10 Best Spring and Summer Shoes to Buy Now

Comfy fashion sandals

For those with bunions, corns and other annoying issues that make wearing sandals a seasonal nightmare, try sandals with plump padded straps — they're like a down coat for your feet. Look for ultrasoft leather straps that knot or twist on top like the H&M Leather Slides in black or beige ($60, www2.hm.com/en_us) or the Sam Edelman Garson Slide Sandal in Cali rose or black ($80, nordstrom.com), a wide puffy braided band like the Seychelles Puffy Woven Slide Sandals in green, medium pink or orange ($99, anthropologie.com), or a buttery soft ruched band like the Aerosoles Dada in off-white or black ($61, 6pm.com) for cushioned style that puts no pressure on sensitive areas.

(Clockwise from bottom left) Vince Camuto Yevinny Sandal in light brown; H&M Toe-Post Slip-On Sandals in dark brown; A New Day Hazel Heel Thong Sandals in black

DSW; H&M; Target

Thong and toe ring sandals

Fashionistas who like a little more sizzle in their sandals can try the two buzziest choices: a flip-flop with heels combo or a band and toe-ring style. If you are a happy flip-flop wearer (and not everyone is!), try an elevated version like the H&M Toe-Post Slip-On Sandals in dark brown ($30, www2.hm.com/en_us) or A New Day Hazel Heel Thong Sandals in black ($30, target.com). For those who prefer a slide for comfort but want an extra statement detail, try an embellished sandal with a toe ring like the Vince Camuto Yevinny Sandal in light brown, black or off-white ($89, dsw.com) as a more this-minute alternative to slides.

(Clockwise from top left) Teva Sandborn Mia Sandal in green; Keen Rose Sandal in navy; Everlane ReNew Sport Sandal in scarlet

DSW; Zappos; Everlane

Sporty sandals

Know how sneakers can leave your feet hot, sweaty and dying for air in summer? Here are two top sporty alternatives. For truly active days spent hiking, camping or boating, try sandals like the Teva Sandborn Mia Sandal in green ($70, dsw.com) or the Keen Rose Sandal in navy, black/neutral gray ($90, zappos.com), both with all the bells and whistles like traction lug soles, hook-and-loop closures and antimicrobial technology to combat foot odor. For a less rugged version perfect for daily walks, try the Everlane ReNew Sport Sandal in scarlet or brown/blue ($68, everlane.com), made from recycled materials.

Gladiator sandals

Once trendy but here to stay, gladiators with their multi-strap design and a closed heel are another way to get stylish support. They're most foot-friendly in zip-back styles like the Universal Thread Women's Alva Gladiator Sandals in black ($25, target.com), Eileen Fisher Verge Sandal in sand leather ($63, 6pm.com), Esprit Carrie Sandal in black ($40, 6pm.com), Abella Zona Sandal in black ($40, dsw.com) and the Journee Collection Hanni Gladiator Sandal in beige, dark brown, black ($45, dsw.com). Stick to neutral shades of black, beige or brown for the most elegant effect.

(Clockwise from top left) Anne Klein Hermina in black; Trotters Nella; Dr. Scholl’s Hey Girl Wedge Sandal in green

6pm (2); DSW

Wedge platform sandals

Just ignore flat-forms (platform shoes cut straight across) and towering 4-inch wedges. They're a little klutzy and clunky. We might as well be strapping bricks to our feet! Lower wedges with a curved platform sole add just enough height to your athleisure pants, jeans and breezy, summer dress wedges and keep the look flattering. Choose styles with a contoured or cradle shaped sole like the Anne Klein Hermina in black or light sand ($45, 6pm.com) or the Trotters Nella ($80, 6pm.com) — the latter have those soft, knotted comfort straps I mentioned in tip number 5. Or try a combo cork-and-rubber sole like the Dr. Scholl's Hey Girl Wedge Sandal in green ($60, dsw.com) for a sportier version.

(Clockwise from bottom left) A New Day Women’s Irene Slingback Espadrille Flats in black; Lifestride Katrina 2 in black; H&M Slingback Espadrilles in black

Target; Zappos; H&M

Black espadrilles

Just slipping on espadrilles feels like a vacation. Who can resist buying a pair for that reason alone? These summer closed-toe espadrille slingbacks have all the details we prefer. Try a leather slingback flat version like the A New Day Women's Irene Slingback Espadrille Flats in black ($30, target.com) or a canvas style like the H&M Slingback Espadrilles in black ($25, www2.hm.com/en_us). For more height, opt for a 2-inch moderate wedge like the LifeStride Katrina 2 in black ($80, zappos.com). Yes, they're all in black for a good reason. They give all your black pants — joggers to jeans — a sharp, sophisticated bottom line, day or night.

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.