The Best Black Strappy Block Heel Sandals for Women Over 40: Splurge, Spend and Save

A black strappy block heel sandal is one of the most versatile shoes you can own. It works with dresses, trousers, and jeans. It is the shoe you reach for when you want a little polish, and height, and, I find, the block heel adds an element of comfort. It’s far easier to stand on a block heel for a few hours than a thin one.

The silhouette I am focused on here is specific: a crossover toe strap, a thin ankle strap with a gold buckle, and a mid block heel. No platform. Clean lines. It is a classic your wardrobe will use for years.

These have been on my mind lately as I just replaced an old pair I wore into the ground. It wasn’t until I was without them for a minute that I realized just how necessary they are in my personal wardrobe.

So we did the work for you. Below are the best options at three price points, so you know exactly where to invest and where to save. Keeping in mind that everyone’s budget, needs and preferences are different.

What to Look for Before You Buy

A few things that make a real difference in a block heel sandal.

Strap construction: The crossover toe strap should be substantial enough to stay in place but not so wide that it overwhelms the foot. Thin straps look elegant but can dig in over time.

Heel height: A mid block heel, around 2 ” – 3″ is the sweet spot. Enough lift to elongate the leg, stable enough to actually wear for hours.

Hardware: Gold hardware reads warmer and more classic. It is also more forgiving with a range of outfit colors than silver. You can also look for options with no metal tones.

Leather vs. synthetic: At the splurge and spend tiers, leather is worth it. It molds to your foot over time and you’ll get a better price per wear.

Splurge: Margaux The Paloma Sandal

I personally think in the shoes categories some are worth investing in. A great sandal that fits well and holds its shape is something you reach for constantly, and the cost per wear ends up being well worth the upfront cost.

The Paloma Sandal from Margaux is the standard everything else gets measured against. The crossover toe strap is padded and substantial without being bulky, the ankle strap is thin with a gold buckle, and the block heel hits exactly the right height. It is made from black nappa leather and it looks and feels like what it is: a well-made shoe.

Margaux is also one of the few brands that offers three widths, which makes a real difference if you have ever struggled to find sandals that fit properly.

Shop here → Margaux The Paloma Sandal | $328

Also worth considering at the splurge tier:

If you want to go even further, many of our readers are fans of Sarah Flint and the Perfect Crossover Sandal 50 at $450 is worth knowing about. It is handcrafted in Italy, comes with built-in arch support and extra padding, and is available in gold, tan and black. These are exquisite.

Spend: Cole Haan Darlene Sandal

The Cole Haan Darlene has the crossover toe strap, the thin ankle strap, the gold buckle, the mid block heel, it is a similar silhouette as the Margaux with a slightly higher and more dramatic heel.

It is currently on sale from $170 and available in three colors: black, cognac, and a warm neutral. If you already have black covered, the cognac is a great summer option. This runs small consider going up a half size.

Shop here → Cole Haan Darlene Sandal | $149.95

Save: Giani Bernini Nelliie Block Heel Dress Sandal

The silhouette here is slightly different, a single wide toe strap rather than a crossover, but the ankle strap, gold buckle, and block heel are all there. Giani Bernini is Macy’s in-house brand and the quality is solid for the price.

It is currently on sale at Macy’s for $47.54, marked down from $79.90. If you are shopping for a specific occasion, or you are not sure yet how much you will reach for this style, start here. Under $50 is hard to argue with.

Shop here → Giani Bernini Nelliie Block Heel Dress Sandal | $79.90 (on sale $47.54)

Sale Suprise

Sometimes I find a deal that needs it’s own category because I don’t know how long it will last or how fas it will sell out.

Stuart Weitzman Dayna Ankle Strap Sandal | $199.97 at Nordstrom Rack (57% off from $475)

This is the exact silhouette we have been talking about, crossover toe strap, thin ankle strap, gold buckle, mid block heel from Stuart Weitzman.

It is available in black and cognac, runs true to size, and at 57% off it is one of the better shoe deals available right now. I would not wait on this one.

Shop here → Stuart Weitzman Dayna Ankle Strap Sandal | $199.97

How to Choose

The right choice comes down to where you are right now and how much use you will actually get out of the sandal you buy.

If you wear heels regularly and you have found a silhouette that works for your foot, investing at the splurge tier makes sense. The Margaux is the kind of shoe you reach for constantly, and because it fits exceptionally well and holds up over time, you will get your money out of it. That is the math that justifies the price.

But I also want to be realistic about budget. What we call the spend tier is still a real investment for a lot of people, and the save option might actually be the most practical choice for where you are right now. There is no wrong answer here. A $48 sandal you love and wear all summer is a better decision than a $328 sandal that sits in your closet.

This guide is part of our ongoing Splurge, Spend, Save series.

You might also enjoy: The Best White Button-Down Shirts for Women Over 40, The Best Linen Pants for Women Over 40, The Best Black Ballet Flats for Women, and The Best Straight Leg Ankle Jeans for Women Over 40.

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