I wore sneakers and a casual dress out and about yesterday and I see the appeal. I still find some leather flats as comfortable as sneakers and will continue wearing them. Sandals are better than sneakers in my experience in the extreme heat of summer. Which is starting today I believe.

Thanks for the sympathy! I got out the body glide today and wore my lace up Clarks. Not a big walking day but they seemed fine for around the office. Maybe I just need to break them in.

@Sharan: I ordered a pair of Fit Flops and Tevas to try. I hope they work. I’ve worn both in the past so I’m hoping sizing will work and I won’t have to worry about trying to return.

@Bijou: IKWYM about boot season. It’s my favorite footwear time of year. As I recall, I did have some comfort issues transitioning back into them after summer.

@Gretchen: Haha. I’m in good company!

@Slimcat: That’s interesting. I think my feet just have never been particularly fussy. I have worn sandals for many season but I always have a good selection and probably none of them get worn to hard.I like those ABEOs. They’re gorgeous!

@Jessikams: Thanks! That’s good to know. Deodorant, I know I have!

@Hereforthecake: Thanks for reminding me about FitFlops. I just ordered a pair to try. They have such a nice selection compared to what I remember years ago.

@Eliza: Thanks! I think my Naots are beyond saving. Its really the straps that are rubbing me the wrong way. That’s good to know though for future reference. I would think sneakers would be fairly supportive compared to a slipper or flip flop but maybe those are contributing to my sandal issues. Something to think about for sure.

@Laura: Lol. I do love my sneakers but not when it’s too hot!

@TG and MJ: Thanks. I do like my Birks I think one pair is enough for me though!

@Cee: LOL! Those look like those vibram toe shoes that Crossfitters used to wear. Ugh! haha.

@Chris: Thanks. I knew you would get it! I’m the same although I ditched a few pairs of patent sandals that I thought I’d need for certain outfits because I couldn’t bear to wear them for more than 5 minutes. The suffering just wasn’t worth it. In the back of my head, I knew I’d never end up wearing them anyway.

@Joy: Thanks. I still want to try the Ecco 7 sneakers that Angie raves about. Those may end up being my summer go to.

@Jaileen: Thanks. I’ve never tried Mephisto. I will have to look into them when the stores open up again. I’d like to try them in person.

@Jenn: haha. Right? I think you’re spot on about feet molding to our shoes.

@Janet and Karen: Thanks. That’s exactly how I feel although maybe my feet are getting wider. I’m not sure. I don’t go for long periods without shoes--slippers in the am but I usually end up in shoes at some point during the day to walk the dog or such. (I see people walking around in flip flops and I always wonder how they can stand it. I think those are the most uncomfortable shoes ever! )

@Suntiger: Seasonal footwear transition is a real thing, isn’t it! Maybe I just forget about having to break in shoes with the change in seasons.

@kkards: Yes! I put on a pair of AK sandals that I wore all last summer and took them off immediately because they were soooo uncomfortable. I couldn’t wait to wear them--waiting for a warm day. So disappointing. I hope your Mephistos work for you again!

@Angie: Thank you! If anyone can pull off dressy looks with sneakers, it’s you! For me, I feel like the proportions would have to be just right and my style isn’t as cohesive so I’m not sure it would look polished enough for work--although we are talking about the bay area where anything seems to go...

@unfrumped: Lol. I like that--feet gone rogue! So funny. I’m going to do the same with my sandals and weed out the chaff.

@preppypear: Thank you. Socks really do help with everything. I am thinking about wearing my sandals on the weekend in the house with thin socks to break them back in. Might help my feet adjust and get used to the different pressure points. I love EF sandals but I think they’re geared to a more high volume foot--they seem to run big on me. I haven’t tried Naturalizer but I will look at them once the stores open up again.

@Janet: I think you’re right about more practical styles! My work style has definitely gotten more casual--maybe it will stick!

@Sal: Yes, I will weed them out carefully. I do love my sandals. I hope they will cooperate.

@Susan: I remember! It just surprised me that the lifespan of sandals could be so short. I have not tried the Eccos but would really like a pair of the lace ups. Those slip ons are gorgeous but my narrow heel usually doesn’t play well with them.

@Style Fan: Good luck with the Mephistos!

@Zaeobi: Feet do swell when it gets warm--that could be part of my problem. I’ve been running in the am before work so maybe that’s why my feet are so irritated with the sandals. I hadn’t thought about that. I’ve not tried Hush Puppies but the adjustable straps sound good. I didn’t know that Fitflop made flats too. I will have to look at those too! Thanks!

@Shevia: I love the sneaker and dress look! Summer is finally here too. I need to get these sandals sorted stat! I love flats but they never fit my feet--always slipping off my heel so it’s going to be sneakers or sandals this summer for me.

My dear, Kelly. You are SOOOO POLISHED, and your style is VERY cohesive. Banish those thoughts!

Thanks, Angie! You are so gracious! I am debating on pulling the trigger on some Ecco7 now. Just trying to decide on an Ecco color or upgrading my white Pumas.

I’m planning new shoes for this summer too. A pair of tennis shoes and probably some bracelet sandals (is that what they’re called in English?). No heels or platforms for me though. I don’t find them easy to move in. For me, that’s a key part of comfort.

I vote BOTH.....since you have become a sneaker gal like me

Black and white, maybe?

I am so late to this thread, but I am nodding with you on foot pain especially with summer shoes. So much good advice here.

Thanks, Angie! I'll do a separate post when my sneakers arrive. I didn't think about black but it makes sense with my hair color and my wardrobe.
@Jane: hope this helps with your summer shoes!