Stylish Comfortable Sandals that don’t Look Granny

65 Comments

1. What a great post! One can never have enough sandals. 🙂 I will throw another brand into the mix that is my fav: Taos. For me, they are a perfect fit (narrow feet, high arches) and have excellent support. They also make cute sneakers. I like Vionic but their sizing is off and varies from shoe to shoe/sandal).

2. Cindy, Re: your search for dark brown sandals, you might look at Cole Haan Marlee Fisherman Footbed Sandals on Zappos. They come in a dark chocolate color. I have found Cole Haan sandals to be comfortable and affordable. Thanks for a useful post!

   1. Hi Susan

      Thank you so much I am going to order them! Remember when Cole Haan was one of the more expensive brands? What has happened that now they seem reasonable? They have always been well made. If they will accommodate my bunion they will be a win win!! Thank you so much!!

3. Josef Seibel -great sandal, simple and excellent arch support!

   1. Hi Mary

      I remember my sister loving that brand!

4. I love a comfy pair of sandals! Thanks for sharing so many beautiful options Cindy. Have a wonderful weekend.

   1. Hi Eliz

      Of course! Thanks for stopping by!

5. What a great post! So many options (something for everyone). Love the variety. I have my eye on a pair of the Fitflops. Made my pedi appt, and will be summer sandal ready. Thanks for all the research.

6. Thanks for the great round-up, Cindy. It’s only in the last year that I’ve had to make a conscious switch to comfortable shoes and try to stay away from the granny looks. I just found some that I consider stylish from Vionic in a kind of linen look with big buckles and Velcro closures. I found them at Mike’s in SLO which has a huge selection of shoes made for comfort.

   1. Hi Wren

      It sounds like I need to check out Mikes in SLO!!

7. Thank you for this article! I have a bunion, would like non slip soles, and would like a low strap. . Any recommendations?

   1. Hi Lulu

      I linked to several on the post if you just click on the links. Quince has a great pair in a neutral.

8. I know I have already shared this but this simple stretch has saved my life. I had so much foot pain, Morton’s neuromas, plantar fasciitis and injections and orthotics and this stretch is everything.
   https://www.angryorthopod.com/post/calf-stretching-it-s-the-ao-way-or-the-highway-there-are-no-back-roads

   1. Thank you Nancy for sharing even if you have before! We all have short memories!

9. I love Orthofeet and have a lovely pair of blue sandals with adjustable straps. I am on my second pair of house shoes with a
   sturdy sole, and supportive liners with arch support . Orthofeet also come with customizable inserts for arch support and for extra liners to adjust fit. I wear orthotics from my podiatrist with my walking shoes that are HOKA, with a wide enough toe for my bunions that grew back after my double bunionectomy in 1992. I walk everyday, and do yardwork, etc.

   1. Hi Joan

      I know so many love Hoka. They did not work for me or my husband unfortunately. That is terrible that your bunions grew back. I guess that is why our podiatrist says don’t do it unless you absolutely have to…apparently that is not that unusual…

   2. Hi Joan

      Thanks for weighing in!!

10. This is comprehensive and so helpful, Cindy.

    1. Thanks Pal!

11. For a cute pair of red sandals, see the Paul Green Tippi at Nordies. They were a dream right out of the box. Pricey, but I dove in anyway. Amazing how much stuff looks great with a red sandal!

    1. Hi Vicky

       One of my friends loves Paul Green. I need to try them on in the store to see if the toebox is wide enough for the dreaded bunion!

12. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JHBMCWD/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    I have spent a lifetime searching for comfortable stylish sandals to stand in for my work. I ordered these on a whim and I love them.
    I have a narrow, big foot, size 10. Oftentimes regular sandals are too wide. I like some coverage, as my feet are not my best feature and I have some veins, discoloration, and rough patches despite pedis.
    These sandals are perfect for me and I stand in them for 6-8 hours a day.
    I am not a fan of Birkenstock or Naot. A big “Ouch” for me!

    1. Hi Kelly

       Thank you for weighing in!!

