Sandals that aren't ugly and won't make my bunions worse

[firsttimepregnanthelp]

I have had bunions since my late teens but when I was pregnant they got considerably worse. I am really embarrassed of my feet but when it is too hot to wear enclosed shoes I do need sandals. The problem is that many are super flat which is bad for bunions and the more supportive styles look very old lady-esque (I am 35). Can anyone recommend some reasonably stylish but bunion friendly pairs?

Just sounding the SANDALS klaxon so everyone can come and be aghast at what other people consider stylish, sandals-wise 😃

Seriously though OP, my advice would be to provide some photos of what you consider to be stylish sandals, otherwise it'll be an absolute bunfight. NOTHING is as subjective on MN as the stylishness (or not) of sandals!!...

@MimiThePink oh dear I didn't realise! I'd like something like this Victoire | Women’s Orthopedic Flat Sandals

Anyone?

Soz @firsttimepregnanthelp, my klaxon was obviously off-putting 😂

I deffo wouldn't buy from that website above but a couple of ideas/brands to start looking at:

Jones Bookmaker silver sandals (via M&S) - could be harder than they look though

Pikolinos tan and gold - this brand is usually very comfy and well-made

Fitflop Gracie - I have a different version of these (they do a few styles called Gracie) and they're exceptionally comfortable

Clarks white leather, platform sole - this might not be your style but they have lots of others to try in-store maybe?

The Clarks ones aren't linking above:

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/Aristella-Sun/26181257-p

https://www.salt-watersandals.co.uk/

These are fabulous

Give up, wear crocs and be the croc-wearer you've always wanted to be :P

I keep seeing ads for Archie’s

Birkenstocks for the moment.

And have bunion surgery. Have had mine done and I am so happy with my new feet!

Fitflops are great, and (some) Next forever comfort in wide fit are lovely too. You could try those expensive ones that are always advertising ...Viviana? Viana? would be very interested to know whether they are worth it.

I had keyhole bunion surgery (privately) it was the best thing I have ever done.

Someone posted these a while back as being bunion-friendly, and I am on my 3rd or 4th pair. Josef Seibel Tonga 25

https://www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/all-leather-touch-fasten-sandals-josef41513-327-241-green/Green/6?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19620039734&gbraid=0AAAAAC_brxmfxJMW_EHVv1O_JDepWlm_1&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKBT6iz5OMPhXRrWlnpZTqmqy1ps_PLzFiB5ZzbNWDcxodN59vFLJ-RoCC5QQAvD_BwE

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, nice to know i am not resigned to a life of ugly sandals!

@Loubissouhow did you find the recovery? That really puts me off although I am very ashamed of the look of my feet. Did you get referred through the NHS?

@MeridaBraveoh really? Is the recovery better with keyhole surgery? Ive read so many threads on here where people say how brutal it is or how their bunions came back which really puts me off but equally I do feel so embarrassed getting my feet out because they are truly awful.

I am lucky in that I havr private health cover through work, so was able to get it done that way. My surgeon also works in the NHS and the second one was done in an NHS hospital on their private income generating ward!

I found it absolutely fine and not particularly painful. A few days of codeine and paracetamol then off all pain relief. Surgical boot and crutches for about 4 weeks and then boot only for another 3-4 weeks. I was running by 12 weeks, which was the point of me having them done, to get back to pain free running. I WFH which helped so only had about 4 days off each time.

Even if you can't go private, get into thr NHS system and tell them how painful they are! My surgeon was adamant that getting it done while younger than 70s is the way forward for recovery and regaining mobility. Too many leave it too late and then have other co-morbidities to take into account. He still wouldn't have operated if it had only been for cosmetic purposes though.

Comfortable Wedge Heel Sandals - WBINS35128 / 321 724 - White

Exactly the same OP, late 30's. Look at Pavers, so comfortable and many have adjustable strap so you and loosen or tighten around your bunions as much as needed. I only have on one foot and have thin ankles so wide fit shoes generally are awful and these let me have the bunion foot looser

@Loubissouoh amazing! How long was it before you were up and about? I have just had a baby and although waiting lists will be long i probably can't afford to be completely off my feet for too long!

@middleagedandinaragethese look lovely, thank you!

I'm decades older than you and have had worsening bunions for about 25 years. I have problems with shoes, so many feel fine in the shop but hurt when worn.

This summer I bought 4 pairs of sandals from m&s and each pair is so comfortable, I'm very surprised!

Wide fit are no good because they flap around the rest of the foot, but the pairs I bought are all standard fit. The best are a black pair and leopardskin pair of flatform 2 strap sandals with adjustable buckles, I've even had compliments on them.

I was back in trainers at about 7-8 weeks. I had to wear the boot day and night until then. Its a day surgery, so I was home within hours both times. I would not have wanted to be sole charge for a baby while in the boot though, definitely not the first month or so.

Google is suggesting wait lists after being approved are up to 18 weeks and that there are backlogs though, so may be it is something you can play towards?
My left one, with an automatic car, I was driving within 2 weeks once the dressings were off.

@Loubissouwow that is definitely not as bad as I thought - thanks!