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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask about shandals?

293 replies

LeaveTaking · 11/04/2025 07:29

I love a shandal, mountain warehouse particularly.

BUT! Is there an actual sandal you find comfy for all day walking in the sun?

Which might look a bit better with a summer dress…

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
Riaanna · 11/04/2025 09:37

LeaveTaking · 11/04/2025 08:10

I think I’ve found a gateway sandal to help me move from shandals. 😁

Why are you seeking out ugly footwear?

Riaanna · 11/04/2025 09:36

Er no one looks good in those. They are legit the ugliest shoes I’ve ever seen.

Purplecatshopaholic · 11/04/2025 09:35

Shandals! Oh my eyes! Never seen these before, and hope to never see these monstrosities again, lol. Off to Google beautiful footwear websites to get over my attack of the vapours.. Hope you find what you seek op!

XiCi · 11/04/2025 09:35

Holy shit. I googled shandles and they actually make me feel a bit sick and I'm not even exaggerating. Why would anyone wear them? Just no need.

Vegemiteandhoneyontoast · 11/04/2025 09:29

They look okay but the first thing that comes to mind is that if you're out walking they'll get loads of bits in them and you won't be able to shake them out like you can with sandals and will have to take them off. Rinse and repeat.

MargoLivebetter · 11/04/2025 09:28

I bought a pair of these https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/lulu-adjustable-leather-sandals-p-ES6#592 last year and they are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned. I walked 10 miles in them (not exaggerating) in 35 degree heat and there was no rubbing or discomfort at all. I have nightmare feet with bunions, thin foot pads and arthritis and these were brilliant. I don't think they look too disgusting either.

Women's Lulu Adjustable Back-Strap Sandals | FitFlop UK

Enjoy everyday comfort in our Lulu adjustable sandals with a back-strap. Super stylish, these sandals are your go-to summer footwear.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/lulu-adjustable-leather-sandals-p-ES6#592

Orangejuiceisgood · 11/04/2025 09:25

Shoes for comfort and style…
Walking in the country - walking boots
Walking in urban areas - trainers
Walking in a beach - beach shoes (which you do not wear walking to the beach)
Walking in snow - snow boots

I am also what would be an outdoorsy person but the phrase is really wanky. There’s rarely a reason to not try and be stylish.

Frozenpeace · 11/04/2025 09:24

LeaveTaking · 11/04/2025 07:29

I love a shandal, mountain warehouse particularly.

BUT! Is there an actual sandal you find comfy for all day walking in the sun?

Which might look a bit better with a summer dress…

I can live in my saltwater sandals, so comfortable. And I think they look ok too

gavisconismyfriend · 11/04/2025 09:23

Merrells hiking sandals, super comfy, designed for walking

EarlofShrewsbury · 11/04/2025 09:22

curious79 · 11/04/2025 08:24

I can see you all now eating your boiled egg sandwiches on a bench

This made me laugh out loud.

Trumpsgoneloco · 11/04/2025 09:19

@TequilaAndPickles A lot more support than a flip flop. these are my walking shoes but I don't climb mountains for hours.

LeaveTaking · 11/04/2025 09:18

BeatleBattleInABottle · 11/04/2025 09:16

I agree shandals are not the most attractive looking (and what a daft name!) but half the sandals being posted wouldn't last five minutes if you're properly walking. They are fine for a wander (although I'd even question that for some of them) but proper walking all day, nope and if you're walking somewhere a bit gravely or dusty, you'll be taking them off every 5 minutes to remobe stuff from your shoes

OP I don't know what the answer to get something as practical as a shandal but less ugly.

I actually think sticking to my walking sandals. There are some nice ones which have been posted which are a bit on the prettier side so I’ll give them a go.

Upgrade my not quite shandals.