13. Love this post today. I found the camper sandals on Amazon for $64! Score! Ordered them of course. Thanks again for your wonderful blog. You must work very hard…we appreciate it.

    1. Hi Sandy

       Thanks for the tip! I will change that link so others can score as well!! I love my campers. I bought mine at the Sundance outlet last year and wore them all day right after purchase!

14. Cindy, unfortunately due to a twist in my lower spine discovered years ago ( scoliosis) making it appear my left leg is shorter by 3/4 “, most of my sandals have had a lift added on the left shoe. This” levels”me, but it means I no longer shop for sandals, since it becomes prohibitively expensive to get each shoe done. Needless to say, I keep my sandals in very good shape for warm weather wearing. All other shoes purchased a few years ago are also done just on left one. When I look for loafers etc., I can add a couple of gel lifts inside the left shoe. While trying to downsize and edit my shoe collection, it’s difficult to sell pairs of good quality shoes , which have a lift on only the left shoe! Apart from that particular weirdness, I have lumps that appeared years ago on the top of my feet( osteoarthritis?) so Ilsa Jacobsen tulip shoes are particularly good with the open area on the top of the shoe and therefore no compression . Oh my ! Aging is such fun! Imagine how sore this mid seventies body was ( hips and feet especially) after many days enjoying such interesting excursions , all of them on cobblestone roads in the Netherlands and Belgium. Groan! Where’s my soothing mint & rosemary foot cream?

    1. Hi Cath

       My husband has the same lumps that drive him crazy! His podiatrist thought it was from a former injury? Interesting…I of course have the bunion on my left foot that I have to deal with!

       1. Always something 😅

          1. Ha ha yes!!

15. This was a great in-depth post on sandals. I’m always looking for ones for narrow feet and with cushioning. These old feet have lost some of their padding and my soles start to hurt.

    FYI The bright yellow highlighted words was very distracting.

    1. Hi Joanna

       I am so sorry about the highlighting! I have no idea how that happened. It is fixed!

16. so many sandals so little time to enjoy all of them! some great choices in the post I have worn Born and Merrell in comfort here’s to a great summer for all

    1. Hi Karen

       I have worn Merril boots and loved them…I have not had such good luck with Born. I probably should revisit!

17. Cindy, I look forward to this post every spring! I have purchased some of my favorite sandals based on your recommendations. I have Birkenstocks and like you, don’t get the hype! Mine aren’t very comfortable either.
    Love all your posts, said it before, I love your style!

    1. Hi Dottie

       I am so glad you enjoy it…it is a ton of work!! I do not find Birkenstocks comfortable. The footbed is too hard for me. I have heard the Quince dupe is more comfortable. I may give them a try!

    2. I love that post. Two weeks ago I fell outside and had my ankle broken. I was wearing a shoe that you slip your foot in. Wrong shoes for me at 69 !!! Last year I bought a pair of sandals that is perfect. For a long time, I was looking for a sandal that would hide my toes. They are made in Spain : Pons Avarcas. Tou can buy them in California. Raisonnable price, many models and many colours. Very confortable and stylish.

       1. Hi Joanne

          Our wonderful local shoe store Sole Tree carries Pons.

18. Cindy, I have feet issues with the best of them. I have learned to manage it pretty well. You are right that comfort sandals and shoes have come a long way. My personal favorite brand is Mephisto. They just work for my narrow heel and foot width, high arch fussy little old lady feet. Ha! Also, I’m scheduled for total knee replacement surgery in August, so that probably contributes to walking issues. We wear our sandals 9 months a year in Texas. OMG, today’s high temp 103-105!

    1. Hi Marguerite

       You might try vionic as well for your high arches. They are almost too “archy” for me. I will give Mephisto another look as well. Good luck with your knee replacement. I have two friends that just had them done and they are happy as little campers!! The recovery time is so much better now!

