The docs have spoken: These shoes and sandals are where it's at for comfort as summer ends. (Amazon)(Amazon)
From boardwalk and beach strolls to bike rides and hikes, our feet rack up quite a few miles during summertime and early fall. While we relish all these outdoor adventures, we want to stay pain-free, both during all that fun and the morning after. That's where the proper footwear comes in. We've enlisted several trusted podiatrists to give us their recommendations for warm-weather footwear that offers support and comfort no matter where the dog days (heh) take you — and all of them are on sale at Amazon.
Available in over 40 colors and styles, these flip-flops are the no-pain, no-brainer companion your tootsies need for every season.
Lightweight and flexible, these shoes are made with a mesh upper and have a wide toe box for an extra-roomy fit.
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.
If you value style and comfort equally, you'll love these classics. They're available in 12 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 they don't just have to be worn with leggings or sweats.
Of course, Zaydenberg likes these for the rocker bottom, as with the Asics above, plus she says they can be a good option for those with plantar fasciitis.
These low-tops are made with either a gorgeous full-grain leather or soft nubuck, plus the flexible sole uses Ecco's Fluidform technology to cushion your foot with each step. The matching laces add to the monochromatic cool of the style.
"The toe box looks accommodative, and they're supportive," says Zaydenberg. "Plus, leather and suede are natural materials, which is good for people with skin conditions as they don't promote sweat."
These sandals boast a flexible cork footbed and supple suede insole that contours to your foot with wear. See those adjustable straps? They're perfect for those with narrow or wide feet who need to customize their fit. Dr. Zaydenberg says they're a great pick for people with metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot) and plantar fasciitis.
"I bought these after my podiatrist recommended Birkenstock-style shoes," shared an Amazon shopper. "I only have a pair of regular-footbed Birkies to compare these to, but they are very similar in terms of the foot-shaped lining and arch support. They fit perfectly on my wide feet and did not hurt nearly as much to break in as real Birkies!"
We're calling it: Cushionaire Lane Cork Sandals are the shoe of summer 2024, so get in on the trend while you still can. These offer a flexible cork sole and soft suede footbed similar to Birkenstocks. With so many colors to choose from, you'll definitely want to grab a couple of pairs.
It's the straps that won over Zaydenberg. "They can accommodate any type of foot, even wide ones," she explains. "The sole is accommodative for those with metatarsalgia and heel spurs."
These sandals need no introduction: They have a fanbase of more than 21,000 five-star Amazon reviewers. A cork and latex footbed provides shock absorption, and there's extra arch support, a raised toe bar and 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," Zaydenberg says.
Every pair of shoes from Vionic has been specially designed by a team of podiatrists to provide the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. The sandals have a built-in orthotic that helps treat heel pain like plantar fasciitis, and the flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock and reduces stress on your feet, ankles and knees.
Dr. Hillary Brenner, a podiatrist at NYC Private Medical, is a big fan of the brand because it's "the most supportive out of a variety of sandals, and they have good arch support." This cute pair is one of Vionic's most popular sandals, and it's easy to see why. Not only do they have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, but they've been biomechanically designed "to hug your arches and support your feet in comfort."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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