Long thin flat feet

[aveline161]

Tips for sandals for those of us afflicted with the above foot shape. I got measured in Clark’s today and she told me I have one foot size 8 and one 8.5…in reality I’m anything from a 7 to an 8 on the high street but my issue is wide fit seem to have become the standard so if I find a sandal in the right size it’s always baggy over the top and round the ankle. Ideally want something with an ankle strap but they end up dangling off my ankle loose round my foot. Any good brands for slim feet? Thanks

And when I say flat feet I don’t mean fallen arches- I mean, they’re shallow…IYSWIM!

Maybe look at the Hallie sandals from Office. They have some pretty good elastic that doesn't stretch easily and holds the foot in pretty securely.

I size down in sandals to get them tighter over the foot. I make sure my toes are not hanging off the end but don't mind them right at the edge.

I feel your pain. My feet are an 8AA. Look out for European and American brands (European brands I find come up narrower and American brands often sell a narrow fit shoe). Forget Clarkes or supermarket brands (unless you’re happy to punch new holes in straps to make them fit).

I have narrow feet and have some sandals from fitflop. They have an elastic aged buckle strap. They are so comfortable but not cheap. But I had some before that lasted years. I can never find shoes though!!!

I have found Oliver Bonas quite good for my feet, which are a similar shape (slim and shallow), albeit at a size 4.

Saltwater sandals! Put them on and stand in water then let them dry on your feet. I find they shape around my feet then and don’t rub. I’ve just bought a new pair but have had my previous ones about 4 years and they have lasted so well

Not quite sandals but great for the beach and paddling as they are inflatable.

I size down in sandals. I think birkenstocks might do a specific narrower fit. Merrell for hiking types. Camper are fairly narrow and shallow, though it might vary in style type. I normally buy peu or right. Got a pair of ballet style recently and they are a good fit. I don't size down in camper.

Ah, you have my feet! I often buy a 40 to keep the shoes on but am actually a 41/42.

Also have quite high arches but very little volume to the foot, so thin from top to bottom and quite narrow. Sandals I don't find too bad because my feet aren't very narrow -- in fact, they would hang over the sides of a narrow fit shoe. I have more problems with pumps and ballet shoes (thin heel).

You also need to cut more holes in the straps to make them tighter.

My best suggestion is American shoes, which are normally in a B width for women (one size narrower than the UK standard). The German brand Tamaris has been quite good for me for sandals. Also Pretty Ballerinas. Zara's shoes are quite narrow (though a lot are not well made).

I wear a lot of New Balance trainers, women's fit (so B width; the men's trainers are D).

You sound like you've got the same sort of foot shape as me.

I'd second the Office Hallie recommendation if you're looking for a daintier sandal.

I also ordered a load of chunkier sandals from Next in desperation as I was about to go on holiday. The surprise winner was these:
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su280681/b48674#B48674
The middle and ankle straps are on velcro so I was able to adjust them to fit my skinny feet. Also, despite their appearance, they're light and bouncy to wear.

These are already very helpful and I appreciate knowing it’s not just me! Does anyone have any more names of American or European brands I can specifically search for?

I rate DM sandals. I have a plainer style with thick straps and a gladiator style, and they're great. Adjustable straps at ankle and across the foot and I'm not even on the tightest settings. Also incredibly comfortable, didn't need breaking in like the boots do. They come up a bit large length wise.

Teva originals are also good as also have 2x adjustable straps. I've only just realised the key to sandals not rubbing is adjusting the straps to a snug fit!

I have feet like blocks of ham so not speaking from personal experience of a slender foot, but my Hoff sandals have a lot of adjustment room in them and they’re really comfy. I can’t get the velcro fully closed.
thehoffbrand.com/en-gb/collections/sandals

If you go onto Amazon.com, there’s a good selection, including Clark’s in narrow fitting. Even allowing for extra postage etc, it can work out cheaper than specialist shops in the UK.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clarks+shoes+for+women&rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_n_shoe_width_browse-vebin%3A1285141011&dc&crid=2OY6BCEUOTTV5&qid=1723542501&rnid=1285140011&sprefix=clarks+shoes%2Caps%2C193&ref=is_r_p_n_shoe_width_browse-vebin_2&ds=v1%3AJvv46Z4NS87mclBomtENM6hiSMrq6yPn8xeL%2Fcr3l3I

However, specialist shops in the uk include Special Feetures and James Inglis.