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Spring into the new season in style. Our picks for the best sandals for women are incredibly comfortable, supportive and fashionable.
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Ready to trade in your usual kicks for something more breathable and warm-weather appropriate? The best sandals for women are just as necessary to your summer-essentials list as the best face sunscreens, bathing suits, cover-ups and sun hats—perhaps even more so since choosing the wrong ones can completely ruin your day (and your entire week) if they aren’t comfortable. And if you think sandals can’t provide ample arch and back support, think again. We scoured the market for the perfect pairs that are cushioned, comfy and even doctor-approved.
The first step to achieving sandal nirvana is finding the ones that fit you best. “To achieve that, I recommend trying them on at the end of the day, as your foot may be swollen,” says William Spielfogel, DPM, a podiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northwell Health in New York City. The second step is making sure the sandals you choose have a few key features. “Having a good, supportive arch in your shoe will help to reduce any pain in your feet and provide your feet, ankles and back with support by redistributing your weight more evenly.”
Discover a range of styles including sophisticated slides, sensible walking shoes, flip-flops and top-rated Birkenstocks. All of the sandals on this list meet Dr. Spielfogel’s criteria and hit some important style notes, too. If you’re ready to say hello to stylish and feet-friendly sandals this summer, read on and start adding to your cart.
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These high-quality shoes from Nordstrom are one of the best sandals for women who are always on the go and looking for versatility. They offer a removable insole, arch support and ultra-comfortable cork and memory foam footbed construction. “A sandal with a good strap is important, as is the support the middle of the shoe provides,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “If a sandal bends easily, folds or collapses, then it most likely does not have good support.” Naot is known for its comfortable, pain-free styles that look just as cute with shorts as with business casual looks.
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If you’re getting throwback vibes from the silhouette of this wedge slide, that’s the point. Just about everyone who lived through the late ’90s had a similar-looking pair they loved wearing. These, however, are the upgraded big sister of those fun classics—and the look is totally back in style. Better yet, the added support makes these Ecco’s some of the best sandals for women out there. They pair perfectly with everything from leggings to white jeans for an effortless seasonal ensemble.
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Yet another vintage style made our list of the best sandals for women, and not just for its iconic look. These platform-enhanced shoes from Teva rank among the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, thanks to their modest platform and support. “Wearing flats, flip-flops, ballet slippers or boat shoes do not provide adequate support,” says Dr. Spielfogel.
“If you are on your feet for long periods in these types of shoes, it may lead to plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and stress fractures,” he says. Instead, he suggests wearing a modest platform sandal up to an inch in height for added cushioning. Ideally, they’ll also have some arch support like these fun-to-wear kicks. And if you suffer from ankle pain, here’s how to handle the problem.
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The genuine leather on this goes-with-anything Frankie4 sandal makes it a top choice for women searching for day-to-night wardrobe essentials and an extended size range. “I tell my clients to avoid synthetic leathers,” shares Maggie Gillette, a fashion expert and stylist. “Plastic straps won’t allow the foot to breathe and are much more likely to cause rubbing than real leather or fabric straps.”
Even more, these lightweight shoes feature a podiatrist-designed built-in triple-layer molded rubber cushion system to help prevent and alleviate common foot pain symptoms. The sleek and stylish style is the cherry on top: pair them with everything from a casual dress to a stylish work top.
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Yes, it’s possible to find a comfortable heeled sandal, although it’s certainly a rarity. “We all know high heels aren’t usually the most comfortable option, but sometimes you want a little extra lift,” says Gillette. “In that case, try to find a chunky heel or, even better, a variation of the wedge style that helps distribute weight across the whole foot.” This Dr. Liza sandal is doctor-designed and offers an orthotic sole with added reinforcement, as well as more under-toe support to prevent slipping and blisters.
The cushioned platform with a deep heel cup helps you stay comfortable for hours. It also comes in a broad range of sizes to suit most women’s feet. While these sandals are a splurge, they’re definitely worth it. Plus, wearing genuine leather, high-quality heels is one of the most practical and simple fashion upgrades that pays off in the long run.
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This happiness-inducing block heel is quickly going to become a favorite wardrobe player. It easily makes our list of the best sandals for women because of its overall versatility, style, comfort and soft straps that don’t pull, scratch or hurt skin. The open-toe features genuine suede and a braided two-tone appearance that’ll add oomph to any outfit.
The padded, cushioned soles leave you feeling like you’re floating on air whether you’re a wedding guest at an outdoor affair, attending a work event or enjoying a night out on the town. They’re also shockingly affordable at under $60, making them one of the best wedding season sandals to scoop up for summer. Find out how to make shoes last longer to enjoy this perfect pair for the next several summers.
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You’ll want to wear these supportive Vionic sandals every day. They have built-in orthotics proven to effectively alleviate heel pain and kick plantar fasciitis discomfort to the curb. They’re lightweight, flexible and have a medium-density midsole that absorbs shock to reduce stress on the feet, ankles and knees. Available in a variety of colors (and an inclusive size range!), the leather construction also makes them pretty enough to wear with all your spring dresses.
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These simple-seeming Clarks flip-flops are more than meets the eye. They’re actually orthopedic sandals that offer cloud-like cushioning, arch support, heel support and breathable materials that will keep you going all day. Available in dozens of colors, they are the best sandals for women looking for an everyday slip-on that keeps pain and discomfort away. Plus, they’re an affordable Amazon Prime gift for the leisure-loving lady in your life.
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