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These 9 podiatrist-approved shoes for summer are all on sale — starting at $29
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.
Cushionaire Lane Cork Sandal
$30$50Save $20Cushionaire Luna Cork Sandal
$30$50Save $20Akk Walking Tennis Shoes
$39$80Save $41Asics Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
$55$70Save $15New Balance Fresh Foam X-70 V1 Sneaker
$53$80Save $27Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal
$89$95Save $6Ecco Soft Classic Sneaker
$93$120Save $27 with couponDoussprt Walking Sneakers
$29$60Save $31Slow Man Breathable Walking Tennis Shoes
$29$80Save $51
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.
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.
These superstar sneakers have garnered over 15,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon. Want to know why they're so magical? "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.
Available in both regular and wide sizes, these boast a lug outsole that helps with traction (perfect for hikers and people who regularly navigate slippery floors). Plus, these ultra-cushioned kicks provide excellent shock absorption. As Dr. Zaydenberg explains, "the rocker bottom helps with propulsion."
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."
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.
"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
These easy-breezy babies are lightweight and flexible — which is perfect for summer walks. We even named them the best breathable option in our roundup of the best slip-on sneakers.
The 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 Dr. Zaydenberg says is "a great shock absorber" — and the chunky rubber sole provides "plenty of cushioning." The wide toebox accommodates bunions and hammertoes too.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.