When did shoes stop being sold in stores?? I went to the mall and came back with almost nothing. Many of my favorite brands are online only so I have to order, try on, and return (which is NOT my favorite use of time and the earth’s energy). This year we are headed to Hawaii in March for spring break, which I haven’t been to in over 20 years and I’m DRIPPING with excitement (mostly because it has been pretty darn drippy up here). I find that sandals, more than any other shoe, often don’t last more than two years because of the wear of outdoor activities in the summer (and up here on the farm things go even faster because of the dirt). So most of my sandals are pretty thrashed and it was time for a couple of pairs that would check multiple boxes.
I want comfortable (duh), a bit of a lift if possible for arch support but also because I still like the longer leg look :), versatile (daytime and nighttime), casual but not boring. Oh, and I don’t need any sexy/strappy sandals (and I have a bunion) so these are definitely on the more practical and understated side. Here we go:
Darker Platform Sandals
I was very excited about these and they are EXTREMELY comfortable and cute. The base has this padding that is so soft and cushy. My only issue with them was, for me, the tone. I don’t it think works well with my very pink legs/feet and my feet are super wide so these made them slightly wider. I kept them in here because they are legit so cute and comfy, but not the best fit for my shape/skin.
Platform Slides – SO CUTE
Well, SHOOT. These are so cute, extremely comfortable, so versatile, and very stylish. Ignore Buttercup’s side-eye. My main issue with these is the price. I don’t know how to justify the cost considering they will likely get beat up being so light. At first, I thought they were a “HELL YES” and if you have a large budget then get them – they are SO CUTE. But after thinking about it for a while, I think others check more boxes and these are too splurgy to just get for fun.
Cute Throw And Go Mules With A Peep Toe
These might look boring but I know that I’ll wear them ALL THE TIME. I already do. I bought them a few weeks ago and I find that I throw them on to jump in the car to run errands frequently (cute with socks). If you have Birkenstocks you might not need these.
Madewell T-Shirt | Shorts (similar)
Excellent plane shoes as well…
Cute Everyday Walking Sandals
GAH. I don’t think I’m selling these here but these are solid walking sandals. They are giving “saltwater sandal” vibes but with a cute platform and a white/black stripe (and not waterproof). So comfy, with a bit of style, still understated (as you can tell I’m not into super strappy statement sandals – likely because my feet don’t invite that level of exposure).
Keep reading, but I think these are a solid YES.
Groove Heeled Platform Sandals
Fine, these are likely not going to be brought on spring break because of bulk and I don’t think I’ll need fancy nighttime shoes, but I promise I have almost zero heeled summer shoes and these are so comfortable (for heels) and cute. These would look awesome with ankle socks. The sweatshirt is from Anthro and the skirt is Madewell (and awesome, so lightweight, easy to throw on, and doesn’t wrinkle).
Teva Flatform Sandal
These were a “hell yes” until I found another pair of Teva’s from last year I have that are still in great shape. So with the intent not to hoard, I’m going to return them, But y’all they are GREAT.
Fisherman Sport Sandals
I haven’t really dove into the fisherman sandal yet. These are so comfortable, but I don’t think this is really me… Not sure why but after staring at them and picturing them with my wardrobe they aren’t a “hell yes.”
After trying these all on yesterday I went back into my closet to check out what I did have to make sure I’m not being stupidly overconsumptive and buying shoes for outfits that I already have a shoe for. I have my Arizona Birks (so cute, but honestly I don’t love Birks as much as the rest of the world for comfort reasons ironically), last year’s Tevas (olive green), of course, my flip flops (Tkees), and Havianas. So I think I only really need the heels (not for spring break) and the salt water vibey sandals (unless I find my Nisolo’s from last year that are on sale right now for $69 BTW). I also really like these (on sale for $69). Lastly, I ordered these from Emerson Fry which I haven’t received yet so we’ll see (splurgy but I’m a massive fan of that brand, made in the USA, small batch, always flattering, a good fit, etc). And then I still have these from last year that are SO CUTE. Maybe I only need one pair, y’all. Seems like I’m not that desperate after all 🙂 Hopefully, this helps if you are in the sandal market 🙂
Fisherman sandals…straight back to the 90s, iykyk maybe that’s why? I have been wondering when these would make a comeback
They actually made a comeback last year via Prada, etc. These, that Emily doesn’t like, are already in my shopping cart on Anthropologie website. I loved them the first time I wore them (late 70s), not the second time, and now I’m ready to wear them with everything again! I wish I’d kept those blue jelly fishermen’s sandals I had in the 70s!
