Finding a comfortable sandal often requires trial and error, blisters and foot cramps. Who has time for that? Let’s take a look at some serious sandals that we can walk in all day. It takes a bit of research and patience but, we can have stylish comfortable shoes that don’t look like we need to be hobbling around with a cane. I created this post two years ago meaning for it to be an annual affair. Now here I am two years later updating it. I want mine to be somewhat sleek, supportive, and as stylish as possible. Here are my favorites. Let’s take a look at Stylish Comfortable shoes that don’t look granny-Sandals (updated 2021). If you missed my post on Stylish Comfortable Sneakers you can check it out here.
STYLISH COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT DON’T LOOK GRANNY-SANDALS
Brands that have worked for me in the past don’t always make the current lists that is why I always quote sources . Honestly some of the sandals that the experts claim are comfortable are not for me.I try to factor in ones that would be comfortable if I did not have a bunion as well as those that aren’t positively awful looking. For me Birkenstocks are in that category. I know many of you love them including my daughter. I did find a pair that I consider much more attractive. I know they look great on the tall thin fashionable models but on me they just look like bricks.
STYLISH COMFORTABLE SHOE BRANDS THAT WORK FOR ME
Dolce Vita recently has come up with some great looking comfortable styles. My daughter says their sneakers are the most comfortable she has ever owned.
Sorel has really upped their game in the comfort zone and they have many new styles that are as stylish as they are comfortable. The Ella sandal is on sale for $40 and comes in a multitude of colors.
I find Korkease to be very comfortable. Some of the styles hit my bunion in the wrong place. I have a pair of sandals the Audriana that everyone always asks about. I don’t know why they don’t bring them back. They have a couple of pairs on Ebay here
Gentle Souls historically have been very comfortable for me but they can be pricey. If you have been reading this blog long you know that I am a big fan of Olukai. The Ho Opio has long been my best friend. They have come out with the honu which is a close cousin but looks like it might have a tad more support for those who don’t like flip flops.
STYLISH COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDALS YOU CAN WALK IN ALL-DAY
Here are this year’s favorites. There are many more out there. These are either ones that work for me or have been praised by others.
LEFT TO RIGHT FIRST ROW
Sorel Ella comes in many colors and $40, I am going to give the Vionic a try, love the look but it might not work with my bunion. The Korkease comes in many other colors and I know is comfy.
LEFT TO RIGHT SECOND ROW
The Sorel looks a tad clunky but hey that’s the style (at least the sole is the same color). I would like to try this one too. The Korkease tie has a pretty feminine look. I am drawn to the Dolce Vita , it does have the light sole but I don’t mind it with the gray.
LEFT TO RIGHT THIRD ROW
I cannot personally wear the Eileen Fisher platform but I know everyone who can loves them. The Gentle Soul number with the criss cross design intrigues me. They are always comfy, but pricey. The new Olukai Honu I know is comfy but I still love my Ho Opios.
LEFT TO RIGHT LAST ROW
This Birkenstock number with the thinner straps is much more attractive in my opinion for those of you who love them. Mary Ann swears by this Sofft. It looks like the Eileen Fisher but a much better price. It is too narrow for me personally.Love these strappy Olukai’s and they come in many other colors.
SHOP STYLISH COMFORTABLE SANDALS THAT DON’T LOOK GRANNY
Thanks so much for reading Stylish Comfortable Shoes That Don’t Look Granny- Sandals 2021. I so appreciate you being here. I Have a question for you all. I am considering giving the “Outfit of the Day” it’s own day since it has become so popular and it is very time consuming to produce. If I did that I would replace it on Sunday with cheap chic ebay and etsy finds. Let me know your thoughts, leave it on Sunday or give it it’s own day? Place your votes! Have a great day!
Taste of France says
June 11, 2019 at 12:12 pm
(Edit)
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.
Gail Storti says
June 11, 2019 at 2:48 pm
(Edit)
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!
Nancy says
June 11, 2019 at 2:53 pm
(Edit)
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!
debra @ 5th and state says
June 11, 2019 at 3:38 pm
(Edit)
BUENO”S!!! I bought those in Paso Robles, with you and can attest to comfort, slipper like
xo
Debra
Sheila-Merle Johnson says
June 11, 2019 at 5:11 pm
(Edit)
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.
Alice says
June 11, 2019 at 5:45 pm
(Edit)
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.
home before dark says
June 12, 2019 at 7:27 am
(Edit)
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.
DIdi says
June 13, 2019 at 8:46 am
(Edit)
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.
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.
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 …
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
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.
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
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.
also….what is the name of the Sofft sandal? Thank you!
Looks like Sofft Pacifica on Nordstrom site.
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.
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.
Hi Carmie
Absolutely! I would love to do that. I will work on it.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BUENO”S!!! I bought those in Paso Robles, with you and can attest to comfort, slipper like
xo
Debra
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!
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!
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.