We Tested 54 Pairs of Shoes — These Are Our Top 10 Picks for Summer

When it comes to a running shoe, you’ll want something light and springy. This minimizes the impact on your heel, thus keeping you comfortable while you clock more miles. It also helps you avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on the body. When running in the summer, it's important for your shoes to be made from a breathable, lightweight material, such as mesh. The Gel-Nimbus 26 checks both of these boxes.

Natasha Caleel, an Everyday Health writer who tried these out, was especially impressed with the soles. “[They were] incredibly comfortable, very thick in the soles but they hugged my feet well,” she explained. She praised how lightweight they are, and liked that the fabric was adaptive and stretchy, noting it was easy to slip these on without having to untie them. Caleel did note that the mesh in the lighter colorways was prone to looking dirty. Fortunately, there are plenty of shades to choose from.

Out of all the shoes we tested, this one received one of the most positive reviews. Everyday Health writer Alexandra Klausner praised the shoe’s wide range of sizes and super-comfortable sole. “I have no pain after the treadmill; they are great to walk in and have an awesome cushioned feel,” she enthused. She said it felt like she was walking on a cloud.

It’s also a good bet for those with various ailments; for example, bunions, which can be particularly painful in ill-fitting shoes. Klausner assured us there was no issue with that. “Blisters didn’t happen. These shoes are honestly perfect.” The thick stack of cushioning is specifically designed to support the forefoot. It also has a broad base, so it feels secure while you’re on the road, making the Brooks Ghost Max an obvious pick for best walking shoe.

One of the best ways to manage bunions is to wear a pair of comfortable shoes that don’t squeeze or rub on the big toe joint. This is where the Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe comes in.

When researching the best shoes for bunions, we were particularly interested in options that offered a range of sizes and the ability to opt for wide shapes. Nicole Freels, a doctor of podiatry specializing in sports and regenerative medicine in Lexington, Kentucky, shared insights on the best shoes for bunions, noting that a wide toe box is key. She also encourage wearing shoes that promote stability. “Those that are genetically and environmentally prone to bunions need a stronger outsole and insole,” she explained.

Ryka’s Devotion X shoe meets these criteria. “I felt these were some of the most comfy kicks I’d worn right away,” said Everyday Health writer Brittany Vargas. She liked wearing them for walking both on flat trails and concrete, running errands, and for general everyday use. She also noted that they were easy on the eyes. “They will protect your feet and body from the impact of the ground while also being stylish enough to pull off an athleisure look when going out for brunch,” she said. While we’re confident in this selection, keep in mind that they are only available in women’s sizing, and the Devotion X does not come in narrow sizes.

Summertime comes with the promise of plenty of adventures. Overseas vacations, nearby lake trips, hikes to waterfalls with friends, and a walk to the community pool — all these jaunts require the right footwear. After all, the perfect day can be quickly ruined by shoes that rub your feet raw or leave behind nasty blisters. We love Keen’s Hyperport H2 sandals for their versatility as water shoes.

Many water shoes are simple slippers designed exclusively for use in the water. While that can be helpful, it often leaves a big need unmet. Chances are, you’ll have to walk to reach your water source, and a supportive shoe can make the trek much more enjoyable. These shoes from Keen pull double duty. Their breathable design with open sides allows water and debris to flow freely through the shoe — no more squirting water with every step. The sole has great tread, which is helpful for walking over slippery rocks. Just keep in mind that these shoes aren’t ideal for long land hikes. They’ll take you from point A to B with comfort, but wearing these wet for significant distances will likely lead to some chafing.

If you’re traveling this summer, you will want a shoe that can handle long days, provide plenty of cushioning, and align with your personal style. Hoka is a shoe brand that is well-known for its thick soles, which provide ample cushioning and comfort. The Arahi 7 model isn’t just comfortable; it’s available in both men’s and women's sizes, and offers wide widths, making it a versatile pick. Flexibility is the name of the game when traveling, and this shoe is the best one we’ve found to take on your next road trip or flight.

It is essential to have a shoe that can handle some miles, since you often don’t know just how long you’ll be on your feet when you're traveling. Our tester, Everyday Health editor Ashley Ziegler, can attest to how well these shoes perform over a long period of time. “I wore these on a few three-plus-mile walks and they felt great,” she said. She praised the heel cushioning, calling it a “dreamy” experience. Ziegler also noted that the flexible mesh upper is comfy enough to wear with or without socks — great news if you’re prone to packing mishaps. That said, she did note that the upper isn’t the most breathable, so your feet may get a bit toasty. Its strong overall performance makes the risk of a little heat seem like a small price to pay.

New Balance is known for its precise attention to detail. With many different styles of shoes, plenty of unisex options, and a wide range of sizes, New Balance has something for everyone. When it comes to unisex shoes, it can be difficult to find a wide range of sizes for both men and women. New Balance generally knocks its competitors out of the water due to all the different fits and sizes they offer. The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 style amps up the versatility with its features, making it perfect for a variety of activities.

