These Air & Grace sandals are so comfortable, I've worn them for every special occasion in the last two years

How many times have you bought a new pair of sandals for a special occasion only to discover they feel like instruments of torture after a couple of hours? I certainly have! Wearing badly fitting shoes not only leads to blisters and foot pain but often results in days of backache and throbbing knees, too. As I've got older, I have learnt my lesson and I now realise that wearing the most comfortable sandals is crucial if I want to relax and fully enjoy the day.

Whether you're looking for shoes to wear with wedding guest dresses or outfits for a day at the races, you'll likely want your footwear to reflect the smart and glamorous vibe of your outfit. If you are happy wearing your best white trainers, then go for it, but if you prefer something more elegant, I'd recommend wearing wedges or block-heeled sandals that will add a little height without the discomfort of strappy stilettos.

Air & Grace is a British brand founded ten years ago by Claire Burrows, who had previously spent 20 years creating footwear for international brands and had become increasingly frustrated with the idea that comfort and style couldn't co-exist. Their patented Tender Loving Air® comfort sole technology provides a cushioning layer that gives an “astonishingly comfortable” feeling underfoot. They sell a selection of styles, from platform trainers to party shoes, all made from high-quality materials using responsible manufacturing processes.

For many years, my go-to special occasion shoes were wedges, but I wanted to find something less clumpy and more glamorous that could be worn throughout the year. The Air & Grace Dancing Queen Sandals immediately caught my eye; the heel height looked ideal, the metallic shade was versatile, and the straps looked supportive. The price was higher than I would normally spend on party shoes, but I was determined not to make the same mistake that I had in the past by buying cheap, uncomfortable styles that were painful to wear. So I made the leap and invested in the Dancing Queens - here's what I thought...

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Air & Grace Dancing Queen Sandals - Style & Design

Let's start with the block heels - at 6cm high, they provide enough height to feel elevated and elegant, but are stable and feel sturdy to walk in. The simple ankle straps are adjustable - the buckles were a little tricky to fasten when the sandals were brand new, but the leather has softened after a few wears, and it's become easier to find the tiny hole!

The front of the sandals has two wide leather straps that cross over in the centre and are finished with a decorative bow. The inner lining contains a layer of padding that runs down the length of the sole, starting under the heel and finishing under the ball of the foot.

The sandals are currently available in 4 colours - gold, silver and burgundy metallic and plain black leather. I opted for gold as it works as a neutral with everything from the softest pastel shades to vivid brights, and it can also be used to elevate classic black, white or navy outfits. The gold is warm and mellow rather than garish or overly bright. Silver will work in the same way if you prefer a cooler tone.

Air & Grace Dancing Queen Sandals - Comfort & Support

The first time I wore my Dancing Queen sandals was for a traditional wedding that involved afternoon drinks on the lawn and dancing 'til midnight. The block heels were perfect for wearing on the grass and didn't sink into the soil (unlike the expensive Manolo Blahnik court shoes my friend was wearing, which ended up covered in mud and grass stains!) I have a slight bunion on my left foot, but the soft leather and placement of the straps felt comfortable and didn't dig in. I danced for hours and my feet felt great for the majority of the night - they started to throb at about 11 pm, but to be honest, that's more to do with the fact that I'm 58 and have dodgy ankles and knees!

I've since worn the sandals to a variety of parties and smart functions, and over a couple of years, the leather has slightly softened, making them even more comfortable. Last week I wore them to my daughter's graduation ceremony, and again they felt comfortable and looked great with a bright floral dress. My daughter wore 'more affordable' strappy kitten heel mules and has needed a box of plasters to repair the damage!

Air & Grace Dancing Queen Sandals - Cleaning & Care

The sandals come in a protective dust bag and I store them in their original box to prevent them from getting damaged by my other shoes. Leather with a metallic finish is more vulnerable to wear and tear and Air & Grace recommend using specialist cleaning foam and waterproofing spray. I have to confess that I haven't done this, and (after two years of party action) the sandals are starting to show signs of wear and tear with small scuffs on the heels. I'm seriously considering investing in the silver and black!

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Air & Grace Dancing Queen Sandals - Verdict

I think these sandals are the perfect mix of style and comfort. I've worn them to weddings, parties and a day at the races and they've felt super comfortable throughout day and into the night. The block heel provides just the right amount of height and they add an elegant finishing touch a special outfit.