Buzz
Unless otherwise noted, all sizes mentioned in this post are for women.
1. A pair of trendy cushioned "recovery" slides, perfect for those who want the sensation of walking on ~clouds~ while ensuring their feet get the support they deserve. While I can't guarantee they'll fix the aftermath of your last failed dating app experience, they’ll certainly help your feet recover after a night of wearing heels for absolutely no reason other than a disappointing evening out. (I totally get it, don't worry!)
2. When it comes to heels, these chunky heeled sandals with a bow design are absolutely perfect for summer. Whether you're attending a formal event or just grabbing brunch with your best friend, these sandals will have everyone asking, "Are those designer shoes?" over and over again.
3. These Adidas ~Cloudfoam~ workout sneakers are a fan favorite, featuring a memory foam sock liner and a breathable mesh upper for top-tier comfort and ventilation. Let your feet experience the freedom to ~breathe.~
A pair of stylish sandals that give your toes room to breathe. Sneakers are perfect, but when the temperature hits 85 degrees and your feet start to feel stuffy, it's time to treat yourself to something more breathable and less confining.
5. These lightweight pull-on sneakers are cleverly designed to resemble ballet flats, making them easy to slip on and head out. With their memory foam insoles, your feet will remain cozy whether you're rushing through town or enjoying a relaxed walk.
6. This pair of Crocs flip-flops offers all the comfort you'd expect from the beloved brand. They're lightweight (a blessing for both your feet and your luggage when traveling) and are sure to become your new summer favorite.
7. These Dr. Martens gladiator sandals are perfect for those who adore the brand's iconic winter boots but need something breezier for the warmer months. Plus, like their boot counterparts, these sandals are built to last for many, many years.
8. A pair of Margaux City Sandals that will elevate any outfit without killing your soles. The supportive 2.5-inch block heel is low enough so you can walk in these all day while still taking your look to the ~next level.~
Note that this style fits narrow, and the store suggests ordering a wider width.
Promising reviews: "These heels are a dream! After hearing all the buzz, I grabbed two pairs. They are so comfortable, it feels like walking on soft, flat shoes!! I even walked, and sometimes ran, in them through airports on long trips across the world for 20 hours straight, and my feet stayed pain-free. They fit perfectly, and the cross straps at the toes make my feet look so elegant. They are by far my favorite shoes. I’m excited for Christmas because my husband will be giving me my third pair!!" —Tania W.
Get them from Margaux for $345+ (available in sizes 2.5–14, including medium, narrow, and wide sizes, and 11 styles).
9. Or, opt for a pair of comfy low pumps with a chic (and supportive!) ankle strap, allowing you to walk for hours while still looking effortlessly cute.
10. A pair of Cushionaire slides designed to mold to your feet, thanks to the flexible cork footbed and cushioned, supportive insole. With over 55,000 (!!) 5-star ratings, many reviewers say these are comparable to a more expensive brand at a fraction of the cost.
11. Or, opt for a chic double-buckle slide to keep your feet cool and comfortable. They’re also waterproof, making them perfect for beach vacations and tropical rainy destinations.
12. These quick-drying Teva midform sandals are perfect for anyone looking for versatile sandals. Available in a variety of cute colors and designs, they offer slight elevation, are waterproof, and feature a rugged sole, making them ideal for light hiking, festivals, and daily use.
13. A versatile Toms sandal because why not make heels comfortable? The chunky heel makes them easy to walk in, while the thick straps ensure your feet stay securely in place.
14. These Rothy's Flats are the answer to your quest for the *ideal* pair of flats. If they get dirty or a little smelly, just toss them in the wash and they’ll look (and smell) brand new again.
If you have narrow feet, it’s recommended to go half a size up, and if your feet are wider, opt for a full size up in this style. Be sure to check out our complete Rothy's flats review for more details!
Promising review: "The color is absolutely stunning! Fits just like my other pair of Rothy's. I'm usually an 8 in most shoes and an 8.5 in certain brands. The 8.5 fits perfectly. I love these shoes. ♥️ This is my second pair, and I haven’t had a single blister or rubbing spot, even when they were brand new. And I walk about five miles a day between buildings at work!" —Michael K.
Get them from Rothy's for $129 (available in sizes 5–13 and 20 colors/patterns). Rothy's flats come in several styles, which you can explore here!
