Athletic/sport sandals for long walks that aren't ugly

[Anonymous]

Wow - lots of people worried about getting their toes stomped on.

[Anonymous]

I have the Mephisto Helens and they are great. I walk absolutely everywhere and they are super comfy without being fugly. Can't wear them to work though.

[Anonymous]

I walk usually 4-6 miles a day. I actually don't find "sport" sandals comfortable - they make my legs hurt, for some reason. I usually wear Dansko or Sanita sandals (or wood-soled clogs).

These are not fashionista shoes by any stretch, but I think they are an adequate compromise of looks and comfort - my feet and legs are very happy in them, and I think they look just fine.

https://www.dansko.com/womens/footwear/styles/sandals

http://www.zappos.com/sanita-sandals#!/sanita-sandals?s=recentSalesStyle/desc

I wouldn't wear these to go for a real hike, because they don't have traction - but I think that for normal city walking, they'll be just fine for you.

[Anonymous]

All of these posts are re-confirming to me that there are no non-hideous flats for women, least of all sandals...which is really sad for me since I have back pain that makes any sized heel painful after a while.

In the past, I had a pair of Cole Haan + Nike Air sandals that I wore comfortably all over Europe, but it would appear CH has dropped that partnership and their ZeroGrand comfort shoes are just frightening-looking. I would say that of the sport sandals, classic Tevas are the least offensive of the lot: http://www.teva.com/s/TEVA-US/women-sandals/original-universal/888855809456.html?source=shoppingsite_PLA_1003987-MPT-11&kpid=1003987-MPT-11&CAWELAID=120013140000051848&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=20214812643&CATCI=aud-125510193843:pla-86185166163

For non-sport sandals, I just bought these (Franco Sarto Gustar) and they were comfy in the store at least:

http://www.saksoff5th.com/gustar-leather-sandals/0400089805361.html?CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CjwKEAjwsYW6BRCTzvu5y8DPhi0SJABnGLlHfAkbp9mrDXNf9bsDeaiP2RL2mu9n2vbX4RBZU2T82BoCYLbw_wcB&CATCI=aud-106159289605%3Apla-39489549691&CAWELAID=120133820001796683&site_refer=GGLPRADS001_OFF&catargetid=120133820000400982&CAAGID=18176555725&prod_id=0400089805361&cadevice=c

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of these posts are re-confirming to me that there are no non-hideous flats for women, least of all sandals...which is really sad for me since I have back pain that makes any sized heel painful after a while.

In the past, I had a pair of Cole Haan + Nike Air sandals that I wore comfortably all over Europe, but it would appear CH has dropped that partnership and their ZeroGrand comfort shoes are just frightening-looking. I would say that of the sport sandals, classic Tevas are the least offensive of the lot: http://www.teva.com/s/TEVA-US/women-sandals/original-universal/888855809456.html?source=shoppingsite_PLA_1003987-MPT-11&kpid=1003987-MPT-11&CAWELAID=120013140000051848&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=20214812643&CATCI=aud-125510193843:pla-86185166163

For non-sport sandals, I just bought these (Franco Sarto Gustar) and they were comfy in the store at least:

http://www.saksoff5th.com/gustar-leather-sandals/0400089805361.html?CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CjwKEAjwsYW6BRCTzvu5y8DPhi0SJABnGLlHfAkbp9mrDXNf9bsDeaiP2RL2mu9n2vbX4RBZU2T82BoCYLbw_wcB&CATCI=aud-106159289605%3Apla-39489549691&CAWELAID=120133820001796683&site_refer=GGLPRADS001_OFF&catargetid=120133820000400982&CAAGID=18176555725&prod_id=0400089805361&cadevice=c

Meant to show the Tevas in plain black...

[Anonymous]

OP back again. Your recommendations really helped!!

I ordered these Tevas based on a upthread recommendation for a similar shoe, and I really like them - they are comfortable and I think they look pretty good -- minimalist and non-embarrassing. I am white/tan, so the color on me is "nude" which is something I like in sandals. These are going to be really good for everyday, urban, 5-miles-or-less kind of activity. The durability remains to be seen, but I should think they will at least last the summer.

http://www.zappos.com/teva-terra-float-nova-lux-natural

I also ordered some Chacos, and I was really, really impressed by how well designed and durable they appear to be. Unfortunately, I didn't love how the style I ordered looked on me, but I'm likely going to to try again with another style/color. They seem like they will be good for longer urban hikes, 5+ miles.

And finally, I DO want some Keens! My husband and I were talking about how we wished we'd had them on vacations to Mexico or Costa Rica, but they would also be good for any summer hikes when you want your toes protected. DH ordered some and I'm going to see how happy he is with his before I order some for myself.

Anyway, my feet are happy, thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the love of God, people. Stop posting beige sandals!


http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/shoes/women/newport-h2

I didn't love the beige ones, but these?? These are hideous. I mean, I see them on the playground at preschool. But for a grown woman?

Have them- love them- they fit a need....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are literally hiking on a mountain trail in the woods or white water rafting or paddle boarding, you should not as a grown women be wearing bright blue Keens. If you are engaging in those activities, it is excusable. Walking to the farmers market? NO.

These Tevas are about as inoffensive as this kind of sandal gets. I actually might order some:


http://www.teva.com/women-sandals/original-sandal-leather-metallic/1007550.html?dwvar_1007550_color=SLVR#start=1&cgid=women-sandals

Well, I am "a grown women" and sometimes walk 6 miles at a time on an outing. So, while I'm not hiking in the woods (I have hiking boots for that), I do need very comfortable and supportive shoes. Sometimes that means compromising on the look of the shoe a bit.

Love the black ones

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG. What is wrong with your feet that you have to wear these ugly shoes for walks?

OK, yes - hiking, very long walks, etc, go with Keens or whatever and don't think twice about it.

But Ijust walked the dog 1.5 miles wearing very normal sandals. Not old lady shoes. I could easily have gone longer. And i have very wide feet - but seriously tough it out. Find some decent sandals and just get used to them!

Oh, your day is coming, honey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG. What is wrong with your feet that you have to wear these ugly shoes for walks?

OK, yes - hiking, very long walks, etc, go with Keens or whatever and don't think twice about it.

But Ijust walked the dog 1.5 miles wearing very normal sandals. Not old lady shoes. I could easily have gone longer. And i have very wide feet - but seriously tough it out. Find some decent sandals and just get used to them!

Oh, your day is coming, honey.

Depending what you mean by "very normal sandals", this may be fine, but wearing supportive walking shoes isn't just about being comfortable. It is also protecting your feet from foot pain and deformities as you get older. I can't tell you how many people I see walking around DC in flimsy flip flops. (Signed, someone already starting to have foot problems in my late 30s). Look at your mom or grandma's feet to see what you may have in store.