Practical but elegant sandals - do they exist???

[stringbean]

The warm weather is on it's way and I must abandon my beloved boots and again face the yearly dilemma of what to wear on my feet in the summer. Last year I wore either Teva type sandals or Birkenstocks, both of which tick the practical boxes, but are hardly elegant.

I'm looking for sandals that are low-heeled, without toeposts (they kill my feet)or a single strap across the front (I kick them off when I'm walking quickly and curl up my toes to keep them on), suitable for the school run which is a round trip of nearly two miles pushing a buggy (and chasing ds on a scooter). I'd love something a bit more elegant than my usual footwear - has anyone any suggestions please? It was quite hot today and I'm getting a bit desperate!! Many thanks.

Can you do wedges? at all? ever?

Actually Clarks have some not-bad-lookers this year in this kind of vein - many more on their own website but all flash so no links.

the weather is meant to turn -I wouldn't panic just yet.

ballet pumps for this inbetween time - see other thread x

Those are nice Mrs Badger. On an similar quest to Stringbean. Cannot do backless or toepost and tend to live in Converse or DMs. Anyone else got any ideas along Mrs Badger's lines for Stringbean (and me!)?
And how the hell do the rest of you manage to keep those backless jobs on when you walk?

Thanks for your replies. I've tried on ballet pumps but they look silly on me. I've got big feet (size 8) and I just look like I've escaped from a kids birthday party. I have tried wedges too, but honestly am not a fan - they just strike me as clumpy and clumsy looking (I remember them from last time they were in fashion too, which probably means I'm too old to wear them). It just seems that all the summer shoes are either of these two styles or 4 inch stilettos. Surely there must be something out there that would do?

Message withdrawn

I've just found these. Please be honest, are they minging? Because my style radar is out of order these days... here

depends on your foot shape - I couldn't wear ballet-type pumps or courts for years and thought I needed a strap for anything to stay on till I discovered how different different brands are.

Can't get over how rubbish the Clarks website is - the Japanese version is more use - have a look here . I especially like these

they're not bad stringbean - I'd pick a subtle colour though

Those aren't bad actually. Glad I don't live in Japan; LOL they only go up to size 6! I was thinking of the Varca ones in dark brown nubuck, with strap at the back and most of toes covered.

love those varcas with the wedge heel - the pewter ones look great. heel maintenance needed though!

Having said I don't like wedges, I actually like those ones too bossykate. Heel maintenance? Oh God, another part of my body to buff and polish - have a hard enough time trying to keep my toenails in order. See? Winter is so much easier - just hide everything under socks!

I like the Varca too.

Mmm I like those Varca wedge ones. My toes are horrible so those would be a good compromise.

Are these really for men?
varca for men range

Right,that's it. Decision made. I've ordered a flat pair of Varcas, and if the size is right, might even be tempted to order a wedge pair. Ermmm, I think they are for men, AuldAlliance, but only if you're a Mediterranean type that can get away with carrying something that resembles a handbag at the same time. Definitely not for your typical Brit bloke.

I think they look comfy ,although I have a feeling they'd flop about ,I find the strap like that doesnt stay on my ankle...must have weird feet.

Was tempted by some of these when we went to Menorca last year,they were everywhere! Must admit I did think they were the sort of thing you bough on holiday because everybody had them and then regreted once you got home?
Think british men would look v silly in them

stringbean - your dilemma is the same as mine in the shoe area.

What colour did you order?

I ordered the dark brown nubuck. Not sure if this was a good choice, but lots of the colours are a bit on the bright side, plus I've got big feet and tend to think pale colours make them look bigger (otherwise might have gone for something neutral, like bone). Perhaps I should post an update when they arrive! You make a good point, twojags, but I last went to Menorca in 1972 (I was 5) so will plead ignorance if it's ever pointed out to me!