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.

Please ignore your DH. The Office sandals you posted are lovely. They’re a dupe of a super expensive Hermes style called Chypre that have been highly sought after by wealthy fashionistas for the last 10 years or so. They’re loads nicer than anything anyone else has found for you here.

My DH says unhelpful shit like this sometimes and I don’t pay any attention. You’ve got Difficult Feet (me too), meaning your DH needs to stay well out of your footwear buying decisions!

I think I just need you to take me shoe shopping @EleanorMc67, your taste is very like mine.

I have a pair of Blowfish ones that go around my ankle, I can only wear them when my ankle is a regular size and I can bend enough to do the buckle. Can't remember who suggested it upthread, but I like the idea of taking them to a cobbler and asking to put some elastic on to help.

I'm only able to wear sandals that are Velcro or elasticated to pull on, so the buckle ones are a no go. I also have a ridiculously high instep, so can't wear anything that has no stretch over that part either. My feet are so bloody awkward. Usually I struggle finding boots that fit over my instep, now it's also sandals. My feet are also thin, unlike the rest of my body 😆

Tell him his mam has good taste then!

I have high insteps too, and have just got the whistles ones @EleanorMc67 suggesred. They are lovely, very light and Velcro both straps so you can adjust them I got them in pewter

They look nice, and are approved by my 24 year old Dd!

I just need to get used to the footbed style, but definitely comfortable and stylish

I have these, I don’t think they’re that ugly

Glad you like them! You'll get used to the footbed, plus they tend to soften/mould to your foot quite quickly. Keep an eye out for other Whistles ones in a similar style on eBay/Vinted etc (as long as you're not a 40-41 like me - if so, hands off ... 😁!!). Their footwear is great quality & always comfy.

I also really rate Jigsaw for its footwear. Just spotted these online - though not seen in the flesh. They're Velcro, but twice your budget, OP. They look a bit boat-like in one picture, but may not be in person.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/cross-strap-espadrille-sandal-black

Have you looked at House of Bruar? They have a good range of sandals.
https://www.houseofbruar.com/leather-sandal-brown-ta24028tan/
https://www.houseofbruar.com/search/?term=floral%20sandals
https://www.houseofbruar.com/ladies-suede-fisherman-sandal-ta25072stone/
www.houseofbruar.com/cross-fron-lthr-espadrille-ta25002navy/

Slingback, but a buckle. Pricier but probably really good quality. Come in tan as well as black.

https://www.toa.st/products/fracap-yves-leather-sandals-black

@OfAllThePlaces - Velcro! And in black or tan & within budget, & from M&S (not a small boutique in Frome selling only artisanal products that aren't in your size anyway ...). These look really good I think?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/suede-ankle-strap-flatform-sandals/p/clp60916598?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I just bought those.

There are also older Jigsaw styles that are worth hunting down on Vinted/eBay.

Eg, these I like because of the loop detailing in the straps. Velcro too.

https://ebay.us/m/SanzdH

And this older Jigsaw style with Velcro. A much more stylish version of walking sandals!

https://ebay.us/m/S4QQU4

Also expensive, but I love this brand for comfort. Velcro so fully adjustable, which makes them worth it to me.

https://www.anoncph.co.uk/products/shantell-flats-shiny-lamb-black

Also pricier, but these Grenson ones are fully adjustable & it's a really nice shade of tan.

https://www.grenson.com/davina-womens-sandals-in-tan-leather/?setCurrencyId=1

A single buckle, but slingback. These Joseph ones are minimalist & the leather looks so soft. And even though they're still expensive in the sale, they'll be great quality. https://joseph-fashion.com/products/leather-jazzy-strap-sandals-black-jf0074070010

I second these. I have them in tan and black and they’re very comfortable and look good.

These are crazy comfortable but look quite dainty.

https://www.rieker.co.uk/products/v7573-90

These Timberland ones have a single buckle, so will probably be out for you, OP. But thought I'd post as they look pretty good, are £80, & come in black, tan, & a really nice non-yellow gold (more neutral & go with anything).

https://www.timberland.com/en-gb/p/women-10086/calista-bay-backstrap-sandal-for-women-in-yellow-TB0A2R2TN75

I don't know why, but I just cannot do anything with a strap around my toe/thong between my big & second toe. It literally makes me feel really weird & nauseous? It's very peculiar ...

Bought some nice (not granny-ish) sandals from Fitflop and Toms

To be fair, old ladies love a comfy pair of sandals, so anything comfy and remotely stylish will be snapped up by nannas. That why fashion usually goes out of its way to make fashion uncomfortable! Just buy the sandals you like OP.

Another reason to ignore your partner, OP (for some reason I can type OP fine, but can't bring myself to use DH ...!!! So partner it is!). Hermes & now Fendi ...

Elastic, leather, minimal yet decorative - & in budget if you lop a zero off!

https://www.fendi.com/gb-en/woman/shoes/fendi-feel-black-leather-slides-8x8647na7f0qa1

Barbour, with Velcro. Black or leopard print (though pink & I dislike it!). Almost on budget. Personally, I find the ones that have a strap down the outside (linking the two horizontal straps) too close to Teva/hiking-style sandals, so they're not my thing.

https://www.barbour.com/gb/caitlin-sandals-LFO0800BK728.html?gbraid=0AAAAADtGNri7-b84Zc0HfsyOvtszPZGvQ&gad_campaignid=22925303747&gad_source=1

There are also a few Russell & Bromley styles on resale sites that may be what some of you are after. These are Velcro & I'm sure really comfy, but they're a bit on the steampunk/Goth-in-summer side for me.

https://ebay.us/m/1mhR7G