Need help with the Monday, August 18, 2025, NYT Strands puzzle? It’s game #533, themed “If the shoe fits …”. Start with the gentle clues below and stop before the spoiler section if you want to keep solving. The complete answer key is farther down.
Hints for August 18
Start with the theme
The theme is “If the shoe fits …”.
A more direct clue
Forbes offers this additional nudge: You probably wouldn’t want to leave home without ’em.
Use the in-game hint button
In Strands, finding three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlocks the Hint button, which highlights the letters of a theme answer. The helper words reported for this puzzle are CLAP, LOCAL, REPLIES, STILL, WIRE, and SPADE. They unlock hints; they are not answers.
Spangram clues
The spangram has eight letters. Its reported path touches the top edge in column three and the bottom edge in column five.
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How to play Strands
Strands is a word-search puzzle on a six-by-eight letter grid. Connect letters vertically, horizontally, or diagonally; a word can change direction as you trace it. Find the theme words and the spangram, which describes the shared theme and links at least two sides of the board.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Full answer key — spoiler
Stop here if you want to solve the puzzle without seeing the answers.
Spangram
FOOTWEAR
Theme words
- CLOG
- SNEAKER
- ESPADRILLE
- SLIPPER
- SANDAL
- LOAFER
The order in which answers appear can differ between solution guides; these are the six theme words and the spangram.
Quick Recap
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