OP posts:
Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 11/04/2025 09:17

I am a cheapskate with bunions that mean my shoes rip around the sides after six months wear, so my walking sandals came from Cotton Trader. My main aim is that I can walk long distances in them, and they fill this brief. I did wear them with a dress last year on holiday and the photo (with my kids) is my home screen and i have to avert my eyes from my feet. But then, because of the bunions, nothing is going to look great anyway.

But they are cheap and cheerful and I don't mind them getting ruined.

LeaveTaking · 11/04/2025 09:17

Conqueeftador · 11/04/2025 09:11

I’m another lover of Keens. I’ve got a few pairs of their sandals, some of their walking boots, and their regular shoes. Most comfortable and hard wearing footwear I’ve ever had. I’m in my 50s though, and gave up giving a shit what anyone thought of how I look years ago (really wish I had had that epiphany in my 20s rather than my early 40s). Got my first pair of their sandals when I was in Australia for 6 months. Pretty much all I wore the whole time I was there they were so comfortable.

They have loads of styles/colours, and are worth the price imo as they are so hard wearing.

I love this and maybe I should just continue to embrace my walking sandals. Thank you.

I might buy a pair of sandal sandals for some occasions though.

OP posts:
BeatleBattleInABottle · 11/04/2025 09:16

I agree shandals are not the most attractive looking (and what a daft name!) but half the sandals being posted wouldn't last five minutes if you're properly walking. They are fine for a wander (although I'd even question that for some of them) but proper walking all day, nope and if you're walking somewhere a bit gravely or dusty, you'll be taking them off every 5 minutes to remobe stuff from your shoes

OP I don't know what the answer to get something as practical as a shandal but less ugly.

Jessbow · 11/04/2025 09:16

Sportsdirect- Cotswolds

TequilaAndPickles · 11/04/2025 09:15

Trumpsgoneloco · 11/04/2025 09:08

I have got these

I like these but they're sandal/flip flop type things.

Wexone · 11/04/2025 09:15

MellowPinkDeer · 11/04/2025 08:41

I promise you. These do not go with dresses.

100 percent unless your my 80 year old mother in law

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 11/04/2025 09:14

Functional shoes are very different from fashion shoes. If you need function then buy something that works. Then when you want to look pretty then buy something that looks pretty.

henlake7 · 11/04/2025 09:13

I hadnt heard of shandals before but.......wow!
I actually kinda admire them, like when you see a really ugly dog. I didnt know a regular shoe could be that hideous!

AchillesAndPatroclus · 11/04/2025 09:13

fairislecable · 11/04/2025 08:39

I agree with TaggieO , Teva are really comfortable and hard wearing and this style is lighter and goes well with dresses:

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/womens-tirra-strappy-leather-sandals/4177.html?dwvar_4177_color=CRBO

FWIW I have an earlier version of these, without the hiking-style soft back, the back is just the same flat brown leather as the rest of the sandal, and so they look more like normal shoes.

They are super comfy and supportive and I thought I’d get a lot of use out of them but… I never seem to choose them to wear them out with dresses/skirts.

I always look in the mirror and ditch them for a pair of normal, more attractive sandals.

TequilaAndPickles · 11/04/2025 09:12

butterpuffed · 11/04/2025 09:00

I agree,they're vile, open trainers . so they should be called trandals .

Trandal is possibly worse, they're all hideous anyway so I won't be wearing them.

Dueanamechange2025 · 11/04/2025 09:12

Skechers sandals are super comfy and not too awful looking. Would be perfect for pottering round town, probably not for hiking.

Conqueeftador · 11/04/2025 09:11

I’m another lover of Keens. I’ve got a few pairs of their sandals, some of their walking boots, and their regular shoes. Most comfortable and hard wearing footwear I’ve ever had. I’m in my 50s though, and gave up giving a shit what anyone thought of how I look years ago (really wish I had had that epiphany in my 20s rather than my early 40s). Got my first pair of their sandals when I was in Australia for 6 months. Pretty much all I wore the whole time I was there they were so comfortable.

They have loads of styles/colours, and are worth the price imo as they are so hard wearing.