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A puzzle that celebrates footwear in every form, today’s Strands strings together words that cover casual, cozy, and classic shoes.
FOOTWEAR runs across the grid as the spangram, linking everyday staples like SNEAKER and LOAFER with seasonal styles such as ESPADRILLE and SANDAL.
A satisfying challenge for solvers who enjoy spotting patterns, uncovering words, and connecting the theme step by step.
It’s August 18, the latter half of the month, when Monday’s vigor has softened just enough to allow a puzzle to rest between tasks comfortably. The coffee is warm, inbox is buzzing, and room’s left for one small triumph before the day ends.
Today’s Strands celebrates shoes in all their guises, known, functional, and prepared for anything.
The topic? Shoes, as simple as you read it.
A theme is stitched together with words that step firmly into their meaning: no frills, fluff, just shoes.
If you’re new here, Strands is The New York Times’ daily 6x8 word search with a twist. Each grid hides a cluster of words bound by a theme. Spot one, and it lights up blue, a small triumph in the bigger picture.
In the center is the spangram, a single word horizontally or vertically, that binds the theme together. Sometimes it’s clear; sometimes it only becomes clear with the last click.
Stuck? Give the game three random four-letter words, which’ll provide a hint. But why ruin the fun?
FOOTWEAR, the binding step over the grid, connecting all the words.
SNEAKER, the comfort champion of everyday living.
SLIPPER, the snug home friend.
ESPADRILLE is light and airy and seasonally fashionable.
SANDAL is open and breezy and ready for warm weather.
LOAFER, classic and polished, handy.
CLOG, solid, reliable, and eternal.
Today’s NYT Strands wasn’t without its complex steps. SNEAKER and FOOTWEAR materialized early, leading the way, but ESPADRILLE pushed my patience, unfamiliar and elusive; it required some outside assistance. When FOOTWEAR materialized, the rest became automatic, each word a natural step across the grid.
A contented, measured resolution, granting one tiny triumph before the day continues, firmly on its feet.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints and Answers for August 16, 2025
