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Flat sandals are an easy grab, but they come with a hefty side of regret. When you’re running errands, walking to the restaurant or traveling abroad, you’ll be glad you grabbed these comfy-chic shoe styles that serve the same casual ease, minus the aching arches.
This summer’s trendiest shoes hide serious engineering under sleek silhouettes. Think: contouring tucked inside slides, memory foam footbeds disguised as platforms and built-in arch support. Below, you’ll find 13 stylish pairs that look like they belong on a Positano postcard, but feel like they were made for a 12,000-step day.
13 Secretly Supportive Summer Shoes — From $12
1. Bestseller Alert: Slip into these cushiony toe-loop sandals for anything on your July calendar. Breezy and plush, they’re a bestseller for a reason.
2. Boutique Find: Ribbon laces and delicate lace detailing give these pink ballet sneakers the look of flats with the feeling of trainers.
3. Luxe Leopard: Blisters ruin new shoes (and your day). Thankfully, these leopard-print flats have stretchy knit upper that skips the phase entirely; they mold to your foot from the first wear.
4. Logging Miles: When you booked a walking tour and don’t want to arrive in sneakers, slip into these arch-supportive sandals and go for 15,000 steps.
5. New York Socialite: White faux leather, polished gold hardware and a round-toe shape give these luxe-looking loafers a Madison Avenue finish for $34.
6. European Rich Mom: Adidas took the Mary Jane silhouette and gave it a sporty twist with this pair. The Parisian-style Barreda sneakers go beautifully with dresses and still handle airport days.
7. Elevated Flops: Flat flip-flops provide zero support, but heeled sandals kill you by 9 p.m. This platform pair splits the difference with a stable base and a classic thong design.
8. Mega Classy: Two-tone paneling gives these Mary Jane sneakers a compliment-worthy appeal. The strap keeps them secure without the toe-grip clench of ballet flats.
9. Oddly Chic: Crocs took its signature foam and shaped it into toe-loop sandals, which may sound strange until you wear them. These cloud-like wonders are wildly comfortable.
10. Hamptons Vibes: If you love the Hermès Oran, you’ll adore these coastal-inspired slides that feature a raffia-looking H-strap and memory foam footbed.
11. Total Hybrid: Museum days that turn into dinner plans call for shoes that work for both. These Mary Jane sneakers skip the outfit-change panic.
12. Beach Day: Reef built its reputation on comfort and these easy Vista sandals prove why. They cushion you through sand, salt water and the walk back to the car.
13. Half Off: These classy gold-strap sandals should cost triple the price, with thick metallic straps that dress up denim and sundresses alike. But hey, no complaints!
As a comfort connoisseur, I’m all about sneakers. But as a fashion person, I’m also about, well, fashion. When the occasion calls for a dress and sporty isn’t the vibe, I found 13 elevated shoe styles that make my summer dresses appear triple the price. These chic flats, sandals, slides and more are the easiest […]
