Ask a Stylist: which sandals can I wear for walking and work?

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I’m doing some walking tours over the summer holidays. What is the best sandal for walking that also looks good, and that I could also wear to the office? Does such a thing exist?

Yes! They absolutely do exist. I am something of an expert in this field, having dealt with problem feet for many years. There’s nothing worse than embarking on a long walk only to feel crippled a few minutes in and have to hobble your way through it.

What you need are flexible soles, adjustable straps (or soft leather with give in it) and a bit of a heel or platform for stability and comfort. I am going to distinguish between the hardcore walking sandal that could tackle Kilimanjaro and a city one. Let’s look at the proper walking sandals first — it’s much more exciting to think about striding up a mountainside than strolling through a piazza, although both have their merits, of course.

Let me introduce you to the brand Shaka. Based in South Africa and built to last, they have been an utter revelation. I discovered the company last year after picking up a bright green pair from its collaboration with Danish brand Baum und Pferdgarten. I have worn them for months — even after my boys named them my “frog shoes”. They have good enough grip for mountain climbing (not usually a feature of a fashion shoe), a delightful massaging footbed, adjustable Velcro straps and a flexible mid sole, and I cannot recommend them enough. I’d go for the khaki ones (€68 on sale, shaka-eu.com), as they will go with everything. And they come in UK size 3 to 10, which is refreshing. Wear with red linen shorts or a black maxi dress and revel in the new spring in your step!

If khaki isn’t your bag, Arket has a natty leopard-print Shaka pair, Office has a clog version, and this beige safari style is great with mini and midi dresses (£164, caliroots.com).

The trainer brands have upped their sandal game over the past few years, adding more styles based on a trainer sole. Puma, Nike and Adidas all do them. I can vouch for their comfort, having done a month’s interrailing with my family in an EVA Velcro sandal from Adidas. It didn’t last a second summer but it did manage more than 600,000 steps and not a blister in sight. I love this Traek one from Puma in black (£60, uk.puma.com) or the Adidas Adilette ADV in white (£50, asos.com). Either will add a sporty slant to your look. 

As alternatives, consider boot brand Timberland’s Adley Way two-strap (£57 on sale, timberland.co.uk) or the Everleigh ankle strap (£66 on sale, timberland.co.uk). These are chunky, so you need a larger frame to carry them off, and are versatile enough for work commutes. If you need something less bulky, try A Emery — this cream pair works well with suiting and dresses (£200, harveynichols.com).

Let’s cast our minds to a city break now — less hiking and a little more mooching (hopefully with some shopping thrown in for good measure). 

I have the Arizona Birkenstocks in sheepskin, but they are not, in my opinion, great for a long walk. However, this Cannes pair is good looking enough for city breaks where you’re on your feet all day (£205, birkenstock.com). The shoes are cast in a sleek leather with an ankle strap so you don’t have to do that weird toe curl to keep them on. Or go for the Milano Big Buckle in tan — this shade looks expensive and goes with anything, but I particularly like it with pink, black, navy and denim (£130, birkenstock.com).

If you want something more medium-sized and feather-light, go for anything from Arizona Love. I took my velvet pair for a three-day walking trip around Manhattan and was very pleased with the bouncy sole and light weight. I’m rather taken with these beachy ones with shells (£160, harveynichols.com). They would sit well with denim, shorts or summer dresses, plus it adds a bit of fun to your outfit. 

Lastly, if you want a more refined but fashion-forward look, then it has to be a fisherman style this summer. If you don’t fancy forking out for the Rolls-Royce of fisherman sandals courtesy of The Row (£1,060, mytheresa.com), look to Grenson’s Queenie (£195, grenson.com) or Dear Frances’s delicious soft nubuck Theo (£420, uk.dearfrances.com). They’re excellent with a wide-leg trouser, cropped straight leg jean or any maxi dress. Happy feet make for happy walking!