Help Me! Been told I have arthritis, help me find some sandals that aren't ugly?

[Nux]

I was told yesterday I have early arthritis in both hips. I'm only 40 and I walk a lot (not in a hiking way, in a means-of-transport way). I've been told that shoes with a lot of impact absorption will really help, as my joints won't jar as I walk. I'm currently wearing silver ballerinas that I can feel the floor through

I want sandals for the hot weather. I'm a bit obsessed with silver shoes. I had a little google yesterday and was faced with some staggeringly ugly shoes. I have no idea where to start looking for something that is both pretty and properly impact absorbing. Do any of you lovely ladies know?

Have you tried any Camper shoes? They usually have a slight heel raise which really helps with ankle discomfort and they have rubber soles.
The Micro come in different colours.

Oh and BigFatFeet, I am also evangelical about exercise in relation to my arthritis.
Building core strength in pilates and muscle tone has helped me with my mobility no end. I am a gym regular and I also swim as much as possible as it is so low impact on joints. The exercising has, I think, also helped me mentally deal with the pain and have a more positive attitude towards my mobility issues.

Thank you BigFatFeet that is very helpful for me. Also IdaBlankeship it's very encouraging to hear how exercise can help. Do you think you are able to take less medication because of the benefits of regular exercise?

How about these
www.amazon.co.uk/Papillio-Sydney-Leather-Metallic-Silver/dp/B00EA8GP2K/ref=sr_1_4?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1434146792&sr=1-4&keywords=papillio+sydney

Exercise is very beneficial BUT it can be very easy to overdo it, which for me means several days of recovery.
I think for me I find it's important to keep moving not necessarily doing 'exercise' but going for a short walk, taking the stairs not a lift on good days, doing some gardening, swimming with DS

I have arthritis in my middle toe (consequence of too much running) and now have to wear shoes that are completely flat and very very comfy indeed. Nightmare.

For summer, I'm addicted to Wolky Jewel sandals. They are Dutch, and sold in natural shoe-type shops and online. Brilliant for walking anywhere but especially good for summer in cities. I have four in various colours. Price is eyewatering (£99-110) but they are really, really worth it. They work really well with dresses for some reason, and I always get compliments when I wear them. There is a video here on the Wolky site.

For winter it's Fitflop Microwobbleboard boots. I can't wear the flipflop sandals but the chunky Mukluk boots are great.

This thread is fab. Am now following your board. I have a dodgy ankle and am always on the look out for comfy shoes. I'm considering another pair of sandals that I don't really need for Disney Paris next week. I'm deciding between The Esska Ink ones linked to upthread, or these Mephisto ones. I like the simplicity of the Esska ones, but am unsure if they are too flat for my poor put upon achilles. The others are red. This is a good thing but I possibly have too many red sandals. Those who have Esska - how do they fit? I have wide feet so sometimes need to size up. Same question about the Mephisto.

Gosh, didn't realise that this thread had kept going! I was planning on buying the Esska Ink ones that I linked but by the time I went to buy them on Mon they had sold out in my size . I then tried to buy some silver Mephisto Adelie but they don't seem to sell the silver ones in the UK anywhere

In desperation of needing something NOW I ordered these www.amazon.co.uk/Earth-Spirit-Jackson-Alpaca-UK/dp/B00S1CWTQW/ref=sr_1_13?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1434553828&sr=1-13

They are not as beautiful as the ones I had sought out but they are nondescript rather than ugly, and they were £30 and on Prime so I got them next day.

They are SO comfortable. I put them on when they arrived yesterday and didn't take them off again! Usually I go barefoot in the house but not in these shoes! I went for a decent walk in them too, to check, and they stayed comfy AND my hip pain, which has been at a steady level for a few weeks, is definitely reduced today. I can only assume that the bouncy shoes are responsible.

I've also ordered some Mephisto sandals (metallic but not silver - will have to see what they look like in real life) and a pair of Skechers GoWalk trainers. It's all thanks to your recommendations, lovely Mumsnetters! Thank you all!

If it's any consolation, I ordered the Esska ones, and whilst they're lovely, I'm not entirely sure they'll be as comfy as all that. I have been on my feet all day though, so probably not a fair verdict.

That is some consolation, thank you!

Nux I have many pairs of the Ecco sandals - all different variations and colours on the top but the trainer like sole is on all of them and they are fab! I can walk for hours in them and don't need my insole as they are shaped too

When choosing online look for a continuous sole from heel to toe...it is a sign that your foot will be supported better - and look for a slight chunkiness over a very thin sole too - cushioning is your friend!

The wedge sandal on your Pinterest page is similar to the crocs a-Leigh sling back - they are comfy too - with a leather upper

My insoles are from boots and are the orthaheel slim fit - I cannot walk without them (unless I'm in my crocs or ecco shoes) - they may see you through til you get your referrals. They do make shoes snug so always take them with you if you go shoe shopping

The original Crocs are great for use round the house/garden and are extremely comfy after a day in other shoes - not great to look at but you soon choose no pain over style when you have RA!

Be kind to yourself too - these shoes are more pricey than 'normal' shoes but you are so worth it and with RA it becomes an investment in yourself and long term health

Just reporting in from Disneyland Paris. I ordered the Mephisto beauty sandals, not classified as one of their walking sandals, but really attractive. They're wide fitting and it feels like lovely squishy foam on every step. I do have some soreness after a full day, but so have everyone else, so normal I guess! These are a definite winner.

Pilkokonos?! I think you mean:

Pikolinos

They are pretty comfy and I like the style too.

Some days I just wear my walking boots or trainers. Why should women wear dainty shoes?! My walking boots are my friends....

Clarks Hannah sandal is the most comfy thing I have ever worn - better even than my Birkies.
Great for impact absorbtion, and the D fitting is perfect on my wide feet ( would have thought I was an E at least).