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Let’s talk Cute Walking Sandals!

I love my vionic flip flops, and just ordered these in silver. I think they will look cute with dresses. I love that Vionic makes wide widths! Silver is such a pretty, neutral shade. (I’m also taking silver sneakers).

https://www.vionicshoes.com/amber-adjustable-sandal.html?76=406&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&crtp=paidsearch&aid=7805&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9OiPBhCOARIsAI0y71BmKTGQjbRHuNdcJY0kyTt7jpvHV0j8TVM15nQi_PU7iLktbUSty-8aAuggEALw_wcB

Posted by
1740 posts

Those look nice. I have wide feet, too. But do the straps use velcro? I can't stand velcro.

Posted by
1632 posts

Don't forget Naot which uses cork as the sole material. Cork molds to your feet.

Also, if you travel to Spain or Portugal, definitely buy several pairs of their beautiful cork sandals. I too have wide feet but don't have problems fitting into them.

Posted by
7802 posts

Those are cute sandals, Lulu! And I also like several of the dressier styles of the Naot brand!

I’ve been wearing the black Rose style of Keen sandals for several of my European trips. I would like something cuter, but the toe guard on the front has prevented a broken toe on a couple of trips. I still want to wear a sandal because I don’t bring socks on my trips.

Posted by
4183 posts

I'm another person who likes having my toes protected and both my little toes have been broken so they are turned in such a way that the straps on some sandals simply don't work.

I also need a footbed that is gentle on my very tender feet and doesn't make them sweat, leading to blisters. I've found some sandals intolerable because the footbed wasn't comfortable without socks.

I recently bought some Dansko Raeann sandals that work: https://www.amazon.com/Dansko-Womens-Raeann-Sandals-7-5-8/dp/B07T3TWXKY?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Jambu sandals also work for some people. I have a red pair of the Spain style.

Full disclosure: I might take sandals to change into at the end of a long day, but I'd never wear any sandals anywhere where I'd be doing a lot of walking or standing for hours. I need lace-up ankle boots for comfort and stability.

Posted by
1008 posts

Lo, those are adorable! Sort of between a sandal and sneaker. Do they have arch support and a cushioned insole?

BB, I think the sandals I posted do use Velcro.

Travelmom, I actually have those in black and wear with shorts at home, I think mine has fewer straps. I wish they made them in a silver or gold tone.

Posted by
4183 posts

Yes and yes, although it might not be high enough for some. This is an excerpt from the description:

"The perfect travel shoe, Raeann features an EVA footbed with Dansko Natural Arch technology, mesh and leather uppers, an adjustable back strap, textile linings treated with Aegis for odor control, Dri-Lex sock-linings for moisture management, an EVA midsole, and a two-color rubber outsole."

I've worn Vionics when they were called something else. They were great. And I love metallic color shoes. I'm so partial to Abeo, one of the best brands for me, that I was surprised when I discovered that I could also be comfortable in some Jambu, Dansko and Keen styles. Abeo is great for problem feet: https://www.abeofootwear.com/blogs/news/bio-system

We are so lucky that there are so many stylish, supportive and comfortable shoes available these days.

Posted by
1036 posts

This is just the thinking man's view:

This is not the first time it has occurred to me that open-toed shoes don't protect your feet good from the environment. For example they don't protect from mosquitos or sunburn, and certainly not from rain or puddles. I wonder whether you feel like the sandles themselves are cute or whether it is the action of other women seeing your exposed feet that is the point. According to gut reaction (if, for example I ever got to meet a woman for a date, not that I need to look much at strange women), I believe I tend to look mainly at women's upper faces and bodies and torsos not so much at the legs or feet. Of course I know women dress to impress other women and not men; there are advantages to sticking with good walking shoes that are lace up and close-toed, and so on.

Posted by
2296 posts

I loved the look of those Vionic sandals and they gave adequate arch support, but the Velcro closures started to curl up as I tried to maintain lateral support. I had better luck with Aetrex sandals - I just ordered a second pair of the Jess in a bronze color. Last international trip in 2019 I made big mistakes with shoes. I went with a Jambu Mary Jane and an Easy Spirit Mary Jane. I couldn’t get proper arch support and ended up with a wicked case of plantar fasciitis. From now on I’m buying shoes with removable insoles and using my own inserts (Aetrex works best for me) I’m going to check Lo’s suggestion.

Posted by
1008 posts

Patty, I really like the look of those sandals. The bronze is a nice color. The last pair of Aetrex sandals I tried, the arch support sat too far back. I suppose I could give them another shot.

Posted by
2640 posts

I have had good luck with Not in the past, but am not a devoted Romika fan. I have 5 pair and they are perfect for my feet.

Posted by
1008 posts

Both the vionics and Ramikas are very comfortable, I’ll repost here. The Vionics had a bit better arch support, but my foot just didn’t seem stable enough and I didn’t think they looked as cute. The silver took on almost a white tone. The picture that pops up is not the silver. The Romikas were actually nice looking, I like the asymmetrical strap. I wish they were a little lighter, more silver than dark pewter, but they blend in. I like how the bottom part matches the rest of the sandal. My foot also feels secure.

https://www.vionicshoes.com/amber-adjustable-sandal.html?76=406&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&crtp=paidsearch&aid=7805&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9OiPBhCOARIsAI0y71BmKTGQjbRHuNdcJY0kyTt7jpvHV0j8TVM15nQi_PU7iLktbUSty-8aAuggEALw_wcB

https://www.zappos.com/p/romika-fidschi-54-platin-metallic/product/9031934/color/399053

Posted by
2640 posts

Lulu--That is one of the pairs of Romikas that I have. Super comfy!!!

