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Original poster

I have wasted so much money on "comfortable" sandals

224 replies

Bluemuf · 14/05/2023 17:59

Over the years. I end up with sandals that are neither pretty/stylish nor properly comfortable by trying to get something that fit both bills.

But these are OK? I think?

https://www.debenhams.com/product/gabor-yeo-wedge-mid-heel-sandals_p-d71cde03-660e-40bd-b119-b93a06d45913?colour=gold&size=7.5&istCompanyId=76f7277d-6e78-4dc2-aaff-1eb77fae16b0&istFeedId=258a4886-8f3c-47ef-9369-d1eda8d84501&istItemId=pqqpqtxaq&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAjwjYKjBhB5EiwAiFdSft8mqbDGjyMQQSi4YvoyW1WmUjYvJSPLUZIVxTeTJbljHvGyM3jNOBoCcu8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

OP posts:
Thread gallery
28
dizzydizzydizzy · 15/05/2023 20:29

Ecco is always my go to for super comfy
But also presentable.

For walking around the countryside I wear Keens.

laloue · 15/05/2023 20:37

I have Gabor Yeo in the white , have had them a couple of years (I’m only just 50 and am pretty confident I don’t dress like someone’s Nan in the 70s). They are comfortable to wear most of the day walking around a city, look nice enough with a shift dress to go out in now and then on holiday, would I choose them if I didn’t get a staff discount on them? Probably not. Also have fitflop gracie and Birkenstock gizeh …both good but different types of wear and comfort . Go to a real shop if you can and try a few on because one man’s meat and all that…

TheMoth · 15/05/2023 21:09

I wonder if it depends on how much padding your feet already have. I stand up all day in work. I feel like I've worn my feet away. I struggle in converse, as I feel like I'm slapping the ground. Saltwater always look like you'd feel every stone.

JenWillsiam · 15/05/2023 21:10

Sorry but they are as far from stylish as you can get.

JenWillsiam · 15/05/2023 21:12

Wexone · 14/05/2023 19:39

ps my father has to see a foot specialist and he has specifically told him to stay away from sketchers. the support is not there at all and badlye made he says. sees so much damage from them

Both my sons physio and my ortho said the same.

tomorrownevercomesagain · 15/05/2023 21:45

I haven't been through all of these but there are A LOT of old lady sandals on this thread!!

Op, they are awful!

Original poster
Bluemuf · 15/05/2023 21:49

It think many of the examples posted here are exactly what I was.posting about. They're almost all ugly and if they're not quite as ugly as the ones I've posted they're not quite comfortable either.

There is no middle ground. I think you need to own it and do it properly.

Gladiator sandals are surely not the thing? I have some reasonably comfortable gladiator sandals but I stopped wearing them a long time ago. To my eyes the chunky ones I posted are far more modern!

OP posts:
PaltnSepper · 15/05/2023 22:20

So those of you saying that these are far from stylish etc, what exactly about them is the problem? Can you explain what it is that is so awful about them and what would make them better? Because they don't look so different to my eyes from lots of the other ones people have posted! I tend to find Gabor quite comfortable compared to other brands - I am sure that the things that make others uncomfortable are different for everyone but I have tried lots of the others here and got lots of blisters from every bit of strap or stitching or lining or whatever - but even amongst Gabor there is a variety of styles, and I don't know what is even closer to being stylish or not.

RampantIvy · 15/05/2023 22:40

My issue with a lot of the more comfortable brands is that they are only available online. I have such awkward feet that I always end up trying on several pairs before buying. I bought some new trainers last week, and I lost count of the number of different pairs I tried on.

Original poster
Bluemuf · 15/05/2023 22:48

Catspyjamas17 · 15/05/2023 15:40

@Bluemuf IMO these are a more stylish version of the sandals you linked to in the OP. I bought two pairs of Fitflops in 2017 and have worn them to bits and they are still going strong. The floral slides have just faded slightly as I've been in the sea with them and have some pink sparkly ones which still look like new and I wear them so often in summer. At the time with plantar fasciitis they were the only sandals I could wear comfortably. I don't have it now but a lot of the sandals on here would be too flat for me to wear all day, whereas the Fitflops are like wearing trainers with arch support.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/lulu-adjustable-metallic-leather-slides-p-ES7#675

I much prefer the Gabor ones and these aren't similar anyway. Being sliders ruins them from a comfort/practicality pov, which is the whole point.

OP posts:
DorritLittle · 15/05/2023 22:53

I saw your sandals in a shop earlier OP and they are really nice.

