‘I could live in them’ says fashion pro who tried out 6 pairs of summer sandals

FINDING the perfect summer sandals which are comfy and affordable feels like a huge win but it’s tricky to find ones which tick both boxes.

While they might feel comfortable when you try them on in the shop or at home, some can rip your feet to shreds after just one wear outside.

It feels like a waste of money because by that point it’s too late, they can’t be returned. 

Fabulous’ Fashion Editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, picked out six of her favourite high street and supermarket slip-on sandals and spent a day in each pair, rating each on comfort from one, to five…

Designer look a like 

Cream Faux Leather Toe Post Sandals , £12, Tu at Sainsbury’s

I love the look of these sandals and have some very similar ones that are a few seasons old from M&S. 

They look pretty similar to The Row’s iconic £960 pair (yes, nearly £1k for some slip ons) and also come in all black. 

Slipping my feet into them, they feel quite weighty, which is slightly disappointing given that sandals are supposed to be light and comfortable.

But they do have a slight cushioned feel on the sole which is really comfortable for all-day wear.

Towards the end of the day I caught myself shuffling in them rather than picking my feet up which was a bit noisy but apart from this, they’re a winner when it comes to comfort. 

Rating: 4 / 5 

Fab but flimsy 

Flat Open Toe Mules , £22.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer

When it comes to M&S I expect high quality and comfort and while I found this pair very comfortable, they lack quality. 

The design could be mistaken for a pricey designer Hermes pair – and they’re nicely cushioned – but the sole of the shoe is flimsy. 

Not flimsy enough that I thought they would snap or I’d trip, but I knew early on that I’d have sore calves or knees by the end of the day. 

On the plus side, they didn’t rub or cut into my feet which can sometimes be the way with Vegan leather – aka plastic. 

This pair also comes in black and white but tan goes with every colour so that would be my choice of colour. 

Rating: 3 / 5 

Chic but chafe

Black strap sandals, £12, Primark

I had real high hopes for this pair as they look so expensive and chic for such a low price. 

And because contrary to popular opinion, I’ve always found Primark shoes comfy.

When you slip them on they’re so cushioned and soft underfoot they feel like you could trek in them.

However, after a couple of hours of wear and rushing around doing day-to-day tasks they blistered the top of my foot. 

The ‘H’ style strap on the sandal, which is a dupe for Hermes, rubbed my foot so much it resulted in a blister and I needed a plaster which ruined their whole look and appeal.  

If you were shuffling from pool to sunlounger then they’d do the job nicely but if you want a sandal that’s on your feet for a full day, I’d give this pair a miss. 

Rating: 2 / 5 

Sandals you could sleep in 

Off White Raffia Cross Strap Mule Sandals, £25.99, New Look

When I first put this pair on from New Look I didn’t think they felt as cushioned under foot as some of the other pairs.

But after a full day of wear I can safely say they are cushioned – I’m very impressed. 

They still felt very comfortable after nine hours in a hot and sticky London, and they didn’t rub at all. 

I could live in them.

I love the raffia finish of the cross strap and because the straps have faux leather underneath, it means the upper material doesn’t scratch. 

They have New Looks ‘Comfort’ soles and thanks to the very slight heel, I didn’t feel every crack in the pavement.

These sandals are part of the Nadine Coyle Edit for the brand, and if they’re good enough for the Girls’ Aloud feet, then they’re good enough for ours. 

I didn’t want to take them off. 

Rating: 5 /5 

No rub comfort

Premium Leather Forever Comfort® Cross Toe Post Sandals, £60, Next

These are the most expensive of the bunch as they’re made from premium leather and they look high-end too. 

I was dubious about the thick cross over toe style with the added strap across the foot too, but once I put them on I was sold.

The Next style took some getting used to and while I expected the straps to rub after eight hours wear, I was blister free.

My feet felt well supported too thanks to the thick strap across the bridge of the foot and I didn’t feel like I was clinging on to them for dear life with every step. 

The saying, ‘you get what you pay for’, really applies with this sandal and I expect they’ll last for years.

Rating: 5 /5 

Bling-tastic value 

Brown Leather Flat Sandals, £30, River Island

Like a magpie, I can’t resist a bit of bling.

And this pair of sandals from River Island have just the right amount of gold across the toe to look expensive, without being flash.

Even though they’re only £30, these sandals are made from real leather that’s been responsibly scoured.

On the downside, I felt like I was walking on planks of wood.

There’s slight cushioning at the back for the ball of your foot but nothing else across the rest  of the sole.

They feel as stiff as a board with no natural cushioning.

While the gold metal detail across the bridge of my foot didn’t rub – I expected it to – the rest of the sandal is disappointing.

They’re a good choice if you want something to slip on for the hotel All Inclusive buffet but they’re a pair to avoid if you want your sandals to work harder.

After a full day of wear the skin on the balls of my feet had become equally as flat and hard as the soles of the shoes. 

Rating: 3 /5