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Original poster

What do you wear on your feet in the summer if you don't like strappy sandals?

45 replies

Psipsina · 22/03/2015 14:49

This seems to be a never ending problem since Dr Martens stopped making anything remotely attractive Sad

I am fairly active and really not particularly decorative, and therefore don't like wearing skinny little sandals with beads etc and very flat soles. Toe posts make my toes hurt too.

I like a thicker sole, comfortable for walking, a bit like a shoe but with some space for my feet to breathe Smile probably involving some buckles and so on.

Tried saltwater - too flat, though better than some, and didn't fit properly.

I can't find anything that's not either very decorative or very erm, not sure how to put this but those ones that monks wear.

Has anyone found a happy medium?

OP posts:
RoganJosh · 22/03/2015 14:53

Mostly trial and error for me. I do ok on Birkenstock types though, so tend to have a pair of those on the go.
I can usually find one pair each season of something else in Next.

Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 15:01

Will try Next! Thanks. I have some Birkis but they are the single strap sort and keep falling off Smile Maybe back strap would be better.

OP posts:
tethersend · 22/03/2015 15:07

Yokono sandals are fab- robust, comfortable and lightweight.

RoganJosh · 22/03/2015 15:08

There are a few in Clarkes that look ok. I am sometime lucky in M & S too.

museumum · 22/03/2015 15:09

Teva Merrel and Reef all do leather versions of their travel sandals which are more acceptable when not travelling :)
Mostly you need to hunt online though as I've not seen them in the shops.

MartinRohdesBellybuttonFluff · 22/03/2015 15:12

Fly London could be right up your alley. Some think they are fugly but they come in lots of styles & colours and are very comfortable.

Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 15:25

Thank you

I've been looking at Merrell and Keen sandals but they are walking ones, and a bit ugly tbh though I'm warming to them.

Leather ones sound nicer.

Thanks Tethers will check out your link.

OP posts:
TheGirlOnTheLanding · 22/03/2015 15:30

I second Birkenstocks. The single strap and toe post ones don't work for me either but I love Mayari style ones. So comfy.

Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 15:33

I'm leafing through Fly London on Amazon and a lot of them are gorgeous, but most seem to be very big wedge heels?

I think I'm just really fussy Smile

OP posts:
Ihateparties · 22/03/2015 15:51

Fly do some nice ones, I had these last year, they are very much a barefoot style sole though so if you don't find totally flat comfortable they won't work. I second yokono for flattish but not super flat, v small wedge etc.

HungryDam · 22/03/2015 15:51

Birkenstocks here too Smile

MartinRohdesBellybuttonFluff · 22/03/2015 15:56

OP, re: Fly, I can vouch that the likes of the Yuna / Yana are very comfortable for walking in. There are some very big platformy looking ones (like the Gola or Beau) which I don't know about, haven't tried them!

Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 15:57

I quite like those, Parties. Lovely colour.

OP posts:
geekaMaxima · 22/03/2015 16:08

I love Birkenstock Gizeh myself, but their Papillo brand has recently come out with wedge-style sandals.

They look a lot more delicate than the usual sole, if you're into slightly heeled sandals.

traviata · 22/03/2015 16:09

I like ecco sandals, very comfortable and much tougher than they look.

Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 16:30

Oh yes - I hadn't seen those papillons! And I like Ecco shoes in general, the 'Flash' sandals look lovely.

I think I have found something though - ordered these from La Redoute which seems to be about the only place that sells them now. I don't know if they are an old model or something - Zalando has a few sizes too but not mine.

I'll see how they turn out - bit ££ but I used a discount code.

Thank you very much for the brainstorming sesh Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Psipsina · 22/03/2015 16:31

Hmm link is camel - I got the dark brown. They also do the Kickers Ana in red which looks lovely, but I couldn't afford both!

OP posts:
oigetoffmycheese · 22/03/2015 16:43

Toms. I love my toms. So comfortable and not hot at all.

KissyBoo · 22/03/2015 16:57

HOw about Art Company ones?

Agree Birkenstocks mayari are the best they do.

Re Fly London - look at their low wedge styles like oily.

babybarrister · 22/03/2015 17:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

specialsubject · 22/03/2015 17:42

lightweight trainers, very occasionally flip flops - but never in town where bare toes are silly. If it is real walking, then real walking shoes; even in hotter climates than the UK I wouldn't wear hiking sandals as too risky.

can't bear the fragile sparkly nonsense, and last time I looked for summer shoes they were either silly ballet pumps or only available in some ghastly pinky/beige colour.

Chewbecca · 22/03/2015 17:43

I recently bought these fly sandals, might they fit the bill?

marymouse · 22/03/2015 17:57

I really like clarks originals, sooo comfy but quite stylish too