11 best chiropodist-approved summer sandals for women to shop in Canada

Now that the warm weather is upon us, the pressure is on to find summer sandals that are breathable, lightweight and provide extra support.

But with many sandals looking and feeling the same, how do you know which ones to purchase? We spoke to an expert and rounded up a list of the most comfortable and supportive sandals for summer — that you'll actually want to wear.

What should you look for in a sandal?

According to chiropodist Craig Hunt of Hunt Footcare, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing a new pair of sandals.

"Firstly, fit is the most critical thing to look for. The sandal has to fit the shape of your foot to give you the most comfort and support," Hunt tells Yahoo Canada. "You'll want to find a sandal that fits the width of your forefoot, is long enough to cover your longest toe, and has closed heel support or a ridge around your heel to keep your foot in place."

"Finding a sandal with adjustable straps are also great, so you can adjust the shoe to your foot as it swells over the course of the day," he adds.

What are the risks of poor-fitting sandals?

"If you don't have a sandal that fits properly, it can lead to a variety of issues that can actually cause your feet more pain," Hunt says.

As a result of poor fit, Hunt explains that blisters, bunions or calluses are common, as well as the development of bacterial or fungal infections.

"Ill-fitting sandals can also cause pain in the arches or balls of the feet, can lead to toenail problems or even plantar fasciitis, which is a very painful condition and is tricky to treat," Hunt adds.

How do I know which sandal to choose?

According to Hunt, it doesn't necessarily matter what brand of sandal you choose, as long as it properly fits your foot and provides adequate support.

"However, there are some brands I recommend for walking around the house like Birkenstock, Clark's, Hoka and OOFOS, and others that are better for outdoors like Mckinley and Outbound," Hunt says.

To shop the best summer sandals for women in 2023, scroll below.

Birkenstock Women's Gizeh EVA Multi Strap Sandals

"These sandals are very comfortable and durable for a great price," writes a Sport Chek shopper. "They also have a high arch bed that supports my arch and minimizes pain."

$65 at Sport Chek

Mckinley Women's Auckland 2 Hiking Sandals

According to Hunt, the adjustable straps and outsole grip makes these Mckinley sandals a perfect choice for outdoor adventures.

$70 at Sport Chek

Women's Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed Sandal

As per the item's description, these Cushionaire sandals "form a perfect contour to the foot after being worn in." If you're not a fan of white, these sandals come in 15+ other colours and patterns.

From $33 at Amazon

Teva Original Universal Sandals

Teva's comfort and durability started the technical sandal revolution. The brand's universal strap system fits all feet and their EVA midsoles provide comfortable cushioning. With 4,200 reviews on MEC, the sandals have earned a 4.6-star average rating.

$67 $90 at MEC

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials

Birkenstock is known for its legendary support, and these Arizona sandals are no exception. The waterproof slides feature the signature comfort of the Birkenstock footbed and are made from a lightweight material.

$65 at Birkenstock

Hoka ORA Recovery Flip Sandals

These supportive Hoka sandals are a sigh of relief for tired feet. The 100 per cent vegan shoes offer a dual-layer construction, incorporating a soft top layer and resilient midsole/outsole for durability and stability. "I love these sandals," writes one reviewer. "They have lots of support and are very comfortable."

$65 at Altitude Sports

Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandal

These Sorel sandals feature foot-to-floor foam, delivering incredible support and comfort. With an average rating of 4.5 stars, shoppers call them the "perfect sandals."

$155 at Sorel

Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals

Chaco's supportive sandals are perfect for stepping out in hot summers in Canada. The vegan-friendly shoe has an extra grippy outsole and a podiatrist-certified footbed that supports and comforts.

$140 at Altitude Sports

Clarks Breeze Flip Flop Sandals

With a solid average rating of 4.9 stars, Mark's shoppers call these "fantastic" sandals that will last "for years." One reviewer, who owns four pairs of the flip-flops, calls them their "go-to" shoes. "I wear them all year round, including indoors in the winter," they write.

$65 at Mark's

Keen Astoria West Open-Toe Sandals

These open-toe, active wedge sandals deliver lightweight support and feature eco Anti-Odour for natural odour control. They have a contoured arch and three points of adjustability for a custom fit. "These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever purchased," writes one shopper. "They give great support and adjust to your foot width."

$82 $110 at Altitude Sports

Sketchers Arch Fit Sunshine Sandals

These supportive Sketchers sandals feature Arch Fit cushioned contoured footbeds, helping reduce shock and increase weight dispersion. They're "cute and comfy," according to one reviewer.

$95 at Mark's

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.