Sandals are among the most ancient and universal types of footwear, and their poetic presence is vast, from the Bible to ancient Greek and Roman verse, and into modern travel poetry. Their simplicity—a sole and straps—makes them a garment of humility and natural ease, often associated with desert nomads, pilgrims, and philosophers. In love poetry, a sandal might be slipped off in a moment of intimacy. In pastoral verse, shepherds and peasants wear sandals, their feet dusty and bare between straps. In mythological poetry, gods and heroes are often shod in sandals, sometimes winged (as in Mercury's talaria). In contemporary poetry, sandals evoke summer, beaches, and casual living. Their open structure also allows for detailed description of the foot and ankle.

Sandals are among the most ancient and universal types of footwear, and their poetic presence is vast, from the Bible to ancient Greek and Roman verse, and into modern travel poetry. Their simplicity—a sole and straps—makes them a garment of humility and natural ease, often associated with desert nomads, pilgrims, and philosophers. In love poetry, a sandal might be slipped off in a moment of intimacy. In pastoral verse, shepherds and peasants wear sandals, their feet dusty and bare between straps. In mythological poetry, gods and heroes are often shod in sandals, sometimes winged (as in Mercury's talaria). In contemporary poetry, sandals evoke summer, beaches, and casual living. Related terms include shoes, slippers, and buskins. Students should note the sandal's associations with humility, travel, and classical antiquity.