We’ve Tested Hundreds of Shoes — Here’s What We’re Wearing This Summer

The Mira comes in four neutral colors, but I’m partial to the greige; it’s more versatile than white and should still complement most colors. It’s a timeless classic that could be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

It’s rare to find a sandal that you can wear like a sneaker, but Teva figured it out. This updated version of the beloved Hurricane style has the same adjustable straps and cushy insoles but is somehow even more comfy and supportive. It has an updated rubber outsole designed to tackle tough terrain. If you’re looking to hike around waterways this summer, these babies should be your best friends.

“These are my go-to sandals in the summer for hiking, walking dogs, and gardening,” says editor Katie Tuttle. “I love that I can just hose these off. Plus, as a plantar fasciitis sufferer, I find them extremely comfortable. I can walk for miles in them with nary a complaint from my heels.”

I know, I know, flip-flops aren’t typically the most supportive shoe, but hear me out. For running a few errands, a cute flip-flop can’t be beat, and Havaianas makes some of the best. I’ve had them for years and keep buying this slim-strap style because it pairs easily with a casual dress, joggers, or jean shorts.

While they don’t have a ton of support, the soles are cushioned enough to absorb some shock, and they’ve never bothered my flat feet. I’m not saying I’d walk 40 blocks in them, but for a coffee date and a run to the store? Absolutely.

“Sneakerinas” started trending for a reason: They’re a bold look that turns heads. A cross between a classic, comfy sneaker and ballet flat, the Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes was one of the first on the scene. The style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we love their versatility and that you can truly wear them all day long without a fuss.

“They’re extremely comfortable (surprisingly so),” says Tuttle. “They make some men very, very angry (that’s when I know it’s a good outfit). I have the perforated style, but I’m also eyeing the red and white pair for an upcoming trip.”

The Mary Jane has had a major resurgence in the fashion world, and I’m all for it. It’s one of those quintessential styles that look good with almost every outfit.

This square-toe style by Rothy’s has the cushiest sole and an incredibly breathable upper. I love that the toe box never scrunches my feet and how the rubber outsoles grip the ground so I don’t slide around on slippery floors. They’re perfect for wearing to the office and then out to dinner; I’ve never gotten a blister, even when they were brand new, and I had to run to catch a train in them.

Adidas has become synonymous with cool-girl style, but the brand doesn’t skimp on comfort, either. Not all Adidas styles have worked for my flat feet, but the Handball Spezial was my Goldilocks fit. I’ve had several pairs of this style, and they’re my most comfortable sneaker by far. I can walk for hours in them and still feel supported and energized.

They come in so many fun colors and patterns, as well as men’s and women’s sizes, but this one is ideal for summer with its light neutral colorway and suede upper. They’re so breathable, the footbed has great midsole support, and the T-shaped toe box gives my toes lots of room to spread out.

These HOKAs do just that. People, including writer Caroline Lubinsky, who tested them, say it feels like you’re walking on clouds while you’re wearing them. She deals with regular heel pain and says these offered excellent shock absorption. They do have about a 1-inch platform (to provide that extra cushion), which she notes takes some getting used to, but once you do, they make long walks much more comfortable.

I love an espadrille in the summer almost as much as I love sustainable footwear, and TOMS managed to combine the two. TOMS is a certified B corporation, meaning it’s committed to social and environmental impact and transparency. For every pair you buy, the brand donates a portion of the sale to children’s health and education around the world. TOMS has also donated more than 100 million pairs of shoes to folks in need.

But the shoe stands on its own, even without the wonderful give-back program. They include OrthoLite Eco LT-Hybrid insoles, which legitimately make them comfortable to wear all day long. They’re also removable if you need more room. The shoe is vegan, and the back never rubs against my ankle (and I’m super sensitive to that).

There’s a reason Birkenstocks feel like they’ve been around forever; they’re one of the most durable shoes out there. Upon first glance, these Boston clogs may not look like an ideal summer shoe, but they’re surprisingly versatile and cool-looking (and perfect for spending summers by a lake).

I realize jellies can be polarizing, but hear me out. I used to really dislike them; I had a ballet-shoe version that clung to every part of my foot, resulting in sweaty feet and blisters galore. Then I found this mule. Its open-back design seems to have solved the blistering issue.

They feel amazing on and look great with dresses and pants (I like wearing them with ankle-cropped jeans so I can show them off). The synthetic cork insole and rubber sole offer a fair amount of support and grip, although I probably wouldn’t plan to walk all day in them. Because they’re jelly, they never fly off my feet, but the toe bed is also wide enough that they don’t pinch, either. Finally, they come in five stylish yet versatile colors.

Wedges are great for any special occasion that involves walking on grass or dirt (we see you, outdoor weddings). However, they can feel heavy, causing the straps to pull on your feet, leaving marks and blisters. These wedge sandals from Vivaia are the exception. The wedge base is shockingly lightweight, and the AdaptAll straps are stretchy to reduce sudden tugs on your foot. (The ankle strap is also fully adjustable.) 

The insole is the most impressive part. It’s anti-slip, moisture-wicking, and provides extra cushioning for the heel, arch, and ball of the foot. Plus, the platform-to-heel ratio is very reasonable. Whoever designed this shoe has a deep understanding of the pain heels can inflict and how to fix most, if not all, of those issues.

I’d never tried a kitten heel before getting this jelly version, and now they’re all I want to wear to fancy functions. This pair is so cute and looks surprisingly good with lots of different outfits. I love the flip-flop style, and since the heel is so little (2.25 inches), I never feel like the thong is digging into the space between my toes (the scored footbed at the front helps, too).

The heel also widens at the base, which helps prevent accidental ankle rolling (I speak from experience). The footbed is the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced in a heel. It comes in six bold colors, but I’m partial to the Clear Brown because it goes with everything in my closet.