I hear you about the straps, but imo Eva Birks are the ideal shoe for Bali. With the humidity I found I needed days with no straps to minimise blisters. Plus if you're spending much time at pools or beaches it really is so much nicer to have something you can slip on and off with ease.
Hi Leslie! I’ve been to Bali multiple times (served in Peace Corps Indonesia). I wouldn’t suggest leather because it rains a lot and is super humid so might cut into your skin. I think anything that’s waterproof would be good and you’re on point about it needing a strap or back of the sandal. Other than that, I say go for what you think is cutest! Don’t know what parts you’re going to, but hope you have an amazing time!
As much as I enjoy the writing, recs, etc, I'm starting to feel low key like this is a codependent relationship when every email starts with "holy crap I'm too busy....here's another piece of regular content from me!!!" Like why would you do that?!
This is actually a really interesting question—and one I ask myself often! Codependence isn't quite the thing, but there are a lot of other things at play. First is, I love what I do and I genuinely enjoy writing and creating content like this (I really hate posting Instagrams for example, but this newsletter feels like creative play for me). At the same time, I'm also addicted to work and have a really difficult time resting. The tension, for me, is in discerning whether I'm creating something to avoid rest or because I genuinely want to do it—this post feels like the latter, but I may skip it in the future, if that changes! I will say, most of my exhaustion right now is coming from committing to too many social plans—I feel like that's the place where I hear myself going "I'm so busy" and craving rest, then adding another coffee date to my calendar.
I brought these MIA "Peyton" sandals in white to Paris, where I'm covering the Olympics. I'm walking 20,000 steps a day in them and they are SO comfy and cushiony. There was no break-in period and my feet feel great. They've even been impervious to a bit of rain. AND the best part: they're under $50! https://www.dsw.com/product/mia-peyton-sandal/578389?activeColor=001
I enthusiastically recommend the Teva's thin strap! While can't vouch for the city walking part - my Teva's routinely do AZ hiking and are the only shoes I take with me at the summer camp I volunteer at in Indiana
They are so versatile for me - this summer I’ve worn them for dog walks, paddle boarding, wading in the river and then dressed them right up for work and even a wedding!! Mine are 3 years old and look brand new too
A new monthly issue? What an absolute delight, thank you!! Please, please take a look at the Scandinavian brand called Woden for THE MOST comfortable sandals I can’t stop wearing. I’ve owned Tevas but they don’t even compare on comfort or quality. Specifically look at the “Line” style. The adjustable straps ensure the perfect fit. This is the only sandal I can wear all day walking with such great support. Oh and good luck narrowing your choice on the many great color options.
I could not recommend Salt Water Sandals more highly. I think they might be the only shoes I brought when I went to Bali! They look nice enough that I feel confident wearing them out to dinner, are sturdy enough that I've trekked around a city all day in them, AND waterproof so perfect for the beach too! https://saltwater-sandals.com/
I’d go with tevas! I love my Birkenstocks, but I wouldn’t want to bring them somewhere where I’d be worried about them getting wet. Tevas are soo comfy and lightweight (as opposed to chacos which I find way too heavy).
Birkenstocks get so crunchy when they get wet and then dry out, especially if you don't do any of the recommended treatments (which I personally NEVER do).
I saw this rec in Big Salad from Simone Kitchens (The Strategist, Secret Strategist) and can 100% vouch for them. I bought and used them on a trip to Hawaii, putting many miles on them every day with casual jaunts to light hikes. They also look cute with a dress!
Second this rec! They are currently my NYC commuting shoes for the summer. They run true to size for me and are very adjustable, so you can loosen/tighten them as your feet change, and I agree that they match everything. I even wore them for an impromptu basketball game when i was on a resort vacation lol wouldn't 100% recommend that but i didn't hurt myself! I got them wet when on that vacation and the elastic stretched out more, but again they are so adjustable that I just tightened them even more and they're fine
Yeah exactly! I tried adjusting the straps but it just kept cutting into my feet, so really not comfortable. I could only do a short time on them, which was not the goal. I was gutted, I stayed on the waitlist for over a year to get them here in France 😂
I’m a 7.5 and bought an 8 that fit well! With all the different straps, you feel really secure. Additionally, my feet get a smidge swollen in the heat, especially when I’m walking all day so I opted for sizing up vs. down.
What a fun surprise to wake up to in my inbox (while also making me second guess what day it is a few times 😅)
My husband has the Birkenstocks with the heel strap and I’d say go with something else..
I love my Reefs and they have some with heel straps. I also walked all through Europe with Nisolo sandals and loved them.
I second the Reef and Nisolo recommendations! Comfy and good quality, and Reef has some waterproof options.
Hahha Hana :) Nixing the Birks with the strap!
I bought these black Ecco sandals at the beginning of summer to wear on my commute and wow do I love them!! Very comfortable, maybe even more than my Birks. https://www.zappos.com/p/womens-ecco-flowt-luxe-wedge-sandal/product/9480315
I’ve been looking for the flat version of this sandal *forever*! Maybe I’ll just go with the wedge…
They are SO comfortable and don’t feel like a wedge, more like a flat-form!!
I hear you about the straps, but imo Eva Birks are the ideal shoe for Bali. With the humidity I found I needed days with no straps to minimise blisters. Plus if you're spending much time at pools or beaches it really is so much nicer to have something you can slip on and off with ease.
May need to reconsider!!
Hi Leslie! I’ve been to Bali multiple times (served in Peace Corps Indonesia). I wouldn’t suggest leather because it rains a lot and is super humid so might cut into your skin. I think anything that’s waterproof would be good and you’re on point about it needing a strap or back of the sandal. Other than that, I say go for what you think is cutest! Don’t know what parts you’re going to, but hope you have an amazing time!
