Top 10 Cute Summer Shoes with Good Arch Support

I’m turning 36 in a few weeks. I don’t really feel like I’m getting old, but there are a few things I’ve been noticing that make me wonder if I’m older than I think I am…One, on Seth’s 36th birthday my dad called to welcome him to middle age. I didn’t think we were middle aged until 40! But, my dad has proven himself to always be right, much to the chagrin of my teenage self, so maybe he’s right about this one…Just to confirm, I checked out my life expectancy and I should live to be 85.7 years old. Meaning, I’m technically not middle aged until I’m 42 years 10 months old. Take that Dad! That’s what you get for paying for my college education. (P.S. Thank you for paying for my college education, Dad and Mom. I love you.)

Two, my head is sprouting more and more white hairs. I prefer to blame that one on my kids, though, not age.

And three, which happens to be the topic of this post, cute shoes hurt my feet.

I’ve always had high arches and known that I need to wear fairly supportive shoes. However, last summer I injured my foot while walking, I didn’t even fall. I found myself limping all over Las Vegas with an ankle swelled up like a balloon before I gave in and went to a podiatrist. He was worried I had a stress fracture because my foot was so swollen, but turns out I had given myself tendonitis because the shoes I regularly wore didn’t provide enough support for my arches. So, now I wear orthotics. I sound as old as my dad. Wearing orthotics really isn’t as bad as it sounds, and in the winter they just slip into whatever shoes I’m wearing.

But, it’s getting warmer now, and even though my vintage style Saucony tennis shoes are super cute, I refuse to wear them with shorts, dresses, and skirts all through the summer. I will wear cute sandals this summer, and my feel will not hurt. In case any of you are in the same boat as me (feel free to blame your sub-par feet on genetics instead of aging if that makes you feel better…) I thought I’d share the results of my hunt for cute, supportive, summer sandals.

Without further ado, here are my top ten cute summer sandals that also happen to have good arch support. I only looked at brands that either 1) my podiatrist recommends, 2) I know from experience provide good support, or 3) my friend Courtney, who has serious foot problems, recommends. I can’t promise they’re cheap…but I can guarantee they’re cheaper than foot surgery.

First up, brands recommended by my podiatrist, because why not start with the most geriatric category?

Teva

Tevas have had a recent resurgence into the hipster fashion scene. I found a few really cute options if you want something a bit more refined than the original sporty Teva style.

1. Teva Universal Slide in leather – $80

The original style, but updated in leather. Also easy to just step into, which is helpful when running out the door after two very fast little boys.

**The dark brown and black colors of this style are on sale for $50.

2. Teva Avalina Sandal – $60 (on sale!)

These ones don’t look so sporty, and they have a heel strap – making them even more easy on your feet.

3. Teva Capri Wedge – $90

I didn’t realize Teva made dressier shoes. I love the cork base on these ones, and they would work with jeans, dresses, skirts – you name it!

Teva Original Sandal Backpack

BONUS! These are definitely on the sporty side, and don’t fit my criteria of dressier, cute sandals…but they are cute, and on sale for $39 right now. I can’t resist anything in tomato red, so these have been purchased.

Birkenstock

I would be remiss if I didn’t include a Birkenstock. Alas, no Birkenstocks look good on me. Believe me, I’ve tried pretty much every style. My feet are small, and Birks somehow always make them look huge…but just in case you want my opinion on the cutest model of Birkenstock…

4. Birkenstock Mayari – $95

Vionic

Next up, a brand recommended by both my podiatrist and my friend Courtney who has really bad feet. She is a realtor who spends hours on her feet walking clients through houses. She has tried every brand of supportive shoes – cute or not – and highly recommends Vionic. I’ll happily take advantage of the hours and $$$$ spent on research to arrive at this conclusion, and pass her findings along to you. Thanks, Courtney!

5. Vionic Noble Laurie – $140

These are one of my favorites, because they add some height (I’m short), and can be worn with just about anything. These shoes are similar to the ones in the picture at the top of the post, from when Courtney made me take her to Napa…she proved to me that you can look cute and still have comfortable feet while traipsing through vineyards. This wedge is a workhorse.

6. Vionic Solana Heel – $140

These are the dressiest of the bunch, and would be perfect for work, date night, or a wedding. I need these.

Rainbow and Reef

I’ve owned flip flops from both of these brands, and find them to be both comfortable and supportive. Most, but not all of their styles have good arch support built in. You have to check the description to make sure. Also, I did corner my podiatrist for a flip flop recommendation. He said he couldn’t fully endorse flip flop wearing for long periods of time, but if he was forced to name a brand, he would recommend Rainbow and Reef.

7. Avalon Braidy with Buckle Heel Strap – $60

Because I just can’t give up my flip flops…these ones are much more gentle on the toes and muscles of the foot bed, because the heel strap keeps them from flipping and flopping when you walk.

8. Rainbow Calafia with Back Buckle Heel – $60

The braided detail on the T-strap and heel cup got me on these. They look so comfortable, and a step more refined than a flip flop.

9. Reef Rover Hi Le – $70

OMG. I love these ones so much. The lines are simple and sporty, but would look good with just about any style. I’ve been lusting after these sandals for a while, but I’m not paying $200 for sandals and I think I might actually like the Reef ones better…

Swedish Hasbeens

This brand hasn’t been recommended by either my podiatrist or Courtney, and I have no experience with them, but I really want them to be comfortable…the heel height looks like they might be good for my feet and the reviews I’ve read on myriad of styles are positive. Keeping my fingers crossed…anyone have experience with this brand?

10. Swedish Hasbeens Peep Toe High – $209

I just wrote that I wouldn’t spend $200 on a pair of sandals…but maybe I would? Again, these would go with anything and add some much needed height to my outfit. Plus, how cute is the red? I’m a sucker for red…

I think I’m going to try out the Teva Capri Wedge for my go-to dressier option, and the Reef Rover Hi Le as my everyday summer shoe. Which are your favorites?