Published on February 5th, 2022 | by Kirsten Borrink
24Closed Toe Sandals: All The Best, From Basic To Beautiful
We’ve recently received several reader requests for closed toe sandals. Maybe you have a physical or medical reason for needing to protect your toes, have toenail issues you’re not wanting to share with the world, generally dislike the appearance of your feet, or just get lazy about pedicures. If so, you too might be looking for sandals with a comfortable amount of coverage. So here are our recommendations for cute, comfortable closed toe sandals to suit any occasion:
We love the new Vionic Loika closed toe sandals with a jute-wrapped wedge and manageable 2.5″ heel. An orthotic footbed with arch support, deep heel cup provides all-day comfort and stability. Available in sizes 5-11, medium and wide widths for $129.95 from Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.
No one will ever suspect ugly toes while concealed in these cuties. The Spring Step Lizzie features a cork and latex midsole, 1 1/2″ wedge heel and a perforated leather upper (just know that their navy color is a dark turquoise, almost teal). Available at Zappos and Shoes.com.
The Naot Kata is not only lovely to behold, it’s a relief to wear with its removable cork and latex footbed with enhanced arch support and padded heel cup. The soft leather uppers won’t aggravate bunions or hammertoes while the shock-absorbing outsole cushions joints on impact. If you must wear a custom orthotic, the Naot Kata will conceal it well. Available at Zappos and Nordstrom.
Fly London continues to impress with innovative styles like the new Boke ankle-strap closed toe sandal. We notice a rocker sole on the Boke which can take some of the pressure off the forefoot through the stride. A hook and loop (velcro) closure at the ankle allow for adjustability and a latex foam footbed offers superior cushioning for tender feet. Find the Fly London Boke in sizes 5-11 for $219.95 from Nordstrom, free shipping and returns.
When the occasion calls for elegance and your toes aren’t having any part in it, strap on the Rockport Novalie. We’re thrilled that Rockport issued a two-piece d’Orsay version of their popular Novalie block-heel pump. The round toe accommodates a wider forefoot and covers bunions nicely while a stable 2″ block heel ensures stability. Find the lovely Rockport Novalie in sizes 5.5-11 (even a 10.5), medium and wide widths for $129.95 from Zappos, and Nordstrom.
What do you get when you combine a clog and a sandal? The Dansko Sam! If you suffer from hallux limitus (stiff big-toe due to arthritis or injury), a rocker sole is recommended to take the pressure off the forefoot…and the Sam has it. If you associate Dansko with hard insoles, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the cushioned insole and soft microfiber lining. Available at Zappos, The Walking Company, Nordstrom and Amazon.
See more closed toe sandal options here!
I can recommend Naot Rongo…….very comfortable.
And Cobb Hill Ireland has been calling my name…..
Love this site! Your reviews are so helpful! I would add the Alegria Jemma very pretty and comfortable.
The Spring Step Lizzie is *amazing* — I own it in three colors!
We almost included the Cobb Hill Ireland. It seems to be sticking around. Glad they’re not discontinuing it.
Oh, thank you so much from one of the people who requested this. That One Ugly Toenail looks forward to some new sandals soon.
Yes, yes yes! Thank you!
–All afflictions mentioned above.
I can only wear my comfy Altras so many places, you know…… 🙂
It looks like the Naot Kata is solid in the front part of the lighter color, but looks like mesh in the brown color. Do you know is correct? I’d love to have the light tan if it is mesh, not solid. Thank you.
Never mind……the question was on zappos and I am correct about the brown being mesh but not the light tan. 🙁
I love reading your reviews. After breaking my foot I find shoe shopping much more difficult. Unfortunately the prices of some of these shoes is way out of reach for a lot of us.
Always try Amazon! I’ve often found they mark down the fastest and still offer prime shipping on many styles!
I just received a pair of Romika Nadine 10 fashion sneakers in red from Amazon after reading about them on your blog. They were $29.00 – and other places are $130.00! So yes – check Amazon!! (And it included prime shipping.)
That’s awesome–what do you think of them??
I like them! They are not as comfortable as some of my other brands of comfort shoes (which, unfortunately, is all I can wear now), but for a fashion sneaker they are good. I wore them for the first time today for about 3 hours running around with grandchildren at the science museum. My feet are fine! I may use an insert at some point for extra comfort but they are fine without too. I really appreciate your blog, Kristin. I have purchased several shoes based on your recommendations. Thanks so much for working so hard to help so many who definitely need it! Have a great day.
SO glad to hear, Bonnie! When people complain that comfort shoes are just too expensive, I’ll share your story. Try Amazon every time…
Can anyone recommend a hurache sandal/shoe that actually has arch support? I love the look of the Nisolo Ecuador, but it looks flat as a pancake..
Sorry, meant “huarache”!
Check out the Dansko Milly. I’ve found it on sale in a couple of places – it’s really a terrific shoe. Yes, it has a clog sole, but the toesies are covered, and it’s very supportive!
None of the Naot Katas are mesh — the front part is a textured leather, but it’s solid, not mesh.
I love the Naot Kata, so thanks for bringing that one to everyone’s attention. It’s really expensive, but I find buying fewer pairs of nicer shoes keeps my feet and wallet happy.
PS. I meant to add, the Kata does have a heel. I wish the Koru line was flatter, but at least it’s stable and comfortable. Just know, if you want a truly flat shoe, the Kata isn’t it.
I purchased ALegria Playa,have hallux rigidus with dorsal bunion…found with the different sole,though cushioning good,the ALegria rocker sole not same and started having knee issues, anyone find that? Cute tho!
Maureen, if you google clogs and knee pain, you’ll find a series of articles that says, basically, it’s a trade-off between your knees and feet. For me, I chose to save my knees and now only wear flat, flexible shoes, which my podiatrist hates, but my regular doctor heartily approves.
Bette, I’m with you. I want flexible, zero drop shoes. Because I mostly order shoes online it’s frustrating that their descriptions seldom mention the flexibility.
I love this column! Closed toe sandals are exactly what I want and these are adorable. I have never mastered the art of ordering European Size shoes. I take a 8.5E-EE. Tried 40-44 to handle the width. A lot of expensive experimental purchases. Can you help!