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Stay comfortable from takeoff to your last stop.
Most Comfortable Shoes for Summer Travel
- The “Perfect All-day Sandal”: Teva Tirra Sport CT Sandals, $110
- Timeless and Supportive: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals, $155
- Best for Trips by the Water: Keen Newport H2 Sandals, $130
- Classic Hiking Shoes: Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes, $145
- Oh-so-smooth: Brooks Glycerin 23 Road-running Shoes, $175
- All-terrain Hero: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Trail-running Shoes, $116 (was $155)
Even the most comfortable shoes can start to feel less supportive when you’re logging 20,000 steps through the airport, wandering cobblestone streets, or spending all day exploring in the summer heat. While it’s tempting to swap your everyday sneakers for lightweight sandals on vacation, the wrong footwear can leave you dealing with sore feet before the first day of your trip is even over, says Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Piedmont Foot and Ankle Specialists. “More walking, a change in environment and different terrain, and the wrong choice of supportive footwear” can all trigger foot pain, she explains.
She recommends looking for features like “arch support, a roomy toe box, a deep heel cup, and adjustable straps on sandals” to help keep your feet comfortable from takeoff to touchdown. To help you stay pain-free on your next summer getaway, I asked Dr. Daughtry to advise on travel-ready shoes—here are six podiatrist-approved summer shoes at REI worth grabbing.
Teva Tirra Sport CT Sandals
Dr. Daughtry says these strappy Teva sandals are “the perfect all-day sandal” to protect your feet while walking on trails, uneven streets, and more. She loves the strappy uppers and extra tread on the outsole, which provides plenty of grip on all terrains. This pair also includes a “durable toe cap,” protecting your toes from stubs or debris while you’re walking. She says they’re a “must-have” for travelers who do lots of exploring on trips. Bonus: They have an adjustable ankle strap, so you can account for any swelling due to heat.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
By now, most of us know and love the Birkenstock Arizona sandals, and luckily, they’re podiatrist-approved for the summer, too. Dr. Daughtry says this pair’s “cushioned cork anatomic footbed creates custom support” as you wear them, since it has a cork footbed, layer of foam, and comfortable suede liner. Plus, she says, they’re a “timeless icon” that you’ll feel stylish in on your trip (without having to worry about pain).
Keen Newport H2 Sandals
If you’re planning a trip to the beach, coastline, or even waterfall or stream-filled hikes, Dr. Daughtry says these sandals from Keen are “an excellent choice.” In a wet environment, she says the “quick-dry webbing, adjustable fit, protective toe cap, and high-traction soles” are the key to being prepared for “all types of terrain.” They also have special locking laces to keep them securely on your feet no matter what adventure you’re tackling.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
Avid hikers, this is the one pair of shoes you need in your carry-on. Dr. Daughtry appreciates these “classic hiking shoes” for their “comfort, durability, and versatility.” They have removable insoles with extra cushioning that molds to your foot, along with shock-absorbing heels, making them “an excellent choice for comfort and support,” she says.
Brooks Glycerin 23 Road-running Shoes
Whether you love a morning run by the beach to start the day on vacation, or you just know you’ll be walking miles and miles, Dr. Daughtry recommends these breathable running shoes. “The wide platform gives a smooth and stable transition,” she says, while the “cushioning offers plush landings for walking miles on your summer trip.” Plus, the shoes come in a number of neutral and colorful options, so you can choose a pair that complements your travel wardrobe.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Trail-running Shoes
Save 25%
A versatile sneaker goes a long way on any trip but especially those where the itinerary is flexible—you need an option that’ll carry you through surprise hikes, long sightseeing days, walking, running, and the airport. This pair “carries you with confidence on a variety of terrains,” Dr. Daughtry says, since they’re “made with comfortable cushioning and durable high-traction outsoles.” They’ll keep you comfortable from hiking trails to city streets, so they’re worth packing.
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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
