The Best Sandals for Women Over 50 | Cute, Cute, Cute!
As I’ve aged, comfort and style have become top priorities when it comes to choosing footwear! How about you? Sandals, in particular, are my favorite type of footwear because they provide the perfect balance between breathability, versatility, and fashion-forward design. Today, we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the best sandals for women over 50. Let’s dive in and find your perfect pair!
Please note! As we put together this post, we’ve done our best to prioritize sites that offer FREE shipping & returns. If you’re unsure about size, do what I do and order two and send one back! 🙌
As always, click the pink text links or any image (including the collage above) for more information. REMEMBER! If you see something you like, click through to see color options and current pricing. (There are lots of sandals on sale right now!🎉)
Trending Details
As you’re looking through the styles we’ve pulled, keep an eye out for some of the of-the-moment detailing. These trending embellishments give your sandals a fresh, new, on-trend look. Look for details like:
- Buckles
- Textures like raffia, straw, jute, beading, and more.
- Metallics
- Pearls
- Bejeweled
- Embroidery
- Linen, Eyelet, or other Textured Fabrics
- Braided Straps
- Architectural Heels
Classics
LEFT: Tory Burch Miller Sandals | Stuart Weitzman Pearl Embellished Goldie Sandals (25% off right now with code SUMMERSHOE25)
If you’ve been hanging around here for a while now, you’ve probably noticed that I like classic, girly styles! That’s not just true of my clothing, but it extends to my footwear as well. Classic shoes are just that, classics. They’re usually well-made, and the styling has stood the test of time. They may be more expensive initially, but they don’t go out of style, and thanks to their quality, they will last for years.
I’ve collected Tory Burch Miller Sandals for years, and I probably have about 7 or 8 pairs of them in my closet right now! In fact, as I was working on this post, I discovered that this year Tory came out with them in pink patent 😲, and guess what? Yep, they’re on their way to me! (I will also tell you that — embarrassingly — I’ve been waiting and watching for this to happen for years!😂)
Another classic go-with-everything style I’ve owned for years is the Stuart Weitzman Pearl Embellished Goldie Sandals. I own them in black and nude. I’ve never seen it happen before, but right now, they’re 25% off with code SUMMERSHOE25.
People love the leather Sam Edelman Bay Slide Sandal. It’s been around for years, and I love that it comes in so many colors! (Click HERE to see all 19 colors we found on Zappos and HERE to see the 18 colors we found on the Sam Edelman website.) This season, Sam Edelman did the Bay Slide Sandal in Pearl, and I’m swooning!
Espadrilles
While maybe not considered a traditional sandal, per se, espadrilles are classic summer staples. For some reason, they’re kinda considered sandals! This summer, not only has the classic espadrille taken the fashion scene by storm, but we’re also seeing darling variations on the trend.
ON RIGHT: Pink Cinched Suede Espadrilles (Also in cute Turquoise) |
ON LEFT: Yellow Cinched Leather Espadrilles (Also in Black)
Espadrille sandals are making a major comeback with their boho charm and unmatched comfort. (Can I get a 🙌?) I just ordered THESE cute bow linen espadrille sandals from Talbots!
With distinctive woven rope soles and soft fabric uppers, espadrilles exude a relaxed and laid-back vibe that’s perfect for summer. From casual outings to beach trips and garden parties, espadrilles offer a versatile and stylish option that will instantly elevate and update anything in your closet! Opt for traditional neutral tones or go for a poppin’ bold hue, but either way, comfortable espadrilles are a great choice for feet over 50.
For the freshest, newest look, check out these trending styles:
- Platform Espadrilles
- Espadrilles with Ankle Straps
- Espadrille Slides
- Crochet Espadrilles
- Espadrille Wedges
- Espadrilles with Lace-up Ankle Straps
Block Heels
Women’s Basil Mule Heels (Click HERE to see all 6 colors.)
Block heel sandals are a tried-and-true choice for women who are looking for both height and stability. These sandals have a wider, chunkier heel that not only gives you a little lift but also provides excellent balance and support. By distributing your weight more evenly across the sole, block heel sandals improve your posture and reduce the strain on your feet, making them a comfortable and stylish option.
Crystal Block Heel Sandal (At Nordstrom with FREE shipping/returns but more expensive than at the brand website! Contact Nordstrom Customer Service & they will price match from THIS brand website where they are on Final Sale.)
Whether you’re attending a special event or just want to elevate your everyday look, block heels are a great choice that covers two bases: fashion and functionality. All of the Mother-of-the-Groom shoes I’m considering for my son’s July wedding are block heel sandals!
You’ll find lots of mule styles out there this year. They are THE most comfortable and walkable when they have either two straps or one wide strap. Here are the latest styles to look for as you shop:
- Braided straps
- Long Single Strap (Look for wider straps that go high up on your foot for stability.)
- Straps that go around the back of the foot
- Variations in height, from low (like THESE 1″ block heels) to high (like THESE 3.25″ block heels).
