10 Best Summer Shoes for Problem Feet

Slip on some mules, sandals, sneakers and other pain-free footwear

Lois Joy Johnson,

AARP

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En español

Published May 30, 2019

Got bunions? Corns? Hammertoes? How about flat, bony feet? Probably. By age 50 a woman's tootsies have spent decades jammed, crammed and crimped into shoes that are too high, narrow, tight or just plain lacking in support.While we love the freedom of summer sandals, slides, slingbacks and open shoes, too often they look great but ignore our foot-friendly needs. So, I did my fashion editor thing and pre-shopped for you ... and me. Here are 28 dishy pairs, each for $100 or less.
_{Prices listed are MSRP.}

Clarks Step Cali Bay in Black Textile Knit; Ryka Nanette in Black

Zappos (2)

1. Knit platform mules. The slip-on minimalism, extra height and open feeling of platform mules makes them super appealing. Unfortunately, a stiff strap or several wrongly placed bands can be tough on bulging bunions and put pressure on midfoot metatarsal bones across the top of your feet. Mules with an extra-wide soft-knit band, a low- to medium-height contoured wedge sole and padded footbed solves all. The comfy band hugs feet to shoes but doesn't dig in or force toes to work harder for grip as you walk. A black knit band and white wedge sole combo, like the Ryka Nanette in black ($65, zappos.com) or the Clarks Step Cali Bay in black textile knit ($85, zappos.com), always looks sporty, edgy and modern.

Bandolino Faudoa Flat; Aerosoles Outrun; MICHAEL Michael Kors Melody Cap Toe

Zappos (3)

2. Ballet flats with substance. The next-to-nothing elegance of ballet flats makes us feel like Audrey Hepburn, even with size 11 feet. However, when the sole is too thin and bendy, there's no support for our arches and mature bony feet. (The latter is normal and caused by diminished natural fat pads.) It's time to upgrade to ballet flats with some structure, padding and a mini heel. They shouldn't collapse and curl up when you take them off. Look for an almond toe (yeah pointy is “in” — but not for us) and rubber pads on the sole for traction. A cap-toe — such as the Michael Kors Melody Cap Toe ($69, zappos.com) and Aerosoles Outrun ($89, zappos.com) — or a bow at the vamp — like the Bandolino Faudoa Flat ($69, zappos.com) — deliver chic style with everything you wear, from cargos to shift dresses.

Me Too Nissa in Black Canvas; Bandolino Hullen in Black Lycra/ Sleek Elastic

Zappos (2)

3. Wedge espadrilles with elastic straps. We love the sexy South-of-France vibe of jute soled wedges and canvas, but those ankle ties are killer for any woman prone to puffiness or circulation issues or those with heavy legs. Look for styles that swap crisscross elastic bands at the bridge instead of ankle ties, with open sides and a sloping wedge and a maximum height at the heel of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. Your feet will breathe, and the updated proportions provide better stability. There are many variations, but the slingback-like Me Too Nissa ($90, zappos.com) and peep-toe Bandolino Hullen in black ($59, zappos.com) do look equally magnificent with midi skirts and white jeans.

Sam Edelman Keelyn in Saddle ; Matisse St. Tropez Slip On Mule in Tan; Comfortiva Trinidad- Soft Spots in Natural Leather ; Naturalizer Whistle in Saddle Tan Leather

Clockwise: Sam Edelman Keelyn in Saddle; Matisse St. Tropez Slip On Mule in Tan; Comfortiva Trinidad- Soft Spots in Natural Leather; Naturalizer Whistle in Saddle Tan Leather

Zappos (4)

4. Woven leather flats. Suddenly huarache-style mules and flats in brown or tan leather that's braided and woven are must-haves. The combination of sturdiness and basketlike weave is practical and cool, from NYC to Des Moines. Choose a backless mule like the Matisse St. Tropez Slip-On Mule in tan ($85, zappos.com) if you have “pump bump” — a bony protrusion at the heel — for a summer break. Huaraches with a rounded or open toe and more loosely woven matte leather strips — like the Sam Edelman Keelyn in saddle ($90, zappos.com), Comfortiva Trinidad-Soft Spots in natural leather ($70, zappos.com) and the Naturalizer Whistle in saddle tan leather ($69, zappos.com) — are airier and let sweat evaporate, which is a boon if you're prone to blisters and irritation on your soles.

Strap Sherpa Footbed Sandals in Cognac; Spring Step Gretta

Target; Zappos

5. Strappy “ugly” sandals. If you've always loved Birkenstocks, Tevas and the like, you're going to be a fan of the newest comfort shoes. Curvy soled and contoured styles with wide straps — like the Spring Step Gretta ($70, zappos.com) — and flats with shaggy linings — like the Mad Love Kali Multi-Strap Sherpa Footbed Sandals in cognac ($25, target.com) — feel like featherbeds once you get past the look. With chilly, overly air-conditioned offices, movie theaters, homes and restaurants, they're not a winter-with-socks-thing now (although, hey — it works for plenty of stylish/boho/artsy/creative women age 50-plus). Any woman with blisters, sore soles, sensitive feet and a free spirit will buy two pairs.

