Comfortable Summer Shoes? Ten Stylish Ones We Wear.

By Erica and Karen

One of our readers pleaded for the lowdown on comfortable shoes for summer. We know her to be stylish, so we assume she wants stylish comfort for summer fun.

A difficult assignment.

Let’s start with Karen. Karen is terminally casual, in some respects, never wears high heels, and loves metallic shoes. So here are several options for very different events:

• Karen walks miles every day, and recently spotted these Nikes on another walker’s feet. No, they are not stylish. And no, you cannot wear them to any remotely formal gathering (except a Zoom call). Maybe they don’t really belong on this list. They’re on it anyway because they are a walker’s delight. Unbelievably comfortable. And washable.

• Then there are Eileen Fisher Sport Sandals, which are also very easy to wear, as they wrap closely around one’s feet. And check out these Aquatalia metallic sandals, slightly more upscale, also relaxed. Karen is of the view that these sandals, in metallic colors, with pants or long skirts, are stylish enough to be worn in semi-formal contexts, like dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a meeting. Some might disagree. But Karen’s right!

• And if Karen really has to amp it up, she loves these Birman shoes, in gold, of course. Low, pleasant heel, delicate, comfortable. Brilliant with swirly cocktail dresses. As are Barbados ankle sandals. Even strappier.

Erica has a broader approach to footwear. She is not quite in the Celine Dion give me the size you have and I will make it fit camp. But close. (Indeed, Karen is the happy owner of some fabulous Schutz glitter sneakers, pictured above, chosen by Erica on that basis.) For Erica, comfort and walkability are key criteria, and she’s taking them seriously.

Putting aside Allbirds, of which she has many, generally speaking looks still matter. Here are a few of her winners:

• A comfy smart looking wingtip Oxfords by Cole Haan, this shoe looks good with shorts, slacks, jeans and a sundress. They’re lightweight, good for travel, and come in a variety of colors. The foam base makes for a soft landing and the boot gives more than loafer support.  

• These flat sandals by Tod’s are surprisingly comfortable. The straps across the toes aren’t too tight, and the heel is not too flat, just high enough. They go anywhere–-day or at night. (Hurray, they may have just gone on sale.) 

• Erica has written about these sneakers before, but she loves them. Keeps buying them, keeps getting compliments. 

• For something a little different, try this from Fendi. Comfort with sequins! Definitely a splurge but actually wearable all year round.

What are your recommendations?