19. I love shoes posts but I can hardly wear any of them. My feet are so wide. So, I try to dress stylishly and ignore the message my feet are sending. I have good luck with Birkenstock boots, Noat everything, Altra, Jambu, a couple of the Teva sandals are quite nice. I agree about Birk sandals, jeez Louise, could they just trim them up a little??
    I can tell you what has saved my life is doing these foot stretches: https://angryorthopod.com/2016/03/calf-stretching/
    He explains it all so well.

20. Ecco has a lot of cute and comfortable sandals. They seem to have improved their styling, and are keeping them comfortable. They hold up for several years too. If I love a pair, sometimes buy another exactly the same in case they discontinue it, but the originals don’t wear out. They have some nice blues, and greys that are good with jeans. Naot is in the same category. Comfortable and last forever. There are so many comfort brands now; guess catering to the 50 and older market. I know several younger women who only buy comfortable shoes too. Not willing to teeter around in painful heels. If we knew then what we know now …

21. Cindy,
    This is great. I’m currently shopping for sandals. My feet are fairly narrow and long (far too long for my taste) but my issue is finding a sandal that stays on without my foot slipping too far to the end, like hanging ten on sandals. Ha.
    But the search goes on and that was just made a little easier by your wonderful post. Thank you!
    Karen

22. Loved your post on sandals. I do have a pair of Korkease and love them. But a couple of years ago I found a brand that I love. FitFlop. They have many styles to choose from. You can walk in them all day. I have sore heels and need to have a joint replacement in my right foot and I can still walk all day in these. These were recommended by a doctor and I can see why. I probably have about 4 pair of sandals and several pairs of their shoes. Just thought if you didn’t know about them you might want to check them out.

23. Cindy, I’m with your daughter! I love Birkenstock sandals! But the only one I wear is the Mayari.
    I’m collecting every color of it! Lol
    It doesn’t look chunky to me. I have arthritis in one foot & can’t wear cute, little flat sandals anymore 🙁
    I really enjoy your blog! Suzanne

24. Thank you for this. I bought a pair of Naot sandals today, that would fit perfectly in this category of comfortable and supportive, but still stylish.

    1. They must be the Kayla Naot sandals. I have been wearing them for several years. The best for arch support , lightweight and shock absorption. I love the spice suede color I bought this year! (Thank you Cindy for your wonderful blog❤️)

25. also….what is the name of the Sofft sandal? Thank you!

    1. Looks like Sofft Pacifica on Nordstrom site.

26. Thank you for this! I struggle so much with shoes….between narrow heels, super high arches and (admittedly self-diagnosed) Morton’s neuroma on one foot, I have a closet full of shoes worn once or twice and hidden away. Walking vacations are my nemesis; I drive my poor husband insane with my incessant search for something that might provide a bit of comfort without looking hideous.

    I’m always happy to hear more rather than fewer great ideas from you, so I would vote for OOTD as a separate post.

27. Give fashion its own day. Would it be possible to add clothes for size 12-14 for under 5’4” ladies? Know this is not you body size but am not able to wear many of your picks—but I would love to. You have great style.

    1. Hi Carmie

       Absolutely! I would love to do that. I will work on it.

28. Hi Cindy,
    I love your sundays with Etsy finds personally and I would hate to see that go as I love finding things “out of the usual” and I love supporting creative people and their work, being one myself! Thank you for the shoes so many ace choices. I have had good luck with Garnet Hill and buying Donald Pilsner Fifi sandals and Kork Ease Menzie sandals. I like the sales especially on that site.
    Fo some reason i am having real trouble with the ads on your page today grrr Google. Happy weekend!

    1. Hi Francesca

       I am so sorry about the ads. I reported it this morning. I do not normally use Safari but have an issue with Rewards Style and have to. Thankfully I saw the mess. I have my tech person working on it.

29. Thanks to your recommendations I bought a pair of the Olukai Ho Opio flip flops and also the Super Ga sneakers. Both are super comfortable and cute. Knew I needed a pair of espadrilles and am so glad I waited because those tassels are calling my name! Your style posts are so well thought out and helpful. Thank you so much.

