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With the countdown to spring on, it’s time to take serious stock of your warm-weather shoe collection. Do your sneakers have holes in them? Are the heels on your sandals worn down? Luckily, you don’t have to head to several different stores to find the perfect new option — Nordstrom’s extensive shoe selection has a pair for everyone’s spring 2024 wardrobe.
But since we want our shoes to keep our feet comfy and supported all season long, not just any shoe will do. To get the scoop on which types of footwear everyone should have in their arsenal this spring, we reached out to Austin Hall, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists. «Sandals and open-toe shoes are typically less supportive than athletic sneakers and boots, however, there are some very good spring options,» said Dr. Hall. «Try sandals with a back strap — they’ll provide you more support than a slip-on sandal or ballet flat.» Some companies in particular, added Dr. Hall, stand out from the crowd: «More and more brands are providing shoes that help keep feet healthy. Hoka and On Cloud offer the most supportive sneakers, while Birkenstock, Keen and Teva provide some great sandals.»
How to find a supportive shoe, according to a podiatrist
From slingbacks and slip-ons to sneakers and mules, the spring shoe options are endless, so it can be tough to know where to start. To find the perfect fit, Dr. Hall suggests the ‘bend and twist’ test. «Bend the shoes and try to touch the toes to the heel. This should not be possible. There should be a considerable gap between the two even at their nearest point,» he says. Try ‘twisting’ the shoes, too — heel and toe in opposite directions — or ringing them out like a towel. «Again, there should be very little ‘twist’ in a supportive shoe.»
Now that you know what you’re looking for, here comes the fun part — shoe shopping! These 10 comfortable shoes at Nordstrom are stylish, supportive, all under $150 and just what the doctor ordered to get you through the spring and summer.
Everyday sandals
Wedges are back in a big way this season, and these Birkenstock sandals are at the top of our spring wish list. Complete with a supportive, contoured cork footbed, modest platform and adjustable strap, you’ll be comfortable wearing these neutral shoes all day.
One happy customer raved, «These are perfect. I do have wide feet and they are not snug at all… I have worn [these] all day, with no irritation, rubbing or blisters.»
Everyone needs a flat sandal that they can wear for the entire day and dress up or down. This strappy and supportive style from Steve Madden comes in five neutral colors, but we love how the gold hardware elevates this versatile black pair.
A five-star reviewer called this find the «best staple sandal ever» and added, «They are comfy, easy to clean and honestly look like they could be a designer pair of sandals.»
If your spring shoe collection is mainly flip-flops, consider upgrading to these chic sandals. Also available in white, the stretchy slingback provides extra support, so the shoe won’t slip around on your foot. Plus, how cute is the tortoiseshell-patterned buckle?
«I had a pair of Olukai slingback sandals for years that I wore out. They no longer sell the style I loved so much and I have been waiting for months for a replacement pair. I was excited to find this new style,» wrote a fan. «These sandals are very comfortable to wear and look cute. The toe divider does not hurt me and I love the arch support.»
Cute and comfortable sneakers
If you’ve managed to avoid the siren song of On’s cool geometric soles, you’re missing out on arguably the most versatile — and one of the comfiest — sneakers on the market. Created for the gym as well as everyday wear, these sleek running shoes have a cushioned sole to help provide stability with each step you take.
«Top tier,» said one a satisfied stepper. «These runners went on a 3.5-mile hike and lived up to their name. Were comfortable and did not give me any pain at all. Highly recommend. I now own three pairs.»
Trust us: Metallics will be everywhere this spring and, yes, they are as easy to wear as neutrals. These silver sneakers from Naturalizer feature a small platform, a textured upper and the brand’s Contour+ technology to give your arches some added support.
Unsurprisingly, the style has received a ton of glowing reviews. One fan wrote: «I have a bunion and other foot issues that recently surfaced, so a comfortable shoe is a must. These shoes are so comfortable right out of the box.»
If you have yet to snag a pair from the cult-favorite brand Hoka, now’s a great time. Known for being extra cushioned and perfect for long walks, Hoka’s Transport Shoe, in particular, has a sturdy, no-slip sole, a removable insole, and a «toggle lacing system» to ensure you have a comfortable and secure fit. The neutral color matches everything.
Take it from this happy customer who exclaimed: «Omg, I cannot say enough good things about these shoes! They are wonderful to walk in and I love the way they feel when the foot rolls forward. Plus, they look so stylish and not so sneakerish.»
Supportive flats
Here’s an option if you’re looking for a shoe that’s as comfortable as a sneaker, but functions as a slip-on. This Dr. Scholl’s pick, available in eight colors, features the brand’s Be Free Energy Technology insole — think anatomical cushioning, comfort and arch support.
«I’ve been an active hairdresser for over 35 years and always looking for a good shoe at a good price. These are fabulous on my feet!» praised a five-star reviewer.
Vionic shoes have a reputation for being amazing for people with foot problems. After all, they are approved by The American Podiatric Medical Association. If you’re looking for a shoe that works for business meetings, brunch, date night and everything in between, these cap-toe flats are it — not only do they have an adjustable slingback to keep your feet in place, but they also have a supportive footbed to take care of your arches.
«I find the leather soft and the shoe strap stays on while I walk. The support is also in the right place. It’s a great office shoe,» shared a happy wearer.
It’s no wonder Tevas have been a sandal staple for the last 30 years — one satisfied reviewer said they are «so comfortable [it’s] like walking on clouds.» This extremely lightweight pair sports adjustable loops and straps and a traction-enhancing rubber sole. Plus, with plenty of designs to choose from, they’re as stylish as they are comfy.
Did we mention that over 3,000 Nordstrom shoppers have given the footwear five stars?
This Keen favorite is made for outdoor adventures — its anatomically designed footbed aids with support whether you’re hiking or sightseeing. They’re also machine-washable and quick-drying, so you’ll want to pack them for your seaside vacation, too.
«Keen rose sandals are always the perfect fit,» gushed a five-star reviewer. «Very comfortable — you can walk for hours in these!»
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.