As much as I enjoy the writing, recs, etc, I'm starting to feel low key like this is a codependent relationship when every email starts with "holy crap I'm too busy....here's another piece of regular content from me!!!" Like why would you do that?!
This is actually a really interesting question—and one I ask myself often! Codependence isn't quite the thing, but there are a lot of other things at play. First is, I love what I do and I genuinely enjoy writing and creating content like this (I really hate posting Instagrams for example, but this newsletter feels like creative play for me). At the same time, I'm also addicted to work and have a really difficult time resting. The tension, for me, is in discerning whether I'm creating something to avoid rest or because I genuinely want to do it—this post feels like the latter, but I may skip it in the future, if that changes! I will say, most of my exhaustion right now is coming from committing to too many social plans—I feel like that's the place where I hear myself going "I'm so busy" and craving rest, then adding another coffee date to my calendar.
Love my Tevas!
Earth runners
www.earthrunners.com
👍
I have the BEST sandal rec for you.
I brought these MIA "Peyton" sandals in white to Paris, where I'm covering the Olympics. I'm walking 20,000 steps a day in them and they are SO comfy and cushiony. There was no break-in period and my feet feel great. They've even been impervious to a bit of rain. AND the best part: they're under $50! https://www.dsw.com/product/mia-peyton-sandal/578389?activeColor=001
I just bought the Teva original universal thin strap (https://www.rei.com/product/228649/teva-original-universal-slim-sandals-womens?) and they're so comfortable, easy to dress up or down and perfect for travel due to their size/weight. Have fun in Bali - it was a life changing experience when I went.
I enthusiastically recommend the Teva's thin strap! While can't vouch for the city walking part - my Teva's routinely do AZ hiking and are the only shoes I take with me at the summer camp I volunteer at in Indiana
These are my front runner atm!
They are so versatile for me - this summer I’ve worn them for dog walks, paddle boarding, wading in the river and then dressed them right up for work and even a wedding!! Mine are 3 years old and look brand new too
A new monthly issue? What an absolute delight, thank you!! Please, please take a look at the Scandinavian brand called Woden for THE MOST comfortable sandals I can’t stop wearing. I’ve owned Tevas but they don’t even compare on comfort or quality. Specifically look at the “Line” style. The adjustable straps ensure the perfect fit. This is the only sandal I can wear all day walking with such great support. Oh and good luck narrowing your choice on the many great color options.
I second Woden. Discovered through Free People. The Woden website, however, has more colorway selections. I’ve walked miles in these sandals.
I could not recommend Salt Water Sandals more highly. I think they might be the only shoes I brought when I went to Bali! They look nice enough that I feel confident wearing them out to dinner, are sturdy enough that I've trekked around a city all day in them, AND waterproof so perfect for the beach too! https://saltwater-sandals.com/
I’d go with tevas! I love my Birkenstocks, but I wouldn’t want to bring them somewhere where I’d be worried about them getting wet. Tevas are soo comfy and lightweight (as opposed to chacos which I find way too heavy).
Birkenstocks get so crunchy when they get wet and then dry out, especially if you don't do any of the recommended treatments (which I personally NEVER do).
I saw this rec in Big Salad from Simone Kitchens (The Strategist, Secret Strategist) and can 100% vouch for them. I bought and used them on a trip to Hawaii, putting many miles on them every day with casual jaunts to light hikes. They also look cute with a dress!
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/teva-voya-infinity-mary-kate-olsen-review.html
Was also considering this from the Big Salad rec!! Thank you for reminding me/vetting them!
Second this rec! They are currently my NYC commuting shoes for the summer. They run true to size for me and are very adjustable, so you can loosen/tighten them as your feet change, and I agree that they match everything. I even wore them for an impromptu basketball game when i was on a resort vacation lol wouldn't 100% recommend that but i didn't hurt myself! I got them wet when on that vacation and the elastic stretched out more, but again they are so adjustable that I just tightened them even more and they're fine
Oooo would you say they run true to size, please? I’m in between sizes!
I have a wider feet and get quite swollen in heat and I found them deadly. I love my normal Tevas, but this one wasn’t made for me unfortunately 💔
Oh no!!! Ok thanks good to know! I am both of those! Just too tight?
Yeah exactly! I tried adjusting the straps but it just kept cutting into my feet, so really not comfortable. I could only do a short time on them, which was not the goal. I was gutted, I stayed on the waitlist for over a year to get them here in France 😂
Oh no!!! Ok thanks for sharing! I’ll be mindful of that when I try them on - thank you! So gutting when that happens!
I’m a 7.5 and bought an 8 that fit well! With all the different straps, you feel really secure. Additionally, my feet get a smidge swollen in the heat, especially when I’m walking all day so I opted for sizing up vs. down.
Oooh good point, thank you!
I love my black tevas. I wear them around nyc all summer for like 10+ mile walks. Def break in the straps a little before wearing around a trip tho.
I just got these climbing rope sandals that are a fantastic dupe for the $$$$ Miu miu sandals https://flowze.it/collections/all
Super comfortable and I love that the colorful climbing rope brings a little whimsy to an outfit!
OH great find, these are cute!!
Oh my thanks for sharing this dupe ! I’m obsessed with these but not enough for the 950. Just. Bought !
You're so welcome! I just got mine delivered and have been loving them!
Camper Match sandals! Similar look to Tevas, more supportive.
https://www.camper.com/en_US/women/shoes/match/camper-match-K200958-001
SO good to have a supportive option! These are sold out in my size, but definitely considering these!