I Used to Choose My Summer Sandals for Their Looks. Then I Got Older.

One thing I've come to understand is that getting older doesn't mean losing our love of beautiful clothes. But it can change what we need from them.

Our bodies change. Our priorities change. And after years of choosing shoes simply because we loved the way they looked, many of us begin to appreciate comfort in a whole new way.

I think about those lovely summer afternoons when we're out shopping, meeting friends for lunch or exploring somewhere new on holiday.

Standing in a queue or walking around the shops for an hour can feel quite different from how it did twenty years ago. And sometimes, by the end of the afternoon, all we can think about is taking our shoes off.

But why should we have to give up the beautiful sandals we love, just because our feet need a little more consideration?

Surely, there must be a better balance between comfort and style.

This is something that's frustrated me for years.

Walk into almost any shoe shop and you'll often find two very different kinds of sandals.

On one side, there are the beautiful ones. Lovely straps, elegant designs, exactly the kind of shoes you'd love to wear with your favourite summer dress. But after a few hours on your feet, you sometimes wish you'd left them in the shop.

And then there are the practical ones. You know the type. Thick soles, bulky straps and designs that seem to care about everything except how a woman actually wants to look.

I remember thinking, surely I'm not the only woman who wants something in between?

I'm not ready to give up looking stylish just because I'm getting older. And I certainly don't want to sacrifice comfort just to feel beautifully dressed.

I still love putting together a lovely outfit. I still enjoy feeling feminine, confident and well dressed. I simply want shoes that understand what my feet need today.

And that's exactly what I started looking for when choosing sandals for our summer collection at Edward & Isabel.

When I started looking for sandals for our summer collection, I had one thing in mind. I wanted something I would genuinely enjoy wearing myself.

Something feminine and stylish, but with the thoughtful details that become increasingly important as we get older.

And that's when Hayleigh caught my attention.

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful braided design. Elegant enough for a summer dress, but relaxed enough to wear with linen trousers or your favourite jeans.

But what really interested me was the attention to comfort. A shaped footbed designed to offer support, an adjustable buckle to help find the right fit, and a lightweight design made with everyday wear in mind.

A beautiful summer sandal that doesn't forget about comfort. And I thought, perhaps other women have been looking for the very same thing.

As I've grown older, I've learned that it's often the little details that make the biggest difference. And when it comes to sandals, there are three things I always look for.

One of the first things I notice about a sandal these days is what's underneath my feet.

Hayleigh features a contoured footbed with arch support. It's the kind of thoughtful detail I appreciate, especially when choosing shoes for everyday activities like shopping, travelling or spending time outdoors.

Because as we get older, a little extra consideration for our feet can make all the difference.

Something else I've come to realise is that our feet aren't all the same. Some of us need a little more room. Others prefer a snugger fit.

That's why I particularly appreciate Hayleigh's adjustable buckle, which allows you to fine-tune the fit to suit your feet.

And for women who would like even more flexibility, we've also included a Double Buckle version of Hayleigh, featuring two adjustable straps for a more personalised fit.

Of course, comfort is only half the story. I still want to look down at my feet and love the shoes I'm wearing.

That's what first drew me to Hayleigh's braided straps and relaxed, feminine design. And I especially appreciate that they don't have that bulky, overly practical appearance we so often associate with comfort footwear.

Because getting older doesn't mean our sense of style has to change.

One of the things I love most about summer is all those little moments that make life special. A morning coffee with a friend. A leisurely afternoon exploring the shops. Lunch by the water. A family gathering in the garden.

I don't want to spend a beautiful afternoon thinking about uncomfortable straps or wishing I'd brought another pair of shoes. I want to feel relaxed, confident and beautifully dressed.

Because summer is meant to be enjoyed, and we deserve to enjoy it in shoes we feel good wearing.

I know that buying shoes online can sometimes feel a little uncertain, especially when finding the right fit matters so much.

Free shipping across Australia and our 30-day money-back guarantee mean you can try Hayleigh with peace of mind.

And one little reminder from me: Hayleigh runs slightly small, so if you're between sizes, I recommend choosing the next size up.

As I've grown older, I've come to realise something important. I don't want to dress like a younger version of myself. I simply want to feel comfortable, feminine and confident in the woman I am today.

That's what Edward & Isabel means to me. Finding beautiful pieces that understand our changing needs, without asking us to give up the style we've always loved.

We may be getting older, but our love of beautiful things certainly isn't going anywhere.

If you've been searching for a lovely pair of summer sandals that bring together style and thoughtful comfort, I hope you'll take a closer look at Hayleigh.

With love,
Isabel
Edward & Isabel Melbourne