Step Into Your Comfort Zone with These Vibrant Summer Shoes

Consider these your new (garden) party shoes. Wedges feel like an homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s, but these modern leather straps bring them into 2023. A bright white color will go with florals, denim, nautical stripes, or anything your heart desires. Plus, how amazing does the cushion look on these? Despite the higher heel, you may find them more comfortable than your favorite flats!

For those who hate exposing their toes with sandals but want a lightweight option, consider braided mules. These are made from a gorgeous brandy-colored leather that’s soft yet structured, and they have a buttery soft leather lining, too. Perhaps the best part? They’re made sustainably by artisans who are guaranteed a living wage.

Birkenstocks are a classic for a reason, and they aren’t going out of style anytime soon. The beloved Arizona double-strap sandal got a chic update, and they’re now available with oversized gold buckles. It’s a subtle change, but the shiny hardware instantly elevates the once-crunchy summer shoe.

Investing in colorful shoes is a way of dipping your toe into a color trend without overhauling your entire closet if you’re not ready yet. Bright yellow is a cheery hue that epitomizes summer, easily adding a pop of color to an otherwise subdued outfit. These sneakers are made with 100 percent sustainable materials, including bamboo and recycled plastic, making them a comfortable and earth-friendly option. Plus, they’re a staff favorite at Katie Couric Media, which is why we gave them a glowing review.

We could rave about Chaco’s comfortable sandals all day long, but for some, the traditional style can lean a bit too far into the hiking aesthetic. Instead of the usual nylon webbing, this style has a supple leather strap and footbed, elevating it from its camping cousin. Need a boost? This sandal comes in a platform style, too.

It’s cliche, but it’s also the truth: These cushy sandals will have you walking on sunshine. A cushy sole will cradle your feet with each step, while the strap will keep you from sliding out of your sandals — no matter how sweaty you get. The sweetly embroidered tiny flowers will remind you to smile every time you look down. (But if you don’t feel like smiling, we support that.)

A simple leather sandal is the Swiss Army Knife of any summer shoe collection. It can be worn for weddings, work, brunch, and everything else in between. This pair by J.Crew is made with soft, smooth leather that won’t rub your feet uncomfortably, and the low heel is incredibly comfortable to walk in.

For a more colorful running shoe, these Hoka Arahi 6s are a practical yet exciting option. This contrasting color combo of blue and orange screams summer, but you can also opt for ten other colors in the exact same style. Hoka sneakers are reliably comfy for long walks or jogs, as they offer a ton of cushioning with each step. If that doesn’t convince you, our deputy editor (and her husband) swear by the brand. 

No laces, no problems. These slip-ons are made from a stretchy, woven material that molds to your feet but still keeps your foot securely inside the shoe. The plush sole is like walking on clouds, and it absorbs 37 percent more impact than regular shoes, so your knees will thank you. 

Flexible flats are amazing for all sorts of occasions, and they’re one of the easiest shoes to pack in a suitcase without fear that they’ll lose their shape. These ones from Allbirds are made from sustainable eucalyptus tree fiber and can be easily thrown in the washing machine when they need to be freshened up.

lululemon released a new running shoe this year, and we could not be more excited. These trail runners were made specifically for women, taking into account the unique ways our feet flex and move while hitting the pavement or rocky trail. Commerce editor Katie Pittman wore them fresh out of the box for an early morning 5k race, and she didn’t get a single blister. That’s a huge win in our books. 

Add height without discomfort with these adorable platform espadrilles. A molded footbed will take the shape of your foot, creating a custom fit, and the sole’s thick tread will grip any surface, so you won’t feel like you’re slipping and sliding with each step. They also come in four neutral colors, so there are no excuses for not finding one to suit your style.