Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?

[Anonymous]

I know, I know, there's been a million threads already on the perfect summer walking sandals...

My question is this - For days of lots of walking (visiting Europe in the heat of August and may be too hot in sneakers sometimes), do I need a backstrap? Or does something you slip into suffice (like this, on sale)?

No backstrap style https://www.bornshoes.com/en/oceana-11888.html?dwvar_11888_color=Cognac&dwvar_11888_size=9&dwvar_11888_width=M

Or is backstrap style more comfortable?
https://www.fitflop.com/us/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1#592

[Anonymous]

Way more comfortable with a back strap.and less likely to slip or get your shoe stuck, an important consideration with gravel and cobblestone walks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Way more comfortable with a back strap.and less likely to slip or get your shoe stuck, an important consideration with gravel and cobblestone walks.

Agree. Go for Birkenstock if you want real comfort.

[Anonymous]

Very much depends on the shoe. I find backstraps can cause blisters when I walk alot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very much depends on the shoe. I find backstraps can cause blisters when I walk alot.

OP here, yeah, this was my concern, but on the other hand, having the shoe feel looser/floppy might also drive me nuts....

[Anonymous]

Yes, a backstrap is better for your feet! Without it, your toes are constantly gripping, which can cause problems with your feet down the road.

[Anonymous]

To me it depends on the shoe. The Fitflop shoes you linked would probably not work for me because whenever I wear shoes like that the strap slips down on my heel. If I size down, they are too tight.

My preference is a sandal with a backstrap AND a strap over the front of the ankle (must be either elastic or adjustable so that you can accommodate swelling when you are walking a lot on hot days). But I'd rather wear a very supportive slide-type sandal (like the Borns you link to or, the Birkenstock Arizona) than something with a backstrap and no ankle strap.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks, I think I def want backstrap, now just a matter of picking the best ones that might also look decent with a dress out to dinner

I have a few contenders but each one, I'm wondering about how this or that part might rub.

If you have already done your vacation this year that involved a lot of walking, feel free to post the sandals that did or didn't work for you!

[Anonymous]

PS has anyone ever purchased this specific style of Born - the Born Inya Crossover? I like the look of them, but anticipate the toe strap part will get irritating.


https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/born-brn-inya-crossover-sandal-women/5890590

[Anonymous]

I have walked miles in my Birkenstocks. They are the flip flop version without a back strap. Just be sure to break in - it takes a while for them to mold to your feet.

[Anonymous]

These are likely too sporty, but these shoes were my MVP for 3 weeks walking all over Europe.

https://www.zappos.com/p/sorel-kinetic-impact-sandal-fawn/product/9466789/color/4045

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These are likely too sporty, but these shoes were my MVP for 3 weeks walking all over Europe.

https://www.zappos.com/p/sorel-kinetic-impact-sandal-fawn/product/9466789/color/4045

Thanks... I already plan to wear cariumas for a lot of the walking, but would like some brown leather/dress style sandals that are decently supportive in case my feet need a break in 100+ degree weather.... but want to be able to wear them out to a nice-ish dinner with a dress

[Anonymous]

I wore these all over Spain a few weeks ago (in black) and had no blisters at all. Super comfortable and look nice with dresses and slacks.
https://www.zappos.com/p/pikolinos-blanes-w3h-1892-brandy/product/9365464/color/191

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very much depends on the shoe. I find backstraps can cause blisters when I walk alot.

+1 100% dependent on the shoe. With the two OP showed, I think the non-backstrap would be too floppy for real walking. The one with the backstrap - it's hard to tell how comfortable it'd be for real walks. Would have to try on.

[Anonymous]

I just got back from Croatia and Italy, and the most popular shoes with dresses were Birkenstocks. I saw plenty of Arizona, Miyari and Gizeh styles. All the towns had cobblestone streets. I wore my Gizeh way more than I wore my sneakers - my feet got too hot in the closed shoes.