Ever since moving to New York, I’ve learned there’s two, undeniable truths when it comes to picking your shoes. There are those that are subway cancellation–safe (meant for skipping, walking, biking, and running around the city during its warmest days) and those that usually stay tucked away under a bed or high up in a closet corner because the pain of wearing them outweighs the pain of realizing they weren’t the smartest purchase. Naturally, as a fashion editor, I leave room for both in my wardrobe. I have to admit though, when no one’s looking, I’ll comfortably slip into my zero hassle, blister-free shoes.
When it comes to my footwear, I try my hardest not to give it all up in the name of style. From trendy sandals to comfortable (and cute!) running shoes, there’s always a few pairs that make my heart skip a beat while making my orthopedic happy with me when I go in once a year to my check-up. Trust me, by wearing these shoes, you’ll look and feel good.
Scroll down to shop the pairs I spend hours walking in every day without a sore ankle in sight.
I have to admit it: I have tan-lines on my feet from how often I wear my Teva sandals in the summer. The beloved hiking shoe is a personal favorite of mine, but to be honest, any strappy, sporty sandal is perfect for my longer New York City commutes. Plus, it’s an excuse to get a pedicure every other week.
While I’ve always been a sneakers girl at heart, the rise of technical hiking shoes and sneakers has completely gone to my head and made me replace nearly every pair of sneakers I have with a pair that would make any nature enthusiast proud. Brands like Salomon and Merrell have perfected the Venn Diagram of fashion people and outdoorsy folk wearing their shoes and this summer, I’ll join the flock once more. Plus, Salomon’s latest collaboration with New York-based designer Sandy Liang proves once more that the cutesy gorpcore movement is here to stay.
There’s a reason French women wear ballet flats everywhere: they’re beyond comfortable. I’ve put my slip-on flats to the test for the last few months and I’ve already been converted. Opt for a leather-based shoe that’ll mold to your foot and be extra comfortable in the summer months.
There’s nothing chicer than a fun mule. After I’ve walked for at least 50 miles in my Birkenstock Bostons, I have to attest they’re some of the most comfortable shoes I own. The closed-toe, slip-on style is beloved by celebrities everywhere who have to run errands in the warm weather– and frankly, I totally get the hype now. JW Anderson’s iconic chain mule is high up on my summer buy list now.
I’ll admit it, I didn’t buy into the dad sandal hype at first. After wearing my pair through two straight summers while on vacation though, I utterly changed my mind. Although they seem them most intimidating on this list, luxury brands and designers have been hopping on the chunky silhouette recently, serving up fresh, trend-forward versions of the “ugly” shoe.
There’s nothing more I love than a white, simple tennis shoe. I go through at least two pairs each summer since I wear them nearly every single day. This sneaker silhouette is always a classic and goes with nearly every summer outfit I wear–from maxi dresses to flowy blouses and jeans.
True story: I’ve walked from the Empire State Building to my favorite bar in SoHo wearing kitten heels. While I wouldn’t recommend the commute every single day, the point stands: if you’re looking for fashion-forward shoes with a bit of a lift, kitten heels are your new best friend. Since they’re so on trend at the moment, there’s a style, color, and shape for everyone. While I’m partial to my Gucci kitten heels that saved my feet that fateful night last summer, any of the options on this list are sure to please you and your feet.
Next, Well, These Are the 5 Shoe Styles Everyone Will Wear This Summer