Real stories · A little lift, all-day comfort

The breathable platform sandals that give me a little height and no aching feet

I'm 67, and I do like a little bit of height in the summer — it just feels smarter — but a proper heel is out of the question for my feet these days. The flat sandals leave me feeling dumpy, and the platform ones I'd tried were heavy, stiff, and hot to wear. My feet would be swollen and sore by the afternoon.

What I wanted was a gentle lift that was actually comfortable, and cool enough for a warm day. It seemed a tall order, and I'd more or less settled for flats and a bit of a grumble.

Then I found the Cressida sandals from a British label called York Boutique — breathable knitted-mesh platform sandals, in the summer sale. I chose the black, thinking they'd go with everything.

They're just right. The knit-mesh upper lets my feet breathe so they stay cool, the platform sole gives a comfortable little lift without any wobble, and it's cushioned so there's no jarring underfoot. They slip straight on, and I feel that bit taller and tidier without a single ache.

A little lift, cool feet, and cushioned all day. I didn't think I'd find all three.

Sandals with a platform like this, I assumed, would be fifty pounds. But York Boutique sells direct, so they were £24.95 in the summer sale. I was rather pleased with myself.

A friend admired them at lunch and was surprised how light they were. They come in six colours — black, grey, navy, light blue, beige and rose — and in sizes 3 to 10.

If you'd like a little height without the ache, do treat yourself to a look. The Cressida is rated 4.6 out of 5 by more than 300 women, it's £24.95 in the summer sale instead of £50 — half price — and the middle sizes always seem to go first.