Posted by
1008 posts

Mikliz, did you take them for travel? It’s good to know someone liked them.

Posted by
2640 posts

Yes, I have. Not to Europe yet though as Iceland in the winter doesn't require sandals, lol. I have worn them on road trips though and for long days here at home. They are nice with most anything, and can really dress up an outfit.

Posted by
1008 posts

https://www.zappos.com/p/romika-fidschi-54-platin-metallic/product/9031934/color/399053

Review on the sandal. It is extremely comfortable and decent enough arch support. I think it’s pretty cute and love the pewter. However, I just spent yesterday trying them out and went on a 2 hour walking tour in Charleston. They aren’t cushy enough to be walking 5 - 10 miles a day for multiple days in a row. Sort of pricey to not be able to use them as I hoped, but I’ll get a lot of use out of them during the summer and short trips.

Posted by
7980 posts

I wish I could wear sandals for long long walks but I just need more support. I recently ordered a pair of Merrells in 9.5 wide but I have to return them as they are running too small - I'm not sure if a 10 W would be better. I'm thinking of just going to a running store nearby and trying on some Hoka shoes.

Posted by
89 posts

I have that Vionic "Amber" sandal in three or four colors. They are my go-to for dressy sandals here at home. Be aware, like most/all Vionic footwear, they have a higher-than-usual arch and that makes them perfect for me. The Velcro doesn't bother me. I have very narrow feet and the Velcro makes them wearable. Otherwise, I would not own them.

Also be aware the Amber runs a half-size larger, so if you normally wear an 8 1/2 shoe, order an 8.

Posted by
27 posts

Finn comfort shoes from Germany. Excellent quality all leather with good arch support - hard to find in the USA go to their web page: www.finncomfortusa.net. Expensive but worth it and some fun colors too. Also like Think! Shoes -made in Austria. Leaving for Budapest on Monday and planning on doing some shoe shopping while I`m over there. Much better selection than we get here.

Posted by
2640 posts

Lulu--I have that exact sandle and was able to walk for hours/miles in them with no issue. That is until I had toe surgery this winter, and now I can only walk around town on a normal day doing errands etc. I hate finding out that our bodies change like this. But they are still super cute and I will be wearing them to a wedding on a lake this summer!

Posted by
1008 posts

@mik, which ones? The Romikas? I wore them in Charleston in March and they started bothering my feet after about 3 miles. That really surprised me as they are so cushy. But I have a Morton’s Neuroma, so that was probably it. I love them though and will still wear and take them on vacations where I’m not walking 5-10 miles a day. I’ve purchased the.Vionic Amber is Silver. It has the high arch, and although not as cushy, May work better with my Neuroma. I’m going to give them a go in Italy.

Posted by
2640 posts

Lulu--I have the Romika Ibiza 70 and 99's, both in the silver. That's just it, after my foot surgery I developed a neuroma so I can't wear these as long as I was able to last year when I bought them. I need to look at the ones with the higher arch. I have been wearing Romikas for about 8 years or so and just love them.

Posted by
1008 posts

@miki, oh I hate this Neuroma. I’m getting a shot today for our trip next week. It’s bothering me so much, I’m going to have surgery, although that makes me fairly nervous. I tried the series of alcohol shots and it didn’t work for me, although they do for most.

Posted by
2640 posts

Lulu--I am really hoping mine goes away. The surgery was the end of November, so not that long ago. It took a while for the weird feeling in my toe to go away, so hoping this follows suit. I am terrified of injections as I had one in my knee a few years ago that was the worst pain I have ever had. I did have one in my hand about 2 weeks ago that wasn't nearly as horrible, but I certainly don't want any more if I can help it.

Posted by
1008 posts

Just got back from 10 days in Italy and the Vionic Amber Sandals were a dream! They were the only ones I wore during the day. (I wore fancier flat sandals at night). I loved them so much I’m getting them in a natural shade. I took silver this time. I typically wear a 10 Wide and the 10 Med fit perfect

Posted by
2640 posts

Lulu--So glad those worked well! I am struggling with finding a pair of sandals with just a touch of a heel for a wedding at a lake this summer. Right now I am leaning towards my Romikas, but would love something with just a touch more height.

Posted by
464 posts

mikliz97- would you be open to a wedge sandal? I got a pair of Rockports this spring and they are incredibly comfortable. The heel isn’t too high. I’m happy to send you the link if you’re interested.

Posted by
2640 posts

Meg--I am open to that! Yes, please share the link. It's hard because I am not sure what the walking surface will be exactly. It could be dirt since it is by a lake, but it is a wedding venue, so who knows! At least we are driving there so I can throw in a couple pairs of shoes just to be safe.

Posted by
3 posts

Lulu We are going to Italy starting June 10 for 2 weeks… do we need closed toe walking shoes? Instead of sneakers I did buy a pair of Aetrex walking shoes and wondering if they will be too hot. I also have a pair of Aetrex sandals that I’ll be taking. Appreciate your insight.

Posted by
1008 posts

I actually wore my sneakers on the plane, thinking I’d probably wear them at least 30% of the time. I never wore them, my feet just were too hot. Open toe walking sandals are just fine. My son wore his sneakers the whole time and said the next time he’s taking his sandals. You do risk stubbing a toe more on the cobblestones, but I never have. They need to be good sturdy sandals though.

I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have sneakers, though. If you don’t mind taking them..