The Blowfish Malibu Lance sandal in Walnut is one of those shoes that tends to show up in casual summer rotations without much fanfare. It is a flat, open-toe slide with a braided or woven strap detail across the top of the foot and a low-profile sole. The Walnut colorway is a medium brown that reads slightly warm, which makes it easy to pair with denim, linen, and most neutral summer clothing. The 6M sizing follows standard US women’s sizing, though Blowfish tends to run slightly narrow in some of its styles, so that is worth keeping in mind.
In real-world use, this is a sandal built for low-effort situations. It works for errands, casual office days, weekend lunches, and travel where you want something that slips on and off without fuss. The flat sole and simple strap layout mean it is not intended for hiking, long walking tours, or anything requiring arch support or shock absorption. It is closer to a fashion flat than a comfort sandal, and buyers should approach it that way.
What the sandal actually offers
- A flat, low-profile outsole with minimal cushioning underfoot
- A slip-on slide design with a woven or braided strap across the vamp
- Synthetic or faux-leather upper in most colorways, including Walnut
- A lightly textured footbed that provides some grip against the sole of the foot
- Open toe and open heel for breathability in warm weather
These are functional facts rather than selling points. The woven strap is the main visual feature, and it gives the sandal a slightly boho or beach-adjacent look that fits well with casual summer wardrobes. The footbed is not padded in any meaningful way, so anyone used to cork beds or memory foam will notice the difference immediately. The outsole is thin and flexible, which helps with packability but does little for impact protection on hard pavement.
Where it works and where it does not
The Lance is at its best in short-duration, low-mileage situations. A morning coffee run, a casual Friday at an office with a relaxed dress code, a backyard gathering, or a dinner where you are mostly seated. It also packs flat, which makes it a reasonable second pair for a trip when you want something dressier than flip-flops but do not want to bring a bulky sandal.
The trade-off is comfort over distance. The flat sole and limited arch support mean that walking several miles in these will likely leave most people with tired feet by the end of the day. The strap sits across the top of the foot rather than wrapping the ankle, so there is some forward slide when walking downhill or on slick surfaces. The Walnut finish is also not especially forgiving of scuffs, and faux-leather uppers of this type tend to show wear at the strap edges after a season of regular use.
Another consideration is fit. The 6M is a true-to-size medium width in theory, but Blowfish sandals often run on the narrower side. People with wider feet or a high instep may find the woven strap presses uncomfortably across the top of the foot, particularly before the material softens. There is no adjustable buckle on this model, so the fit is essentially fixed once you put it on.
How it compares
Compared with a sport sandal like a Teva or a Chaco, the Lance is clearly a different category. Those offer adjustable straps, contoured footbeds, and grippy outsoles built for actual walking. The Lance offers none of that, but it also looks considerably less technical and pairs more easily with dresses and casual outfits. Compared with a basic flip-flop, the Lance has more structure and a more finished look, which makes it a step up for situations where flip-flops feel too casual. Compared with a leather slide from a brand like Birkenstock, the Lance is lighter and less supportive, and the materials are noticeably less durable, but the price point is correspondingly lower.
Who should consider it
This sandal suits people who want a simple, neutral flat for short outings and casual outfits, and who are not relying on their footwear for support or long walks. It is a reasonable pick for a summer weekend shoe, a travel backup, or a casual work option in a relaxed environment. It is also a decent choice for someone who likes the woven-strap aesthetic and wants an affordable version of it.
It is not suitable for anyone with plantar fasciitis, flat feet requiring arch support, or a job that involves standing for hours. It is also a poor fit for wide feet or high insteps given the fixed strap and narrower last. And anyone expecting a cushioned, all-day comfort sandal will be disappointed, because that is not what this is. Treated as a casual fashion flat with modest durability and limited support, the Lance does what it is designed to do. Treated as a walking sandal, it will fall short quickly.