uick poll: Have you picked up a pickleball racket lately? Challenged friends to a game of beach volleyball? Traded your indoor gym sesh for outdoor walks? Whatever your preferred mode of movement is, summer tends to come with a serious urge to get on your feet.

That on-the-move mindset makes the season fun and festive—but it can also put stress on your muscles and joints. Take it from podiatrist Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS: “Typically, people increase their activity level in the summer,” he says. “This increase in activity can lead to overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and stress fractures.”

 

uick poll: Have you picked up a pickleball racket lately? Challenged friends to a game of beach volleyball? Traded your indoor gym sesh for outdoor walks? Whatever your preferred mode of movement is, summer tends to come with a serious urge to get on your feet.

That on-the-move mindset makes the season fun and festive—but it can also put stress on your muscles and joints. Take it from podiatrist Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS: “Typically, people increase their activity level in the summer,” he says. “This increase in activity can lead to overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and stress fractures.”

 

Shop Comfortable Summer Shoes

Revitalign Orthotic Perforated Neoprene Mules — $59.00

A summer shoe non-negotiable? An easy slide-on for morning coffee walks, evening ice cream cones, and backyard puttering in between—and this breathable mule, made with perforated material, fits the bill. “These slides are an excellent choice for those with toe deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions,” Dr. Oldani says. “They have a neoprene upper that will stretch and conform to these deformities. “There is also a built-in metatarsal pad to reduce pressure across the ball of the foot.”

 

 

Make your daily hot-girl walks more comfortable with these durable sneakers. The thick outsole ensures great support through your arch and mid-foot, and the slip-on style is ideal for people who deal with arthritis or find lacing up shoes difficult, Dr. Oldani says. Keep things classic with a black pair, or lean into the season with a splash of sage or lavender.

 

 

 

Summer is for sandals—and it’s time to upgrade your shoe game with a supportive pair. Dr. Oldani loves these funky leather slides for their orthotic cork footbed. “This provides great support through the arch, especially for a sandal,” he says. “This design alleviates some of the pressure and weight passed through the great toe joint [while] walking.”

 

 

ICYMI, ballet flats are back (just ask TikTok). If you want to get in on the trend, but you’re hesitant because of a history of *ahem* sweaty soles, add this lightweight pair to your cart. The shoes are designed with an anti-microbial and anti-odor insole, which is especially helpful during the summer. “The outsole is also much more rugged and durable than that of a traditional ballet flat,” Dr. Oldani says—so they’re practically made for on-your-feet season.
 
Clarks Cloudsteppers Sport Thong Sandals — $43.00

A traditional flip flop isn’t the most supportive shoe in the game—that’s no surprise. But it’s possible to rock this beach essential and give your soles some love. This pair, which comes in 18 different colors, provides shock absorption and features a supportive footbed that helps reduce pressure while walking, Dr. Oldani says.

So whether you’re strolling on the boardwalk, heading to the farmer’s market, or hitting the courts, slide into one of these supportive and stylish shoes for happy feet, all summer long.