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

[daryldixonwonmyheart]

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.

I bought a pair of merrill Jacardias (or actually they might be the "terran lattice") last year and they were great for walking the SW coastal path in dry weather. I suspect the fugly nature of hiking sandals comes from the sturdy sole, which they need to be functional, so I just embrace it.

For hiking in the rain I have a pair of low-cut merrell waterproof boots - the kind that look like chunky trainers.

Timberland boots
Sketchers Walk trainers /new Balance ones
Fitflops for the summer. I can walk for miles in them

What about some barefoot running sandals?
www.footworksrunning.co.uk/collections/luna-sandals/products/luna-origen-flaco-leather-buckle-lace

I have THESE and do a lot of miles in them. I own border collies!

Those Teva Tirra look quite good, not nearly as chunky as my Merrells.I also saw a fab looking pair of Teva walking boots for next season when my Scarpa's will need replacing.

But those Vivo Barefoot though!! I can't imagine walking in them.

I think it looks as though we have to accept, if not embrace, the fugly for the sake of walking for fitness.

Honestly, all walking sandals are fugly. Even tevas. The non-walking ones are fashionable, but they're fashionable BECAUSE they're fugly!

Go for sturdy and comfortable walking sandals and buy a separate more attractive pair for less vigorous activity.

@Toomuchleopard

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.

What are these like on hard/wet surfaces? My biggest paranoia about walking shoes is that they don't always cope well when 'on the road' rather than 'off road'! Thanks

Not walking sandals but I can walk miles in Valia Gabriel sandals.
The best ones were pink gin, but I can't find them anywhere now. I have three other pairs though and they're all good for walking

This sort of thing

suststyle.com/collections/valia-garbriel/products/valia-gabriel-haena-sandals

I got these last year. Regatta Women's Lady Santa Cruz Open Toe Sandals https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DG1J74Q/ref=cmswwrcppapiglccfabc50F9YMYF58WNDPAXYP6Q??encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Worn in the sea, beach, and country walks. Incredibly comfortable but quite tight around the toes so you need to size up a bit

I have a pair of Pikolinos sandals. They are amazingly comfortable because they have cork soles, and are well-made. They aren't the most chic, but I find them more attractive than Merrill. They aren't these, but you get the idea:

www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/sandals-c4/wedge-c79/mahon-womens-wedge-heel-sandals-p39259#attribute%5B1%5D=97

[quote daryldixonwonmyheart]@ToManderleyAgain which ones have you got and were they true to size?[/quote]
I bought them so long ago that I can’t remember about sizing I’m afraid but the closest style are these ones: www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-sandals/terra-fi-lite-leather/1012073.html?dwvar_1012073_color=BLK If I could buy the same ones again now I would!

Like these?

gb.ecco.com/en-GB/Women/Shoes/product/5642843335/ECCO-CORKSPHERE-SANDAL

Or those
gb.ecco.com/en-GB/Women/Shoes/product/5637144745/ECCO-OFFROAD

Tevas all the way.

I have 2 pairs of these in cream and blue. The least fugly that I’ve found!

www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/terran-lattice-ii/48325W.html?dwvar_48325W_color=J55316#cgid=merrell-sandals&prefn1=genericSizeType&prefv1=W&start=1

@mdinbc

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.

You can get Birkenstocks with an ankle strap.

I wouldn't want to walk on really uneven ground in my Birkenstock Madrids but something like the kumba or Kairo would be pretty practical.

The problem with a lot of these styles is the positioning of the toe strap if you have bunions. I'm the same, I have bunions and I have the same Merrell sandals as you OP. If you are going to have ones with a toe strap, I think you need something like the neoprene lining to protect your bunions.

I had some very similar to these and they lasted years and were extremely comfortable.
www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/terran-convertible-ii/23141W.html?dwvar_23141W_color=J98744#

This fucking thread has just made me buy a pair of Teva sandals off Amazon for £15!!!!

They actually have them in a 3 for £9!!!