Sandals and summer shoes: what to wear in the city without sore feet
On a hot day in Brussels, the wrong shoes can turn a good day out into a long one. Perhaps you have worn the same summer sandals for years, or you are finally looking for a pair you can walk in all day. Below you will find what works in the city, what to check in the sole and support, how to limit blisters and what is waiting for you at our shop on Place du Jeu de Balle.
Cobblestones and heat: what works
Brussels is not a city of smooth pavements. In the Marolles, around Place du Jeu de Balle and across much of the centre, you walk on cobblestones, step over tram rails and climb sloping streets. A sole that is too thin makes itself felt at every step, and a sandal without hold slips at every bump.
Then there is the heat. On a warm day, many people find their feet feel a little fuller as the hours go by, and sweat makes the foot slide inside the shoe. What fitted perfectly in the morning can pinch or rub by the afternoon.
What works in the city, in short:
- A sole with some thickness and grip, which cushions the cobbles and does not slip on wet stone.
- A strap around the heel, so the sandal moves with your foot.
- A breathable upper: leather, perforated leather or textile.
- Adjustable straps or a hook-and-loop fastening, to adapt the fit as your feet swell a little during the day.
Flip-flops and very thin sandals are fine for the beach, but give little support on cobblestones.
Summer sandals, espadrilles or light trainers?
There is no single perfect summer shoe. The right choice depends on how far you walk, how hot it is and where you are going.
Sandals
A good city sandal has a firm, gently shaped sole, straps that hold both the forefoot and the heel, and a buckle or hook-and-loop strap to adjust it. Leather straps soften with wear; synthetic ones are lighter and cope with a shower, but breathe less. To learn to tell them apart, read our guide to real leather vs synthetic shoes.
Espadrilles
With their canvas upper and rope sole, espadrilles are light, airy and suit a summer outfit. The rope sole does not like water, though: after a shower or on wet cobbles it becomes heavy and slippery. Ideal for a café terrace, less so for a full day on your feet.
Light sneakers and trainers
If you walk a lot, a pair of light sneakers often beats a sandal. A model in perforated leather, mesh or canvas lets the foot breathe while giving the support and cushioning of a closed shoe. Geox is known for its breathable sole, Ecco for supple leather that stays comfortable on long days. To pick trainers by fit, sole and material, see our article on how to choose sneakers.
This table compares the main types:
| Type | Good for | Less suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Sandal with heel strap | Warm days, the city, short and medium walks | Rain, long distances on a thin sole |
| Espadrille | Terrace, evening, light outfit | Rain, wet cobbles, a full day of walking |
| Light sneaker | Lots of walking, cobbles, changeable weather | Very hot days if the upper does not breathe |
| Flip-flop | Beach, pool, short trips | The city, cobbles, long distances |
Support and sole
The sole largely decides how a summer shoe feels after a few hours. In the shop, bend it: it should flex at the ball of the foot, not in the middle. A sole that is soft everywhere gives little support; one that does not bend at all makes every step harder work.
Look at the insole too. A gently contoured footbed with a small heel cup keeps the foot in place in an open sandal. In warm weather, a leather insole often feels more pleasant than smooth synthetic, on which a damp foot slides more easily.
Finally, with a sandal, check the edges: your heel should not hang over the back, nor your toes over the front. If you have foot problems or need support for medical reasons, see a doctor or podiatrist before you buy.
Avoiding blisters
Blisters form where skin and shoe rub together, especially when the foot is warm and damp. With new summer shoes, it pays to start gently. These habits help:
- Wear new sandals or trainers a few times at home or for a short walk first.
- After the first outing, see where the skin turns red: that is where a strap or seam rubs.
- Adjust buckles and straps during the day, rather than fixing them on the tightest setting.
- In trainers, wear thin, breathable socks and keep your feet dry.
- On a long day, carry a plaster for spots that start to rub.
Ideally, try on summer shoes once your feet have done some walking, around midday or in the afternoon. They should then feel comfortable without pinching. If a blister stays painful or becomes infected, see a doctor.
Our summer stock
At Outlet Chaussures Bruxelles, we buy in bulk in Italy, directly from large retail chains, and sell those shoes in our shop at fixed outlet prices all year round. They are new shoes, in their original box, from recent collections. Across the whole shop, prices range from about €20 to €150.
Our range includes sandals and light sneakers; which models and sizes are in for women, men and children depends on the latest deliveries. Our brands are Geox, Ecco, Valentino, Voile Blanche, Naturino and Primigi. For women, see our article on the women’s shoe outlet in Brussels; for light trainers, visit our sneakers page. Everything about Geox, kids included, is in our article on Geox at outlet prices in Brussels.
Summer shoes are best bought after trying them on, and that is what our shop is for. Come to Place du Jeu de Balle 40, in the Marolles: we are open every day from 10 am to 3.30 pm, Sundays included. The flea market fills the square every morning, and Brussels-Midi (South) station is about a quarter of an hour away on foot. For the metro, tram or bus, see our shop and directions page.
Would you like to know first whether a certain type of shoe is on the shelves? Email us via our contact page.
Frequently asked questions about sandals and summer shoes
What are the best sandals for walking in the city?
A sandal with a strap around the heel, adjustable straps and a sole with some thickness and grip. It stays in place on cobblestones and you do not feel every bump. For long days, light, breathable trainers are often the most comfortable alternative.
Should I buy sandals half a size up?
Usually not: take your normal size and, ideally, try them on later in the day. Your heel and toes should not hang over the sole, and the straps should hold without pinching. Since sizes vary between brands, trying them on in the shop is the safest route.
How do I avoid blisters with new summer shoes?
Wear them at home or on short trips first, and note where the skin turns red. Adjust the straps during the day and keep your feet dry. On a long day, carry a plaster for spots that rub.
Where can I find cheap sandals in Brussels?
At Outlet Chaussures Bruxelles, Place du Jeu de Balle 40, in the Marolles, at fixed outlet prices from about €20 to €150 across the whole shop. We sell only in the shop, with no online store, so you can try on every pair. We are open every day from 10 am to 3.30 pm, Sundays included.
