Shopping
Podiatrists pick the comfiest shoes on sale for 4th of July, starting at $29
We hope you’ve got something fun planned for Independence Day, but we’ve got a longer-term concern to address: Whatever you’re doing for the rest of the summer — traveling, partying, camping, hiking, just hanging — you’re gonna need some comfy, quality kicks to get you from adventure to adventure… and all the way to Labor Day and beyond. You might want to take a moment to stop and shop because now is the time to score big-time savings on doctor-recommended, summer-ready footwear. To find shoes that are good for both your feet and gentle on your wallet, we asked podiatrists to identify the features that will help your tootsies feel good all day and stay healthy — then we identified some great options currently on markdown as part of Amazon’s 4th of July sale event.
Keep on scrolling for podiatrist-approved warm-weather shoes that feel as good as they look.
These breathable kicks have a slip-on design with an elastic cuff, so you don’t even have to bother with laces — just stick your feet in and go.
Bonafide foot doctors give these walking shoes the thumbs-up, too. “Stability, or ‘support,’ is probably the most important quality of a sneaker or any other shoe that someone will wear to be on their feet for more than a few minutes at a time,” Richard H. Graves, DPM, of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Calif, tells Yahoo Life. “Making the foot stable means that the joints of the foot are in better alignment and the muscles, tendons and ligaments are not having to work as hard. A good shoe will do a lot of that work.”
The slip-on style — which features a rear pull-tab in the back — is a bonus for those with dexterity issues. Plus, the tip of the shoe is round, and the flat mesh upper is woven yet stretchy, making it easy for any foot shape to sit comfortably inside the shoe.
This comfy kick is a friend to all who suffer from joint pain and all those uncomfortable foot aches. And, on top of all that, the shoe’s dual-density outsole provides the stability and support you need for all-day comfort.
Available in both regular and wide widths, these Asics boast a lug outsole that helps with traction (perfect for people who regularly navigate slippery floors or love hiking).
They also provide excellent shock absorption, which the podiatrist loves. “The rocker bottom helps with propulsion,” explains NYC-based podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, who is board-certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and in Diabetic Footwear.
If you’re looking for a great pair of athletic slip-ons, look no further. The Cloudfoams’ midsole provides ample cushioning and support, while the textured rubber outsole offers good grip. The top of the shoes has crisscrossed elastic straps that help keep them in place and offer a sock-like feel. There are also loops at the top and heel of the shoe that make these even easier to slip on and off.
“These are great all-around slip-on sneakers for walking, light running, and weight day at the gym,” says Dr. Dana Canuso, a podiatrist and chemist. Shoppers rave that they were comfortable straight out of the box and had no break-in period.
These low-tops are made with either a gorgeous full-grain leather or soft nubuck, and the matching laces add to the cool semi-monochromatic look.
The flexible soles on these sneaks use Ecco’s special technology to cushion your foot with each step. “The toe box looks accommodative, and they’re supportive,” says Dr. Zaydenberg. “Plus, leather and suede are natural materials, which is good for people with skin conditions, as they don’t promote sweat.”
Wide and roomy, these sneakers offer just the right mix of support and cushion.
The Akks are are serious superstars, with nearly 15,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon. “They’re accommodative, meaning they allow the foot and the ankle to move in most any direction that weight-bearing permits,” explains Dr. Rock G. Positano, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Joe DiMaggio Heel Pain Center at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
These wonderful walkers are made of mesh fabric, so they feel light on your feet and are just as flexible as your favorite pair of socks.
The outsole has an air bubble and a chunky rubber sole, which Dr. Zaydenberg says is “a great shock absorber” and provides “plenty of cushioning.” The wide toebox accommodates those who have bunions and hammertoes too. If that’s not enough to convince you to get these walking shoes, perhaps the 57,000+ five-star reviews will do it instead!
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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