Podiatrist-approved summer sandals: best styles, best brands

Summer = sandals. But which brands amd styles are best for your feet? Our founder Rudo Makuyana gave us her thoughts on the 2025 summer trends.

Podiatrist-approved summer sandal pick #1: Frankie 4 Zane Camel Grain Sandal $249.95

“The current chunky sandal trend of chunky is great for foot support. Straps on the front and back of the ankle give stability to your foot. I like this kind of style as the platform with footbed provides cushioning and comfort. Choose sandals with adjustable straps over the toe bed as well. This allows you to customise the fit to a degree which adds more support.

“Beyond this sandal, the many cork soles from Frankie 4 are reminiscent of Birkenstock, so not a lot of original designs in the range.”

Podiatrist-approved summer sandal pick #2: Bared Footwear Bittern Chunky Sandals $269

“These cage-style sandals are quite 90s style. I see lots of patients in the clinic wearing this style of summer sandal. The footbed is sculptured for comfort and the ankle strap is nice and sturdy. The five straps across the foot give plenty of stability. The sole looks to have good grip as well. A lot of ankle straps rub and cause blisters and cuts but this seems to be padded at the heel, which will make it more comfortable.”

Podiatrist-approved summer sandal pick #3: Crocs, $79.99

“If you’re okay wearing Crocs, then by all means proceed. Teens love Crocs, so they’re definitely in fashion this summer. One thing about Crocs—they’re comfortable. The look is distinctive, some might say ugly, but it’s a very comfortable shoe. People are going more for comfort now and less for fashion. Crocs are practical—kids wear them to sport, to the pool, to the beach, the shops. They provide good support all round.”

Podiatrist approved summer sandal pick #4: Twoobs Platform Sandals The OG+ $169

“This is a good platform sandal, you can’t go wrong with ankle support like this. It creates a lot of balance for the foot, that by default the shoe becomes comfy. The more straps, the better. People worry that the platform decreases stability, but a solid platform like this is fine. However, the arch support could be better, but the ankle support makes up for it.

Podiatrist-approved summer sandal pick #5: Birkenstocks, $222

“Birkenstock has a formula: they created something and it works. The cork, the arch support the net bar, they’ve never changed that. The colours and fabrics change but the core Birkenstock elements remain, because what they created at the start works. And what a lot of brands have done is taken that base and made a product that is prettier. But if you love the Birkenstock look, then it’s really reliable. The shaping ensures your fit sits well in the shoe, the arch support is great. Birkenstocks have a moulded shape that fits most feet, but not all, so some might find them uncomfortable.”

Podiatrist-approved summer sandal pick #5: Kmart Gladiator Footbed Sandal, $8

“If you’re on a budget these might work for your feet. They won’t last you the next five summers but they have angle support and footbed cushioning. They’re certainly affordable and with the price comes sacrifices in quality but if you’re on a budget, look for the footbed support and ankle strap of a shoe like this. Make sure to try them on as the footbed arching needs to align to your actual foot, otherwise they’ll be uncomfortable.”

A podiatrist warning for your summer sandals

“Don’t be walking 10 kilometres in your summer sandals. I see a lot of patients who’ve gone on holiday and walked a day around a city wearing shoes like these—lots of injuries.

I was recently in Europe, looking at the tourists walking the cobbled streets in summer sandals, and all I could see was potential injuries. People going on holiday don’t think of their footwear, and on the day they decide to take a long stroll around a tourist area or attraction—bam, holiday ruined due to foot pain. Fifteen thousand steps on cobbled streets in flimsy shoes is not gonna work for you. You’ll get plantar fasciitis, you’ll get muscle strains.

What not to wear in your summer sandals

Avoid shoes like these! They’re really thin and flat. I can’t see these being comfortable. The foot support is not there; your foot can slide around and lose balance. No cushioning. And the silver shoe—the fabric would not be comfortable to stand on.

Shoes like this are not for walking—maybe from your Uber to the restaurant and back again. They look slick but that’s about it! Some of these shoes are quite expensive and you don’t get much shoe for your money.

Tips for choosing podiatrist-approved summer sandals

Look for adjustable straps at the ankle and the toe so you can create a snug fit
Always try on sandals, and pay attention to how the arch in the shoe meets the arch in your foot—get that wrong and you will be uncomfortable
Don’t spend a day walking in summer sandals—even the sturdier options will not prevent foot pain
The chunky look sandal with thick straps are in fashion and give great foot support
Cushioning will give your foot support for everyday use
Avoid thin straps, flimsy shoes and ultra-flat footbed that provide no comfort