If you are perusing this, you’re in search of some help with Strands, the New York Times’ innovative word-search game.

Strands challenges players to rethink the conventional word search. Words can be created from adjacent letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, and they can also vary direction, forming distinctive shapes and patterns. Every letter in the grid contributes to an answer. There is always a theme linking each solution, in addition to the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing a vague hint and omitting the word list, Strands offers a mind-bending experience that requires a bit more time to complete than its other games, such as Wordle and Connections.

If you’re at an impasse or don’t have 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the NYT Strands hints for today’s challenge to assist you in advancing at your own pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: If the shoe fits…

The words are related to clothing.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly articulated

These words refer to items worn on the feet.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today’s spangram is Footwear.

NYT Strands word list for August 18

– Sneaker
– Sandal
– Loafer
– Footwear
– Slipper
– Espadrille
– Clog

In search of other daily online games? Mashable’s Games page features more hints, and if you’re seeking additional puzzles, Mashable has games available now!

Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you’re looking for? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.