NYT Strands Hints, Answers & Spangram for Jan 20 (#688)

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Jan. 20 (#688)

Need help with today’s NYT Strands puzzle? Puzzle No. 688, released on January 20, 2026, can be deceptively tricky—especially if you don’t know the names of shoe parts you use every day. Below are spoiler-safe hints, all confirmed answers, and the spangram path, laid out clearly for fast solving.

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🧩 Today’s Strands Theme

Theme: Sneak-ing around
Extra clue: On your feet

All theme words relate to parts of a shoe, from obvious sections to lesser-known components.

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🔓 Clue Words to Unlock In-Game Hints

To reveal theme words, find three valid words of four letters or more. These examples work (any valid ones will):

LOGS, SLOG, SLOGS, HOLE, SLOT, TAME, TAMES,
FAME, KICK, KICKS, STAMP, LACE

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✅ Answers for Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle

These are the non-spangram theme words hidden in the grid:

• HEEL
• LOGO
• SOLE
• SHOELACE
• VAMP
• TONGUE
• EYELET

Together, they cover both external and internal shoe components.

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⭐ Today’s Strands Spangram

Spangram: JUSTFORKICKS

How to find it:
Start with the J at the far-left letter of the top row, then trace straight down and straight across. Once found, every remaining letter on the board will be used.

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🧠 Strands Solving Tips

• When the clue hints at everyday objects, think of technical part names
• Long words (like SHOELACE) often snake across the grid
• Unlock hints early to avoid obscure vocabulary stalls
• The spangram usually captures the theme’s wordplay, not just the topic

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is today’s NYT Strands theme?

The Jan. 20, 2026 theme is “Sneak-ing around,” focused on shoe parts.

What is the spangram for today’s Strands puzzle?

The spangram is JUSTFORKICKS.

How many theme words are in today’s puzzle?

There are seven theme words, plus one spangram.

How do you unlock hints in NYT Strands?

Find three valid words of four letters or more anywhere on the grid.