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Three Things To Know:
- Comfortable and adjustable fit - The triple Velcro straps make it easy to customize the fit, offering decent support for casual summer wear.
- Lightweight and packable - These sandals are easy to carry and perfect for travel or everyday use, thanks to their breathable, lightweight materials.
- Basic traction for easy terrain - They provide solid grip for pavement and light trails but aren’t suited for rugged or slippery conditions.
Our Rating:
First Impressions and Fit
Comfort and Support
Grip and Traction
Build Quality and Materials
Check availability at Cotton Traders and Debenhams.
When I first slipped on the Cotton Traders Women’s Lightweight Strider Sandals, I wasn’t expecting much beyond basic comfort, but I was pleasantly surprised. Straight out of the box, they felt light, breathable, and easy to adjust thanks to the triple strap design. I was looking for an affordable sandal for day-to-day summer wear and casual walks, and these really hit the mark without trying too hard. They're simple, functional, and surprisingly comfortable for the price.
- RRP: £30.00
- Weight: 160g (1/2 pair size 5)
- Upper: Textile and synthetic fabric
- Sole: Phylon for shock absorption
- Fastening: Three adjustable touch and close straps
First Impressions and Fit
I got these sandals in lilac, with orange, turquoise and pink. Other, more subdued colours are available but I actually quite liked the fact that they reminded me of sandals I had as a child.
Right away, the Cotton Traders Lightweight Strider Sandals felt easy and unfussy to wear. The adjustable touch-and-close straps made getting the right fit simple, even with slightly swollen feet on warmer days. I have fairly average-width feet, and they felt secure without being tight. They’re not ultra-cushioned, but they offered enough underfoot padding to feel comfortable straight away, no awkward break-in period, just pop them on and go. Ideal for casual days or light summer strolls.
Comfort and Support
For the price, I really was surprised about how comfortable these sandals were on longer walks.
The footbed has a gentle contour that gave my arches a bit of support, and the lightweight sole meant they didn’t feel clunky or heavy after a full day on my feet. The straps are adjustable enough to get a snug fit without digging in, though I did find they could rub slightly if worn all day without socks. Overall, they’re comfy enough for daily wear or easy walks.
Grip and Traction
The soles are tough but lightweight and have been designed with built-in shock absorption and the sole has a basic tread pattern that holds up fine on pavements, grass, and dry trails. I wouldn’t rely on them for anything too rugged or slippery, wet rocks or muddy paths were a bit too much for these sandals, but for strolls in the park, running errands, or light holiday exploring, they offer enough grip to feel secure underfoot. Think casual stability rather than full-on hiking performance.
Build Quality and Materials
The build quality of the Cotton Traders Lightweight Strider Sandals reflects their budget-friendly price, but they do the job well for casual use. The materials are lightweight and breathable, with a synthetic upper that dries quickly and feels comfortable even on warmer days. They pack down fairly flat, making them easy to throw into a weekend bag or suitcase. The adjustable triple Velcro straps are a plus, letting you fine-tune the fit across the heel, ankle, and toe. While they’re not built for rugged durability, they feel solid enough for regular, low-intensity summer wear.
Value for money
At only £30, these sandals offer style and good support for a very low price.
Sustainability
The Lightweight Strider Sandals don't list any specific recycled or certified cotton content in their materials, however, Cotton Traders say it uses sustainable and renewable resources wherever possible, and uses returns bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles which are fully recyclable.
Should you buy it
If you’re looking for a solid, inexpensive summer sandal for light walks and treks.
Find more in our guide to the best walking sandals.
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