20 pairs of chic sandals you can walk all day in - Slides and Thong Sandals for sunny days

When the weather heats up most reach for their trusty pair of flats, and then wonder why they end up with sore feet at best at the end of the day through lack of shock absorption and heel strain at worst, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis.  Having had the latter through running some years back in old trainers, I’m never going to take the risk again.

This makes finding a great pair of summer fashion sandals even harder, because there are so many flats out there.  Certain brands, however, have concentrated on creating sandals that are both supportive, comfortable and chic.  There are plenty of brands designing ‘comfort shoes’ that don’t look modern – to say the least.  My favourites, as I’m out in the US and it’s about 100 degrees today so these are well tried and tested, are Fitflop and Yellow Box.

Most of these sandals are not designed to give you the lift of high heels, but they’re not flat either, and all have been designed to keep you walking happily all day in the summer sun.


I have run through airports and walked all day in Paris in 90 degrees in my Fitflops, and inevitably I have several pairs.  I find that those with a toe post and suede upper are the most comfortable, although there are plenty of other styles, and whether they do anything with their ‘Microwobble Board’ to enhance my posterior I have no idea.  But boy are they comfortable.

So I suggest you get out all your sandals and take a good look at what you have.  If you have any that you’ve been uncomfortable in give them to a charity store.  If you have any that are totally flat lose those as well as they will not be doing your feet or your back any favours long term, and invest in (at least) one pair of toe post or slide sandals with cushioning and support.  You’ll never look back.