A couple of months ago, pre-heatwave, I was soo excited because I had finally tracked down a pair of Birkenstocks that were MY size. (My feet are slightly wide and size-wise, I’m in-between their kids/adults.) Ideally, kids Birks would work…if they weren’t as narrow.
I had never owned a pair of Birks – in fact, in university, I had relegated them into the ” hippie” category. However, I had a change of heart after seeing them all over the place. After all, how could soomany people be wrong?
After a few wears, I realized that what may be suitable for the masses does not necessarily mean that they’d be good for me. 🙁
Maybe it’s just the style (Arizona, 2-straps) that I was able to find, but they’re not very fashion-forward. Furthermore, they exaggerate the size of my feet by making them look as though they’re about 2 sizes bigger! And overall, the look just isn’t for me, too casual.
In terms of semi-casual Summer Footwear, I am at a bit of a loss. I refuse to wear flip flops or Crocs, just too casual. Especially when doing lots of walking, flip flops just aren’t comfortable AND they’re a definite no-no for the streets of Toronto as they’ll turn your feet black. As for Crocs, I’m just not o.k. about deviating from their intended purpose, i.e. health care professional/gardening/pool lifeguard shoe!
Currently, I am enjoying a pair of Gisele Bunchen’s Ipanema sandals that are made out of a recyclable PVC that molds to your feet. (So no, they aren’t quite flip flops although they may have similar styling elements.) If I wear out my Ipanemas, I’m sorta SOL because the selection here isn’t that great.
I’ve heard about FitFlops, but haven’t invested the time to trying them on. The newer styles are appealing, but of course, I’d be surprised if I can find them here.
So Smart Canuckers, what shoes do you turn to in the Summertime?
I don’t like Birks, I find them hard and very uncomfortable.
I swear by Romikas then Naots. Both have changeable footbeds are are very comfy.
You need “Sanuks” yoga mat sandals/flip flops. Ive owned everything from cheap old navy flip flops to leather expensive sandals, and I swear you will never find anything more comfortable!
@Palmer – I had Sanuks. They actually stretched out and I ended up giving them to my mom!
Sexi fit by croc are my fav for casual and I have a pair of geoxonly sandals for dressier occasions. Neither make my feet sweaty or stinky and are super comfortable
toms shoes are my fav i dont care for there flats
Believe it or not, Dr. Scholls sandals are super comfy and actually come in some really nice styles. I always thought that brand was for “old” people. I was wrong and they are the only sandals I can wear for work/walking/dressy (all the same pair).
I dislike Birkenstocks as well; hate the hardness of it. Love Crocs! So easy to clean and dry, cover your toes so there’s a bit of protection in crowds and I’m not as scared to get my toes banged or stepped on.
Sebago and Geox are very comfortable, casual but chic depending on the style you choose.
Barefeet as much as I can. If I ‘must’ wear sandals, they are just a plain, flat type with straps.
Asics running shoes….all year. They are the only shoes that have enough padding in the heel area so it doesn’t aggravate my achilles tendonopathy.
Corso Como are so comfortable, very soft leather and dressy yet casual at the same time – you can get them online for 1/2 the price in the stores – my favourite summer sandal!
I love love love my fitflops, I have several pairs and winter ones too. they are super comfortable, but the sizing is weird, you have to wear them around a bit to ensure they fit right. Don’t expect they will be the same size as you normally wear. I still have the first pair I ever bought 4 years ago and still wear them regularly. I wear them on the beach and in the city. Perfect, but shop around there is limited supply and they are often sold out. Well worth the money.
I love Birks, alas mine were taken from the pool so I’m wearing slip on sandals from Mark’s which are really comfie.
I usually wear either “fashion” sandals or flip flops, neither of which are super comfortable. i’m actually looking into getting a pair of the flats or sandal styled crocs (i.e. not the classic looking ones). hopefully those will work out!
I don’t like shoes that are too casual either because I’ll wear them with shorts or skirts or dresses, depending on the day. Right now I have a slightly dressy pair of sandals from Wal-Mart, they’re made by Earth Spirit and are actually quite comfortable. Before that it was a pair of flats but I literally wore them out lol
Sorry to be the one out of 15 so far, but I do love my Crocs. Yes, they are as ugly as all whatever, but being preggers they are the only shoe that supports my expanding feet with comfort. Sorry folks, but for some, Crocs are sublime.
I generally wear pointed-toe flats all summer; I have to dress business-casual so I have many pairs. I’ve never owned Crocs, and I wear flip flops for camping or the beach. If I’m doing something summery on the weekend I usually wear espadrilles or flats.
My go-to are my Birks; once you get them worked in and moulded to your foot, they are the most comfortable sandal ever. After that I have a pair of Merrell sandles that are more sporty and great for hikes and what not. Crocs and flip flops are relegated to the garden/back yard. I am not a fashion girl, I go purely for comfort and practicality.
Toms are great because for every pair purchased, a less fortunate child gets a free pair. Also, they are very lightweight and comfortable.
