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I Can Walk 5+ Miles In These Comfy Sandals (& They Adjust For Swollen Feet)
Sneakers tend to be my go-to shoes all summer long. While I don't love the feel of sweaty feet in a pair of trusty tennis shoes, I've struggled to find other footwear that offers the same level of support, and still feels comfortable after logging 5+ miles of city strolling.
But earlier this month, I was sent a pair of leather sandals that ruined my sneaker streak: Mephisto's Dominca. These platform sandals quickly became my go-to shoes—and I've worn them for city strolls, morning dog walks, concerts, and even treks to the beach. Here's why I'm deeming these comfortable sandals the shoe of the summer.
My testing process
Why I love these sandals
They're supportive & sturdy
When you first look at these sandals, it's hard to believe they offer enough support to walk 1 mile, let alone 5. But there's a secret behind Mephisto's comfortable lineup of sneakers, boots, and sandals.
The brand's innovative SOFT-AIR TECHNOLOGY means every style has a layer of air pockets. These pockets absorb the shock of energy from your feet pounding the pavement, or grass, or dirt, without adding bulk and weight. This means the style is comfortable enough for walking without a bulky profile or tons of cushioning. Plus, the pockets keep air moving so your feet stay at a comfortable temperature.
What's more, most styles also have a thin layer of latex foam cushioning for added support and shock absorption. While I wouldn't claim the Dominca feels like walking on clouds, it does feel like walking on air—like there's nothing on your feet.
In my opinion, it's better than walking on clouds. I don't feel like my feet are getting weaker from too much support or cushioning (i.e., the reason barefoot shoes are seeing a resurgence).
They're comfortable
The barefoot feel of these sandals means they're ideal for strolling. I've easily logged 5+ miles walking around the city and parks on a sunny day wearing the Dominca. I've sported them to concerts, parties, beach picnics, and even on my morning dog walks to the park.
I love that every step feels easy; I don't have to deal with the added weight of a bulky sneaker or the heat from a leather upper. Instead, this stylish sandal simply slips into my rotation.
They're stylish
Speaking of style, these sandals offer the perfect midpoint between an everyday classic and a trendy addition to your wardrobe. I love that the strappy profile feels like a classic staple, but details like the small platform and metallic accents make the style feel trendy.
I'll get plenty of wear out of the Dominca this summer, but I'll also still be able to wear the style for years to come.
They're adjustable
My absolute favorite feature about these sandals is that they have adjustable straps around both the ankles and toes. This ensures the sandals have the perfect fit every time you put them on—even when your feet are swelling from the heat of summer. (Yes, it's normal! Your blood vessels dilate to help cool your body when it's hot, which leads to swelling!)
Plus, the adjustable construction helps with one of the biggest issues with modern-day shoes: toe-squishing. When your toes are crammed into narrow straps, they're unable to flex and help stabilize your body. By adjusting the toe strap of these sandals, I'm able to let my toes fully splay.
What's more, it means the style fits a variety of foot shapes. As long as the base of the shoe works with your foot, you're able to then adjust the fit to suit both narrow and wide feet.
They're high-quality
I can't rave about these sandals without mentioning the price—they're expensive. This is due to a variety of factors, starting with the materials. They're made with full-grain leather, including the piping.
What's more, they're crafted by hand in European factories. This ensures every style provides quality you can trust, and I fully believe these sandals will be in my rotation for years to come—especially when you factor in Mephisto's refurbishment program.
What other reviewers say
While I'm a huge fan of these sandals, I'm not the only one giving them rave reviews. They currently have a 4.3 rating from 50 other testers. Here's what they have to say:
- "These shoes have become my go-to choice, thanks to their unbeatable combination of style and comfort... What truly sets them apart, though, is their exceptional comfort. I can wear them for hours on end, and my feet feel incredibly supported and cushioned throughout." —tennyzki
- "This sandal is my favorite of all my shoes. I love the style and It is so comfortable, I forget I'm wearing it whether I'm walking, standing, or relaxing." —Gramavicki
- "I just wore mine through 3 weeks of walking 5-8 miles daily on cobble stone streets in Portugal and Spain and in total comfort! They're good looking too and this color goes with everything. I even wore these to a Michelin restaurant and they looked great." —Marci
The takeaway
If you're on the hunt for comfortable sandals, then you can't skip Mephisto's Dominca style. The handcrafted style rivals my favorite walking sneakers with lightweight construction that offers ample support without added weight. Not only do they feel like walking on air, but the premium design has adjustable straps that ensure you can find the right fit for your feet.