Keep your tootsies comfy all season long. (Amazon)(Amazon)
We're in the thick of summer, folks. Hopefully, you've been enjoying all of the outdoor activities that come with the season: al fresco dinners, evening walks, bike rides and picnics in the park. But how are your feet holding up? With all of that walking, comfortable, sturdy shoes are key. And at this time of year, they also have to be breathable because no one wants to deal with foot sweat.
Since no one knows shoes better than a podiatrist when it comes to keeping feet healthy and happy, we asked three of them to give us the rundown on their favorite shoes for summer. Spoiler alert: They're big fans of arch support. Scroll down to shop their top picks that feel just as good as they look.
On or off the court, these wide, roomy sneakers offer just the right mix of support and cushion. Available in 21 colors, from purple to peach to classic black, they just may become your favorite footwear. And right now, you can get a pair of these podiatrist-approved shoes for as little as $45, all the way down from $80.
Akks are serious superstars, with nearly 15,000 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," 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, told Yahoo.
"I am not one to post reviews usually, however, this shoe has exceeded every expectation I could possibly ask for," shared this Amazon fan in their testimonial. "Lightweight, super supportive, slight incline on my hill, cushiony … all the things! I have bought every style/name-brand shoe in the books, at all price points, and this one is the absolute best."
These slip-ins have a solid rubber sole with an air cushion to put some extra pep in your step, plus a perforated arch that allows for ventilation and breathability while lending plenty of support. More than 25,000 Amazon shoppers rave about them, podiatrists approve of them too.
"Stability, or support, is probably the most important quality of a sneaker or any other shoe that someone will wear if they are to be on their feet for more than a few minutes at a time," Richard H. Graves, a podiatrist with Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, California, tells Yahoo. And these sneakers have support in spades.
"I saw these on a waitstaff person when eating out," shared a raving reviewer. "I asked her about them and she said how much she loved them and wrote down the information to order on Amazon. I was excited when my order arrived. Sure enough, these are like putting on slippers. I could walk in these all day!"
Available in both regular and wide widths, these Asics are ultra-cushioned and feature a lug outsole that's a big help with traction — you can wear them on your next hike. Zaydenberg loves their excellent shock absorption and adds this: "The rocker bottom helps with propulsion."
"I have plantar fasciitis, and [these sneakers] were recommended by my podiatrist; [they] really helped a great deal," shared a happy Amazon reviewer.
Another pair of podiatrist-loved sneakers, these easy-breezy babies have dropped down to their all-time low price of $29. We even named them the best breathable option in our roundup of the best slip-on sneakers.
Lightweight and flexible, these shoes are made with a mesh upper and have a wide toe box for an extra-roomy fit. They're basically like wearing your favorite socks, but more supportive. The outsole has an air bubble — which board-certified podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg says is "a great shock absorber" — and the chunky rubber sole provides "plenty of cushioning." The wide toebox accommodates bunions and hammertoes too.
"I am a teacher with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis," a shopper noted. "I did not know it was possible to come home without foot and leg pain. I wear them every day and will not wear anything else. I have always taken my shoes off as soon as I get home, but I choose to keep these on because they fell better than barefoot."
We're calling it — the Cushionaire Lane Cork Sandals are the shoe of the summer. These offer a similar flexible cork sole and soft suede footbed. Plus, with so many colors to choose from, you'll definitely want to grab a couple pairs to switch around.
It's the straps that won board-certified podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg over, though. "They can accommodate any type of foot, even wide ones," she explains, adding, "The sole is accommodative for those with metatarsalgia and heel spurs."
Think of these slides as the Lane sandal's cousin. They boast the same flexible cork footbed and supple suede insole that contours to your foot with wear. Even better? Those adjustable straps are perfect for those with narrow or wide feet, so you really get a fit that's tailor-made to you.
Just like the Lanes, Dr. Zaydenberg says these are great for people with metatarsalgia, as well as plantar fasciitis.
If you value style and comfort equally, you'll love these. They're available in 20 fun shades, though we're partial to this pink pair. They're versatile too: Often seen on the feet of street style mavens and celebs, these look excellent far outside the gym — and don't just have to be worn with leggings or sweats.
Of course, Dr. Zaydenberg likes these for the rocker bottom, as with the Asics above, plus she shares that they can be a good option for those with plantar fasciitis.
These sandals need no introduction. They have a fanbase of more than 20,000 five-star Amazon reviewers, and it's not hard to see why: They have a cork and latex footbed which provides shock absorption, extra arch support, a raised toe bar, and best of all, an adjustable strap.
"The density of the sole is accommodative for people with arthralgia (joint pain), people with arthritic conditions and those with heel issues," Dr. Zaydenberg shares.
These low-tops are made with either a gorgeous full-grain leather or soft nubuck, plus the flexible sole uses Ecco's very own Fluidform technology to cushion your foot with each step. The matching laces add to the monochromatic cool of the style, too.
"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."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.