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.

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

Any of these?

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

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

Have a look at FitFlop

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

https://www.celticandco.com/product/fishermans-sandal?colour=815&size=76And

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

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

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

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 😂 👮‍♀️

Love these!

This thread has made me buy new FitFlops. I've had Lulu slides with two bars across for years but in searching for the OP, I saw that they did some in brown with a strap round the back as well which should be even comfier and ordered them!

What about these? Come in olive and black. I think they’re really nice : www.marksandspencer.com/suede-crossover-footbed-sandals/p/clp60778675?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I like Art shoes. If you need Velcro granny sandals then at least Spanish ones feel more glamorous sandals

Some men don’t know fashion- I like the ones you posted op!!!

Thanks to this thread, I’ve just had a pair of Free Spirit sandal delivered as mentioned by @Ceejaydoubleyew which are a great replacement for my knackered walking shoes. To think I spent all of yesterday morning travelling around various outdoor shops only to be told they don’t stock size 36!

And thanks to @EleanorMc67 for the Whistles recommendation, my Ria sandals have arrived and they are also wonderful.

Stepping away from the thread now before any others catch my eye.

I hope you find some you like @OfAllThePlaces although I like the ones you first linked to.

Same. Ugh uggh

So it's not just me!!

My really elegant and beautifully dressed friend wears these. She has problems with her feet, and finds these comfortable even for city holidays when walking all day. They look great on her, I think she has four colours.