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Original poster

That's it, I wore (supposedly comfy, correct-sized) new sandals for 10 mins today and my feet are shredded ...

76 replies

Steamedcabbage · 07/07/2013 20:45

I'm sick and tired of constantly having to strap them up and mince around painfully in the summer.

What in heaven's name does everyone wear on their stumps in this heat?

I'm nearly 50, have thin ankles (only bit of me that is thin mind you Wink) am generally rather porky, and my feet have kind of "spread" somehow ("like pancake mixture in a frying pan" as my 9 yr old dd so helpfully put it Confused).

All I want are some comfy shoes ...

OP posts:
Snoot · 08/07/2013 19:54

It's the best thing WhoKnows, great for if your feet swell or get really hot when you're out, no covering yourself with plasters as long as you get in there quickly, it stops the friction and therefore the friction burns or blisters Smile

Original poster
Steamedcabbage · 08/07/2013 20:02

Mumsnet is brilliant for essential info like this! Grin

OP posts:
WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 08/07/2013 21:05

It is isn't it costs me a fortune.

hollyisalovelyname · 08/07/2013 22:24

Ohh I have the Gabor Lanzarotes and they are lovely- helps too if you are heading for a bunion. I can't wear Birkies- my toes are too long!!! They go over the edge at the front. Love my Fitflops too. Both toe post and non toe post ones. I also have the boots. But I like a dressy shoe as well- Bisue Ballerinas come with a heel and are so pretty. Brand Alley do them from time to time. Rocket Dog wedges are so comfy. Crocs do a pretty ballerina style too.

Original poster
Steamedcabbage · 08/07/2013 22:27

How did you guess Holly? (about the bunion) Blush Thanks for yet more recommendations - much appreciated!

Grin whoknows

OP posts:
Rooble · 08/07/2013 22:32

I've got two pairs of Saltwater sandals from Toast this year. They look a bit Jesus-sandally at first glance, but look really good on. Good range of really bright colours. My feet are so wide that the edges of my wide Birkenstocks always crumble, but these Saltwater ones seem to adjust themselves to fit any foot (can't explain how!). Sorry am on phone and don't know how to do links. But I think they're brilliant so wanted to mention them!

mercury7 · 09/07/2013 01:07

Steamed, I guess it's just that the effects of being squished into shoes accumulate over time, although I've heard that feet spread as you get older, perhaps the tendons & ligaments thicken?

Whatever the case I've always been puritanical about footwear and will continue to only wear comfy wide flat shoes Wink

snoworneahva · 09/07/2013 06:26

I usually can't wear sandals either. Birkinstocks give me blisters - especially the non leather kind - which is mostly the only one they make now. Campers are in the cupboard - tried several times but never unblistered.
But I have discovered Saltwater and can't believe how good they are..I have bought several pairs and no breaking in, no blisters with any of them.

Mrsrobertduvall · 09/07/2013 06:39

Well today I have to go to London Sad and am wearing a slim jersey maxi skirt with my Nancy Remonte sandals.....comfy but not too frumpy. They are bronze and have a lovely padded sole.

I do wish shoemakers would think of style as well as comfort. I do not want to look like a Nana.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 09/07/2013 06:57

I've got the ballerina crocs, they are my gardening shoes, bought because they are waterproof (no holes), wide and less ugly than normal crocs (in case I accidentally leave the house wearing them). They are super comfy but no holes means they get a bit hot if you wear them too long.

thaliablogs · 09/07/2013 07:16

Anyone got ideas on Keene sizing? They say 41.5 is an 8.5 but I always thought 42=8. They look good

StupidFlanders · 09/07/2013 07:34

I just googled the saltwater sandals- they are so cute! Love the colours.

Original poster
Steamedcabbage · 09/07/2013 09:17

Loads more replies! Thank you! I hope shoe manufacturers are reading this thread ...

Mercury Yes - Sad at inevitability of spreading feet and thickening ankles ...definitely not enjoying some of the physical aspects of getting older!

Snoworn Rooble and StupidFlanders I've seen Saltwater sandals recommended elsewhere on Mumsnet, so I've looked at them before. Unfortunately, what with my thin ankles and triangular feet, I know they won't look good o me. Pity. But thanks for recommendation nonetheless!

Whoknows I have these for gardening. They are comfy but heavy. Definitely not a good town look! Grin I quite like the look of the smarter Crocs actually (whispers quietly so Mnsnet style police don't find out)

Hope someone on here can help you out Thalia

Off to Google Nancy Remonte ...enjoy your day in London MrsDuvall!

OP posts:
bishboschone · 09/07/2013 09:27

I have awkward feet . I wear Havaianas and fit flops in the summer. I can't wear Birkenstocks as they rub and I get the hump. I do have smart leather sandals for smarter times but can't really wear them for any length of time.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 09/07/2013 10:57

I wore the brand new Croc flip flops all day yesterday and they stayed super comfy all day. I tried Havaianas along side them in the shop but the Crocs were much, much more supportive and comfy. Very casual though.

MrsNoodleHead · 09/07/2013 11:01

My most comfortable sandals are from the Zara Girl range. They go up to a size 5 and have more padding than the adult equivalent.

Original poster
Steamedcabbage · 09/07/2013 12:21

Lucky you to be able to wear such a small size MrsNoodlehead Sadly, I have gone from a 38.5 to a post-pregnancy 39.5 and am now 40 heading for 41 in some brands ...

Will google Havianas, thanks Bishbosch

Good to know the crocs are so comfortable Whoknows I long for a shoe I can wear all day ....

OP posts:
bishboschone · 09/07/2013 12:41

I googled those crocs and try do indeed look comfy. I had some croc flip flops years ago and they were very comfy. It helps if there are no joins in the rubber.

hollyisalovelyname · 09/07/2013 19:47

The ballerina crocs are an awkward sizing though. The U.S. 7 is too small and the U. S. 8 is too big for me ??

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 09/07/2013 20:05

Mine are 8 and I take a 5.5 - 6 in UK sizes (39). They are fine for walking but too loose for driving, the heels slip off.

BestIsWest · 09/07/2013 20:28

I bought these Hush puppies last week.

They are incredibly comfy, have worn them to work every day since.

soupmaker · 09/07/2013 20:39

Another vote for Birkenstocks. I am 37 weeks pregnant and am living in mine. You do need to try on for size and width. They are the only shoes I can wear that are synthetic. I also wear them loose, as too tight and they will rub. The trick is to have a few pairs so you don't end up wearing the same pair everyday. I tramped round Barcelona in mine at 5 months pregnant and was fine. Am coveting Saltwater sandals but have a pair of Clarks Originals that are similar so can't really justify them. Did however get a pair of Ecco ballet flats in their sale - bliss.

Original poster
Steamedcabbage · 10/07/2013 10:12

Mmmm ... now have a good list of loads of shoes to try on when in UK ...

thank you everyone

Already have hush puppy loafers that are incredibly comfortable, might try some sandals too ...

Still making notes ...

OP posts:
Mockingcurl · 10/07/2013 10:44

Hair serum also works well as an anti rubbing remedy.

auldspinster · 10/07/2013 12:13

I've swapped sandals for plimsoles this year and am much comfier and my feet still stay coolish.

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