Sliders, slides, backless sandals or mules, whatever you call them, they are an ideal summer footwear choice for us older women. They are slip-on sandals, open-toe with one or more bands across the toes to hold the foot in place.
I’ve picked out slides that are both comfortable and stylish for women over 50.
We used to think we should be wearing strappy sandals to look smart in summer. But today women of all ages are understanding the benefits of a comfortable shoe, especially on holiday or in warmer weather. Today you will find these super-comfy sandals in every fashionable woman’s shoe closet.
So forget the idea that slides are only poolside or beach shoes. It’s now officially chic to wear slides everywhere.
Why are slide sandals especially good for older women?
- Comfortable
- Cushioning and footbed styles
- Easy to slip in and out of
- Wearable even with swollen ankles
- Wide enough for feet in hot weather
- Cool on hot days
- Easy to pack for vacations
- Go from day to evening
- Flat, platform or low block heel
- Sporty, poolside or urban chic
What are the most comfortable sliders?
Look for a foot-bed sole. It will mold to your foot over time.
A good layer of cushioning or a lightweight platform sole will reduce the impact on your foot when you walk.
Arch support will help your posture as well as making walking less of a strain on your feet. If you’ll be walking a lot in slide sandals then choose a shoe with a grippy sole.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-wear sandal for a smarter event there are some beautiful sliders with a block heel and/or a thinner sole.
Twelve great styles of backless sandals
Perfect for summer holidays. Chico’s cord backless sandals are lightweight enough to look good with a summer frock or shorts. They have a memory foam insole and an adjustable fitting.
Sleek and stylish these suede and leather sliders will take you effortlessly from the beach to the bar. Ideal for styling with cropped pants.
A wardrobe staple for many of us. A simple leather mule with a breathable lining by marksandspencer US and UK. These will be your go-to summer sandals for every occasion.
These straw woven sliders by Talbots add a boho look to a simple one-color linen outfit. A dress that picks out one of the hues in this sandal would look coolly on trend.
These are a good alternative to the much more expensive Birkenstocks that have been so popular over the last few years. I prefer this M&S look as it is less heavy so works well for all of us, however our ankles look! Good with jeans or linen pants but very much ‘today’ with a cotton dress. You can walk in these footbeds all day long.
I love these fun raffia sandals by Chico’s. They have a very wearable block heel and foam cushioning. I can see these with a pretty dress for an evening out on holiday. Find a raffia bag and you’re so put together!
These are the summer slides I bought this year. I like the added height from the cork platform soles. But most of all I like the chic leather and big tortoiseshell buckle that make these marksandspencer.com sandals look a lot more expensive than they are. I wear mine with everything from jeans and linen pants through to cotton A-line skirts and summery dresses.
Here’s the smarter look that will take you in comfort to town or out for the evening. Boden’s leather slides are so elegant this year. Great to add to a French chic outfit.
Polyurethane slides are popular this year and not only for the pool. These classy yet comfy waterproof sliders at Macy’s could be your one-and-only holiday sandal.
Add some stardust to your outfits this summer with these utterly adorable chic sandals from Anthropologie. From day to night you’ll treasure these beautiful shoes.
These smart leather slides come in good colors including hot pink. So you can go for the reserved chic look or the fun, feminine look this summer. The slightly padded sole will keep you in comfort too.
This lightweight waterproof slip-on sandal at Macy’s will look good at the beach or by the pool. It’s got a safe ridged sole and well-spaced front straps to make it secure and easy to wear.
Now you know how great slides can look, it’s just a question of deciding between all the lovely styles.
Image subtitles in the text, and below in the matrix, lead to full details and price on the US site of the retailer. For UK links to the M&S sandals and Boden sandals see below. All retailers have sites and local currency prices for most places.
If you click and buy using a link on this page I will usually get a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support.
UK links to M&S and Boden shoes
M&S UK double strap foot bed leather sandals
M&S UK leather footbed buckle sliders
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You’ve done it again, Joni! You sandal choices were gorgeous! I would have worn any of them!
I love sandals and all my sandals are always slides. Too lazy to bend over to buckle or tie up shoes!! My slide sandal of choice is Fit Flop. I THOUGHT they were sold world-wide, but I could be wrong. They have the nicest footbed and for a thong-type sandal, your foot doesn’t slide off the side. I find them perfect for my fairly wide feet. They wear like iron! You can see lots of tread on the bottom of my sandals has worn away from wearing them so much, but they still look great. I would encourage you to check them out!
Hi Jan. Thanks for this. I did take a look at Fitflop but had to reduce the number of retailers on the post to avoid too much admin on my part. But others will see your comment and take a look I’m sure. Joni x