What do you think of these sandals?

[ArwenUndomniel]

I've been trawling shops both online and on the high street looking for some sandals that are 1) brown 2) closed-toe 3) not too chunky but with no thin straps that cut into your feet 4) not heeled but also not pancake-flat with no support 5) not liable to slip off when you're walking. I want them for going on a spring city break in the south of France so that I can do a fair bit of walking during the day but they would also be ok to wear with a dress for the evenings.

I eventually found these ones on Vinted and they seemed to tick all the boxes, but when I was looking at the pictures it wasn't at all obvious that they had the elastic strap across the top. Now that I've tried them on I'm not sure if they look OK or if the strap spoils it a bit. It's the colour and the fact it's elastic - if it had just been the same coloured leather as the shoes it would have been fine. What do people think? Keep looking?

Pale is fine 😉! I'm sure that your feet and legs are ok too! I think if you're walking you want cool comfort, so perhaps an open toed design would be ok.

they’re not sandals and not flattering

These are a bit more open but not dissimilar.
https://www.salt-watersandals.co.uk/collections/womens-fisherman-shark-original-sandals

They are extraordinarily ugly sandals.

Every single pair posted is uglier than the ones you posted, op, in my opinion. And your ankles don't look fat either. Just wear them and see how you feel

Have a look.at Moshulu - wide range of stuff that might fit the bill

Theres nothing wrong with your ankles OP or the colour of them

Im a big fan of the 'comfort shoe' but some of these take the utter biscuit. Horrific.

Many which are a bit nicer are just too flat to give any sort of support

I think the best compromise is the celtic and co ones. I have some similar that I bought last year but havent worn yet

I dont know if I actually like them, I bought them for a holiday and then didnt take them

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su703568/w26329

I like the look of the Salt Water ones and they're a bit more closed than some, but they look completely flat and like they offer no support. Are they better on - they're pricey and I wouldn't want to mske an expensive mistake.

I spend a lot of time ordering things and sending things back

What about Birkenstock sandals (the ones with a heel strap, which will hold your foot in place)? M and M have some at reasonable prices at the moment.

Oh, and I'm married to a very pale Irishman, and in consequence have pale skinned DC. Nowt wrong with being pale.

Btw, I think your sandals are considerably less bad than some of the offerings above. I am sure a charity shop will be able to sell them.

Thjese ones?

https://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/BK30054/Birkenstock-Womens-Milano-Ankle-Strap-Sandals-High-Shine-Ecru

@likelysuspect Thanks for doing the work to find the link. Yes, exactly those ones.

I’m a little squeamish about second hand footwear, and those are clearly well worn, if you can afford more, why would you opt for someone’s really old shoes?

Looking at some of the suggestions, I'd just like to say that the original choice wasn't that bad, even with the elastic piece.

As soon as I saw the sandals, I thought they looked like they were from a charity shop. A lot of this style is sold in charity shops for some reason. It's very dated and fussy especially with the ugly strap.

Regift it back to the charity shop - your feet deserve better!

Hotter have some nice ones.Rich Tan | Women’s Fisherman Sandals | May Shoes | Hotter UK

Oh my! This is out of order. I mean the shoes are rank, all of them, but you know that some people are not and don’t wish to look like a mahogany table.

These!
https://www.the-art-company.com/uk/en/sandals-woman-creta-0384#variant=26696

Salt Water sandals give no support.
Get thee to a big shopping centre with an M&S, Clarks, Seasalt, whatever. Try loads on on and walk round the shop in them. That way you'll get a good idea of style and comfort before you buy them. Then go to a café and relax!

This Etsy seller has been in my favourites for so long - maybe this summer! You might find something you like among this lot? https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MacarenaCollection

Fugly and knackered looking. Definitely don't wear or donate.

Oh I quite like those

I bought theses last year and they made me look like a very old lady . I to am looking for a nice closed in toe sandle. It’s very difficult to find anything nice

I like the sandles apart from the strap some of the suggestions on here are hideous. I’d for £3 cut of the strap and put an insole on if needed . Maybe tuck the strap in and try on before you cut it of the see if they’d stay on your feet?