Sandals for 20k steps a day on city break

[EverytimeItPours]

i really can’t do trainers in very hot weather but I need something very comfortable for walking 20k plus steps a day. I’ve looked at Skechers, fitflop, teva but I think I need a recommendation. Has anyone found any with good arch support and very cushioned soles which might fit the bill?
I know there are lots of actual hiking sandals but I’d like something more attractive if possible

Skechers Slip-ins, GO WALK Glide-step Ella. I have 2 pairs because they are wonderful. I can really stride out in them and cannot imagine any sandals being more comfortable. If the next day is going to be really hot, I dampen them and bung them in a plastic bag in the fridge. Good to go in the morning.

I have some Hotter Leah II sandals. Adjustable as it's velcro fittings. Not done a huge amount of walking but they were great when my feet swelled as I could adjust them. Bit granny looking

Birkenstock Madrid are great for me-have done 20,000 steps every day on lots of holidays in these. If they suit your feet, they are so comfortable.

Merrell sandals are excellent

I love my Teva hurricane sandals. I have two pairs and my husband has just got a pair too.

Sorry you do probably need hiking sandals unless you already know Birkenstocks/fitflopsare comfortable for you.
+1 for Teva Tirra or something of that type. Why spoil your holiday with hurting feet?

I have sketchers sandals that I bought in Spain where there were far more options in a shoe shop full of sandals. Super comfy, thick soft sole, no rubbing, look semi decent (or neutral at least, not like hiking sandals). Pricey but no regrets.

OK, I merely forgot to add a link!

These are two examples. I have the Skechers which are brilliant, and a similar pair to the second on the list, which are so light and airy I rarely take them off! Ignore the description which might put you off, they are very comfortable and non sweaty too.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skechers-Sport-Womens-womens-Bright/dp/B014GMZDDQ/ref=sr_1_18?sr=8-18&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orthopedic-Diabetic-Trainers-Sneakers-Comfortable/dp/B0H3W1KP91/ref=sr_1_41?sr=8-41&psc=1

Another vote for keen - definitely what I would choose for long distance, and a lot of them are also water sandals so they can get soaked/you can walk through a river in them. Some are also quite nice to look at and they usually have several colourways.

I recently did a LOT of walking on a city break in my Birkenstock Milanos which I thought were very comfy and well worn in, but I got a blister. Would have taken the keens if I’d known how many steps I’d be doing.

I second the Sketchers Bob Desert Kiss (although I don't know how great they are for arch support). Also have a look at the Sketchers Lifted Comfort sandals, great arch support and so comfortable. My mum and I needed good (but non ugly) walking sandals for a recent trip to Italy so I did a lot research and these were the 2 we ended up getting. You can order both from Next. Good luck!

I'd recommend Hotter Tourist sandals. Stylish enough to wear dressed up but really comfortable and they have an arch support.

I've been using FitFlops but the new strappy sandal ones, not the toe-post flip flop types as I need the sandal to be attached to my foot! Fantastic, not rubbed, not even once.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-strappy-back-strap-sandals-p-A4C#194

These come in all colours, I have sparkly ones, they are leather with trainer like soles. Not sure the arch support is pronounced with these though, they feel more pronounced with the toe-post FitFlop sandals which are a little chunkier. These look like normal sandals, don't have a hiking/sports vibe, depends what you like.

Another vote for Skechers Desert Kiss! I also have a pair of these https://www.very.co.uk/skechers-arch-fit-footsteps-enchant-molded-double-band-slingback-sandal-natural/1601078351.prd they're so comfortable I'm pretty much living in them atm (and none of the sequins have fallen off, bonus 😃), so Skechers sandals definitely get the thumbs up from me.

Haha I wish I had that much spare money 🤣

So many suggestions! Thanks all!

I have walked miles in my Birkies. Mayari, because a step across the top of the foot and toe post work for me. I used to wear Gizehs too but now prefer the Mayari style.

If I was buying a new pair for long city walks I would have a look at the Tulum style with ankle strap.

Comfort way more important than ‘looking pretty’ and everyone else will be wearing footwear made for comfort, or suffering!

Aha me too, although I can’t say I’d be spending it all on sandals haha x

If you want something that doesn't look like a hiking sandal then these have taken me round 3 city weekend breaks. My feet felt as good in them as in trainers. Maybe not the height of fashion but I think they look ok when a bit dressed up too https://www.rieker.co.uk/products/v7951-24

I find Birkenstocks Arizona v comfortable for walking. I regularly do 15000 steps a day around London and occasionally 20000+ with no ill effects.

I also have Saltwater sandals. I had the originals and walked miles in them, but the ones with the thicker sole are even better.

I have the Boardwalk and then got Swimmer in a different colour last year from what I think was an authorised retailer selling old stock via eBay. Anyway, for whatever reason, the Boardwalk style is much comfier. The swimmer feels tighter and so I have since wondered if they're not authentic.

But I live in the Boardwalks in summer and have walked miles in them. They still look great after three years and they have good resale value. I have bought Saltwaters on Vinted for DD the last two summers and resold the following year when her feet have grown.

This thread has reminded me that when I was in Malta years ago I did a walking tour of Valletta and various other places wearing a pair of sandals that had come free with a copy of Cosmopolitan. I have no idea what I was thinking. 😂

I survived, but my feet weren't happy with me the next day, and neither were the sandals as they broke. 😂Very thankfully that happened while I was browsing the shops near the hotel the next day, not on the walking tour, so getting a new pair was easier than it might have been, though I still attracted some odd looks with my shuffling gait until I found a shop that sold sandals. 😄

I have Fitflop's Fisherman sandals from last year and they are great. I also bought another pair of FitFlop sandals for a 13 mile sponsored walk and had absolutely zero discomfort.

I’d gladly pay £20k for the holy grail of comfortable sandals!!

In my opinion of decades of search… I have concluded it depends on your foot. I have wasted ££££ on recommendations and then find within minutes that they hurt. In fact my practised eye can now scan a sandal and immediately detect troublesome points.

If you have a sloping foot toes can fall out of straps on the side at the top (iyswim). If you have sensitive skin beware joins -blister alert. Too flat and your feet will hurt after an initial period of thinking they’re ok. Any material across bridge of foot will rub when the foot swells in the heat.

I have had success with Clark’s Unstructured - made from one piece of leather. Not the trendiest, but hey ho. I don’t know if they still do them though.

I wore fit flop ballet flats for a weekend break in Disneyland with the DGC last half term. I did around 20000ish steps a day in them and found more comfortable than sandals.