The Most Comfortable Sandals I Tried This Summer
When my feet hurt, I’m done. I could be in the world’s most charming café in Paris or, let’s be honest, the local Safeway…but if my shoes are digging in or rubbing me raw, the only thing I’m thinking about is getting them off. Comfort has become non-negotiable.
So a couple of weeks ago, I marched myself into Nordstrom on a mission: find comfortable sandals for summer that don’t make me feel like I’ve given up. The kind that look good and let me get through the day without silently cursing my choices.
The lovely sales associate did something I wasn’t expecting: she fit the shoe to my shorter foot (yes, we all have one). That revelation kicked off a bit of trial, and error with a few surprising wins. I even bought a pair that’s technically too short but so comfortable I couldn’t leave them behind.
Here’s everything I tried on, what worked, what didn’t, and what might be your new favorite if you’re over 60 and determined to stay stylish and supported.
These Josef Seibel sandals have a comfortable, low-stacked heel and cork midsole, with adjustable velcro straps across the ankle and toe area. They have a nicely cushioned insole and feel very stable on the foot. These come in two colors and sizes 5-11. I loved the look and fit of these sandals, which are now 40% off!
These Pikolinos Olivia ankle strap sandals appealed to me because of the whipstitching around the front strap. They have a very cushiony insole, and the leather is very soft. It’s a 1.75″ block heel is very walkable, and the shoe feels secure on my foot. I’m wearing black, and they also come in natural and cognac colors. These come in sizes 4-12. They recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. For example, I’m a 9.5, but these only come in sizes 9-9.5, so I would order the 10.
These Mephisto Hellen Toe Loop sandals feel remarkably similar to a Birkenstock, with their contoured cork footbed and adjustable suede top strap. These run small and narrower than Birkenstocks, so it’s recommended to go up a whole size. These are available in four colors, and I’m wearing “Light Sand”. These come in sizes 5-12.
These Vionic Carmela platform sandals feature an EVA cushioned insole with arch support and a Velcro-adjustable strap across the arch (the buckle is for decorative purposes only). They come in medium and wide widths, and I found the medium wide enough. She didn’t have the next size up, or they might have come home with me. They come in four colors and sizes 5-13.
This adorable Ecco Fisherman sandal is super comfy with a cushioned footbed, arch support, and an adjustable top strap. The leather is water-resistant, and they have a stylish, 1″ round heel. The leather is patent in both colors. I’m wearing a size 9-9.5 in black and a 10-10.5 on the right. They come in sizes 4-10.
These Mephisto Lisandro Platform wedges are fabulous and came home with me, one size larger than the one shown here. Both top straps have a velcro closure (buckles are for show) so you can adjust for every little nuance your feet have. The wedge has a 2 1/2″ heel and 1″ platform, so the foot only slopes 1 1/2″…which I find very comfortable to walk in. They have a contoured footbed with arch support and come in sizes 5-12. As with every Mephisto I’ve tried, they run small, so I recommend sizing up one size. This style comes in 12 colors (I’m wearing camel), which should indicate how popular and comfy the style is.
This Prissie Ankle strap sandal has special air technology in the cushioned insole, which makes them feel like walking on air. The arch support and nubuck leather only add to its comfort. The top strap is a velcro closure, which I’ve come to love for its easy adjustability. I’m wearing a 9-9.5, which is too short, so plan on sizing up.
If you’re traveling this summer, you may enjoy Supportive Travel Shoes That Aren’t Frumpy or Fussy and Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel.
Here are a few more pairs that look promising:
In the category of “I’m not planning to walk further than 5 steps” are these gummy ankle strap sandals. Gummy or Jelly sandals and shoes are all the rage this summer, and I have to ask why? Your feet sweat in them, and they offer no support (whoops, my age is showing). These are super cute, but I’d need to weigh about 20 pounds less to make these comfy enough to wear. A thong sandal with a heel is a recipe for pain with my feet…and I’m no longer willing to suffer for cute shoes.
Why This Matters
By the time we reach a certain age, we’ve walked a lot of miles in all kinds of shoes. Some were beautiful. Some were painful. Many were both and taught us that style without comfort is a deal we’re no longer willing to make.
Our feet have changed, and honestly, so have our priorities. Comfortable sandals aren’t a fallback plan. The sandals that serve you well should feel like a relief to put on, not a compromise you tolerate for the sake of style.
Applying This To Your Wardrobe
Look for these quiet details that make all the difference:
- Adjustable straps (Velcro isn’t a dirty word—it’s freedom)
- Cushioned insoles with actual arch support
- Low, stable heels or slight platforms that ease pressure on joints
- Soft leathers or stretch fabrics that move with you, not against you
- A secure fit on both feet (remember that shorter foot!)
If you’re traveling, walking more, or just done putting up with shoes that fight you, invest in pairs that support your life now. That might mean going up a half size. Or finally letting go of that pair that always rubs. Your feet deserve better and so do you.
What do you look for in your comfortable sandals?
I usually need wide width and also have idiopathic neuropathy in my feet so I am always looking for the “right” shoes and sandals that are comfortable, work with my issues and are stylish. One thing very important to me is a sole that has traction – smooth leather soles just don’t work for me anymore. Sizing can be very inconsistent, just as with clothing – some of my sandals are B width and fit fine, some of them are double wide and fit fine – just have to keep trying things on – I order multiple sizes of a style as there are usually many more options online, and then return the ones that don’t fit to the store – it would be great to have all the options in the store, but it doesn’t seem to work that way, even at Nordstrom. This year I bought Vionic for the first time – they recommend wearing them for short periods of time at first to get used to them. I also bought Merrell sandals through DSW and they fit very well, although they are not labeled as wide width. Shopping is a lot of work! And yes, I forget things all the time!
