10 stylish and supportive sandals that are perfect for summer
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Sandal season is upon us, folks!
Whether your days consist of running errands, relaxing at the park to enjoy the outdoors, or going on long walks to get those steps in, your busy lifestyle shouldn’t include foot pain. While flip flops have always been a convenient option, their lack of support can put excessive strain on your foot, particularly on the tendon that holds up the arch of your foot known as the plantar fascia. Excessive strain on the plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis, foot pain that results from tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes becoming inflamed.
“After age 50, especially women, begin to lose the fat pad in the ball of the foot, diminishing the cushioning,” Dr. Nelya Lobkova told Yahoo Lifestyle. This can cause a severe impact on the knees, hips and lower back.
Instead of flip flops and flimsy slides, experts recommend comfortable pairs that could keep up your health and day-to-day. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg advised Yahoo Lifestyle readers “to choose slippers or shoes that have prefabricated arch support.”
Finding the right sandal for summer can seem like a daunting task, but once you find your perfect match, there’s no going back.
We’ve rounded up some of the most supportive, fan-favourite sandals with orthopedic features to keep your feet happy: soft uppers, contoured footbeds, sturdy rubber soles, antimicrobial footbeds, adjustable straps and more!
Kirra Backstrap Sandal
”This my second pair of sandals and I am not disappointed! I have pretty serious knee pain but these adorable shoes have really helped me. I walk a lot every day, but desperately wanted sandals that were in season, and I found them! I love the gold details in the strap and the leather is the perfect camel colour. Can’t wait for my next pair!”
SHOP IT: Vionic, $70 (originally $100)
Teva Original Universal Sandals
“Wow - are they great! These were my go-to pair of sandals while I was in Mexico. Solid for long walks and [I] even went trekking through the jungle in them and walked across a hanging bridge in them! I climbed a 200 ft platform etc... they have a good strong foot base so you feel nothing while wearing them.”
SHOP IT: ASOS, $68
Sorel Roaming Criss Cross Sandal
“Stylishly comfortable, I will wear these daily! It’s hard to find a sandal that is comfortable enough to walk in for miles, [but] this sandal fits the bill!”
SHOP IT: Sorel, $98, (originally $130)
Birkenstock Milano Soft Footbed
“The is my second pair of the Birkenstock Milanos. The first pair I bought this spring in Germany while on vacation. The weather had turned warmer and my feet were too hot in the shoes that I had brought with me. So I walked into a Birkenstock store and purchased the Milano (but in the faux leather) and walked out wearing them and carrying my old shoes. From that day on there was no turning back - I wore those sandals the rest of vacation and we were averaging 7+ miles a day.”
SHOP IT: Birkenstock, $135
Munro Pisces
“Perfect sandals - pretty detailing, very comfortable. I have wide feet and usually wear orthotics, these have all of the support I need built-in. The woven strap has a soft, lined underside. I wear them with ankle jeans & shorts, [but they’re] too casual for most skirts.”
SHOP IT: Zappos, $145
OluKai Upena Women's Leather Strappy Sandals
“I knew I would be walking much more than usual and that I wanted to still be fashionable — these were absolutely perfect! I already had a pair of Ohana flip flops and loved them and honestly think these sandals are even more comfortable. I've had foot problems due to a high arch and high impact running for about a year, and I felt no pain while touring around Italy.”
SHOP IT: Amazon, $124
UGG Kari Metallic Sandal
“I wear these when I want to be comfortable and look stylish. These are the best warm-weather sandals!”
SHOP IT: Ugg, $135
Esker Sandal
“Great sandal and the second pair I've owned. I wear these all the time and they are my go-to sandal when walking any significant distance.”
SHOP IT: Eddie Bauer, $84 (originally $120)
Mephisto Helen Mix Sandal
“These are very comfortable. I have tried Birkenstock’s and these are more comfortable. There is plenty of room for the toes. The straps are adjustable and they stay on the feet. Great sandal for summer.”
SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $100 (originally $149)
COLE HAAN ZeroGrand Double Band Sandal
“Love, love, love this comfy sandal that makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds! They are so stylish, too with the gold on the side and my teenage daughters approve and actually said the platform look is ‘in.’ Everyone should buy these especially when they are on sale. Your feet will thank you!”
SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $78 (originally $130)
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