I Tried the Under-$50 Dr. Scholl’s Sandals the Sex and the City Cast Can’t Get Enough Of

Affordable and ‘Sex and the City’ coded

Author image: Stephanie Meraz Editor Bio Picture: editor with brunette hair in purple set at a beach in Cabo.

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Published Aug 5, 2024

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Stephanie Meraz

Value: 19/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 18/20
Aesthetics: 18/20
Comfort: 19/20
TOTAL: 93/100

I’ve been quite candid about my disdain for sandals over the past few years, and since then, there have been only a handful of open-toe flats that have surprised me, namely the now-discontinued Hush Puppies slides and my most recent Steve Madden Mayven slides that look nearly identical to Hermès. Then just like that, I received a PR email informing me of a must-have sandal that the Sex and the City crew adores from none other than Dr. Scholl’s. This had me thinking: Could a Cosmo-drinking, baguette-carrying, Manolo Blahnik-wearing Carrie Bradshaw really be obsessed with Dr. Scholl’s, a brand known for their comfort and foot care? (And she’s not the only one.) Even Kristen Davis (aka Charlotte York) has been spotted running around the streets of Manhattan in Dr. Scholl’s Think Iconic sandals (from $80, now $38). As a Sex and the City obsessed Zillennial, I had to make like Bradshaw and York and try the sandals myself…only I didn’t have to dangle my feet in front of guy with a foot fetish to get them.

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what’s worth the spend—and what’s total hype. Learn more about our process here.

dr-scholls-think-iconic-sandals-review side by side

Stephanie Meraz

Dr. Scholl’s Think Iconic sandals are sustainably crafted from organic fabric and faux leather, and incorporate fabric linings and topcloth that’s partially made from recycled bottles. Wanting a versatile style that’d go with almost everything in my closet, I opted for the timeless white colorway, but there’s also a dark blue denim fabric option that’s trendier. The insole boasts a cushioned step, maximizing comfort and the teensiest bit of arch support for my flat feet (thanks to the cushy plant-based BLOOM foam insole), and the quarter-inch lug outsoles are designed to be ultra-flexible while maintaining an impressive grip and cushioning that’s seriously wow-ed me right out of the box.

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Getty Images / Stephanie Meraz / sarahjessicaparker

Wary as to how the shoe would fit, I was pleasantly surprised to not have any complaints from the get-go. It comfortably hugs my foot without feeling restrictive or rubbing against my skin, so there’s no need to worry about blisters. (I didn’t get even the smallest inkling of one while I sported these, and no aches or pain either.) With sandals that have no backing, I’m often met with the dreaded slip—aka, when your shoe literally slips off mid-walk—but I experienced absolutely NONE of that in my Think Iconic sandals. Even better, the slip-on sandal features the brand’s signature buckle *and* Velcro strap for the easiest slide into the shoe and adjustable fit.

Not only am I impressed with its comfortability and fit, I’m also taken with the hardware—it’s added such a unique touch to the minimal sandal, elevating my dresses and shorts with the tasteful details. While I found that my usual size 9 fits just fine, I did notice that my toes are teetering the edge of the top and I probably could have opted for a half-size up, so if you’re in-between sizes, I suggest sizing up.

Macy’s

Dr. Scholl’s

And just like that, it seems like I’ve added another fabulous summer sandal to my collection, and best of all, it’s budget friendly. Usually $80 at most retailers and $55 direct, the Dr. Scholl’s Think Iconic sandals are on a steep discount at both Macy’s and DSW, but stock is going quickly, and rightfully so, since it’s beloved by the cast of Sex and the City and And Just Like That. From one hopeless romantic to another, it’s a match made in heaven.

~~$80~~; $38 at Macy’s

~~$80~~; $55 at DSW

~~$55~~; $40 at Dr. Scholls

Stephanie Meraz

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Covers all things fashion and shopping
Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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