When you value comfort & confidence over what other people think is sexy
Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com
I watch my daughter staggering into the room like a Barrymore because the four-inch heels she is in love with are impossible to walk in. (Though she insists they are comfortable.) I’ve been that girl, worn those shoes, and staggered like that. But I won’t do it anymore.
Are impossible heels sexy? Sure, if your idea of sexy is helpless and about to fall over backward onto your back. And sure, I’ve enjoyed some of that in my time. What makes me feel sexy now, though, is confidence. And it’s hard to feel confident when getting across the room is a challenge designed to make you easy to catch.
I like shoes that let me feel the ground, that enhance my balance and confidence — rather than steal it away, and that make me feel capable of simple actions as well as more challenging ones. Does that make me old? Some would say yes. From my vantage, though, those uncomfortable high heels look silly. For those of us who exude confidence — and would like to keep it that way — here are the best sandals for older women.
This woven flip-flop with an ultra-soft footbed
The ALOHAS Tebas Ankle-Strap Sandal at Anthropology is an elegant, sexy shoe on a modern square-toe base that is elegant and easy to walk in.
It turns the flat into a feature with a sole that is pretty to look at and an ankle strap that takes the shoe to dressy territory while making sure it stays on your foot.
Pricey? Yes. Worth it? You only have two feet.
An ankle strap for drama
Go ahead and hit your step goals in these gorgeous, leather Erika flat sandals from London fashion house Topshop.
The red leather adds punch while easily coordinating with any outfit. And that comfy sole will move right with you.
That wrapped ankle strap is SEXY while also being super practical.
These all-day walking sandals with strappy style
Vionic is a go-to shoe source for those of us who like to walk in our shoes. But the offerings are often frumpy.
This Carmella Strappy Slide Sandal, though, is a delicious blend of step-in ease, walking comfort, and pretty. No need for socks. You don’t have to stop to tie anything.
Keep them by the door and step into them on the way out. You might not be glamorous. But you will be stylish and pulled together.
These flash ultra-comfy flip flops that are on sale
Vionics are legendary for comfort, and sometimes they pull off style.
This Uptown Marin flip-flop is one of Vionic’s most legendary shoes. The footbed is a high-end orthotic. The rest of the shoe is flash.
For everyday comfort that’s also stylish, you probably can’t do better. They come in five colors, including more subdued shades of brown and black. Also, they are on sale.
These artistic slides for your dark botanical urges
These dark botanical works of art will not only look beautiful on your feet, but they are also comfortable.
They give a bit of height without contorting your foot into a high-heel shape.
Meet the L’Artise Carbone slide sandal in green.
They come in four colors.
This sexy swipe of braided elastic
Easy, sexy, flat, and with plenty of arch support, these Plaka Relief Flip Flops are perfect for the beach or pool.
The sole is flat, with arch support. And that sweep of stretchy braid is so sexy on your feet.
These are affordable enough to own in several colors, and over 1,500 people on Amazon rave about them.
These comfort slides with so many fans
These KuaiLu Slides with orthotic arch support are currently the darling of Amazon, with reviewers calling them a terrific value and super comfortable.
They are easy to step into. You won’t cry too hard if you ruin them at the beach. And they come in lots of colors.
This beaded gladiator is your summer boot
This beaded gladiator from Lucky Brand is so cute and exotic.
When you want to wear sneakers — flat, comfy, and firmly attached to your feet — but it’s too hot out, these are your shoes.
They stay on your feet, too, with that wrapped leather — with beads! — and a zipper up the back.
These soft, leather artisan sandals
Looking for a pair of shoes you can live in all summer? Meet the Bed:Stu Soto.
The soft leather will mold to your foot and become like a second skin. The flat sole is leather, so you will slide through life. And the style is, at once, boho elegant, and super practical.
Choose from several pretty colors or this practical black.
A chunky heel for stable height
Welcome to the kind of foot comfort that makes you sigh when you step into your shoes. The LOMA Jarvi from Kuru is designed for orthopedics and to heal heels that hurt.
This version manages to pull this off with style. Strap it on and walk. You will look good. You will feel good. And you will want a pedicure to show off your feet.
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