Let's see your non hideous sandals then!

[Lottapianos]

On every thread where someone posts a picture of sandals to ask for advice, theres always a chorus of 'hideous', 'granny', 'fugly' etc. So please share some photos of sandals that you think are nice, stylish, chic, non-stomach-churning, whatever. Bear in mind that many of us need sandals to be comfortable and suitable for lots of walking. I promise no snarky comments!

I found a few pairs that I think are both pretty but also look walkable-in.

More:

And these rainbow ones which will divide opinion but I guarantee there are MNers who will loooooove them!

FiremanKing

@ElspethFlashman where are the ones you have posted from? Not the rainbow ones but the ones in the photo below

A lot of the sandals on here are horrible anyway, I will just wear my many different Saltwaters and be gone.

Someone needs to set up a separate thread for non pretty walking sandals (not me). I agree (in the nicest possible way) with @AnotherEmma this thread was really meant to be about non- fugly sandals. Of course there's nothing wrong with a hiking sandal if that's what floats your boat but seeing as there's so much love for them maybe they deserve their very own thread.

Cross post - I see there already is one.

They're all different brands via ASOS, I tried to leave in the sandal name. I love ASOS cos it's free to return stuff and it's usually returned via petrol stations which you would be passing anyway so I tend to favour it.

The Juliette ones are lovely

Yy the Juliette ones, I can’t believe I missed this thread I love pretty sandals & always mean to buy some sensible comfy walking sandals but get sidetracked by sparkle & pretty colours, been having a sort out & have two boxes under the bed full of sandals (I think I may have a problem) some are a bit past it now & definitely need some tan, black & white pairs.

www.grenson.com/uk/willa-womens-sliders-with-ankle-straps-in-brown-handpainted-calf-leather.html

Which camp do these fall into?

S021

I think those fall under religious order wear.

I am currently coveting these. Am very over thin straps/gladiator/flats/metallic.

www.russellandbromley.co.uk/trick/236879

S021, I like those But they belong on an ugly sandals thread.

I love the Grenson ones but I do love a fugly sandal.

@Ellapaella those nice office wedges, are the maiden the too low version? Or the Hallie?

Bl**dy cookies, every time I come to this thread the lovely Jigsaw sandals are there at the bottom calling my name. Just had an email saying they're at the store ready for collection. Turns out the geox ones I bought upthread and have worn out were worn on the one day a year my feet were not swollen, tried on the other day and no hope of getting them on comfortably at all. Will have to eBay them.

@Elllllle it wasn't me who linked the Office maiden wedges. I think there is another poster with an almost identical user name @ellanotafella - maybe it was her?

Sorry @Ellapaella!!

Have just gone back thru thread and I think it was @ElspethFlashman!

Too many of us with similar-starting user names

The flat ones are the Hallie! Office have some sort of 20% off at the moment but I believe they exclude the biggest sellers like the highest version but you could have a nosy to see if the flats are included.

As far as the fugly / pretty divide goes I think this is complicated by the fact that there are several fugly brands that either are or have been fashionable, e.g. Tevas, Scholl, Birkies, Saltwaters etc. They are cool because they own their ugliness, they are unapologetic about it and are very functional (and saltwaters do fit in that because their flat sole is 'barefoot friendly' so are incredibly comfortable for lots of people and of course they can be worn for rockpooling).

To be 'pretty' I think a very flat sole is necessary for a flat shoe (heels are a law onto themselves) and so anything with cushioning is out and it's a key marker of unattractive sandals for me, the foot equivalent of an elasticated waist. It's all about showing off the foot so thin leather straps are necessary as well, plastic and elastic on a shoe is a no-no as is too much coverage. Although if you want cool rather than pretty the likes of the COS sandals upthread are good and have a bit more coverage.

TBH I think if you have foot issues like bunions or plantar fasciitis then it is going to be harder to get pretty sandals because pretty sandals are the shoe equivalent of string bikinis, they expose everything and there's nowhere to hide. So go for shoes with more coverage: mules or fishermen sandals or slingbacks or peeptoes. In the same way those of us with big boobs don't wear strapless dresses or plunging V necks. Doesn't mean you can't look fab.

And FWIW I choose fugly and have Yara and Gizeh Birkies and a pair of Saltwaters. My next sandals will probably be Ancient Greek Sandals but I'm currently down a white loafer rabbithole so am not thinking about sandals yet.

I think cushioned/comfy soles are acceptable as long as they're very subtle. IMO sporty or clunky soles are out.

I agree that leather straps are best, no plastic.

I don't think Saltwaters are fugly, they're leather sandals with flat soles - they're not everyone's cup of tea but they meet my definition of an acceptable sandal. (I don't own any, too flat for me.)

I agree with you on the others though. Birkenstocks are very comfy but their soles are way too comfy to be truly stylish or elegant, they are only cool because they're so popular.
I've been a big fan of Birkies for years and years and have worn my pairs to death but I've been favouring "daintier" sandals of late.