Slides
Slide sandals are a fabulous choice for effortless style and convenience, whether you’re running quick errands or enjoying a laid-back day by the pool. (How cute are THESE embroidered slides?) When selecting slides, look for soft and comfortable straps that provide a cozy fit. If you’re concerned about the sandals slipping off, opt for slides with wider bands positioned higher up on the foot for added security and stability. (Same advice as in the block heel section above.)
If you love the ease and convenience of slides, we get it! While you could go with THIS tried-and-true classic style (19 color options! 😲) that’s been around for a while, if you want something a little trendier, check out these on-point looks:
- Two-strap slides
- Textured straps like THESE raffia straps, THESE braided straps, or THESE buckle straps.
- Birkenstock-style sandals in darling and playful fashion options. Also, look for metallics or fun colors.
- Embellished straps. (Love THESE pearl-embellished slides from tried and true Sam Edelman.
Adventure/Walking
Easy Spirit Wander Sandals (On sale PLUS stack your discounts by using code ENB20 for 20% off your entire Easy Spirit purchase!)
I loved working with Easy Spirit earlier this year on an Instagram post featuring their awesome Wander Sandal! It’s such a versatile shoe. Want to see the post? Click HERE. Easy Spirit was kind enough to offer an exclusive 20% discount (with code ENB20) for ENB followers that you can stack on top of any other discounts they’re offering on their website for extra savings! 🙌
For active empty nesters who love to have adventures, walking sandals are a must-have. These adventure-style sandals combine functionality with style, offering excellent support and traction for long walks, outdoor treks, or sightseeing treks! Check out these perfect-for-vacation walking sandals from Jambu, a brand that is built on the belief that comfort should never mean compromising on style. (THESE Jambu wide-sole sneakers are some of my faves!)
Ankle Straps
Ankle strap sandals bring a touch of sophistication to any outfit. With a strap that wraps around the ankle, these sandals offer extra support and security. If the strap bothers you, check out these!
Look for ankle straps on shoes of all styles and heel heights this year:
- Square Toe Block Pumps (My DIL-to-be wore these recently, and I fell hard for them!)
- Espadrilles
- Versatile Low Block Heel Sandals
- Neutral Strappy Sandals
- Metallic Sandals
Shoe Helpers
I get it! In the hot and sweaty summer, shoes can rub and irritate, no matter how well they fit. Sometimes we all need a little help! Here are a few of the shoe helpers I rely on:
- Foot Glide Anti-Blister Balm
- Heel Cushion
- Ball of Foot Cushion
- Strap Cushions (various sizes)
When you’re over 50, choosing the perfect sandals is easier if you consider your style preferences and prioritize comfort. I promise, there’s a perfect pair out there for you! Embrace your personal style, step into comfort, and enjoy! Take another look at all the styles we rounded up in the boutique below. If you find a style you like, click on it to see other color options and the current (possible sale) price!
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Hi Suzy,
Great picks for summer footwear! I so agree that style and comfort are a big priority for many of us over-50 gals. I especially love Chico’s Embroidered Slides, so cute! It warms my heart to see espadrilles back in style full force, they remind me of my mom wearing them back in the day.
Thank you for the post-lots of great options!
Diane Groppe
Diane,
Thank you for leaving a comment! I loved hearing from you and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I am LOVING espadrilles too! As I’m writing this, I’m in the Seattle area doing some work on my son’s wedding this summer, and I wore those cute yellow leather ones to travel today. They were super comfy, and I walked and walked in both airports!
I so appreciate you following Empty Nest Blessed, Diane!
xoxo
Suzy
Your posts are always so informative! I can tell you 2 ladies put so much work into them & I really appreciate that! Thank you. I always learn something new from you, too. 😊 I ordered the Isle of Paradise drops from Sephora you suggested & I’m so excited to get it! Unfortunately, I had to have a Hysterectomy recently and my summer will be mostly about healing from that. I won’t be able to spend *quite* as much time out in the sun as usual (boo) so I’m hoping these drops will work well. The reviews were mixed–so hoping for the best. Did you have a hard time getting it to look even on your skin for a natural (not streaky) looking tan?
Amy,
So sorry to hear about your recent surgery! Please rest up and get back to 100% soon. (I’m thinking a daily Vit D dose of sunshine might help?! 🌞)
I do hope you’ll like the Isle of Paradise tanning drops. (For anyone reading this comment, you can check them out HERE: https://rstyle.me/+sAkGoHRUi-TX5Om0NufrXQ)
The key is to order the lightest one (I hope you followed my advice on that!) and then mix it with your favorite lotion in the palm of your hand. After that, just focus on applying your lotion evenly, rather than letting your mind wander (which is what mine usually does when I’m applying lotion and trying to explain something to Bob at the same time! 😂).
Let me know what you think! I love that it’s all-natural and doesn’t smell, and I know you’ll love that too!
xoxo
Suzy