Six Things That Actually Matter in a Summer Shoe After 60

When someone asks us what she should look for in a summer shoe, we do not give her a trend or a colour of the season. We give her the short list of things that decide whether a pair earns its place by the door or ends up untouched at the back of the wardrobe.

For years the same thing has happened to women our age. The shoes that look lovely in photographs can leave you counting the minutes until you take them off. The ones that feel easy can look like you have given up on style. You should not have to choose between the two. Here is the list to use, whether you shop with Comfy Coast or anywhere else.

1. Enough room for your toes, not a shape that squeezes them

This is the one that matters most, and it is the one a photograph cannot tell you. A summer shoe can look beautifully neat from above and still narrow sharply at the front. By lunchtime your toes are pressed together, and the pair you loved that morning has become the pair you cannot wait to remove.

Look at the outline of the toe. Your toes should be able to sit naturally, without being pushed against one another or the end of the shoe. Stand up when you try a pair on, then take a few steps. Your feet spread slightly when you put weight on them, so a shoe that only fits when you are sitting down does not really fit.

2. Straps that stay put without digging in

I am always a little amazed by sandals with a lovely row of straps that do absolutely nothing once you start walking. A strap across the front should hold the shoe comfortably, not leave a mark. If there is a heel strap, it should help the sandal stay with your foot rather than make you grip with your toes at every step.

On the days a sandal feels secure, you stop thinking about how you walk. It is a small thing until you have spent an afternoon in a pair that slips. Check the fastening and take a proper walk around the room before deciding.

3. A sole that feels good after more than five minutes

There is no part of a long summer day that improves because a sandal looks lovely while standing still. Try it on a hard floor, not only a soft carpet. Notice what happens beneath your heel and the ball of your foot, and whether the sole bends where your foot naturally bends.

The test is simple. Walk, stop, turn, and walk again. A good summer shoe should feel steady through all four. A poor one gives itself away the moment you move beyond the mirror.

4. Materials that feel comfortable in the heat

This is the question that matters most on a warm afternoon. An upper that feels stiff or rubs at the edge will usually feel less forgiving as the day goes on. A lining or footbed that feels pleasant against your skin can make a real difference when you wear sandals without socks.

Feel the material and read the product details. Do not assume that something described as breathable will suit your feet; construction, fit and how much of the foot is covered matter too. If you run warm, look for a design that lets air reach your feet and try it in the conditions in which you will wear it.

5. A height you can actually live in

Height sounds like a small thing until you get it wrong. Too high and you spend the day looking for somewhere to sit. A very flat, flimsy sole may not feel good to everyone either. The right height is the one you can walk in without shortening your stride or holding your body differently.

Think about the real day ahead. Shops, a drive, lunch, a walk along the esplanade. A shoe that feels natural doing all of those will earn its place far more often than a pair you save for photographs.

6. Colours that go with what you already own

The prettiest sandal in the world is no use if it does not sit with the dresses, trousers and skirts already in your wardrobe. Before you fall for a colour, picture two or three outfits you would actually wear it with. Soft neutrals, a warm tan, a gentle metallic or a good black can earn their place from the first day.

A shoe that only goes with things you do not own yet is not a bargain. It is the beginning of a longer shopping list.

The short version

You can find a summer sandal at almost any price. The difference is not always obvious until you spend a whole day in it. Here is the checklist, laid out plainly.

A pair that disappoints you often gives you:

• A toe shape that presses your feet together
• Straps that rub or let your heel slip
• A sole that feels fine only while standing still
• A stiff edge against bare skin
• A heel height you keep adjusting your stride for

What to hold out for:

• Space for your toes when you stand and walk
• Straps that feel secure without biting
• A sole that feels good on a hard floor
• Materials that feel pleasant in warm weather
• A shape and colour you will actually wear

Why we are telling you this

This is not a secret list. It is simply a way to judge a pair beyond the first photograph. We would rather you knew what to look for, whether you buy from us or not, than settle for shoes you cannot wait to take off.

If you would like to put the checklist to use, browse the Comfy Coast shoes and sandals and compare the shape, fastening and size information for each style. The right pair is the one that suits your feet and the days you actually have.

The Comfy Coast Style Desk