by Vionic Innovation Lab member Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM
Sandals are among the purest pleasures that spring and summer have to offer. Whether you’re playing in the yard with your youngsters or strolling through your local farmer’s market, sandal lovers know that if the weather’s warm, there’s no reason your feet should be.
Aside from keeping your feet cool on hot days, sandals are seasonal stunners, thanks to their simplicity, wearability, and versatility. And there’s a sandal style to match any event, from casual pool parties to alfresco weddings.
Ready to discover a stylish sandal you can love all summer? From everyday casuals to dressy slides, we’ll explore summertime’s most popular types of sandals, and share a few of our favorites, too.
#1 Flip Flops
When it comes to iconic summer footwear, few styles can compete with the good, old-fashioned flip flop. Named for the sound the sandals make when you walk, flip flops feature:
- “Y” straps that fits between your first and second toe
- Flat footbeds
- Rubber materials
If you need to get across a patch of hot sand or concrete in a hurry, flip flops can’t be beaten. But their simple design leaves something to be desired in terms of long-lasting comfort and support. Looking for the best flip flops with arch support?
While most people think flip flops are bad for your feet, that’s not always the case. Luckily, supportive flip flops provide comfortable arch support and can be worn just about anywhere. This flat sandal style is perfect for summer days, and you’ll have a breathable sandal that will support you through any activity.
No matter the flip-flops you choose, make sure they combine the style you’re looking for with the comfort you crave.
Our Flip-Flop Favorite: The Bella Braid Sandal features a classic toe-post design with intricately braided straps, offering a cushioned footbed and supportive arch, making it the perfect choice for all-day comfort and style. If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that can be dressed up or down, the Uptown Marin Toe Post Sandal is an excellent choice, perfect for summer.
#2 Slides
What is the difference between slides vs flip flops? Like flip flops, slide sandals feature an open toe, an open back, and at least one strap that holds your foot in place. However, instead of attaching to the footbed between your toes, the strap usually attaches along the sides of the shoe.
Slides come in different styles and can range from sporty to fashionable, including:
- Athletic slide sandals – These simple slip-ons epitomize days spent poolside. They’re casual, quick, easy, and popular among men and women alike.
- Dressy slide sandals –Designers have been dressing up the classic slide for decades. Styles that feature heels, wedges, or embellished straps in fine materials are chic, polished spins on the classic design.
Our Slide Sandal Favorites: Our Evie Knit Slide Sandal features a slip-on design with a single band for the perfect fit for any foot. Looking for something with a little height? Our Uptown Sunset Wedge Sandal is a slide that gives you the lift you need.
#3 Slingbacks
Looking for heeled sandals that offer endless options for style design? Look no further than the slingback, a classic sandal style with oodles of potential.
These sandals open at the back but are secured with an ankle strap or “sling” that fits across the back of your ankle, just above the heel. This sandal type comes in a variety of styles, such as:
- Classic flat sandals
- Traditional heels
- Wedge heels
Slingbacks offer a more reliable fit than their flip-flop or slide counterparts while still letting your feet catch the breeze. And because they lend themselves to a variety of design flourishes, like beading, embroidery, and unique strap designs, they’re a favorite among those looking for a classy summer sandal.
Our Slingback Favorite: The Uptown Sonoma Slingback Wedge Sandal features a supportive heel strap and comfortable arch support for the perfect fit. This comfortable sandal is a great option for both casual outings and formal events. On the other hand, the Reese Slingback Sandal combines the same supportive heel strap and arch support with a stylish, delicate metallic detail along the straps.
#4 Espadrilles
What are espadrilles? According to their original design, espadrilles exist somewhere between a sandal and a tennis shoe. Traditionally, they feature a flat, rubber sole that’s wrapped in jute—a long, coarse fiber that resembles twine—and a closed-toe canvas top.
That description holds true today—at least for the most part. While designs that hew closely to the original are still popular, the espadrille has undergone many mutations since its beginnings in 14th-century Spain and France.
These days, in addition to the still-popular classic style, espadrilles include:
- Sandals – Most often created in the slingback style, these espadrilles pair a more summery, open-toe look with the jute-wrapped sole of the classic. They typically come as platform sandals, but they can feature an even higher heel if you’re looking for something more elevated.
- Wedges – One of the most popular modern-day espadrille styles, low and high-heeled wedges feature jute-wrapped wedge soles in varying heights. Slingback uppers that offer extra support add to this style’s appeal.
Our Espadrille Favorite: The Calera Wedge is a sleek, elevated, and super-walkable sandal that’s perfect if you’re looking for a heeled sandal with an espadrille vibe. Its dressy style makes it a perfect pair if you’re looking for beach wedding sandals or a stylish warm weather sustainable shoe!
#5 Gladiators
Looking for a strappy sandal? They might be named after the violent warriors who thrilled and entertained ancient Roman audiences, but these days, the gladiator sandal is among the dressiest, most elegant of all sandals types.