Crocs do not equal clogs. see below:
http://www.crocs.ca/crocs-patricia/10386,en_CA,pd.html?cid=293&cgid=women-footwear-heelsWedges
comfy as all the other crocs, also look great. simple, not too much heel, insanely wearable. wore them for a week in vegas, far as I’m concerned they beat birks by a mile!
love my birks – been wearing them since i was a kid & before they became fashionable!
I love Teva or Merrel sandals, but this year I am painfully suffering with Plantar Fasciitis, and thought that I may have to give up on sandals all together; but luckily I found a pair of Sketchers that are super comfortable.
Nowadays, there are soooo many different styles from Crocs and Birkenstocks that you are sure to find something you like. Crocs even makes heels, if you can believe that! I bought 2 pairs during a sale last year and they’re the only shoes I wear to work. After having 2 kids, I can’t wear sexy heels anymore – they hurt my feet way too much. So Crocs heels it is!
I would never wear these. One because yes they are hippie shoes and theyre just not very flattering. Just like the crocs. They are meant to be gardening shoes but ppl wear them everywhere! And theyre just god awful.
Get a pair of Finn Comfort shoes and your feet and legs, especially knees will thank you. They are EXPENSIVE,( $ 200.00 +) but less expensive than FASHION shoes that harm your feet and damage the knees. They provide support for the foot and come with replaceable cork insoles. I have had pairs for 5-6 years and wear them every day. Best shoes on the market. I could not walk without them.
I love KEENs! They are amazingly comfortable and are the best summer/water shoes! They are pricier than most summer shoes, but they are worth every penny. One of my favorite features is that they never retain bad odours, whether it being from your own feet, or from being in salt water. Awesome shoes!
I tend to agree with most of you crocs have their place, until I spied a pair of the crocs sandals. I LOVE THEM!! I need a shoe with some support and trying to find a wear-anywhere sandal that is comfortable is really hard. I have had more complements on my crocs and people are shocked to find out they are crocs and there is support to boot. Try them you will be surprised!!
I love my espadrilles wedges with cloth ties. Sturdy but soft and I have lots of colors and styles.
Just thought I should mention that despite the fact that I own many pairs of crocs (thanks to the outlet sale- super cheap) and love some of them a lot, a foot specialist informed my sister that Crocs are VERY bad for your feet and back as they do not offer adequate support. I have started to veer away from them after learning this.
I just invested in a pair of Mephisto air relax ‘Helen” sandals in bronze. Very similar to Birks but not as hard. I love them. I think they are stylish and comfortable at the same time. I went to Walking on a Cloud shoe store and they ordered me a pair of wide in an 8. Perfect. They came in in about 5 days. Check out the Mephisto website. So many styles (even wedges) to choose from and many, many colours. Happy feet, happy walking……….great summer.
Birkenstocks were huge when I was in highschool in the early 90’s(those and Doc Martens). They were soooo ugly. Comfy but ugly, and not cheap. Crocs on the other hand are a whole different ugly. My daughter and I were noticing at the pool the other day that no one wears them anymore, except the odd kid. Thank goodness!
TOMS all the way!
I wear these crocs and love them:
http://www.crocs.ca/crocs-prepair-ii-slide/11572,en_CA,pd.html?cid=64C&cgid=women-footwear
I was not a fan of crocs, especially the ones in the photo for this article. Ugly as sin. I bought mine the day before I went to Cuba and lived in them, no breaking in and excellent for walking even after I have had major ankle surgery and pins. I can’t walk barefoot as it is painful for me and I have challenges wearing some of my other shoes for lots of walking since my sugery. These are perfect.
I have been wearing Birkies for the past three years and they are my go-to sandal when I know I will be doing major walking. I suffer from foot related problems and am supposed to be wearing an orthotic for walking, but in the summer feet need to breathe.
Flip flops are the worst for major walking, no arch supports and can be the precursor of future feet issues.
This from a past “walked NYC all day long in flip flops” girl!
I love birkenstocks. They last years and always look great
I love my Birks, I got the Pappillio line in a peacock pattern, they are on the slim side so they don’t exaggerate my foot size and once you work them in they are so comfy
I like Chacos sandals. Comfy, durable, multi purpose!
I LOVE my FIt Flops!! I have a black pair that are over 6 years old and one bronze pair that I bought last summer. I just wish I lived in a climate that would entertain never having to take them off! lol
I did Disney in my FIt Flops and loved the comfort and coolness of these shoes!
I love crocs before you say no go to their site their are loads of different styles that are not your everyday gardner croc…I even got married in a pair of turquoise ones!
THE MOST COMFORTABLE COMFORT SHOES…..for work or play!
PG Lites by Algeria are amazing shoes for comfort if you want style but don’t want to look like a hippie or tree hugger. They have a large VARIETY of syles from sandals, clogs, mary janes and boots in alot of different fabrics Many health professionals replaced their crocs with this brand.
You can purchase them in stores that carry walking or comfort shoes or checkout their website http://www.alegriashoes.com/
I have arthritis in my feet so I wear nothing but SAS shoes and sandals. They are the comfiest I`ve ever worn and are available in many styles and clours.
I just bought a pair of Mels (they are a pvc sandal made in Brazil, sister brand is Melissa) and am really liking them – very cute and pretty comfy so far.