15. OR you could choose a pointed-toe ballet flat — which is also machine-washable — made from a sock-like knit material that is both breathable and antimicrobial. The herbal insole provides arch support, and the padded heel helps prevent rubbing! No wonder Zooey Deschanel swears by her favorite ballet flats.
Vivaia, a shoe brand founded in 2020, strives to create fashionable, high-quality footwear. A lot of their shoes are made using recycled water bottles, and they’ve incorporated a production process that actively reduces waste.
Promising review: "These are incredibly comfortable. I wore them nearly every day during an eight-day trip to Italy. They held up to walking over 10 miles a day, and I loved how quickly I could wash and dry them. They were also great for packing in my small backpack because they’re so lightweight." —Shirley L.
Get them from Vivaia for $79+ (originally $97+; available in sizes 5–11 and 30 styles).
16. A gorgeous pair of Soda flatform espadrilles that will be a go-to addition to your summer wardrobe. Slip these on for everything from shopping to strolling to dancing. (To "Single Ladies," amiright?)
17. A lightweight faux-leather strappy sandal to see you through the summer months in style. Reviewers say the straps are comfortable and don't dig into your skin or leave blisters. The best part? Some colors are available for under $20 a pair!
18. A pair of braided chunky heels if you're happy to answer the question, "Where did you get your shoes?!" multiple times per day. They're perfect for everyday wear and are nice enough for all of those fun formal occasions. Plus, with almost 30 colors to choose from, it's only right that you treat yourself to multiple pairs.
19. A pair of durable Chaco sandals that are famously known for their lasting comfort and durability. These sandals offer excellent arch support and are easy to clean, making them ideal for any outdoor summer activity. Be warned: they might leave you with some unique tan lines, but that’s just part of the Chaco experience.
20. A pair of *adorable* and *comfortable* Skechers cork wedges that you'll never want to remove. They're the perfect match for everything, from casual jeans to stylish sundresses!
21. An elastic-strap sandal that molds to your feet and keeps you comfortable all day long. Plus, they're nonslip, making them a great choice for the accident-prone like me. You’ll catch me zooming around in these for hours on end.
22. A pair of wide-fit high-top Converse that give you more height than the classic Chuck Taylors. Available in a variety of neutral colors for your everyday wardrobe, but if you’re still loving the Barbiecore trend (and who can blame you?), they also come in pink! Converse > Ken.
Promising review: "So lightweight and comfortable. They’re also so roomy!! I usually don’t wear Converse because the front is too narrow for my toes but these are a game-changer!! Yay finally I can wear Converse." —Deee48
Get them from Famous Footwear for $49.48 (originally $74.99; available in sizes 5–11 and eight colors).
23. If you're after versatile kicks, a fan-favorite Nike Air Force 1 low-cut sneaker is perfect. These sneakers never go out of style and are a must-have in any collection.
Note: These sneakers tend to run large. Nike recommends ordering a half-size smaller.
Promising review: "Obsessed! I had been eyeing these for a while but wasn’t sure if I’d like them since the sole seemed too chunky to me. I finally caved and bought them while I was on a trip and fell in love as soon as I opened the box. They looked good when I tried them on, however they do run about half a size too big. I walked around a few days in Boston, and if you’ve been to Boston, you know you park and walk everywhere. They also weren’t too narrow, and I have wider feet. They did have a SLIGHT 'leather' squeak for the first few weeks, but for the looks, comfort, and price, it’s easy to deal with. I typically don’t have issues with Nike shoes, so this one didn’t stray from the pack for me. I also wear Nike shoes every day and apparel often, whether it be for the gym or just everyday clothing." —bperkss
Get them from Nike for $115+ (available in sizes 5–12 and two colors, plus a customizable option).
24. A pair of standout mid-rise boots that would easily fit into Sabrina Carpenter's wardrobe. Pair these with your favorite mini dress for a look that says 🎵 that's that me, espresso! 🎵
25. A pair of New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers so comfy they easily passed one reviewer's day-at-Disneyland test. They're supportive, cushioned, and also look pretty cute to boot.
26. A timeless Steve Madden platform sandal that channels major Polly Pocket vibes in the best way. I need one in every color, stat.
27. These Steve Madden sandals are perfect for enjoying your best solo summer. Reviewers claim they're nearly identical to a $700+ designer brand pair. Save money on shoes and splurge on Aperol spritzes and pizza in Italy. It’s a no-brainer.
The reviews on this post have been shortened and clarified.
