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Ditch Flats Sandals! These Secretly Supportive Summer Shoes Are More Luxe yet Start at $12

Including Mary Jane sneakers, flats, sandals and more

sandals
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

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Flat sandals are an easy grab, but they come with a hefty side of regret. When you’re running errands, walking to the restaurant or traveling abroad, you’ll be glad you grabbed these comfy-chic shoe styles that serve the same casual ease, minus the aching arches.

This summer’s trendiest shoes hide serious engineering under sleek silhouettes. Think: contouring tucked inside slides, memory foam footbeds disguised as platforms and built-in arch support. Below, you’ll find 13 stylish pairs that look like they belong on a Positano postcard, but feel like they were made for a 12,000-step day.

13 Secretly Supportive Summer Shoes — From $12

1. Bestseller Alert: Slip into these cushiony toe-loop sandals for anything on your July calendar. Breezy and plush, they’re a bestseller for a reason.

2. Boutique Find: Ribbon laces and delicate lace detailing give these pink ballet sneakers the look of flats with the feeling of trainers.

3. Luxe Leopard: Blisters ruin new shoes (and your day). Thankfully, these leopard-print flats have stretchy knit upper that skips the phase entirely; they mold to your foot from the first wear.

4. Logging Miles: When you booked a walking tour and don’t want to arrive in sneakers, slip into these arch-supportive sandals and go for 15,000 steps.

5. New York Socialite: White faux leather, polished gold hardware and a round-toe shape give these luxe-looking loafers a Madison Avenue finish for $34.

BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 27: Lisa Mottl is seen wearing an off-white double-breasted oversized blazer with sharp wide peak lapels, padded shoulders, long sleeves, two parallel rows of matching fabric-covered buttons and classic horizontal flap pockets from Bazhane; a white fitted top from Zara; camel brown cargo-inspired cropped capri length trousers with belt loops, angled flap pockets, wide fluid legs and adjustable drawstring toggle hems creating a gathered balloon-like silhouette from Zara; off-white leather "Taekwondo Mei" ballet flats featuring iconic contrast black stripes, a flexible gum sole and delicate wrap-around ankle laces from Adidas; a black "Archive Gloria II Satchel L" large shoulder bag crafted from soft calf leather with a flap main compartment, an applied front pocket, twist lock closures, two top handles, side snap buttons for width adjustment and logo embossing on the front from Liebeskind Berlin; necklaces; "Olsen" sunglasses with a slim rectangular frame crafted from black acetate and smoke grey lenses from Vehla; her brown hair is worn loose with a center part; with natural make up on May 27, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Related: ICYMI, Ballerina Sneakers Are the 2026 Version of Clean White Kicks

6. European Rich Mom: Adidas took the Mary Jane silhouette and gave it a sporty twist with this pair. The Parisian-style Barreda sneakers go beautifully with dresses and still handle airport days.

7. Elevated Flops: Flat flip-flops provide zero support, but heeled sandals kill you by 9 p.m. This platform pair splits the difference with a stable base and a classic thong design.

8. Mega Classy: Two-tone paneling gives these Mary Jane sneakers a compliment-worthy appeal. The strap keeps them secure without the toe-grip clench of ballet flats.

9. Oddly Chic: Crocs took its signature foam and shaped it into toe-loop sandals, which may sound strange until you wear them. These cloud-like wonders are wildly comfortable.

10. Hamptons Vibes: If you love the Hermès Oran, you’ll adore these coastal-inspired slides that feature a raffia-looking H-strap and memory foam footbed.

11. Total Hybrid: Museum days that turn into dinner plans call for shoes that work for both. These Mary Jane sneakers skip the outfit-change panic.

12. Beach Day: Reef built its reputation on comfort and these easy Vista sandals prove why. They cushion you through sand, salt water and the walk back to the car.

13. Half Off: These classy gold-strap sandals should cost triple the price, with thick metallic straps that dress up denim and sundresses alike. But hey, no complaints!

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Related: 13 Elevated Shoe Styles That Make Dresses Look More Expensive

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