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.

Is this a joke? They look like kids sandals.

They do meet the brief of what the OP needs tbf.

Some of those pairs from Whistles were OK but tbh, I’d probably just wear trainers if it was me, sorry. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but this sort of sandal is just beyond the pale.

@OfAllThePlaces I bought a pair of these last summer and I love them. I get plantar fasciitis and they haven't caused a flare up 🤞They don't have velcro fastening but they are adjustable both on the ankle and the toe areas

https://www.salt-watersandals.co.uk/collections/womens-sandals/products/boardwalk-tan-womens-sandal?_pos=8&_fid=adee37f59&_ss=c

Do some peoples feet burst into flames if they don’t wear sandals? Lots of trainers and closed toed shoes aren’t that warm and you won’t have to wear any of these monstrosities

The answer is yes - I realise it's not the same for everybody, but I'm another one who just can't deal with closed shoes in hot weather. It drives me up the wall. Occasionally I might have to wear trainers (e.g. for hiking cross country), but I'll rip them off my poor tormented feet afterwards and slip back into my flipflops asap.

It's always a bit of a challenge finding suitable sandals for all summer occasions. But it's better than suffering through another foot-sauna.

I like the sandals you've linked OP! They look a bit like the Hermes ones ☺️

Agree - I can't bear wearing shoes or trainers in hot weather! Doesn't matter how little I'm wearing on the rest of my body, it makes me uncomfortable.

Am curious - you mightn't like them, but "flatform" styles (like the Whistles Ruben ones I posted) have been absolutely everywhere for the past few years. They're no longer quite the height of fashion - but they were quite recently!

What kind of sandals do you wear?

Have you looked at Wolky? I have a few pairs and although they are a bit more than I used to pay they are worth every penny.

I've been wearing my pair of these for at least 8 years - they come on holiday with me and I can walk in them all day. Might not be flat enough for you though?
https://www.wolky.co.uk/product/jewel-red-leather/

these have closed toe: https://www.wolky.co.uk/product/roll-multi-white-printed-leather/

Fit Flops are also very comfy:

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-metallic-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1?_gl=11le1gty_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdFWPci_QBWK6kTpSIMUWlApE72ozO0Dix0BgX4RYBGjCwBHda4arjBoCE2kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADMbeygwFf-BPmMnnhX_yQwNHVk4n#675

I wouldn't call some of these examples in the article "granny" shoes, but others are more granny than I would go.

Anyway, what I'm saying @OfAllThePlaces OP is that your DH hasn't a clue, and you should get your comfy feet on!

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/granny-sandal-trend-spring-2026

Anyway I've had Fitflops like this for general wear in summer (one pair pink glitter, because I am basically 50 years old, and one a sensible brown) for years and my feet nearly look as nice as the model's in them. They are like wearing trainers for comfort but so airy.

@OfAllThePlaces
The ones you posted are actually quite nice, as are the Whistles ones suggested by @EleanorMc67(I may have just ordered the chocolate brown asymmetric buckle ones..)

FWIW, the ones you posted are actually a very current style. The retro feel is why your DH said that about his DM. Don’t let him put you off until you’ve tried them, at home with clothes you usually wear.

I have size 8, wide feet with plantar fasciitis, and early onset arthritis in my ankles. I really struggle with sandals.
I resisted the “granny” brands for so long. Last year I bought the hotter sandals and it was the first summer I walked pain free in years.
They are just tan sandals at the end of the day and anyone looking long and carefully enough to pronounce them granny sandals can piss right off!

In Wolky shoes you can swap out the insoles for orthotic's if necessary

Pikolinos? They are just so comfy.
https://www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/navia-w3e-0652.html?dwvar_navia-w3e-0652_color=NATA

You’ll probably find some elsewhere cheaper.

It's also how enclosed shoes turn into sweatboxes. Sandals and summer shoes with cutouts let the feet breathe.

The raised rim on the heel cup of those Rolls is exactly what I need. And they have other styles with that feature.

https://www.wolky.co.uk/product/rolling-sun-off-white-effect-leather/ is going to replace the hiking shandals I use as hot weather daily drivers.

Thank you!

https://www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/navia-w3e-0652.html

Snap! Teaches me to not RTFT.

They are so comfy though and you do get 10% off your first order. They do a range with a light sole that’s really cushioned.

I get a variation on these every summer.

Rubber sole - comfy
Slingback - comfy because it is elasticated
no strap across the ankle - more flattering
gold - neutral and non-frumpy

https://www.johnlewis.com/kg-kurt-geiger-mallie-flat-slingback-sandals-gold/p114931883?size=7&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organicshopping&srsltid=AfmBOoqqaZOtOZtPjX2en8ehU1NPgfiEfw5ogA4fxnU64qMTLhEpoGpa8IE

Depends how much your feet hurt 😂

Hotter shoes I would previously have run a mile from but they do have some younger styles and they’re really comfortable.

I’m afraid I’m with Ophir, I think those are exactly what the op is trying to get away from - sorry.