7 Pairs Of Sandals That Are Actually Comfortable

Sandals. They’re tricky bastards. Unlike with normal shoes and boots, you can’t really use any of my usual breaking-in tricks – like wearing thick socks or using those special rubber-heel things. I have lost count of the number of pairs of sandals I have bought over the years and then angrily discarded after a couple of wears because they bloody hurt too much. So for today’s post, I have rounded up seven pairs I own that definitely ARE comfortable. Actually, one pair I don’t own myself, but my friend has them and says they are très comfortable, so I am taking her on face value.

I should caveat these comfort claims by saying we all have different feet and, sometimes, what’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. But if we assume I am the goose in this situation, I can tell you that I have feet that are neither too wide nor too narrow. They’re fairly standard. I am usually a size 6 and I have quite a high arch but, weirdly, I can’t get on with Birkenstocks or those Salt-Water sandals that others love so much. Now we have established my foot composition, here are the sandals that I can wear all day without socks or fear of pain.

TEVA VOYA INFINITY SANDALS

This is probably my favourite pair of sandals to wear during the summer months. I sized up to a 7, as seems to be the way with most sandals from this brand. The elastic strings can take some getting used to at first, but stick with it, as once you’ve worn these sandals a couple of times and they’ve adjusted to your feet, they will treat you well. I can walk 20k+ steps in these in all weathers. They are also OK if it rains as, essentially, they’re made of rubber.

AMAZON ESSENTIALS SANDALS

I chanced upon these about six years ago when I wanted a cheap pair of sandals, quickly, for a holiday. My expectations were low, given the price, but they soon became a summer staple. I have them in two colours. The sole is lightly padded rather than being totally flat like some others in a similar style. I have them in a size 6.5, but I’d say go up one size if you can’t get a half size. Best for holidays rather than all-day walking as the sole is thinner than some of my other recommendations, but I have done all day in London in them just fine.

FREE PEOPLE ANYA SANDALS

These are my most recent acquisition. I was a bit hesitant when ordering, as I have bought but returned similar styles in the past because the soles were just too rigid. I can confirm the soles of these are more flexible, they’re soft on the inside and are designed in a ‘foot shape’ (if you get what I mean; not sure of the technical term for that) which means they give good support. They come in loads of colours, too, which is a bonus. I would say that if you have larger-than-average ankles you might have an issue with the strap, but otherwise they’re very good. Take your usual size, but they’re sold in US sizes so check the conversion chart first.

SÉZANE GLORIA LOW SANDALS

These are the ones I don’t yet own, but I’m tempted to buy them as my friend says that they are her most comfortable pair of pretty sandals. It is true that the more comfortable the sandal, the less delicate they are – that’s just the way, unfortunately. These would be great as a summer evening option if you don’t want to wear heels, although they do a version with a nice mid-heel, too.

GRENSON QUEENIE SANDALS

Now, there are two styles of the Grenson Queenie. There is this pair which has a flatter sole and which Grenson has done for a few years now, and then there is this pair that has a thicker sole and which they brought out last year, I think. This is the pair you want for extra-cushioned comfort and all-day wear. They are true to size for me.

ADIDAS ADILETTE LITE SLIDERS

This is another pair that I bought a few years ago specifically to wear around the pool on holiday, but their supreme comfort level means they are now part of my everyday life. Yes, it is like wearing your slippers outside and maybe that’s a slippery slope towards buying those velcro-strapped shoes advertised in the back of the Telegraph magazine, but I like to think Adidas sliders are little bit cooler and perfectly acceptable to wear with your casual outfits in the summer. No socks though, please; you’re not a 15-year-old roadman.

AIR & GRACE GALA SANDALS

Overall, these are probably my most-worn summer sandals, as I’ve had them for quite a few years now and – like a true Capricorn who, when finding something they like, must repeat buy in every colour – I now have these in three colours. Air & Grace pride themselves on making THE most comfortable shoes that are actually stylish, too. Their shoes have a triple-layered sole that includes a memory foam portion. I defy anyone to find these uncomfortable. Take your usual size.

I hope this has been useful in helping you find some summer sandals that you can wear all day.

Kate x

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