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Not all flats are created equal – or universally comfortable. Your feet will appreciate a pair of summer sandals that are supportive as well as stylish, especially if you have foot health problems – as one in five Canadians do each year.
Most of us average around 9,000 steps a day, and as many of those as possible should be in footwear that will protect your feet from the environment and offer support for any intrinsic problems you might have. Heel pain, heel spurs caused by plantar fasciitis, blisters and bunions are common foot ailments that can be exacerbated by unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes.
“Because we’re living in the concrete jungle, what you’re looking for from the sole is to have materials that will provide good shock absorption, in addition to obviously protection from sharp objects, heat and things like that,” says Dr. Jenny Ling, a podiatric medicine and surgery specialist in Burnaby, B.C.
“There are a lot of materials that are out there now that can be lightweight as well as offering good shock absorption and protection.” Polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) and cork are two examples of good shock absorbers, says Ling, adding that sandal soles can incorporate multiple layers of materials.
Styles with some curvature in the arch area as well as ones with removable footbeds will be more supportive than your typical super flat sandal. And if, for a special occasion, you do want to wear flats that are quite thin and don’t provide much shock absorption, Ling recommends bringing them with you and putting them on just for the event. “I certainly wouldn’t recommend dancing in said shoes,” says Ling.
You also want to avoid heavy sandals and those with very thin, delicate straps. “If you’ve spent all that time looking for something like a good sole and a good arch support, you definitely would want something that actually holds that to your foot,” says Ling. “You don’t want the slipping and sliding because that will cause things like blisters.”
Finally, unless it’s a repeat purchase, try footwear on in person, if possible, especially if you have foot issues, or orthopedic deformities like bunions or hammer toes. “If it is a poorly fitted shoe, it can actually cause problems,” says Ling.
6 options to try
Complete your summer wardrobe with a pair of flats that can go from the city to the cottage with ease. These trendy options offer more support and cushioning than your average sandal.
In the men’s section
(L) Leather straps provide classic men’s flip flops a material upgrade. These ones have a microfibre lining and feature an EVA foam outsole.
Teva Voya Flip Leather sandal, $70 through heelboy.com.
(C) Good for long walks and urban adventures, these men’s sandals have an anatomically-shaped polyurethane footbed. The synthetic upper material is designed to be comfortable but also durable and easy to care for.
Birkenstock Tatacoa sandal, $185 through birkenstock.com.
(R) Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, these fisherman-style sandals are fashionable but also comfortable. There’s a thick but extra-light EVA outsole, and the adjustable ankle strap helps secure a close fit.
Camper Brutus sandal, $225 through gravitypope.com.
In the women’s section
(L) Available in black and beige as well as this eye-catching red, these limited-edition sandals offer a fashionable take on the everyday, strappy sandal. They feature a shock-absorbent midsole and a rubber outsole designed for extra traction.
Ecco Offroad Puffy women’s sandal, $240 through ca.ecco.com.
(C) Part of Aldo’s Pillow Walk range, these city-to-beach slides feature dual-density foam padded insoles for improved comfort.
Aldo Wylalaendar women’s slide sandal, $90 through aldoshoes.com.
(R) Available in multiple colours, these minimalist, platform slides are lightweight and the cork footbed is designed to offer some arch support.
Mephisto Hanik women’s sandal, $165 through mephistocanada.com.