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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to find sandals the hardest shoe to find

97 replies

MargoLivebetter · 13/05/2026 14:15

A bit of a whinge really and wondering if it is the same for other people. I find sandals so bloody hard to find.

Criteria
Leather
Comfortable
Look stylish - not orthopaedic or for the very elderly
Absolutely no velcro
Can't have a solid strap across the toes, as I have skinny feet and they are always too wide
Ankle or heel strap needed
No wedge heels
No high heels
Not completely flat either
No toe posts
No studs, sequins or anything sparkly

Realise that is a lot of criteria, but it must be possible!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
herewegoagian · 14/05/2026 08:14

villanova · 13/05/2026 21:38

I know you said 'no velcro', but the Trespass Kimbra sandals don't look orthopaedic/ velcro heavy - I have a pair in black, and they're really comfy for all day walking. Trespass have a number of styles/ colours, e.g. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/hiking/womens-walking-sandals/f-brandtrespass

Edited

I have these. They are incredibly comfortable.

Nearly50omg · 14/05/2026 08:36

Go into tkmaxx or try their website

TheGeordieKettlewitch · 14/05/2026 08:48

I have very narrow feet and tend to struggle with sandals, but I bought these Birkenstocks a couple of years ago and have never looked back. They do have a toe post (of sorts) which I usually hate, but they are incredibly comfortable and look really lovely on. They also have a narrow fitting option. https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/birkenstock-mayari-narrow-fit-black-sandals/1743377060/

watchingthishtread · 14/05/2026 08:51

Fit flop tend to be quite wide and the traps tend to be quite loose. They're worth trying on but I doubt they'll work.

MargoLivebetter · 14/05/2026 09:15

Thank you all for the ongoing suggestions. I am continuing my search!

Hadn't thought of looking on Mint Velvet @BeckyBloom but they have some nice options, so thank you for that. Quite liking some of their woven ballet flats...... much to ponder.

OP posts:
Roaminginthegloaming · 14/05/2026 09:16

@MargoLivebetter
Have a look at

www.josefseibel.co.uk

I have the Debra 19 sandals and they’re so comfortable! They look good when wearing a nice summer dress or wearing shorts.

Denim4ever · 14/05/2026 09:50

I have a narrow foot and high instep. I usually buy walking sandals with Velcro for getting to and from work (45 mins on foot) and for hols where it's a bit hilly. I get that they look like kids sandals but gives me a break from trainer type footwear for circs as above.

Smarter sandals I tend to go cheap for the same reason op is saying she's prepared to go more expensive. I basically only wear smarter sandals for evenings out or as indoor shoes once I get to the office. Deichman make very comfy bargain footwear. I've never had a pair of shoes, sandals, boots from there that weren't comfy. I like backless so hesitate to recommend a specific style, but they are well worth a look.

HatStickBoots · 14/05/2026 09:51

Vivienne1000 · 13/05/2026 18:57

A student recently said to me ‘ I can’t stand it when teachers have their cement grippers out’.
That has put me right off sandals for a while and may keep them for holidays only. I think it’s really hard to find gorgeous sandals - Boden do some lovely ones, but they are not cheap.

Cement grippers? What does it mean, please?

WeatherOrNothing · 14/05/2026 15:00

Roaminginthegloaming · 14/05/2026 09:16

@MargoLivebetter
Have a look at

www.josefseibel.co.uk

I have the Debra 19 sandals and they’re so comfortable! They look good when wearing a nice summer dress or wearing shorts.

These sandals are hideous

Vivienne1000 · 14/05/2026 15:38

HatStickBoots · 14/05/2026 09:51

Cement grippers? What does it mean, please?

I can only think your toes are out and nearly on the ground. Believe me teenagers can put you off everything….

CoffeeCantata · 14/05/2026 15:41

I once bought a pair of sandals from Clarks which were extremely frumpy and which I felt certain would be practical and comfortable. I tried them on and walked around the shop in them. No problem.

Once I got them home and walked further than a few steps, the ruddy things wouldn't stay on! They sort of worked their way down my foot, hurting my instep and coming off after a few paces. I tried walking outside in them and I just kept walking out of them on the street. Total waste of money and definitely something not right with the design.

likelysuspect · 14/05/2026 18:24

CallingKathleen · 14/05/2026 07:31

It’s not the hot feet it’s the hot rest of me, my normal footwear doesn’t go with what I wear when it’s really hot!

Well Ive got summer trainers and winter trainers and inbetween trainers, and shoes that will go with most seasons. I dont wear dresses or shorts but even then I think most footwear can be found to go with them that arent sandals.

CallingKathleen · 15/05/2026 13:53

Anyone else being haunted by ugly sandals after clicking on links on this thread?
These keep popping up..

AIBU to find sandals the hardest shoe to find
Tonissister · 15/05/2026 13:58

WeatherOrNothing · 13/05/2026 14:48

Yanbu. Why are women’s sandals so so ugly. If you ask for comfortable and stylish it’s baffling to me how you will be recommended Hotters, Tevas or something as you described (orthopaedic and for the elderly).
not to mention how so many of them look like toddler shoes with thick soles and straps.
I’m guessing the Moshulu recommendations is not what you’re looking for

My favourites for pretty and stylish yet comfortable sandals - Sezane, Bobbies, anonymous coppenhagen. Very pricy but they look gorgeous with anything

Thank you. I had never looked at Sezane sandals before. They are so much prettier than most but look like you could actually walk in them.

raspberrycordial · 15/05/2026 14:04

I know you said ankle or heel strap but I have these and I love them, used to be a width ‘c’ when younger so probably similar to you, the wide band across the foot hasn’t slipped so far, I love the look of them and coveted them for a good year before taking the plunge. I haven’t felt like a needed an ankle strap as they’re secure and while they came buckled on the middle hole, I haven’t had to tighten them (although that would be easy enough). They feel like luxury https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/freya-low-sandals/smooth-heritage-honey#size-2

Tonissister · 15/05/2026 14:09

HatStickBoots · 14/05/2026 09:51

Cement grippers? What does it mean, please?

I think it means very chunky sandals, as if you had blocks of cement on your feet.

MimiGC · 15/05/2026 14:42

Try finding sandals that have a closed heel because you need to always wear orthotics- it’s very difficult!

ILikeDinosaurs · 15/05/2026 14:56

These Gracies are much nicer. I have these are they go with everything

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1?crossSell=you%20may%20also%20like#592

BeachClub · 16/05/2026 19:52

Yes it's annoying. The sandals I actually like the look of are too heavy and rub me. The sandals that my feet will actually tolerate are also worn by my 90 year old grandmother.

My favourite pair are my Dunlops. Probably worn by older people but the leopard print pattern are my saving grace.

fantam · 16/05/2026 20:34

No sandals for me. I like to go barefoot in warm weather though, and I have a similar slip on backless pair like these, they are never off my feet during the Summer. For going out I use a pair of flats but a size bigger than normal and I add cushioned insoles since I think flats can be a bit "flat" to walk in and make me look like a duck unless I pad them out a bit! Anyway, something like these.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168373889655?_

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