NYT Strands Answers August 18, 2025 – Theme, Hint, Spangram

If the Strands puzzle for Monday, August 18, 2025 left you stumped, here’s everything you need: daily theme, word hints, spangram, and a complete answer list for a quick finish and fresh streak.

How NYT Strands Works

• Connect letters in a 6×8 grid to form theme-related words.
• Find the spangram — a special word or phrase that spans vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to unlock the puzzle’s central idea.
• No letter re-use between answers.

August 18, 2025: Theme and Hints

• Theme Clue: “If the shoe fits…”
• Extra Hint: Think about different types of boots and shoes.
• Hint #1: Another word for a trainer shoe.
• Hint #2: Light canvas shoe with a plaited fiber sole.

Today’s Strands Spangram

• Spangram (vertical, starts with “FO”): FOOTWEAR

This is the puzzle’s organizing principle, covering all types of shoes.

All Theme Answers for Today’s Strands

• CLOG
• LOAFER
• SANDAL
• SNEAKER
• SLIPPER
• ESPADRILLE

All are common foot coverings, ranging from dressy to casual and athletic.

Solve Strategy & Tips

• Start at grid corners—spangrams rarely go diagonally.
• If you hit a wall, use hints and try spotting the central category (here, shoes).
• Think literally: today’s theme was quite direct!
• (Espadrille is a shoe with a braided jute sole; sneaker is slang for trainer.)

Bookmark for your daily NYT puzzle guide: Wordle, Connections, Strands, and Mini Crossword answers all in one place to maximize your solving streak.

See you tomorrow for the next Strands challenge!