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The Guardian
Comfortable yet stylish: the 12 best women’s sandals to see you through summer
By Chloe Mac Donnell,
9 hours ago
Sandals that can take you anywhere. Photograph: Jordan Siemens/Getty Images
If you’re a fan of counting your steps, then you need a pair of sandals that you can walk comfortably in. No one wants to be that person who has to carry a pair of trainers they can “swap” into when they need to walk anywhere further than the office tea point.
Thankfully, this summer the gorpcore trend is continuing to thrive, with a plethora of sandals fusing function with fashion. Think orthopedic insoles, shock-absorbing padding and cool-strap detailing that add a striking contrast to bright summer clothing. Best of all, they mean you don’t have to lug around a second pair of practical shoes. Whether you’re on a city break or hiking in the mountains, these are sandals designed to offer the upmost support.
Bravada 2 Strap Sport
Miu Miu’s flat cord sandals are fast becoming the shoe of the summer. Nod to them – without the aching arches and the price tag – with Merrell’s strappy sandals, which feature chic cord detailing. Designed for hiking, they feature a special insole for shock absorption plus a grippy outsole to stop any slipping or sliding. But they’d look great pounding city pavements with cropped jeans or trousers.
After last year’s sellout collection, Chloé’s former creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi is back for a second collaboration with Ecco. These “Offroad” sandals have all the support you’d expect from the heritage Danish brand but the puffy strap detailing and wavy sole give them a modern fashion spin.
They may look heavy but these leather sandals from Dr Martens feature a special lightweight sole meaning you won’t have throbbing calves by the end of the day. The straps are also adjustable, ideal if you have wide feet. And unlike Dr Martens boots, they don’t take any time to break in.
With puffed up leather straps and bouncy soles, these sandals from Sorel feel a bit like what we imagine it would be to walk on marshmallows. The gold buckle detailing elevates them to be a smart choice for the office. Wear with browns and creams for a tonal look.
Everyone from Kylie Jenner to Zoë Kravitz has been wearing a pair of £630 rubber flip-flops from luxury brand The Row. Instead embrace the thonged trend with FitFlop’s Lulu sandals that come in nine colours and are much more affordable. They feature a special cushioned midsole that is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association so you can strut easily. Plus a padded toe divider ensures they won’t rub.
These are designed to follow the contours of the foot to ensure a supportive fit. The crisscross strap looks great on the foot while the tactile material is super soft. The contrasting cork-esque insole adds an extra luxe design detail.
If Crocs are your go-to for schlepping around the pool / taking the bins out, then you’re going to love this sandal version for more strenuous activities. They’re still as lightweight as the OG but this pair’s outsoles come with an enhanced thread for extra grip, plus the adjustable heel strap means your foot will stay in place. You can also personalise by adding its signature charms.
These work just as well on a coastal path as they do at a beach bar. The adjustable straps are useful if your feet are prone to swelling in the heat while a cushioned midsole will stop them feeling tired.
If you’re not a fan of the gorpcore aesthetic, look for sandals such as these that feature soft smooth leather that won’t rub. A chunky sole rather than completely flat is also a must, these have a rubber outsole for extra bounce.
This Danish brand focuses on “Fashion, functionality and anatomy.” Its “Line Lite” sandals with a contoured arch, lightweight outsoles and fluro colourway encapsulate this ethos. For even more pep in your step try its Line version that come with an even bouncier sole that some wearers describe as like “walking on clouds.”
Founded in Tokyo in 2015, this shoe brand counts celebrity fans including Andrew Garfield. These sandals have a light neoprene insert for extra comfort. You can also adjust the three different straps and the threaded outsole adds even more security.
This Japanese brand specialises in functional footwear. Some sandals such as these feature a Vibram sole, part of a partnership with the Italian brand that specialises in orthopedic shoe details. Best of all they look effortlessly cool. Just team with tailoring for an unexpected high fashion twist.
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