KTAF NEWS

A new pair of shoes is the fastest way to freshen up your look for summer. But this year, being on trend doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. And honestly, isn’t that good news – especially after we all got used to feeling comfy during this year’s extended lockdowns?

If you’re hunting for summer shoes that combine comfort with style, a few general guidelines will help, says podiatrist Angela Ayres.

First up, the shoes should fit properly and be secure enough to stay on without needing to scrunch your toes, contort your foot or walk awkwardly to stop them from flying off (we’ve all been there).

Having a substantial sole rather than a flat, flimsy one, will also offer more support, especially if you’re on your feet for long periods of time.

“For most people, the flatter the shoe, the more the arch of your foot flattens,” Ayres explains. A lack of arch support can lead to a host of problems such as sore arches, heel pain and fatigue.

To help combat this common problem, Ayres used her podiatry background to create Spriing arch supports, which can be discreetly slotted into most styles of shoe and easily transferred from one pair to another. Whether you wear them in sandals or sneakers, they’ll instantly improve both comfort and wearability.

So which shoe styles are the best choice for this summer? We asked stylist and Channel Nine Head of Style Alex Wilson to share her top picks.

Flat, chunky sandals

“A pair of chunky sandals elevates any casual look and the best part is they’re super comfortable,” says Wilson. “I like to style a chunky sandal with a pair of wide-leg trousers and an oversized shirt or blazer, or I’ll wear them with a maxi dress.”

Mules

According to Wilson, mules are a great choice for evenings out – look for details like oversized bows or diamanté embellishments.

You might not automatically think of this style as being comfortable, but Ayres insists the right pair of mules can be. She suggests finding a style that is higher on the instep and that has a small lip around the heel. This shape will hug the foot more securely and hold a Spriing arch support in place.

“The important thing to remember is that you don’t need to compromise on comfort anymore,” Ayres says. “Spriing adds arch support to almost any style of shoe so even the trendiest of styles can be comfortable.”

Mesh details

Mesh fabrics are a fun choice for summer and will be one of the biggest footwear trends of the season. This is a style to enjoy for a good time, not a long time, so take a risk with colour – Wilson loves a vibrant shade of green or edgy beige.

“A pair of beige mesh shoes is a new wardrobe staple. They can be styled with everything from jeans and a tee to a black column dress.”

Sneakers

Sneakers have been popular for years and are showing no signs of waning. “Lockdown allowed us to make dressing down cool,” Wilson confirms.

This season, she favours oversized and chunky sneaker styles. “They can be worn with almost anything, from a cotton shirtdress to matching loungewear.”