Sandals for travelling....

[DontBeBitterGlitter2023]

Just to preface by saying I am NOT the outdoorsy type in any way, shape or form....

I'm going to Japan for three weeks later this year and will be walking a lot - not so much heavy duty hiking (although there will be some hiking) and am looking for some sandals that I will be comfortable in but also that look good... good enough to wear to a casual bar, etc. with a t-shirt dress when we go out to eat/drink

I had thought about Dr Martens sandals since I'd probably wear them at home too (as opposed to specific sporty ones that I might never have use for) but am worried about breaking them in and also the cost!

Any suggestions welcome... I'd prefer white or a neutral colour, although if I end up going for DMs they'd likely be black

Thanks!

I have some sketchers trainers.
I can walk miles in them, swim in them and they are nice enough to wear with dresses etc too

Sorry I mean sketchers sandals

I bought some from.trespass - good sole for walking, but not so far off key they look ridic with other stuff. In fact wearing them for work now.

I have some lovely walking sandals from merrell.

Tevas are what you’re looking for.

If you want something more day to night then have a look at fitflops range. Skechers do a range that are more dressy as well. I’ve just bought a pair of Hotter tourist sandals on Vinted and they are going on my sandal rotation as well.

If you’ve got time to wear the Doc Martens in before you go then I’d get them. There’s no point spending £££ on something you won’t get the use out of

@Jins I'm not going until October so plenty of time to wear in the DMs, although the ones I like aren't in the sale! I think that's what I might end up doing as I'd be guaranteed to get more wear out of them at home e.g. can wear them for work in the summer whereas the other styles might be too casual!

Birkenstocks always work for me. I have got back from a holiday where we walked a fair bit (over 150 miles over 10 days) - it was in cities, beaches, coastal paths and some easy countryside. My Birkenstocks were comfortable and stood up to wear.

I have some cream Tevas and they’re so comfortable. I did buy some black Sketcher sandals in Italy because I was having issue with my Achilles and my Birkenstocks were too flat. After initially finding them very comfortable I now get horrible pain in my knees if I wear them all day. I just think they’re too spongy. Tevas good though…. stylish and practical without looking like a lot of fugly outdoor clothing.

I also love Teva - I have the plain black Hurricane ones and they are very comfortable for walking in and look ok with dresses!

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-sandals/hurricane-xlt-2/1019235.html

You might find your Doc Martens in a sale at this time of year. Summer sales are on, and fall items will be in stores soon. But try to get them soon and wear them in,

Also try store-brand similars, if you like the chunky look. I heard good things about M&S chunky sandals. I find sales are better in stores than on-line, since they are more motivated to get rid of summer stock. Have a wander into local shops, or in your nearest city, and you will find something.

I just purchased these from Amazon. I had Jambu sandals years ago and they were very comfy, so took a chance on these. They can go with dresses or shorts but are comfy enough for longer walks. There's nothing worse than getting blisters while out travelling. They aren't the most stylish, but do the trick. I keep my birks for shorter walks since they are slide-on.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BTCQGH85?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Birkenstocks for me. I walk about 15k steps a day in them, took them with me all through New Zealand and Europe and Singapore and Northeast USA and have never had a problem with them. Actually prefer them to actual shoes but maybe that’s the Aussie in me. 🫣

https://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-salina-leather-ladies-walking-sandals-188015?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17597583573&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&cq_con=139404206618&cq_med=pla&cq_pos=&gclid=CjwKCAjwtuOlBhBREiwA7agf1jnOQh2TFWgYO50IVievqDdfJyvx3SCoR-fGlWWIJRqLBan2L81F4RoCZ4EQAvD_BwE#colcode=18801504

so comfy!

I did Disney in them at Easter- average 8 miles a day

I'd really recommend these: https://www.moshulu.co.uk/product/ginger-ale-metallic-1600?variant=244-5&gclid=CjwKCAjwtuOlBhBREiwA7agf1vcGyVzt0dU3EIcDb_YuhfebltyQHsdM-KUrgFwpsBYUHbajCmAENRoC2xsQAvD_BwE

I have them and they are so comfortable and supportive - I've had mines for years and have walked many miles in them in hot climates. They also look good dressed up for evening drinks too because they are metallic (you can also get them in brightly coloured, but I think metallic is a good neutral).

Vote for Birkenstocks.

Keen elle backstrap sandals. I have them in white and LOVE them. Wore them every day and walked miles with no issues. Nice enough to wear with skirts/dresses etc.

KEEN Women's Elle Backstrap Slingback Sandals amzn.eu/d/dclJ71N

Get slip ones that cover your toes - more versatile in Japan

Karrimor Tuvalu. Best Sandals Ever! Well they don't look too fugly, are so supportive and comfortable, and since feet swell in the heat, they have touch straps at the instep and the ankle for those fat feet days. I cannot recommend them highly enough. On my third pair now.

https://josefseibel.co.uk/collections/holiday-sandals/products/josef-seibel-tonga-25?variant=42444083331315

These are the comfiest sandals, straight out of the box, that I've ever owned. They do them in white.

Yep Teva. They have loads of different colours and designs now. I have a tendency towards plantar fascitis and dodgy ankles (turned them once too often) but I can walk for miles and miles in Teva across all kinds of surface - roads, cobbles, beach, trail etc - and the newer colours etc look fine for night time.

The new saltwater with the thicker sole are good for walking/sightseeeing.

they are called Boardwalk or Swimmer.

Another vote for Teva. I've walked hundreds of miles in mine. My second pair is probably approaching the end of their life, but I've had them over a decade, so had my money's worth.

I have Dr Martens Voss II from Schuh and they’ve needed no breaking in at all. I didn’t believe the sales woman who was wearing them that they didn’t need breaking in but she was right. So comfy, I’ve been wearing them every day and enjoying the extra height they give me! I tried the Blaire sandals on first but they were incredibly loose even when I sized down and I imagine would rub like crazy.

Like a PP I got the Dr Martens Voss II and I've not needed to break them in at all. I know folk with the Blaire's who said they killed their feet. I'd defo recommend the Voss II, they are so comfy!

Are you sure you'll want to wear sandals in the evenings at that time of year?