Clockwise: Naturalizer Banks in Rose Pink Suede; Rockport Total Motion Kaiya Sling in Floral; Trotters Keely in Grey; Naturalizer Banks in Hotsauce Suede

Zappos (4)

6. Statement slingbacks. Closed-toe slingbacks are pump alternatives for bare-leg work/going out/social situations where you're basically dressed up. Aside from the obvious — they make no pedicure no problem — slingbacks do have a sophisticated, tailored look. Anything with an exaggerated needle-nose point is out, and they are “in” trend-wise. One brand's “pointy” is another brand's round or almond toe, so check the visuals online. Make sure you can wiggle your toes and press down on the area in front of the big toe. There should be some space for your foot as it pitches forward when you walk. Go for a low-ish (1.5- to 2.5-inch) heel that won't put pressure on the ball of the foot or force feet into a weird position that can lead to hairline fractures. And opt for color, like Naturalizer Banks in hot sauce or rose pink suede (both $98, zappos.com); a print, like Rockport Total Motion Kaiya Sling in floral ($100, zappos.com); or snakeskin, like Trotters Keely in gray ($100, zappos.com), for a seasonal break.

Clockwise: Comfortiva Blossom in Gold Calgary Metallic; Universal Thread Makena Gladiator Sandals in Gray; Sofft Mahari in Gold Calgary Metallic

Comfortiva Blossom in Gold Calgary Metallic; Universal Thread Makena Gladiator Sandals in Gray; Sofft Mahari in Gold Calgary Metallic

Zappos (2), Target

7. Gladiator cage sandals. Whaaat? You miss your booties? Imagine a shoe with the ankle-high silhouette and shape of a bootie, but instead of coverage, multiple straps fill in the space. Hugging the foot, they feel sturdy yet give you plenty of room, since our feet tend to spread with age. Look for a cozy fit that doesn't dig or pinch into the fleshy rim of your feet and a full zipper for a fast on-off with no lace-up issues, such as the Universal Thread Makena Gladiator Sandals in gray ($25, target.com), Comfortiva Blossom in gold calgary metallic ($100, zappos.com), or Sofft Mahari in gold calgary metallic ($100, zappos.com).

Clockwise: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip-On in Turf Orange/ Melon Baller; Keds X Rifle Paper Co. Anchor Slip Monarch; Vans Classic Slip-On in Tie Dye Mysterioso

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip-On in Turf Orange/ Melon Baller; Keds X Rifle Paper Co. Anchor Slip Monarch; Vans Classic Slip-On in Tie Dye Mysterioso

Zappos (3)

8. Attention-getting slip-on sneakers. Look around. Everyone is wearing sneakers now as “shoes.” And while big white chunky gym styles also known as “dad sneakers” are trendy with millennials, they're not our idea of summer sassy. In fact, they are heavy, sweaty and stress our already traumatized feet. How about something in tie-dye, like Vans Classic Slip-On in tie-dye mysterioso ($60, zappos.com); coral, such as Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip-On in turf orange/melon baller ($50, zappos.com); or a butterfly print, like Keds X Rifle Paper Co. anchor slip monarch ($70, zappos.com)? The health benefits include less pressure on stiff tendons in your ankles and ligaments to prevent sprains.

Ugg Flores in Succulent; Massimo Matteo Penny Keeper in Blue Nubuck; Minnetonka Sophia in Sky Blue Suede

Zappos (3)

9. Soft suede drivers. Give your feet a break with buttery slip-on loafers that fit and feel like gloves. These softies put no pressure on anything from corns to bunions and hammertoes. Opt for a no-frills classic driver moccasin with a soft flexible rubber sole, as in the Minnetonka Sophia in sky blue suede ($50, zappos.com); Massimo Matteo Penny Keeper in blue nubuck ($69, zappos.com); Ugg Flores in (a reddish-pink) sweet sangria or (a pale green) succulent (both $100, zappos.com). Suede is suppler than leather and gives with wear — so size up accordingly in order to allow for stretch with wear, or just enjoy the extra roominess. The wider toe-box here also is a boon to those with arthritis and helps avoid exacerbating sore spots and healing blisters, too.

A New Day Aveline Sport Slide Sandals in Black; Universal Thread Gigi Hooded Slide Sandals; Universal Thread Gigi Hooded Slide Sandals

Target (2); Old Navy

10. Last word: Wide strap pool slides. Forget those do-nothing flip-flops that offer absolutely no support and leave feet vulnerable. Dive into pool slides with foot-loving details such as a wide, soft strap, padded foam insoles, a contoured lining and a rubber sole, like the A New Day Aveline Sport Slide Sandals in black ($23, target.com), Universal Thread Gigi Hooded Slide Sandals ($25, target.com) or Old Navy Faux Leather Pool Slide Sandals in blush ($17, oldnavy.com). Your knees, hips and back will thank you, and there's less chance of developing painful plantar fasciitis.

For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson

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Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.

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