The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is designed both for running and all-day wear, which we think justifies the higher price tag — you won’t be spending over $100 on a shoe that you can wear only for running or just for day-to-day tasks. You can lace these up for any occasion when you’ll be on your feet.

This lightweight shoe is available in men's sizes 7 to 16 and women's sizes 5 to 13, including half sizes, and you can choose from standard, narrow, wide, or extra-wide. Jana Pollack, the Everyday Health writer who tried them, immediately noticed the bounce in the sole. She especially liked them for casual walking and being on her feet for extended periods of time. Be sure to read the size chart carefully — this style can run small.

Since the 1970s, Birkenstocks have dominated the sandal game. The brand’s name can evoke images of blissed-out bohemians, easygoing moms browsing health food stores, and the young, hip folks in your life, speaking to the brand’s wide appeal. When you’re looking for a supportive and comfortable shoe, fashion is usually the first thing sacrificed. But Birkenstock offers the opportunity to blend style and function. The Arizona Big Buckle is a modern take on the classic buckled-sandal silhouette.

I’ve worn this shoe, and iterations of this shoe, for years. In fact, my pair of Big Buckles from Birkenstock looks brand new after miles of wear over the past four years. The best part of these shoes is that they actually improve with age, because the firm sole slowly molds to your feet. The brand claims this is to mimic the sensation of sand forming around your feet, giving that cool, grounded, and supported feeling. The toe grip is great for those who struggle with bunions; it keeps the toes loose and spread out, so there is no pressure that could aggravate sensitive joints. Plus, these are fashionable and timeless, so you can wear them on a stroll to the coffee shop, navigate cobblestone streets on your next vacation, or run after your kiddo at the splash pad. While this particular style isn’t unisex, the classic Arizona Birkenstock is, and there is a children's version, too. If you're looking for a shoe that combines fashion and function for the whole family, look no further.

A high arch brings a unique type of discomfort. Rather than the cutting pain of an irritated bunion or raw blister, a high arch can leave your feet feeling sore and tired. To avoid this deep fatigue, it's critical to find a shoe with solid arch support. The Hoka Clifton 9 features a thick sole for arch support that’s ample but subtle, making it our top pick for the best summer shoe for high arches.

Everyday Health writer Raki Swanson immediately noticed how comfortable these were. “I didn’t feel much arch support on these shoes, and so my arches weren’t sore,” she explained. Rather than a cumbersome extra padding, you can instead expect to feel supported. “These shoes are a dream to walk in; there is so much comfort, [and] they are very lightweight,” Swanson said about these sneakers. She did note that they run big, so be sure to double-check the size chart when ordering. Swanson also flagged that the spongy sole adds about two inches of height. As a bonus, the shoes' clunky silhouette provides extra room in the toe box, also making them comfortable for those with bunions.

The Kuru sole (KURUSOLE), hugs the cup of the heel while supporting the arch and providing shock absorption. So, if you have a long day at an amusement park coming up or need a new daily go-to, this shoe could be great for either. Brittany Vargas tested these shoes and commented on their wide toe box; in addition to support for plantar fasciitis, they leave plenty of space to splay out your toes. “I tried them for everyday use, running errands, and walking. In all cases, I found that my feet felt well supported and cushioned,” she said. She noted that she let her 80-year-old mother borrow the shoes, and she had some difficulty getting them on and off because of the thinness of the straps. Despite this, the versatility, combined with its technology specifically plantar fasciitis, leaves us feeling confident that you’ll find comfort in these shoes.

If your movement is limited in any way, leaning over to untie or tie your shoes can be a cumbersome or downright painful task. The Kita Hands-Free shoe is sure to be a fan favorite among pregnant people or those suffering from arthritis, mobility issues, back pain, or knee pain, thanks to its easy slip-on design. You only have to tie these shoes to your desired comfort level once. After that, you can simply slip them on and off. These shoes are also surprisingly versatile. The stretchy mesh upper is made of water-repellent fabric, and the sole has a great tread, making them perfect for forging ahead in a summer storm. It also offers customization options with its removable insole and medical spacer inserts. The insole features an arch booster, making it versatile for folks with different foot shapes. The spacers can be placed under the insole so the depth of the shoe is perfect for you.

The versatility was a key factor in winning us over. Dr. Freels noted that a shoe with a removable insole is key because it allows you to add the best insert for your foot type. Olivia Campbell, our Everyday Health writer who tested the Kita Hands-Free, noted that the shoes were especially great at relieving stubborn heel pain. She enjoyed the convenience of being able to slip them on and off with ease. She did note that it took two wears for them to feel broken in. Despite the break-in period, there was no painful rubbing or resulting blisters. We love that folks of all different physical abilities can enjoy this simple and comfortable shoe.