    1. I love sharing my morning coffee with you and your fun, informative messages. This is such a timely and well researched article. I do have a small ask, though. You use the term, “don’t look granny”, in a negative way. We’re immersed in a culture that tends to disrespect older women so much so that even we who are older women sometimes use terms that denigrate ourselves. I’d be so much more comfortable if you could find a more positive way to express footwear that’s stylish and comfortable.

       1. Hear, hear! Well-said! As a grandmother for 13 years, I’m proud of that status and role and don’t like the connotation of “granny” as “out of it,” or weak, or cast-aside. If we want to say some sandals are not well-designed or appealing, so be it, but plenty of comfortable shoes with great engineering support and gorgeous leather or designs are out there for ALL women. Finn Comfort in Germany (available in the US) makes fabulous sandals that have saved my life. Love all the brand suggestions you discussed.

          1. Hi EP

             I am a proud grandmother as well…what was once considered “granny” is no longer that is for sure!!I will check out Finn…

       2. Hi Ruth

          I understand your point. I normally use the term mature, etc. This was a fun post that I did years ago (actually with a picture of Granny Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies), that took off and I continue to use the same title every year for this post for longevity. I don’t mean any offense. I am a proud grandmother as well. We grandmas are not much like the grandmas of our day (many who did resort to unattractive footwear because that was their only choice). I hope you understand I mean no harm.

30. As always thanks for the research. I just bought a pair of Barton Travel Sandals (python) from Artful Home. It is bunion friendly. Has a cushioned sole. Too soon to tell other than they didn’t hurt the first time I wore them. I also wear Noat slides and Dansko slides. By go to everyday: Merrells. Sandals that are flat, flat, flat are too tiring for my feet. Why are they almost always the cutest ones? Big Sigh.

31. Hi Cindy. Enjoy your posts. I love L’Amour Des Pieds shoes and sandals. I think they are cute and so comfy! Cost around $200.

32. My go-to summer sandals are the cross-over Eileen Fisher sneaker bottom sandal you show above. I have them in several colors including bright orange. I have worn them to travel and have been very happy. My other favorite brands are Sam Edelman and Tsubo. I just found a gladiator style at Kohl’s that are fairly comfortable for all day wear. I got them in pewter and black. Thanks for your info. So helpful.

33. BUENO”S!!! I bought those in Paso Robles, with you and can attest to comfort, slipper like
    xo
    Debra

34. Looking for a comfortable sandal is challenging! Thank you for sharing your suggestions. I’m the wedding coordinator at my church and a wedding/reception makes for a very long day and multiple trips up and down stairs. I wanted a new pair of dressier sandals in a nude color with a wedge or a block heel and a heel strap. My search is complicated by my high arch and wider foot. I haven’t found what I have pictured in my head but fortunately, I was able to find a pair of Sketcher brand strappy slip-on wedges in Pewter that will work till I do!

35. Yes, age does play a part in shoe selection these days, my feet are not what they used to be. But I must say there are some pretty nice styles out there that are extremely comfy, the cushioned innersole being a big factor for me. Thanks for sharing all these great, stylish sandals. Thought they might not be on the “chicest of chic” star list, they are a far cry from “granny” sandals!

36. Thank you for this! For a big night out recently, I wore a pair of “heels”–at most 2″, with a 1/2-inch platform, so the heel itself wasn’t more than 1.5″. I wore them to drive, then walked a few feet from the parking lot to the table of the restaurant (maybe 2 minutes of walking?), and my feet hurt for TWO DAYS afterward. It is so discouraging. I thought they were reasonable.
    I love my Sketcher Go-Walks, though the soft soles wear down quickly. But no break-in period, never a blister (and I really made an effort). I often wear espadrilles, and add ergonomic sole inserts, because they are just too flat. Still, they look good and are cheap, so colors. I got a new pair of Converse-adjacent tennis shoes (Converse are too narrow for me), but the toes bend upward a bit, which is not chic. So hard to find shoes that tick all the boxes.
    Let us all now leave an offering at the altar of Phoebe Philo, who freed the feet and let us wear athleisure shoes with everything.

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