Real stories · Summer shoes my feet stopped complaining about

My feet used to decide when the day was over — these sandals gave me back my long afternoons

Summer sandals that don't punish you for walking — that's what I'd given up looking for. I'm 67, and for years my feet have decided when my day ends. Flat pretty sandals with soles like cardboard: aching arches by two o'clock. The 'sensible' pair from the chemist's: comfortable, and so ugly I only wore them to hang out the washing. Every June the same choice — pretty and in pain, or comfortable and hiding my feet under the table.

What I wanted was one pair that could do the market, the garden and a walk along the river without my feet filing a complaint by teatime.

Then I found the Veylira from a British label called York Boutique — orthopaedic sandals, and I chose the brown, with lovely woven straps that look like something from a much more expensive shop.

The difference is under your foot. The sole is contoured, so it supports the arch and takes the strain off your feet and knees instead of letting everything flatten out; the footbed is cushioned, so pavement stops feeling like pavement; and the strap adjusts, so they actually fit my foot rather than a theoretical average one. There's a gentle platform, which adds a little height without wobble, and the sole grips properly — wet patio stones included.

A contoured sole that supports the arch, a cushioned footbed, and a strap I can adjust to my own foot — they look like pretty woven sandals, but they carry me through a whole day on my feet.

The real test was the flower show: four hours on my feet, most of it standing on grass and gravel. I got to the car afterwards and realised, almost suspiciously, that nothing hurt. I've since worn them to the market, round the garden most days and on the long walk along the river — my feet have simply stopped being part of the conversation.

They were £29.95 in the sale, half the usual £60. I'd checked before ordering that I could send them back if they didn't suit — you can, within a fortnight, and the delivery's free — so there was nothing lost by trying. They come in four colours and in sizes 2.5 to 9.

If your feet also decide when your day is over, do treat yourself to a look. The Veylira is rated 4.8 out of 5 by more than 410 women, it's £29.95 in the sale instead of £60 — half price — and the popular sizes always seem to go first.