11 best stylish, 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 once warm weather hits, 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!
Bella Toe Post Sandal
Promising review: "I have had terrible problems with my feet for several years, to the point I could hardly walk. I purchased these ortho sandles and I love them. I can walk for hours with no pain. I purchased 3 different colors. You can use them for dressy or casual and I get so many compliments on them."
SHOP IT: Vionic, $75
Naot 'Dorith' Sandal
Promising review: "These sandals are both cute and comfortable—a rare find! My feet felt supported for a long day of walking. I was also pleasantly surprised that I did not have any blisters. These are great sandals for doing a fair amount of walking but still wanting to look stylish."
SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $145
Teva Original Universal Sandals
Promising review: “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: Amazon, $64
Sorel Roaming Criss Cross Sandal
Promising review: “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, $130
Birkenstock Milano Soft Footbed
Promising review: “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
Promising review: “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
Promising review: “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, from $124
Eve: Fuchsia Suede Sandals
Promising review: “Just discovered this brand and LOVE THEM. I have large feet and find it very difficult to get stylish and comfy shoes ..... until now. Although expensive the quality is great therefore good value for money. A great find and will be purchasing again."
SHOP IT: Sole Bliss, $221 (£129)
Break Point Flip Flop
Promising review: “Very comfortable — this is my second pair! Great for the pool, walking around town, or running errands. They feel great right out of the package, with plenty of support."
SHOP IT: Eddie Bauer, $22 (originally $45)
Mephisto Helen Sandal
Promising review: “This is one of many pairs of Mephisto Helen sandals I have purchased over the years. They are attractive and come in many fun colors as well tried and true black. I find them extremely comfortable. The footbed provides a great cushion for the feet and knees when walking, molds to the foot, and the arch is very supportive. A great looking and very comfortable sandal."
SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $149
Crocs Women's Capri V Flip
Promising review: “Love them! Fit as expected, a little bit of a lift to them, so make me taller, comfy comfy comfy, I wear them at the pool. A silver top set them apart from the others. They don't slip on the tiles. Fit true to my size. Worth the money, arrived on time."
SHOP IT: Amazon, from $51
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