Sandals that look good but are also comfortable enough for walks of an hour or two?

[marcapola]

I get hot and sweaty far too easily and after a recent but very uncomfortable walk in jeans and a top, I've decided the way forward for walks is light dresses and sandals. But can anyone recommend any that look stylish but will also be good for walks of an hour or two? I'm in a new relationship with someone I very much want to hold onto so don't want to look frumpy but he also loves walking and I don't want to hold him back due to having blisters and foot problems (although he would never express any unhappiness as he is so lovely!).

Or alternatively, can anyone recommend any boots that would go with short and long summer dresses that I could go on walks in? Or should I start another thread for that?

From many, many years of travelling and backpacking in hot countries including outback Australia, you want Birkenstocks. Leather ones not the vegan pleather stuff.

Not Teva's. Because they're ugly and they sweat.

Earth Spirit ,. Range of colours and styles, very comfortable and if you have wide feet some styles have velcro straps for adjustability. Amazon and Qvc sell them but I buy them on eBay as well.
Also you can get specific walking sandals with adjustability also on eBay ,Amazon and Mountain warehouse website

All the walking sandals I've ever tried have made my feet sweaty and therefore, smelly AF. Except Birkenstocks, which absorb the sweat.

I'll check out Earth Spirit and Birkenstocks. Is it pretty much certain that the strap round the ankle won't rub and cause blisters if the brand's good and they feel like they fit when you try them on or can you just not be sure? I had a pair of Dolcis heeled sandals I bought for a school disco when I was 15 that have served me remarkably well on walks on holidays over the years and I've always wondered if it would be better to avoid a strap at the back and just get decent straps over the front but maybe this is silly?

I'll avoid Teva unless anyone comes along and says the opposite (quite possible given this is mumsnet!).

I love my saltwater sandals. When you first put them on they feel tight, then you step into water and they soften and mould to your feet. They are specifically designed to be able to get wet. They are made out of leather and are available in a range of colours. They are so comfortable and pretty.

I recommend reading the instructions for the sizing guide before purchasing.

www.salt-watersandals.com/eu-en/

Didn't know they did sandals - thanks Oceanbliss. Why do I need to check the size guide? I have ADHD and don't do well with extra unexpected steps in a task!

@marcapola They have their own size. There is a chart that shows the saltwater sandals size then along the same line the size in US, Uk, EU.

It’s pretty easy. You just choose the size equivalent to the UK size you normally wear.

Big fan of Teva sandals. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder and to think that mine are unobtrusive. Certainly cannot imagine how they could be thought to make me sweat ?

here

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-best-sellers/

Don't get saltwaters for walking. They're fine on the beach but have no grip and are hopeless on cobbles or uneven hilly surfaces.

For proper walking get walking sandals.
Mine are Merrells and have lasted three years, have a moulded instep and a proper shock absorbing sole.
And try walking shorts rather than dresses, so inelegant over ladder stiles…..

The current fashion for white trainers with a dress is also a good idea. Again, get really good ones you are meant to exercise in, and not plimsolls or converse as the foot support is really important .
You need proper wool walking socks, though, not cotton sports socks.

Is it sensible to wear a dress when walking?? What sort of walking are we referring to?? I would never dream of wearing a dress over uneven terrain with a back pack, never mind fashionable sandals!!!

Unless you are referring to casual stroll in a local park where you lay a picnic on the grass and pop to the pub on the way home...if so then Birkenstocks but not the Arizona style as I think they look frumpy/ugly. The mayari style look elegant (especially in white) and are very comfortable.

I can’t wear Birkenstock’s on long walks - I have a pair which I wear sometimes but if I wear them for long periods the strap rubs the top of my foot and blisters it really badly. They definitely fit, but I have sensitive feet.

I have a fila pair of sandals (not the trendiest things in the world) which are more functional and have a strap at the back. Super comfy.

The current fashion for white trainers with a dress is also a good idea.
It's really not a good idea. It's fashionable but very unflattering.

I've walked 22 miles in one day in Naot sandals, I keep buying over and over.

Saltwater sandals

Ecco also good. I always have a pair for holidays. We tend to do hours and hours of sightseeing and end up walking 10 miles a day.

I wear my saltwater sandals almost everywhere except on the beach as I love to be barefoot on the sand. I wouldn’t wear sandals for bushwalking or hiking either.

@marcapola are you referring to walking as in out and about going to cafes, that sort of thing or are you talking about nature treks etc?

@Clymene I have found compared to a lot of other sandals the saltwater sandals have fairly good grip.

Fitflop

[quote Oceanbliss]@Clymene I have found compared to a lot of other sandals the saltwater sandals have fairly good grip.[/quote]
They have totally flat soles and I slipped on cobbled streets in Mallorca wearing them.

I'm a fan of proper walking sandals though if you're doing proper walking. It depends on where and how the OP is walking I guess. A stroll around NT grounds is a different proposition to hill walking

Leather croc flip flops

I swear by the eva birkenstock or birkenstock style sandals.
So comfortable for walking and they really don't seem to make my feet sweaty, and don't get stinky.

I've got Merrell walking sandals - some of them are nicer looking than others!