Gladiators are recognizable for their signature leather straps, which bring a timeless glamor to sandals. Featuring either heels or flats, gladiator sandals are the ideal way to dress up a summertime outfit.
Our Gladiator Favorite: The Cypress Strappy Sandal is one of our favorite gladiator sandals. The slight platform heel provides elevated style, while the built-in arch support provides ultimate comfort. You can find this sandal in a variety of colors, all with luxurious leather material straps.
#6 Platform Sandals
Platform sandals are the perfect way to add height without sacrificing comfort. Unlike heels that put pressure on the ball of your foot, platform sandals offer a more balanced elevation across the entire sole, making them ideal for extended wear. They often feature a thick sole under both the heel and toe, helping to distribute weight evenly.
Modern platform styles include everything from casual espadrille bases to sleek leather uppers for a dressier look. Whether you’re pairing them with summer dresses, shorts, or a casual outfit, platform sandals provide an effortless way to elevate your style—literally.
Our Platform Favorite: The Riviera Wedge Sandal features soft, padded braided leather detailing and a jute rope-wrapped wedge for a timeless, natural look. This comfortable wedge provides the perfect balance of style and support, making it a versatile addition to your summer wardrobe.
Regardless of Type, Invest in Supportive Sandals
Finding a style that appeals to you is certainly one thing to consider when it comes to choosing your next pair of summer sandals, but it isn’t the only thing. Regardless of the style, you’re after, it’s important to invest in supportive sandals, like those from Vionic.
Wearing a pair of sandals that offer the right amount of support can help:
- Protect your feet
- Prevent foot problems
- Promote healing from a variety of other bodily pains
Vionic sandals offer a fashionable, comfortable design that will do all this, in practically every style.
Why is Support Important?
When spring and summer roll around and the temperatures start to rise, you want to dress lighter and feel freer. And if you’re like a lot of people, that means chucking your clunky, constraining boots and tennis shoes in favor of your favorite sandals—or going barefoot altogether.
But as lovely as the idea is, wearing unsupportive sandals or going barefoot doesn’t do your feet any favors.
Why? Well, our feet were designed for walking on natural surfaces, like sand. When you walk on the sand, the ground gives way and spreads, dispersing the pressure of walking. Unfortunately, most of us don’t spend much time walking barefoot along the beach. Instead, when we do walk, it’s generally on hard, unforgiving, man-made surfaces.
In an attempt to compensate for this, the arches of our feet collapse more than they should, placing repeated stress on all of the structures that support it. This sort of stress can:
- Irritate ligaments
- Inflame tendons and plantar fascia, the strap-like bands of tissue on the bottoms of feet
- Cause pain, injury, and stress fractures
That’s why it’s so important to invest in shoes and sandals with arch support, a cushioned footbed, and shock absorption that mimics the feel of natural surfaces.
Other Ways to Care For Your Feet
There’s no gain when it comes to foot pain, so it’s important to take care of your feet by putting them in comfortable, supportive footwear. Here are our top tips for caring for your feet this spring and summer for optimal foot health:
- Wear heels sparingly – Although towering above the crowd makes a statement, limit how frequently you wear high heels. Save the stilettos for special occasions where you’ll only wear them for a few hours.
- Avoid very flat or thin soles – Certain types of sandals and flip-flops feature paper-thin soles that do nothing to protect your feet. You should avoid these at all costs.
- Alternate your shoes – Alternate the shoes you wear throughout the day and week. Try switching from slippers during early morning and late evening hours and alternate between casual/workout sneakers for commuting and supportive types of sandals or ballet flat sandals during the day.
When to Replace Your Summer Sandals and Shoes
Old and worn-out shoes and sandals can hurt your feet and your body. Any shoe with worn-out soles forces your foot to land at an increased angle, stressing out your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Old shoes might feel good because they are broken-in and comfortable (just like junk food might taste great), but they are not good for you! That’s why the general rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 8-10 months.
You should consider replacing sandals and other warm weather shoes after one or two seasons. But if you are particularly hard on your shoes, you may need to replace them sooner.
Not sure if it’s time to ditch your sandals? Here are some tips to help you determine if it’s time to bring in replacements:
- Sole wear – The best indicator of needing to replace your sandals is sole wear. Flip your sandal over and examine the sole. If they are uneven or worn out, it’s definitely time to replace them.
- Tabletop test – Take your sandals, put them on a tabletop, and examine the soles at eye level. Are they even? Are they worn out? Then, flip them upside-down and examine the tread. Is it smooth? Does it have holes? If so, resole—or better yet, replace!
Vionic, the Best Sandals with the Most Support
When it comes to summertime footwear, there’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort. Vionic’s sandals come in a variety of trendy styles, each featuring our signature Vio Motion technology, which indicates:
- A supportive innersole with contoured arch midfoot
- A deep-seated heel cup for rear stability
- Ball-of-foot cushioning for superior shock absorption upfront
Whether you go for classic leather sandals, wedge sandals, or casual ankle strap sandals, there are so many different types to choose from for your summer wardrobe. Browse our women’s comfortable sandals today to find a style you love!