Anonymous
Post 07/12/2022 15:46     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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.
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2022 15:45     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 15:40     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 15:04     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:57     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:50     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:50     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:46     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:38     Subject: Re:Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:33     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:32     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:25     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
Very much depends on the shoe. I find backstraps can cause blisters when I walk alot.
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2022 14:25     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:24     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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
Post 07/12/2022 14:02     Subject: Do walking sandals need a backstrap to be comfortable for longer walks?
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