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What walking shoes or sandals do you wear that aren't fugly but are up to fit for purpose?

45 replies

daryldixonwonmyheart · 01/04/2021 22:00

I have Merrell Kahuna's and although they're comfortable I think they fit into the fugly realm of appearance. They're my second pair but I've been looking for alternatives. So far I've found Teva's but not much else. Some are quite nice but sizing seems a bit hit and miss and they're not cheap. Anyone used Birkenstocks for walking?

Anyone got suggestions? I walk alot all year round so change between boots and sandals depending on the conditions and the route.

TY.

OP posts:
Toomuchleopard · 01/04/2021 22:11

During spring and summer I wear trail running trainers for walking. At the moment I have Saucony peregrine which are very comfy and grippy and look nice.

ToManderleyAgain · 02/04/2021 06:28

Have you tried Teva sandals?

daryldixonwonmyheart · 02/04/2021 06:35

i've had a look at Teva online and the Universal Trail seem the ones best suited for walking but they're £85! I want sandals that won't chafe and give blisters and will have good grip etc so I'd pay for that. I could order some and send them back if they aren't right I guess.

OP posts:
ToManderleyAgain · 02/04/2021 06:38

Sorry, I hadn’t really noticed the price. Mine have lasted me years and years so cost/year would be very good value!

daryldixonwonmyheart · 02/04/2021 06:43

@ToManderleyAgain which ones have you got and were they true to size?

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FindingMeno · 02/04/2021 06:45

I walk a lot and have tried various walking sandals. Merrells are great, but I tend to plump for cheap footbed sandals with two straps across the foot for relatively even walking.
I honestly believe fugly isn't a think when it comes to walking sandals. They need to be rugged and practical, its apparent they're footwear with a purpose, and dainty and practical just don't go hand in hand.
I do admire Tevas though. They are the closest thing to good-looking and practical that I can think of.

Annoy · 02/04/2021 06:45

Keen do nice walking sandals

FindingMeno · 02/04/2021 06:47

Oh, and the footbeds I use are the same style as Birkentocks, and, as I say, absolutely fine on relatively even, unmuddy terrain. I walk for miles in mine, very comfortably.

MyBug · 02/04/2021 09:22

I think I have some karrimor sandals. They were cheap and support my foot very well.

bellabride · 02/04/2021 13:43

Well, I've read on another thread on here that Crocs are back!

daryldixonwonmyheart · 02/04/2021 15:17

@bellabride

Yes, so have I. And it's a no!

I think I might order a pair of Teva's and I can always send them back if they're not right.

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MoonGeek · 02/04/2021 15:40

I came on to say teva. Mine are called tirra, they have lasted ages.

AprilFoolaround · 02/04/2021 22:32

I love Teva sandals. I live in them spring to autumn. I've just bought these to replace the ones I've worn out. I have skinny feet and I love that these are fully adjustable. I walk a lot (104 miles so far this week) and find them very comfortable and supportive.

Teva Women's Terra Fi Lite Open Toe Sandals https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VQPW62W/ref=cmswwrcppapiglccfabc2JJ089ZZZ2JP3120QAEC?psc=1

AStrangerToHerself · 02/04/2021 22:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AprilFoolaround · 02/04/2021 22:40

Walking sandals aren't pretty. They are designed to be rugged and practical and support your feet. Pretty toe nails help balance them out Grin

daryldixonwonmyheart · 03/04/2021 07:54

Ah, well the thing I didn't say was that I have inherited bunions from my DM (thanks, Ma).

These are the ones I wear now as they cover the bump:

www.amazon.co.uk/Merrell-Womens-Kahuna-Sandals-Classic/dp/B004D9G4VS/ref=pd_di_sccai_4?psc=1&pf_rd_p=f45e6bfc-40b0-4749-aceb-1ea1cd205758&pf_rd_r=6Z8PY34AHR83RHK94S8G&pd_rd_wg=KEERu&pd_rd_i=B08JQK9X7B&pd_rd_w=p2V5u&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&pd_rd_r=a771e360-a306-4320-89c5-abf711d8e5e3

However, they give me a blister on the sole of my foot if i walk in hot weather, even if I use a chamois cream. And they're fugly!!!

I like the Keen's as well though. I haven't ordered any yet; it's between the Teva's and Keen I think.

OP posts:
daryldixonwonmyheart · 03/04/2021 07:58

I like the look of these which seem designed for walking:

www.teva-eu.com/women-sandals/universal-trail/192410748570.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI99P9p7rh7wIVaIODBx2V0A_UEAEYASABEgIJnvD_BwE

OP posts:
mdinbc · 03/04/2021 08:10

I have Birkenstocks and Teva. I have a leather 'dressier' pair of Teva's that need to be replaced, I believe I bought them 4 years ago. Have a look at Teva Ysidro Universal. I will buy another pair.

And yes you can walk in Birkenstock, but since they don't have an ankle strap they are not as sturdy for uneven pavement or hills in my opinion. Birks tend to be quite wide as well.

LadyEloise · 03/04/2021 08:15

Archfit Skechers. They give support, are comfortable and not too ugly Smile

Brugmansia · 03/04/2021 08:22

I've had some Teva Tirra for several years and they're great. Really comfy, walked loads in all sorts of terrain and look nice for walking sandals.
www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/womens-tirra-strappy-leather-sandals/4177.html

crystalize · 03/04/2021 08:25

The Clarks Tri Alexia look OK. Anyone tried these?

Snausageandmash · 03/04/2021 08:36

I wear Timberlands for walking boots (the leather ones not the completely aesthetic ones). They're don't look bulky, they're fully waterproof, and so comfy and light! Might be a bit warm for summer though

Roszie · 03/04/2021 09:01

I'd love some but they are all hideous. I'm hoping someone links a pair that aren't as bad as the others so far.

Buckingafout · 03/04/2021 09:08

The age old problem. I bought some cheap ones from mountain warehouse last summer which were very comfy, but they haven't lasted. I walk about 4 miles most days.

LoisWilkersonslastnerve · 03/04/2021 09:13

Nike to sports sandals, not pretty but a bit more modern looking.