Sometimes when I have something that needs to get done, I think about it so much that I think I’ve already done the thing…when I haven’t. So you’re not alone with that brain thing! Enjoy all your posts!
I really appreciate that you were showing sandals with the back of the heel strap. I will not wear sandals without the back support. My sister in the past few years has fallen twice in shoes with the open back and both times broke her leg. So, because I like the support and the safety it is always my choice. The sandals you showed us were also attractive.!
Many of us feel safer with a back strap, I know I often do.
Hi Jennifer,
I just have one thing to add about the SAS shoes. They have a warning on their website about companies/websites claiming to be affiliated with them, but really trying to scam consumers. I’m not sure if you have a link to them Jennifer but their website is: https://www.sasshoes.com
Just an FYI ladies to be careful out there when buying online. (Another great reason to use Jennifer’s links 🙂
It’s very hard to find shoes in narrow widths in Canada. Naturalizer didn’t sell them here. If anyone has Canadian leads, please chime in.
My rule for sandals: always choose adjustable straps. Certain popular brands I know won’t fit my narrow feet (hello FitFlops), so I don’t bother. Others, like Naot, Josef Seibel and Clarks have certain styles that work. Pay attention to toe shape. Some just don’t suit narrow feet. Even with adjustable straps, some sandals are too wide in the footbed.
I love SAS Relaxed Sandals. I walked 35,000 steps across Rome wearing them, and my feet never hurt. They are pricey, but I occasionally see them on Amazon at a reduced price. They are so comfortable, and they are made in the USA.
I love my Easy Spirit sandals and my Cushionaire sandals. I don’t wear sandals often as I need to wear at least a thin ankle sock all the time. My feet sweat in all shoes. It is very hot here in summer in southern Colorado. Sweat is a good thing. We release a lot of toxins in our sweat. You showed a lot of cute comfy sandals but this granny would have little socks on even in sandals.
Love Mephisto Helens, They have been my go to sandals for years! I have them in a myriad of colours. If you are in Europe they are very available there as well and I try to pick up a new pair or two every summer! I prefer them to Birks.
I have almost completely given up on wearing sandals but these look like some good options to try. It seems like the ones that I have that used to be comfortable I can maybe only wear them for one hour!
Same! I have a small pile getting ready to be donated for someone with more tolerant feet than me 🙂
It is a constant challenge to find truly narrow shoes. My go to brands are Easy Street, Easy Spirit, Trotters and Clarks. It takes a lot of try-ons to finally find a keeper.
Thanks for sharing those brands with us Dorothy
Question…why did the salesperson fit your shoes to the smaller foot?
Yes which I found weird
Great sandal choices! The struggle is real finding sandals and shoes that are truly comfortable, not just for an hour or two but for hours on your feet and walking.
I pulled out some sandals the other day that I’ve had for a long time but hadn’t worn in a while. I remembered them being very comfortable, but they were surprisingly not comfortable at all. Then I realized they were just too tight over the ball of my foot. I guess my foot has widened a little over the years and moving the strap one whole wider made all the difference.
Good Morning Jennifer, love this post as I found a couple more options for shoe brands. When it comes down to it, I’m a true blue Vionic fan. This year I bought two pair of the Brea toe sandals and own way too many of their sneakers. Love that they’re comfortable and stylish. I did purchase the Mephisto Helen toe loop sandal last year and simply can’t believe how comfortable those shoes are. Love that you showed us that silly gummy ankle sandal. That’s a no for me as well. I didn’t even think about the feet sweating thing.
I’ll need to try Vionis again. They all seem too high of an arch for my foot.
I love Mephisto and have purchased several pair. They are pricey but worth it. Comfortable but Mephisto also stands by the product.
My latest Lissandra style broke down after just a few wearings. The cork completely crumbled. Mephisto had me send them in and sent me another pair as they could not be repaired. But then This cork did the same thing so again I sent them back to Mephisto. I gave it one more try and these latest sandals have held up.
I give Mephisto credit. The company replaced the shoes at no cost to me. Must have been some defective cork??These are great shoes for travel.
That’s amazing customer service. Bravo to them. Mine are so comfortable.
Hi Jennifer, I always look forward to reading your posting everyday. Thank you for so many good ideas.
Last year, if I’m not mistaken, you wrote about a Quark cruise that you and your husband took to Svalbard. It stuck in my mind, and my husband and I are researching the cruise for next year. Could you refresh my memory on what month you went and the ship you were on? It sounded like you had a wonderful experience.
Thank you
It was amazing! We went in June on the Ultra Marine ship.
Great article! I have sandals in these brands and they are comfortable, supportive and I consider them stylish. I also have had the days when I am tired of my feet hurting, and go into a good store on a mission for comfortable shoes. Have a blessed week!
Do you know anyone who addresses comfortable sandals for narrow widths? Very, very few stores stock narrows anymore. It is so frustrating.
I know Natualizer carries them and Margaux bit beyond that I don’t. Ladies, can you give Joan any suggestions?
I recently bought a pair of Clarks shoes in a narrow width and I think some of their sandals may be available in narrow as well. It is challenging for sure.
Wonderful, thanks
You might try Comfortiva and Softwalk. They are pricy but worth it
I had to have foot surgery from years of wearing shoes that didn’t fit so I just scrimp elsewhere and buy expensive shoes. It’s cheaper than more surgery.
Sorry you have to have surgery! I agree, cheap, unsupportive shoes aren’t worth it to me.
SAS (San Antonio Shoe) makes Narrow, Medium and Wide width shoes/sandals. I’ve had great luck with their wide width sandals. They have a website plus several retailers carry them including Amazon.
Amazing, thanks Dee