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

217 replies

OfAllThePlaces · 23/04/2026 19:36

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.

Oh no!

https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,60/5346085216

OP posts:
Thread gallery
73
Gettingbysomehow · Today 17:18

Well I dont care what anyone thinks. I love my hotter traveller 2 shoes they come in my size 5 and a half and in d, e and ee widths.i can walk 20 miles in these. I dont normally wear odd colours but I might start a trend 😁

Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
BIossomtoes · Today 17:23

EleanorMc67 · Today 15:11

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’ve just ordered those from J D Williams with 25% off so £60. I really should stop reading S&B!

Lotsofsnacks · Today 17:56

Any of these?

Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
Flat sandals with straps that don't make me look like I'm 80
MildlyAnnoyed · Today 18:33

I have some Toms sandals. I think they were about £50.

rootootoot · Today 18:39

Gettingbysomehow · Today 17:18

Well I dont care what anyone thinks. I love my hotter traveller 2 shoes they come in my size 5 and a half and in d, e and ee widths.i can walk 20 miles in these. I dont normally wear odd colours but I might start a trend 😁

I tried these and found them so uncomfortable. I need a completely flat sole though. I had to sell them on.

HappyHedgehog247 · Today 18:41

Have a look at FitFlop

EleanorMc67 · Today 18:59

BIossomtoes · Today 17:23

I’ve just ordered those from J D Williams with 25% off so £60. I really should stop reading S&B!

I hope you have a good summer wearing them! Bargain price too ...

EleanorMc67 · Today 19:00

Gettingbysomehow · Today 17:18

Well I dont care what anyone thinks. I love my hotter traveller 2 shoes they come in my size 5 and a half and in d, e and ee widths.i can walk 20 miles in these. I dont normally wear odd colours but I might start a trend 😁

I think you should. Wear different-coloured nail polish on each foot too ... 😁

CoverIt · Today 19:18

If I end up not buying some sandals before this thread is done it’ll be a miracle 🤣

bellocchild · Today 19:25

I'd go for Hotter too. They are well made and work for imperfect feet.

Merc123 · Today 19:31

I havent read thru all 200 responses but as at least one person suggested tevas are great, as are chacos. While def athletic/outdoor style, in all black many of their styles look a bit more...stylish. Chacos no longer have vibram soles so not as durable as previously were, but great arch support and being strappy can be adjusted to your exact arch. The skechers someone also suggested are comfy also. Patagonia makes and cute mj w adjustable strap buckle too. Check orthotic brands like orthoheel or i think its spring step (spring something) on ebay. I've had luck finding great deals as well as selling.

Ceejaydoubleyew · Today 19:35

Take a look at Free Spirit . I have just received 2 pairs of Belize, one in walnut the other in blue . They have 3 velcro adjustments but are not as chunky as some of their other styles. I'm a standard width so they fit me well. Hotter and pavers are too wide for me. Its annoying that 'comfortable' are nearly always wide fitting. As a size 3 / 36 it's very difficult to find any ideal or comfortable footwear.I have parasthesia and foot drop due to MS but still pushing back and wanting something stylish without a bulky sole.

Donsyb · Today 19:46

starofwonder · 23/04/2026 21:44

I have three pairs of these https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/blowfish-malibu-devon-strappy-tan-sandals/1744796260/

in different colors, though can only see tan for sale now. They are honestly the comfiest I have ever had - for every day and for walking far. No need to undo straps every time, just pull them on.

Blowfish sandals are really comfortable. They also sell them on M and M Direct

www.mandmdirect.com/02/fts/?search=blowfish+sandals

keeperofdarktails · Today 21:14

OfAllThePlaces · 23/04/2026 19:36

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.

i have these in black and absolutely love them. They go with anything.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1?_gl=1v486sq_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-K2MBhC-ARIsAMtLKRth5Uf6o8Vax5XFXRb_5IYuqRMVLYM1-pKnIIhbcAiA1x0RBBQBEPsaAo95EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#592

Women's Gracie Leather Back-Strap-Sandals | FitFlop UK

This summer, enjoy longlasting comfort in our stylish Gracie strap leather sandals with a backstrap for added support.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1?_gl=1*v486sq*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-K2MBhC-ARIsAMtLKRth5Uf6o8Vax5XFXRb_5IYuqRMVLYM1-pKnIIhbcAiA1x0RBBQBEPsaAo95EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#592

LadyVioletBridgerton · Today 22:11

They’re like the holy grail OP. I ended up giving up on style when we went to Disneyworld and got some croc sandals with straps over the top and around the back. Fug ugly but unbelievably comfortable. I’ve never worn them anywhere but WDW and actually have two pairs even though the fashion police would probably arrest me on sight if they caught me wearing them 😂 👮‍♀️

M103 · Today 22:29

OfAllThePlaces · 23/04/2026 19:36

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.

Love these!

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