Save on new shoes for summer at Amazon's big 4th of July sale! (Amazon)
We hope you've got something fun planned for Independence Day, but we've got a longer-term concern to address: Whatever you're doing for the rest of the summer — traveling, partying, camping, hiking, just hanging — you're gonna need some comfy, quality kicks to get you from adventure to adventure... and all the way to Labor Day and beyond. You might want to take a moment to stop and shop because now is the time to score big-time savings on doctor-recommended, summer-ready footwear. To find shoes that are good for both your feet and gentle on your wallet, we asked podiatrists to identify the features that will help your tootsies feel good all day and stay healthy — then we identified some great options currently on markdown as part of Amazon's 4th of July sale event.
Keep on scrolling for podiatrist-approved warm-weather shoes that feel as good as they look.
Yahoo readers and Amazon shoppers alike can't get enough of these supremely comfortable shorts, which feature an adjustable drawstring waist and, very conveniently, pockets. They're made from a soft cotton blend (the black, navy and light gray options are 100% cotton!), and reviewers of all ages have been singing their praises. They've rarely dipped lower than this all year.
Your morning hair routine is about to get a lot easier, thanks to this multitasking tool. It dries and styles all at the same time, meaning you won't have to juggle a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other; use it to give yourself a sleek, smooth blowout or wavy curls. At just $40 (70% off), it's far more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap.
Since we lose moisture and elasticity as we age, the humectant hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that binds to water, is key to any quality anti-aging skin care regimen. It can hold a whopping 1,000 times its weight in water.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better hyaluronic acid serum than this award-winning version from Grace & Stella, especially while it's 50% off.
They look great with and without socks — and they're comfy fresh out of the box!
They look cool, no doubt, but they're functional to boot, boasting a lug outsole that helps with traction (ideal for people who regularly navigate slippery floors or love hiking).
They also provide excellent shock absorption, which podiatrists love. "The rocker bottom helps with propulsion," explains Dr. Zaydenberg. Available in both regular and wide widths.
These breathable kicks have a slip-on design with an elastic cuff, so you don't even have to bother with laces — just stick your feet in and go.
Bonafide foot doctors give these walking shoes the thumbs-up, too. “Stability, or ‘support,’ is probably the most important quality of a sneaker or any other shoe that someone will wear to be on their feet for more than a few minutes at a time,” Richard H. Graves, DPM, of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Calif, tells Yahoo Life. “Making the foot stable means that the joints of the foot are in better alignment and the muscles, tendons and ligaments are not having to work as hard. A good shoe will do a lot of that work.”
These low-tops are made with either a gorgeous full-grain leather or soft nubuck, and the matching laces add to the cool semi-monochromatic look.
The flexible soles on these sneaks use Ecco's special technology to cushion your foot with each step. “The toe box looks accommodative, and they’re supportive," says Dr. Zaydenberg. "Plus, leather and suede are natural materials, which is good for people with skin conditions, as they don’t promote sweat.”
Oprah said it: You get a lot of bang for your buck with this canvas tote. "Doesn't it look like a more expensive bag? It's just right for the person in your life who needs to schlep a lot of stuff," she said (with a not-so-subtle nod to her best friend Gayle). Let the bag itself be a gift or use it in place of a gift bag. Both colors — navy or brown — will arrive in two days with Prime.
If you're looking for a great pair of athletic slip-ons, look no further. The Cloudfoams' midsole provides ample cushioning and support, while the textured rubber outsole offers good grip. The top of the shoes has crisscrossed elastic straps that help keep them in place and offer a sock-like feel. There are also loops at the top and heel of the shoe that make these even easier to slip on and off.
"These are great all-around slip-on sneakers for walking, light running, and weight day at the gym," says Dr. Dana Canuso, a podiatrist and chemist. Shoppers rave that they were comfortable straight out of the box and had no break-in period.
Wide and roomy, these sneakers offer just the right mix of support and cushion.
The Akks are are serious superstars, with nearly 15,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon. “They’re accommodative, meaning they allow the foot and the ankle to move in most any direction that weight-bearing permits,” explains Dr. Rock G. Positano, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Joe DiMaggio Heel Pain Center at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
These wonderful walkers are made of mesh fabric, so they feel light on your feet and are just as flexible as your favorite pair of socks.
The outsole has an air bubble and a chunky rubber sole, which Dr. Zaydenberg says is “a great shock absorber” and provides “plenty of cushioning.” The wide toebox accommodates those who have bunions and hammertoes too. If that's not enough to convince you to get these walking shoes, perhaps the 57,000+ five-star reviews will do it instead!
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.