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!

These https://www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/sandspur-rose-convertible/50324W.html?dwvar_50324W_color=J003424&icid=search_suggested_products

Another vote for Teva. I have these ones (original universal) and I love them. Really comfortable for all day wear. Plus they can go in the washing machine if they get grubby.

I love my Salt Waters too and they look a bit dressier. But I’d choose Teva if I’m on my feet all day.

Going to states next week on holiday and bought these for the trip. They are so comfy, feel like velvet inside and will be fine with casual dresses.

FitFlop sandals.

I've narrowed down the colours -

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/search/index?query=Sandals&referrer=searchBar&@gender=Women&@colorGroup=beige;cream;grey;tan;white

I'm going to Japan for just under a month and I'm taking Birkenstock leather clogs (Kay ones with soft footbed, they can be slip on or change one of the two straps into an ankle strap) and a pair of smart black leather Birkenstock trainers. And cushioned double layer anti-blister socks! Birks are ubiquitous in Japan.

Have you checked the weather? It's unlikely to be sandals weather in most parts of Japan

Just to add - I used to wear Birkenstocks but gave up on them because they make farting noises when I walk! 🙈😂 Teva and Salt Water don’t have this issue.

Coincidentally, I'm also going to Japan in October and bought these:
26170576
I've been using them already and they are super comfy!
I'm packing wedges for night time.

Reiker have a sale on atm. I wear mine all day every day in the summer. Extremely comfortable. Shoes.

@GettingStuffed , Good point, but 15C isn't that cold. I also plan on taking closed in walking shoes or trainers. Will decide nearer to the time.

7th or 8th vote for Tevas

I got my first pair about15 years ago on a friend’s recommendation and they have been my go to brand ever since.

That's too cold for me. I would be in trainers at 15 degrees.

Dr Marten does white Blaine sandals. I have the black ones and didn’t have to break them in at all, and they are super comfortable. Can definitely recommend 😊

I think I’ll go for some DMs and Tevas, cover all bases! I’ll also be taking some trusty Nike trainers but I’m not a trainers type of girl at all! In fact I’m dreading packing as I’m such a girly maximalist and having only a backpack fills me with dread!

looking at the weather it seems to be high teens/low 20s daytime and about 15 on an evening, I’ll be taking hoodies/cardigans/rain Mac but to be fair I’m from the north east so we don’t feel the cold :)

Doc's are worth every penny so good choice. I have some Timberland off white sandals which are really comfortable and good for day and night. They're similar price to doc's again worth every penny.
If I'm wearing them a lot on holiday I take the little cleaner with me because the colour does tend to get marked.

My Birkenstocks make my feet bleed. The strap cuts in. I’ve had two pairs and both did the same thing.

How do tevas fit in terms of sizing. They only do full sizes.
I'm a 5.5 ideally. Standard width feet, possibly a little narrow, I usually have to have 5 in slip ons, 6 in trainers...

In Teva go up if you are a half size.
In sketchers go down .

Teva have a thing on their website where you take a photo of your foot on an A4 piece of paper and they tell you what size you need. I’m also a 5.5 but with wide feet and found the size 6 fitted well. You might be better sizing down if your feet are narrow though. There is plenty of room at the front of mine but I think the strap over the toes would be too tight if I sized down.

So update I bought some beige DM sandals and I love them but WOW they are rubbing my ankles to bits! Please tell me it gets better?

Also 'accidentally' bought some sparkly Havianas which will be coming with, although I think I might invest in some Teva sandals too. My rucksack for my trip arrived and it feels scarily small!

If your sandals are rubbing general advice is to put plasters on your feet where the rubbing is. Hope that helps!

I LOVE DM Voss II. No breaking in required m. I have two pairs. Currently on a bit of a European road trip and have bought both. Have done loads of walking in them over the last 18 months. Rome, London, Seville...

Bought some Blaires. Ended up selling them. Tore my ankles to shreds.

So my advice would be (assuming you've bought Blaires) to sell the Blaires, buy some Voss II!

Just persevere with the docs, unless there's bleeding 😬 I'm going away soon and I've decided to be a grown up and ordered myself some plain black Teva sandals. I see loads of young, hip YouTubers wearing them on their travels both during the day and at night so im giving it a go. That's all I'm taking. I like that you can rinse them off if they get dirty.

My tevas have seen me through many things with no blisters. They're not the most beautiful of things but every holiday I get to the point where I look down and think "do I really want to change into different sandals for dinner? These are so comfy and they look fine ..." And then that's it. I'm in my tevas for the duration.