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by Vionic Innovation Lab<\/a><\/span> member Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sandals<\/span><\/span><\/a> are among <\/span> the purest pleasures that spring and summer have to offer. Whether you\u2019re playing in the yard with your youngsters or strolling through your local farmer\u2019s market, sandal lovers know that if the weather\u2019s warm, there\u2019s no reason your feet should be.<\/p>\n Aside from keeping your feet cool on hot days, sandals are seasonal stunners, thanks to their simplicity, wearability, and versatility. And there\u2019s a sandal style to match any event, from casual pool parties to alfresco weddings.<\/p>\n Ready to discover a stylish sandal you can love all summer? From everyday casuals to dressy slides, we\u2019ll explore summertime\u2019s most popular<\/span> types of sandals<\/span>, and share a few of our favorites, too.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When it comes to iconic <\/span>summer footwear<\/span><\/a><\/span>,<\/span> few styles can compete with the good, old-fashioned flip flop. Named for the sound the sandals make when you walk, flip <\/span>flops<\/span> feature:<\/span><\/p>\n If you need to get across a patch of hot sand or concrete in a hurry, flip flops can\u2019t be beaten. But their simple design leaves something to be desired in terms of long-lasting comfort and support. Looking for<\/span> the best <\/span>flip flops with arch support<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n While most people think <\/span>flip flops are bad for your feet<\/span><\/a><\/span>,<\/span> that\u2019s not always the case. <\/span>Luckily, <\/span>supportive flip flops<\/span><\/a><\/span> provide comfortable arch support and can be worn just about anywhere. <\/span>This <\/span>flat sandal <\/span>style is <\/span>perfect for summer days, and you\u2019ll have a breathable sandal that will support you through any activity.<\/span><\/p>\n No matter the flip-flops you choose, make sure they combine the style you\u2019re looking for with the comfort you crave.<\/span><\/p>\n Our Flip-Flop Favorite:<\/b> The <\/span>Bella Braid Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> 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\u2019re looking for a comfortable shoe that can be dressed up or down, the <\/span>Uptown Marin Toe Post Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> is an excellent choice, perfect for summer. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is the difference between<\/span> slides vs flip flops<\/span><\/a><\/span>? Like flip flops,<\/span> slide sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Slides come in <\/span>different styles <\/span>and <\/span>can range from sporty to fashionable, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Our Slide Sandal Favorites: <\/b>Our<\/span> Evie Knit Slide Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> features a slip-on design with <\/span>a single band <\/span>for the perfect fit for any foot. Looking for something with a little height? Our <\/span>Uptown Sunset Wedge Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> is a slide that gives you the lift you need.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n These sandals open at the back but are secured with an ankle strap or \u201csling\u201d that fits across the back of your ankle, just above the heel. <\/span>This <\/span>sandal type<\/span> comes <\/span>in a variety of styles, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019re a favorite among those looking for a classy summer sandal.<\/span><\/p>\n Our Slingback Favorite:<\/b> The<\/span> <\/span><\/a>Uptown Sonoma Slingback Wedge Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> features a supportive heel strap and <\/span>comfortable arch support for the perfect fit. This <\/span>comfortable sandal <\/span>is a great option for both <\/span>casual outings<\/span> and formal events. On the other hand, the <\/span>Reese Slingback Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> combines the same supportive heel strap and arch support with a stylish, delicate metallic detail along the straps.<\/span><\/p>\n What are espadrilles<\/a><\/span>? According to their original design, <\/span>espadrilles<\/span><\/a><\/span> exist somewhere between a sandal and a tennis shoe. Traditionally, they feature a flat, rubber sole that\u2019s wrapped in jute\u2014a long, coarse fiber that resembles twine\u2014and a closed-toe canvas top.<\/span><\/p>\n That description holds true today\u2014at 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.<\/span><\/p>\n These days, in addition to the still-popular classic style, espadrilles include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Our Gladiator Favorite:<\/b> The <\/span>Cypress Strappy Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> is one of our favorite gladiator sandals. The <\/span>slight<\/span> platform <\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Modern platform styles include everything from casual espadrille bases to sleek leather uppers for a dressier look. Whether you\u2019re pairing them with summer dresses, shorts, or a casual outfit, platform sandals provide an effortless way to elevate your style\u2014literally.<\/span><\/p>\n Our Platform Favorite: <\/b>The <\/span>Riviera Wedge Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019t the only thing. Regardless of the style<\/span>, <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>you\u2019re after, it\u2019s important to invest in supportive sandals, like those from <\/span>Vionic<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Wearing a pair of sandals that offer the right amount of support can help:<\/span><\/p>\n Vionic sandals offer a fashionable, comfortable design that will do all this, in practically every style.<\/span><\/p>\n When spring and summer roll around and the temperatures start to rise, you want to dress lighter and feel freer. And if you\u2019re like a lot of people, that means chucking your clunky, constraining boots and tennis shoes in favor of your favorite sandals\u2014or going barefoot altogether.<\/p>\n But as lovely as the idea is, wearing unsupportive sandals or going barefoot doesn\u2019t do your feet any favors.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t spend much time walking barefoot along the beach. Instead, when we do walk, it\u2019s generally on hard, unforgiving, man-made surfaces.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to invest in shoes and sandals with arch support, <\/span>a <\/span>cushioned footbed,<\/span> and shock absorption that mimics the feel of natural surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s no gain when it comes to foot pain, so it\u2019s 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<\/span> for optimal foot health<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s why the general rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 8-10 months.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Not sure if it\u2019s time to ditch your sandals? Here are some tips to help you determine if it’s time to bring in replacements:#1 Flip Flops<\/h2>\n
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#2 Slides<\/h2>\n
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#3 Slingbacks<\/h2>\n
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#4 Espadrilles<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>Our Espadrille Favorite:<\/b> The <\/span>Calera Wedge<\/span><\/a><\/span> is a sleek, elevated, and super-walkable sandal <\/span>that\u2019s perfect if you\u2019re looking for a heeled sandal with an espadrille vibe<\/span>. Its dressy style makes it a perfect pair if you\u2019re looking for<\/span> beach wedding sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span> or a stylish warm weather<\/span> sustainable shoe<\/span><\/a><\/span>! <\/span><\/p>\n#5 Gladiators<\/h2>\n
#6 Platform Sandals<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nRegardless of Type, Invest in Supportive Sandals<\/h2>\n
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Why is Support Important?<\/h3>\n
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Other Ways to Care For Your Feet<\/h3>\n
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When to Replace Your Summer Sandals and Shoes<\/h3>\n