20 Pairs of Summer Sandals that Won’t Kill Your Feet

I have needy ankles. They require constant support and attention. When they don’t get that attention, they act out, swelling, aching, and slip-sliding around. When their temper tantrums really get out of control, they become cankles.

I cannot rock cankles.

So, to stay cankle-free, I am particularly choosy about my summer footwear. While my ankle issues may be unique, I know I’m not alone in looking for supportive sandals. Below are 20 different options that I’ve come across in my own sandal hunt. Each of them have an ankle strap (imperative!) and all of them have at least some cushion in the sole.

There’s nothing that peeves me more than an online guide to comfortable sandals where none of them look supportive. Today’s post is my answer to that. Let’s explore comfortably and cankle-free all summer long!

walkable, but with a lift

Day to day

(probably not tourisT-level support)

Ok… these may not have enough cushion or support for me, but they might for you! I thought they were cute and couldn’t pass them up.

When you need to dress up and stilettos are a hard pass

I have these, and love wearing them. While I get taller in them, my feet stay practically flat!

Utilitarian, all-day-on-your-feet sandals

I own these, have worn them on several vacations, and vouch for their comfort!

I’ve had my Chacos for ten years and they’re still in great shape, though I’m considering trading them in for a pair of these fun colored ones. (There are a bunch of fun color options!)

Honorable Mention

I’m leery about the flatness of these… but was intrigued by the multitude of straps and the color.

Which pair are your favorite? Do you have rules for sandals, too?

If you missed it, it’s Explorer Month! Throughout June, I’ll be posting explorer-inspired content three times a week. On Sundays and Wednesdays, expect classic Costume Parade fashion experiments. On Fridays, the posts will be more supplemental - like this one!

If that’s all a bit too much to follow, sign up for The Rule Breakers Review, the weekly Costume Parade newsletter. Each edition will include that week’s blog posts, plus a collection of Rule Breaker inspired links.

I’ll be back on Sunday with another fashion experiment!