Including pairs from Vionic, Dr. Scholl's, Clarks, and more
Podiatrist-Recommended Sandals on Amazon
- ’80s-Inspired: Dolce Vita Julio Jelly Sandals, $75
- Carrie Bradshaw-Approved: Dr. Scholl’s Original Slide Sandals, $140
- Actually Supportive Flip-Flops: Clarks Breeze Sea Flip-Flops, from $30
- Water-Resistant: Reef Water Vista Higher Sandals, from $80
- Fun Platform Wedges: Dansko Season Sandals, from $109 (orig. $125)
- Stellar Prime Day Deal: Vionic Calera Wedge Sandals, from $55 (orig. $135)
- Great for Hiking: Ecco Yucatan Sport Sandals, from $87 (orig. $150)
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Revere Emerald Adjustable Sandals, $170
- Supple Suede: Madewell Cambria Molded Footbed Sandals, $118
Sandal season is officially underway, so now’s the time to evaluate your summer shoe lineup.
Whether your next few months include sightseeing vacations, rooftop hangs, or hours-long outdoor concerts, you’ll need cute and cushy sandals — and that’s especially true for people over 50. “Bone density in the foot decreases faster with age,” says podiatrist Dr. Julia Sinclair. “Cushioning becomes more important to support feet and prevent stress fractures or osteoporosis-related foot problems.”
With that in mind, I spoke to Dr. Sinclair, along with podiatrists Dr. Nicole Graf and Dr. Michelle Allen Morse about which sandals people over 50 should wear this season. Their go-to summer sandals from brands like Dr. Scholl’s, Clarks, Dansko, and Vionic are all available at Amazon from $30— some are even on sale for Prime Day.
Related: I'm Ditching Stiff Jeans for These Summer Linen Picks That Keep Me Cool and Comfortable — All Under $30 at Amazon
Dolce Vita Julio Jelly Sandals
$75 at Amazon
Anyone who wore jellies in the ’80s will love incorporating the trend into their current summer outfit lineup with these buckled slide sandals (raises hand). “The straps can be adjusted to accommodate foot swelling in the summer,” notes Dr. Sinclair, who says these sandals also have “supportive footbeds.”
Dr. Scholl’s Original Slide Sandals
$140 at Amazon
Dr. Graf approves of these iconic slide sandals because of their anatomical cork-blend footbeds, molded arches, and supportive heel cups. Meanwhile, the wide buckled strap offers “easy adjustability for swelling or different foot sizes and shapes,” and she says they’re “great for throwing on with shorts, swimsuits, or even a casual summer dress.” Not to mention, Carrie Bradshaw wore them on an episode of And Just Like That… Consider me sold.
What to Look For
If you’re over 50 and need new sandals, all three podiatrists recommend the following:
- Arch support: Dr. Sinclair stresses that arch support is critical for post-menopausal women. “After menopause, reduced collagen and elasticity means the soft tissue in the foot is not as resilient,” she says.
- Deep heel cups: “You want to really cradle and stabilize the rear foot at the heel because that’s really going to control how your foot functions overall,” explains Dr. Graf.
- Adjustable straps: “Feet will swell more in summer heat, and adjustable straps help with comfort and avoiding blisters or cuts,” says Dr. Sinclair.
- Sturdy design: “I use my ‘Twist and Shout’ test to check a shoe’s integrity,” Dr. Morse says. “If you can bend or twist them in the very middle, eventually your foot will shout.”
Clarks Breeze Sea Flip-Flops
$30 at Amazon
While podiatrists caution against many flip-flops because of their lack of support, these ones get Dr. Graf’s seal of approval. “The arch is contoured, and the soft fabric thong doesn’t really dig in like those firmer materials between the toes,” she says, adding that they’re “lightweight” and “great for travel.”
Reef Water Vista Higher Sandals
$80 at Amazon
These platform sandals are a top pick of Dr. Sinclair’s because they “offer a lot of traction for outdoor activities,” while the Velcro ankle strap “makes them more comfortable and accommodates swelling in the foot or ankle,” she says. They come in 15 colors, including neutrals like beige, brown, and black, and more fun options like turquoise and pink.
Skip Thin Soles
Even though flip-flops and other thinner slides may be easier to throw on and run out the door, they won’t support your feet when it matters most. “Because they offer zero arch support, they really force your toes to grip with every step,” says Dr. Graf, cautioning that this can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and hammer toes.
Dansko Season Sandals
$125 $109 at Amazon
Dr. Morse calls these platform sandals her “personal favorite” because they’re “dressy enough to wear with a summer dress, yet trustworthy when I need to do a lot of walking.” She’s walked around New York City and Europe in them multiple times, approving of the “heel-to-toe rocker sole design that makes walking a breeze.” She also notes their contoured EVA footbeds that “help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot for all-day comfort.”
Related: Steal Her Style: Katie Holmes’ Exact Walking-Friendly Loafers Are Available to Shop Now at Amazon
Vionic Calera Wedge Sandals
$135 $55 at Amazon
All three podiatrists I spoke with recommended Vionic sandals — like these espadrilles, which have “deep heel cups that help provide stability, while the wedge style aids with shock absorption,” says Dr. Sinclair. Plus, Dr. Graf points out the brand’s “orthotic-grade footbeds with true biomechanical arch support.” Choose from seven colors and sizes 5–12, with both standard and wide widths available.
Ecco Yucatan Sport Sandals
$150 $87 at Amazon
If you have long hikes on your summer bucket list, Dr. Morse recommends these sandals with “excellent traction, three-point adjustable straps, stability, and molded EVA cushioning.” They’ve racked up thousands of five-star reviews from shoppers, too. “I've worn them hiking, biking, to the beach, walking…you name it,” one shopper raved. “I have other sandals in my closet, but these are my go-to sandals for overall comfort.”
(Don’t) Toe the Line
Dr. Graf says people over 50 should avoid toe-ring sandals, since wearing them can worsen plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and cramping. “Your toes should not be working,” she says.
Revere Emerald Adjustable Sandals
$170 at Amazon
“This is one of my favorite hidden gems for women who like to wear custom orthotics or have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions,” says Dr. Graf of these metallic sandals. She specifically notes their built-in arch support, strap extenders, and removable contoured footbeds, “so you can swap in your own orthotics,” she says.
Madewell Cambria Molded Footbed Sandals
$118 at Amazon
“These supple suede sandals pair well with a sundress or a sporty look and satisfy the buckle trend,” says Dr. Sinclair. She especially approves of their moldable arches and rubber soles, which help “stabilize and support your feet throughout the day.”
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