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Original poster

Are saltwater sandals worth it?

78 replies

Fruityb · 26/05/2019 11:45

I want some nice sandals that won’t fall to bits like the new look ones I buy every year! I have Birkenstock’s but find they actually hurt my feet after a while as the arch support is just too high and hard - and I have high arches! I actually feel more comfortable in shoes that don’t have them in as weird as that sounds.

Anyway I’ve been eyeing up salt waters and wondered if anyone would recommend? Sorry if this has been done to death.

I walk a lot at work and like going out and about in the summer so would really like some I can wear all day.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Chartreuser · 26/05/2019 11:50

I do love my salties very much. But, and it's a big but, they are completely flat and have no give in the sole at all, your feet slap down hard on the ground. I find if I've got a day of big walks salties are good as they don't rub BUT I end up with achey knees/back etc so it's a trade off. Better if walking on grass/sand than pavements.

PottyPotterer · 26/05/2019 11:53

I've been eyeing them up too. Does anyone know do the straps at the back stay up? They don't seem to be adjustable and I've got quite narrow feet, don't want to end up with flipflops!

Rooftree · 26/05/2019 12:02

I echo pp re the flatness. They have no support at all and are like walking on concrete imo. I don’t have particular foot problems but I got rid of my salt waters pretty quickly because they were so hard and uncomfortable to the point of being painful

Hobbes8 · 26/05/2019 12:06

I find mine comfy. I’ve got a few pairs and they’re all pretty new looking despite being a few years old now. They recommend you put them on then submerge your feet in water and let them dry on you when you first get them, so they mould themselves to your foot shape. I’ve no idea if that works, but the straps of mine have never rubbed. They’re designed to be worn in the sea so when they get dirty they’re easy to clean and the colours haven’t faded.

They are completely flat though. It doesn’t seem to bother me. I wear them all day but probably not for hardcore walking.

vinegarqueen · 26/05/2019 12:08

I love mine. I walk for miles in them but agree the flatness isn't for everyone. The straps at the back stay up very well as pulled tight by the buckle. Be warned, do NOT size up from your normal shoe size - if they are too snug you need to soak them by putting them on and then wearing in the shower or something, then wear til they are dry (so I always wait til a hot day to break in a new pair). I have wide feet and this method has resulted in perfect fitting sandals.

Churchillian · 26/05/2019 12:09

I’ve found them to be comfortable despite the flatness. Also last well and no problems with the straps. The leather is quite stretchy so no problems with the straps rubbing. Had one pair for 5 years and the strap has just split near the buckle on one sandal after constant wear in the summer.

RedRiverShore · 26/05/2019 12:17

I have several pairs as I find them very comfortable, despite the flatness, I am tall though so never wear heels. They are 20% off at Office at the moment.

Original poster
Fruityb · 26/05/2019 12:21

Office is where I have been looking. I’m very tempted. I wouldn’t wear them if going on a long walk or hike but want some comfortable sandals I could have on all day if I was out and about.

OP posts:
RedRiverShore · 26/05/2019 12:27

They are not often on offer and often sell out in the more popular sizes so 20% off all the colours is good, I just bought some rose gold ones. I wear mine a lot round my local town and places like that, for proper walking on rough ground, I wear Tevas as the sole is thicker

Trumpton · 26/05/2019 12:57

I love my red ones . Yes they are very flat but I find them very comfortable for normal walking .
Here they are living up to their name !

Are saltwater sandals worth it?
Original poster
Fruityb · 26/05/2019 13:01

So with some birthday money and that money off they’ve cost me £30... I just ordered the white ones.

Is it a good idea to do the walking in water thing with them?

OP posts:
GreyBird84 · 26/05/2019 13:16

I adore mine. I only have one pair but I plan to start a collection! I don’t do heels anyway. They are sooo comfortable

Plump82 · 26/05/2019 13:19

I love mine but can only wear them for example to dinner in the evening on holiday. A while day wearing them and im in agony. As Chartreuser says its not even that they rub, they make my legs hurt.

Baxdream · 26/05/2019 13:21

I got some last year. They are so comfy but one of my friends made a comment that they're old lady shoes. I just don't think they suited me so I sold them

Dizzybet74 · 26/05/2019 18:07

I love mine - I have gold and they are sooo practical. When travelling I've worn them in the evenings to look dressy, all day out and about with shorts, and even rafting! I really want a red pair now too.

Snog · 26/05/2019 18:19

I bought two pairs and sold them on eBay - too flat and uncushioned to be comfortable for me 😖

Housewife2010 · 26/05/2019 20:08

There's £7.50 off them on the Saltwater website at the moment. This year's new Retro design is nice.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 26/05/2019 23:04

I have red ones but find them so uncomfortable. The stitching round the sole rubs horribly. I must stick them on eBay.

LaPampa · 26/05/2019 23:22

I love mine. I’ve 3 pairs, one of which is a slide style. Def soak them in water - I wear mine swimming on holiday sometimes which has made them super soft. I’ve never been bothered by the flatness and often choose them as a good comfy all day shoe. They are also great for London / city summers as good for rain & splashpools with young kids - as well as beach.

RubberTreePlant · 27/05/2019 01:15

Blowfish make the best flat, retro sandals. Very comfortable.

nancy75 · 27/05/2019 01:33

I’ve got 3 pairs, wore them yesterday & today for big days out (according to phone I’ve walked 14 miles over last 2 days) feet are feeling fine

rosesandcashmere · 27/05/2019 01:36

No

EmmaGrundyForPM · 27/05/2019 01:41

I've been tempted as well but have always been put off by the fact that they are so ugly.

Original poster
Fruityb · 27/05/2019 07:52

I don’t find them ugly! I’ve seen them on the Tilly and the Buttons models and on other places and think they’re cute!

I used to own a pair of Lotta from Stockholm sandals - the ones with the wooden sole. Ridiculously comfortable but got ruined when I wore them somewhere and it rained. I was so annoyed about that!

OP posts:
0ccamsRazor · 27/05/2019 08:02

I have been wearing saltwaters for 5 years, they are super comfy, but i like the feel of barefoot walking and thses sandals allow that feeling.