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.

@Ophir didn’t anyone ever tell you not all attention is good attention?

I'm 50 and have worn FitFlops regularly in summer for ten years since I had plantar fasciitis. So many sandals are just too flat and uncomfortable as the soles are so thin. Granny sandals are actually fashionable this year anyway. I have nice feet (for saying they are wonky and flat!) as I look after them so much.

My go-to is Moshulu .... ginger ale design but there are others.

These are the best posted so far, IMO.

Loads here. Expensive but they last forever.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/flat-sandals-uk

I go for hotter tourist sandals, comfiest ones I've ever worn and I've got arthritis in my toes and I'm in my 40s. I have a few already and wear them around theme parks and in holiday so lots of walking and no issues and they come in various colours. I'm planning to get another pair for this year

Seconding this. I have them in tan, gold and black suede.

These are slightly over budget, but you may be able to find them on vinted/brand alley for less.
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-metallic-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1
I also like the original ones you posted.

I just think this style of sandal is horrible

Came here to say Hotter Tourist 2. I think it almost caused physical pain to hand over my card in a Hotter shop but that is better than the physical pain of my dodgy Achilles and my arthritic toe. Most Hotter shoes are ghastly, these look pretty cool (and there is no logo/branding anywhere visible!).

I was going to recommend these, I've had various pairs in different colours over the years and can walk really far in them.So gutted there is no red this year.

@SuperGinger @TheyGrewUp what are sizing like on Penelope chilvers? Would they be suitable for narrow feet?

The ones you originally posted are really fashionable, your dh doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Have a look at Moshulu, they have lots of choice. I have these, and they’re super-comfy:

https://www.moshulu.co.uk/products/strappy-leather-t-bar-sandals-wasabi-grape-purple

I think you'd have to try them, but I'd say pretty standard. A 5 is a 5.

Try Moshulu, very comfortable.

I agree, my feet are the narrower and they are fine, but I always do the strap to tightest setting.

They have a little elasticated bit near the buckle which always helps

I think most comfy and substantial sandals are a bit ugly. I tend to avoid them but sometimes needs must! I would probably err on the side of properly clompy and ‘ugly’ as it’s more of a fashion statement than the more orthopaedic options.

I like Camper for quality so would consider these. Over budget though.

And the ones you originally posted are more fashionable than most of the options. Your partner probably isn’t aware of current trends.

This is so so true! I had some lovely simple moshulu sandals years ago, so comfortable and looked generally v nice except the footbed was all printed curly flowers, and it always showed. I have lost any tolerance I ever had for non comfortable shoes - if I can’t walk around in them all day I’m just not interested any more - and with clumpy delicate easy-blister wide feet (lovely!) my options are v restricted, and particularly by the appliqué embroidered flower / three tone leather options that are pointlessly added like you describe !

I agree!

I have a pair of the Fitflop Gracie sandals and I find them very comfortable and you can get them in a range of colours. I don’t think they look too frumpy!

Fundamentally the style we are all sharing are all a bit 80 year old but comfort is really important. 30 years ago we laughed at Birkinstocks and then before you know it, they are the sandal to be seen in. I see loads of 20 year olds in granny sandals all summer.

The trick is to feel stylish with the rest of your outfit. Cool jeans, fab sunglasses, lovely chic dress, great bag, good hair cut etc etc. Then you will see your sandals as part of your stylish ensemble like the young-uns do!

why are you taking fashion advice from your DH? He’s clueless

these ones are on the fashionable side this season and their H cutout is based on Hermes slides

last someone everyone wore fisherman sandals which used to be definition of unsexy but were all the rage

wear what you like and ignore him

ugly is now cool

not all ugly shoes or sandals but definitely many of them