber sole and canvas upper.
- Victorian tourists often wore sand-shoes while strolling along the promenade. (Historical use of the term for beach footwear.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sand shoe (n, singular): a single shoe of this type.
- I lost one sand shoe in the surf. (One piece of the footwear pair.)
- Sandal (n): a type of open-toed footwear, distinct from sand-shoes, often worn in warm weather.
- She prefers sandals to sand-shoes for a more airy feel. (Different style of footwear.)
Synonyms
- Beach shoes: footwear specifically designed for use on sandy beaches.
- Aqua shoes: water-resistant shoes often used for activities in wet sand or shallow water.
- Plastic shoes: a broader term for inexpensive, durable shoes worn at the beach.
Related Idioms
- "To walk in someone's sand-shoes": an informal phrase meaning to understand another person's experience or perspective, akin to "walk in someone's shoes."
- Before you judge him, try walking in his sand-shoes for a day. (Empathize with his situation.)
Additional Notes
- The term "sand-shoes" is less common in modern usage, having been largely replaced by "beach shoes" or "water shoes." It is often found in older literature or in regional dialects (e.g., British English).