Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80

[OfAllThePlaces]

Feels like I'm searching for something that doesn't exist.

My mobility and chronic pain has come to a head, and I can no longer wear my usual Birkenstocks or wedges that I'd wear in the summer. I need wear flat sandals, with a bit of structure over my toes and a heel strap, and can't have a chunky or thin sole. Can't tie around my ankle as sometimes one of my ankles swells from oedema. I also have a very high instep, so can't wear ones that cover my full foot.

I want ones where I can pull the ankle strap over my ankle, or a velcro strap so that I don't have to bend down too long to get them on.

All the ones I've found look like what my nana wears, with elasticated backs.

I liked these ones https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,60/5346085216 but DH laughed jokingly and said his mam would wear them, so didn't get them.

Budget is around £75 a pair. I'd like an everyday pair and a pair I could wear if going out to a beer garden or to look a bit fancier.

Not sure if it would work for you but I have had the same pair of Fit Flops for years now and they are comfy and nice looking (I think!)

Agree re fit flops, which are fab and comfy. Also love my doc martens. Numerous pairs of both.

I first read your post and wondered about these? They have a completely flat sole but it’s not very thin, no ankle strap, and discreet elastic at the heel so you can pull them on more easily. It also basically covers your toes. The only thing I am wondering about is the instep, but I think it’s quite generous.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/788916046/?ref=shareiosnativecontrol

I then read your later post saying you’d be barefoot all the time if you could and wondered if you’ve looked into “barefoot” and “minimalist” sandals. These are more naturally foot shaped (like Birkenstocks which I know you say you can’t wear) and promote natural movement with a full range of movement (this part is very unlike Birkenstocks). There are thousands of styles, blogs and groups. They aren’t all super thin (which you said you can’t do) though maybe still thinner than you were hoping.

As a starting point, I wondered about these barefoot Origo Huaraches “by Anya” because they cover your toes but not midfoot, are very breathable, can be slipped on but also have an optional removable strap for the ankle (which you could loosen if your were using them and your ankles were getting swollen). They are more expensive but do pop up in sales and second hand.

https://www.happylittlesoles.co.uk/products/origo-wide-huarache-by-anya-slip-on-cinnamon?variant=56652350128512&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Shopify_HLS_Google_Shopping_Feed&utm_content=Origo+Women%27s+Huarache+Slip-On+By+Anya+%28Wide%29+-+Cinnamon&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17326035522&gbraid=0AAAAAC13_IBo30m4TfYlCKX1c15z4U7Tv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiqC6h_6MlAMVMpFQBh3xXjyREAQYASABEgL-F_D_BwE

Barefoot shoes aren’t suitable for everyone, but my chronic pain vastly improved when I switched to them, and it struck me that it might suit you too as you said you prefer not wearing shoes.

(NB the Etsy ones in the first link aren’t really “barefoot” as they’re not fully foot shaped and the sole is quite stiff, so that’s more of a halfway house)

PS for what it’s worth I agree with others that those Office ones you linked look nice and aren’t grannyish!

Thanks for this! I ordered these and another pair to try…

https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/tb033

a bit above budget but these are barefoot (not that im fussed about such things) and meet the requirements
Sensus Yin Sandal Womens | Vivobarefoot | UK

People can be so funny about sandals. They're so insignificant on your feet, 99.9% of people won't notice them anyway.

What exactly aren't granny sandals nowadays? My feet are sensitive and if I even feel a slight niggle, they're going. So often I end up with the comfy granny style sandals. There's a reason older ladies wear them...

I got a pair of these from the Skechers outlet last year and they are extremely comfortable. Got them in a wide fit as my feet can swell up in the heat abroad, and they are easier to wear than ones I paid a lot of money for.

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/bv164?optionSize=6&promo=6202&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23534729453&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgsunucWOlAMVa5RQBh2sYiNYEAQYBCABEgJDdPD_BwE

I have these. I worried at first they were a bit sparse. Actually they are freeing, so easy and light, totally adjustable and very comfortable for walking.

I have ankle/foot problems and love my Teva Tirras - they're not totally obviously unfashionable, but not the most stylish I suppose. Either way they'll have to prise them out of my cold dead hands, I bloody love them, so comfortable and light.

I've just seen they do a less bulky version now too, might be worth a look?

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-sandals/tirratraveler-hiking-sandal/1166130.html