Margaret Dabbs

Buy it now: wellness sandals for every budget



Jean Shrimpton by Bailey 1972

I hope you enjoyed my shorts and sweaters post. If you missed it, it’s here.

We’re now in peak shorts season and with that… sandals. ‘Wellness sandals’ are still going strong, either the footbed versions or the retro pancake-flat leather variety. Did you know you should vary your heel heights to optimise foot health? I was told this years ago in my Converse-everyday wearing days, and obviously didn’t listen. But it’s true, you should vary between flat and elevated, to give your feet the best workout.

Anyway, the sale notifications have started to ping so now is a good time to shop. Whether you’re into Birkenstocks, Tevas, Ancient Greeks, or M&S equivalents, there are lots of sensible sandals to accompany the shorts.

While Birkenstock Arizonas* were the indoor shoe of lockdown spring, I also like them as a smart outdoor sandal with a classic red or magenta pedi. (Side note: if you’re looking for the best foot file in the world, get this Margaret Dabbs one.) I also like the minimalist Birkenstock Madrid slide with its clean single bar silhouette. The cork sole* (£56) is the old school version, and the all-black*  (£220) is the luxe version. The one-colour cross-strap Sienna slide (£310) is also very appealing in black.

M&S has quite a few classic footbed sandals around the £20-£30 with some on sale now. I like these M&S Collection navy leather ones (currently £18) or slightly jazzier, these animal-print leather sandals (currently £36). Or for something super-nostalgic, there are these flat leather sandals in tan and red (currently £23.60).

Church’s seems to be dipping a toe in the footbed pool with these rugged multi strap sandals, while Suicoke* from Japan is the chic version of a Teva sandal with its moulded footbed but more refined silhouette. I prefer the thinner soled variety to the chunky platform ones.

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST. (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Jean Shrimpton by David Bailey
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

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This is something I’ve been lucky to experience at Margaret Dabbs clinics in the past, widely considered to be the best pedi experience in the UK. But if you can’t get to the clinic, let Ms Dabbs come to you. (more…)



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So it’s off to Margaret Dabbs London to sort out my neglected heels and to get some advice on how to keep the results lasting longer. (more…)