Lovely.
please help us (me!) learn how to do sandals with socks. ❤️🙏
Curious why you haven’t tried any foot shaped shoes, made to simulate barefoot walking. They have many cute ones these days. I can see some of those in this post pinch your toes in, which furthers bunion formation. I know you aren’t a shoe blogger but for wide feet and bunions (which I have) I highly recommend trying some. Guessing some readers might also be interested
Foot shaped shoes like the ones with individual toes? They are comfortable???
Not the ones with the individual toes, just a *much* wider toe bed that actually matches the shape of a human foot! Google “barefoot shoes” for examples
Google barefoot shoe or foot shaped shoe. Waaay more comfortable than having your toes pinched and foot constricted in the name of fashion. I will say that it can take some adjusting if you never walk barefoot or shoeless. I’ve even switched to Topos for my running shoes because they are shaped like women’s feet instead of pointy toed like most running shoes. I still have a bunion from years of wearing what was available, which wasn’t great. Now my feet are so much happier
I actually like the look of the fisherman sandals the most. at least, the look of the more tapered and low-profile shoe. I was thinking the I’d like to see what some flats would look like, something more refined, closer to the foot. that kind of shoe can actually be very flattering (I’m a fellow wide-footed American). the fisherman shoe gives your legs a good line.
Both my daughter and I who have very different feet; I’m a 5 narrow and she is a 9 wide have both had luck with Reef’s which are pretty stylish and comfortable right now. I also have Teva’s like the one pictured but in a tan color and they look good! I like the lower price point for everyday.
I am so ready to buy the ‘Nisolo from last year’. But do they run small? Website says yes, reviewer says no. Please help…
I bought my nisolos a half size up from my usual size and they fit perfectly!
Man, I am admittedly not stylish at all. At 40, I truly feel clueless when it comes to being fashionable but I just will never ever ever be able to get behind fisherman style sandals or socks with sandals! Anyone else?
In the late 70s I wore socks sometimes with my fishermen’s jelly sandals, but with short white schoolgirl socks. I also wore the cute little white socks with heels as well. They were cute. Wearing a taller athletic sock with sandals, as is the style now, only looks good on legs with slim calves, otherwise one looks like a rugby player and it’s not a cute look.
Same
For the original flat form sandal, I suggest the Kork Ease Myrna. They’ve been around since the 70’s! Absolutely comfortable, come in lots of neutrals. I love my soft gold pair!
https://www.korkease.com/en/myrna-2.0-17793.html?dwvar_17793_color=Natural%20Nude&dwvar_17793_width=M
Yeah, I remember those from my teens….and that’s a whole lot of years ago!
I would keep those pinky-beige Tevas! They’re so perfect on you, and who knows how long that color will be around. =) You could wear your other Tevas and save these for when those wear out. I think they’re that good.
I appreciate your not buying to buy and inventory ingredients what you have first.
I recommend sandals with arch support, such as Vionic or Revitalign.
But the most important question…which ones did the dogs like?
The Nisolo clog sandals you linked to are the BEST. I got them for my bro’s wedding last fall and I could wear them alllllllll day. And I have chronic back pain and foot pain! Highly recommend. Also, so cute.
I love when you do these clothing/shoe posts Emily! So helpful! Having lived in LA for 28 years I would just go out to wherever and pick up what I needed, no problemo. But now that we’ve moved to smaller market in an area of the country that style wise isn’t so much my vibe shopping is really difficult. Not a lot of inspiration on the street to boot! Thus, I love discovering so many of these online brands from and seeing what style wise you’ve got cookin! Thank you!
This post is so cute – thank you! Love the reality, and the kinda deciding not to buy… I’ve been in that place lately and it generally feels good. Have an AMAZING time in Hawaii!
You might like the Reef Cushion Vista Hi. They are so damn comfortable. I have arthritic feet, so need cush. I bought a second pair, after wearing the first pair for about a month. I didn’t want to risk not having another pair if they discontinued. I have the natural color, and they darkened to that perfect natural leather color that appears after some wear. They come and go in-stock. So obviously popular. I bought mine online, but I did see them in Scheels last year. They are $65, so not expensive. Mine held up great last summer. I don’t have to pull out the new pair yet. https://www.reef.com/products/womens-slides-cushion-vista-hi-natural
I just have to say, the color you painted your bedroom is so fantastic. Every time I see it, it makes me feel happy! I know this post was about sandals, but really all I could focus on was the beautiful blue walls.
Of all the sandals you tried on, the fisherman’s sandal looked the cutest on your foot. OMHO, of course.
i have flat feet! think this would fit well?
Great sandals but I would love a post on flat sandals please!
I love how you reviewed the shoes based on what you already have and what you would wear them with. This is an important exercise that is so often lost in our need to consume. It is a mindset that I continually need to bring myself back to.