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?

I can only apologise, I actually thought it was a model wearing them. So honestly I am sorry. I am by no means perfect. 💐

I really dislike this sort of footwear and mainly live in DMs so not the best person to comment, but here are my thoughts.

First of all, there is nothing wrong with your ankles/feet, especially the colour of them!

The first photo looks to me like the previous owner wore them with the strap hidden? So I would try that. If that works you could cut the strap off. If it doesn’t, donate them, someone will love them.

Out of the suggestions from everyone, the best imo are the Celtic and Co ones (link by Riverpaddling).

Your feet and ankles don't look fat at all, why on earth do you think they need hiding? They look totally normal to me.

Do you have pedicures? I bet your feet would look gorgeous if you book a decent pedi and you could then open up your criteria a little and have beautiful cool toes whilst you are walking too.

How about the FitFlop Mary Jane’s? Closed in, similar shape to the ones you purchased and they will have a comfortable sole for walking.

I like these pikolinos and they would likely be comfy.

We're all different. I much prefer it to DM's and Fly and think it is nicer and cooler than trainers.

I actually like those ones too. These and the Celtic and Co are the front runners if I can't find anything similar secondhand.

Thanks everyone for your input and thoughts so far! The Pavers monstrosities have now been donated so I won't be doing any strap tucking or cutting. I don't think it would have been comfortable to walk on them and they wouldn't have stayed on properly with it cut off.

I honestly can't think why you even considered buying those with or without elastic strap - they look so old and battered! 😊

You're either joking or being judgemental and ridiculous - I can't work out which!

Of course the shoes shouldn't go to landfill. someone will enjoy wearing them.

I like them too but not sure I'd spend £83 on a website I've never heard of?

Can I ask why you want to buy second hand shoes? Shoes form round the foot of the person and their gait, so wanting shoes someone has worn before, particularly excessively like the ones you bought, is storing up foot issues.

I would never buy used foods

Shoes

I actually feel really quite bad. 😔. Hope you accept my apologies. 💐

I think that the 2 you have chosen OP are by far the nicest that have been recommended. I think i prefer the Celtic & Co ones. Most recommended are dreadful. Those Keen footwear ones 😱 I do think its hard (impossible) to find closed toe sandals though that bridge the gap between walking for miles in the day on holiday and looking good with a dress at night. Im not sure these even exist. Dressy sandals dont usually take up much room in a bag for evening wear so i will throw a couple of pairs in my luggage and I wear trainers, something light like converse or samba, for walking in the day. Have you thought about taking 2 pairs? I know its only a city break but I would always do this and travel light with only carry on luggage.

I agree with @XiCi - wear something like supportive trainers for daytime and have a light pair of sandals for the evening. They won't weigh much. Some of the suggestions on here are very unflattering and/or are meant for trail walking with a pair of combat trousers and a cagoule.

I thought this was in Style & Beauty?

(I have a pair of Milanos with the regular buckles. )

Have a look on Moshulu

Jesus F#ck...😳

Your legs are slim and well done for embracing your natural colour!
I got reiker sandals last year. They are a bit like DM sandals but lighter. Yes, you can see toes, but I got many compliments on them.
So another brand to maybe consider and would be within budget.

I can only blame what must have been a very good photo on the Vinted listing. The strap was hidden and they honestly didn't look that well worn. I'd only buy second hand if they were very lightly "used", but I think I'll probably go for the Celtic and Co and buy new. Lesson learned.

Yes, I might take some cream Chanel type ballet flats for the evenings and go for something more utilitarian sandal-wise. You're probably right that a genuine crossover option doesn't really exist.

Don't worry, I've had much worse 🤣. At least vampires are quite cool.

Depends where you are going in the evening. I always take a pair of Birkenstock Madrids (usally with a metallic strap) on our annual summer holiday to the South of France and wear them everywhere - not been turned away yet!

Im a vampire obsessive 😳.

Can't beat a bit of ian somerhalder 😋🥰