Simianwalk · 15/05/2023 22:53

ElmTree22 · 14/05/2023 18:47

Birkenstock's are the most comfortable shoes known to mankind 😍

I find them like walking on blocks of uncomfortable wood whilst sticking a needle in between your toes. Literally hate them.

WhereAreWeNow · 15/05/2023 23:24

I'm the same @TheMoth . I really need cushioning. Saltwaters feel like walking barefoot to me - not in a lovely skipping through daisies kind of way. Same with any flat, thin soles. I feel like I have zero padding on the bones of my feet so I need the cushioning of Fitflops or similar.

Nothingisblackandwhite · 16/05/2023 00:07

Get fitflop sandals they are so comfortable and prettier

JenWillsiam · 16/05/2023 06:58

Bluemuf · 15/05/2023 21:49

It think many of the examples posted here are exactly what I was.posting about. They're almost all ugly and if they're not quite as ugly as the ones I've posted they're not quite comfortable either.

There is no middle ground. I think you need to own it and do it properly.

Gladiator sandals are surely not the thing? I have some reasonably comfortable gladiator sandals but I stopped wearing them a long time ago. To my eyes the chunky ones I posted are far more modern!

sandals are ugly. But there is stylish ugly and and then not. The ones you’ve posted are not.

leatherchaps · 16/05/2023 09:14

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon no I won't grow up.

Your feet are horrid too. Ner ner nerrr!

Catspyjamas17 · 16/05/2023 09:16

Bluemuf · 15/05/2023 22:48

I much prefer the Gabor ones and these aren't similar anyway. Being sliders ruins them from a comfort/practicality pov, which is the whole point.

Show quote history

Ok - each to their own I guess. I can't stand slides with only one strap or mules but with two it makes them stay on well and very comfortable.

xogossipgirlxo · 16/05/2023 11:41

OP, the ones you posted in your first post, they are kind of grandma's sandals, because of height. I think you should go for chunky sandals if you're looking for something stylish and comfy.

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 16/05/2023 11:47

leatherchaps · 16/05/2023 09:14

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon no I won't grow up.

Your feet are horrid too. Ner ner nerrr!

Such insight 🙄

SimonsCow · 16/05/2023 12:06

xogossipgirlxo · 16/05/2023 11:41

OP, the ones you posted in your first post, they are kind of grandma's sandals, because of height. I think you should go for chunky sandals if you're looking for something stylish and comfy.

Are you seeing the same sandals I am?! They are chunky wedges. Not the absolute height of the latest fashions but they do fit in and I would wear them and they look comfy.

xogossipgirlxo · 16/05/2023 12:13

SimonsCow · 16/05/2023 12:06

Are you seeing the same sandals I am?! They are chunky wedges. Not the absolute height of the latest fashions but they do fit in and I would wear them and they look comfy.

Show quote history

Yes, my sight is good, thank you. It doesn't change the fact, they're not chunky. Chunky sandals are something with sole like this:

Womens Khaki schuh Tanya Chunky Flatform Sandals | schuh

not grandma's mid-wedge shoes that change height near heel and it's neither high nor flat. I see them and think of cracked heels and yellow toenails immediately.

BenCoopersSupportWren · 16/05/2023 12:20

PrimarilyParented · 14/05/2023 20:13

I love these. I have had them for years and always get complements on the pair I have, they have cushioned soles and are super comfortable. I bought my sister a pair after getting mine and loving them so much and she loved hers too.

https://www.heavenlyfeet.co.uk/collections/flat-sandals

I love Heavenly Feet, they're like wearing slippers. My feet are okay but my back is buggered and I have hypermobile ankles so I need flattish shoes/sandals with a little support, and they fit the bill perfectly (and don't look quite so orthopaedic / "95 year old on a coach trip" as Hotter too often do).

BenCoopersSupportWren · 16/05/2023 12:36

Squ1ggle · 15/05/2023 15:20

Apologies if it has already been mentioned but Moshulu is worth a look

I have these which are super comfortable, cork footbed with soft suede lining and leather straps:

https://www.moshulu.co.uk/product/ginger-ale-metallic-strappy-cork-footbed-sandals-1600#?variant=1521

They also have these if you prefer more of a wedge sole:

https://www.moshulu.co.uk/product/bigbury-leather-low-wedge-sandals-3949#?variant=1521

I have tried 3 different times with birkenstocks and have had horrendous blisters every time.

Oh they're lovely!