There’s nothing worse than sweaty summer feet. Or frumpy shoes that ruin a chic, breezy outfit. Sandals are a must all summer— and from Spring into Fall— but can summer sandals double as driving shoes for all the errands, vacations and more that fill our days?
Your high school driving instructor, or your dad, might be horrified at some of the footwear choices people make when getting behind the wheel. And honestly, when driving, you should wear shoes that won’t slip off the pedal, that are agile for moving quickly between brake and accelerator, that fit your foot well and that won’t fatigue your feet if you have to spend hours in traffic.
And then, they need to be comfortable and supportive for the errands you’ll run, the in-and-out of the car many times in a day, walking on hot summer pavement. Yes, I just described sneakers, but … sweaty feet or worse, socks in summer? With that frilly Reformation dress you’ve been waiting all winter to wear? No thanks.
What Makes Summer Sandals Good Driving Shoes?
The same things that make a good driving shoe make good driving sandal: a grippy tread, a snug fit, flexibility on your foot and nothing that gets in the way of moving your foot pedal to pedal. We specifically advise against flip flops for driving simply because they are not safe; they can slip off your foot or worse, get stuck under one of the pedals. Ideally, sandals should have solid straps around the ankle strap and across the toes or bridge of the foot. Heel height is up to you; as long as you’re comfortable, agile and can drive safely, a reasonable heel height shouldn’t matter too much.
This Island Glow sandal from Dr. Scholl’s ($40) is a good example, but read on for some of our favorite sandals for summer driving and why we like them.
Vince Dalia Strappy Heeled Summer Sandals $245
Vince sandals are made for summer. Muted colors, casual design, beach-to-bridal chic for every day and every night. We love this design for its ankle strap and block heel.
Jeffrey Campbell Calath Embellished Flat $95
Cheeky design and fun materials are the hallmark of Jeffrey Campbell—as well as very affordable prices, so you can fill your sandal shelf with JC designs. Big bows, spiky studs and here, pearls or rhinestones accent a solid sandal that will add a fun bit of flash to every outfit.
Vionic Lizbeth Summer Sandals $100
These are the sandals I’ve been eyeing for their lighter-than-air weight and cushy footbeds that are actually foot-shaped, with arch support and just the right amount of heel height for back support. Plus, they just look good. Vionic may be my new favorite shoe brand.
Alexandre Birman Clarita Summer Sandal $149
Alexandre Birman is my favorite new(ish) shoe designer; launched in 2008 and worn on red carpets by celebs from Princess Kate to Bella Hadid to Gisele Bündchen, the label is the namesake of the scion of one of the largest shoemakers in the world. Birman designs are noted by the knotted bow that grace every design. This sandal comes in two colors but I like papaya; orange is always a luxury-signaler.
Dolce Vita Iman Flat Sandal $65
Dolce Vita designed the sandal of the summer last year and is back again this summer with a take on that design. While this one does not have an ankle strap, its toe and instep structure is pretty good and should provide a solid fit on most feet.
Jack Rogers Weekend Sandals, $118
We love the classic preppy summer style of Jack Rogers sandals, though many designs are actually not great driving shoes. The Weekend sandal, however, is an exception and actually, is a great option for both the ankle strap and a nice amount of cushion and tread. These come in 4 colors but we like gold tone platinum, perfect for shorts, midi dresses or jeans.
Tory Burch Ines Wedge Espadrilles $249
You can never go wrong with a pair of Torys for almost any outfit. These have a lower heel and a solid ankle strap, plus the iconic Tory Burch logo across the bridge that add just enough bling for fancy summer parties (or, running to CVS for sunscreen).
Coach Nikki Sandal $117
I hedge a bit with these sandals because they lack an ankle strap but they do have a solid toe and bridge structure and a low block heel. And, denim is the color of the season. Plus, the “C” logo is cleverly woven into the shoe’s design. It’s sure to be a classic, but wear behind the wheel with care.
Toms Classic Espadrille Wedge $41
We’ve loved these classics for a long time. They are elegant for many seasons, pretty much any time there isn’t snow on the ground. And, we love Toms for well priced, well made shoes that donate a third of profits to charity.
Steve Madden Donddi Sandal $55
These are our summer go-to for both summer sandals and driving shoes, and have been for years. And years. They are easy for all day running around, great for the pool, great for lawn-lounging summer concerts and then walking back to the car afterward. I think I’m on my third pair in *I’m not saying how many* years.
Cole Haan Josie Fisherman sandal, $70
Offered in three color choices, you can’t go wrong with Cole Haan: luxury style on the outside, Nike technology on the inside makes these sandals comfy, supportive and easy to wear all day and all night. Plus, a block heel is the way to go for easy chic.
Ugg Yarrow Sandal $70
These are the wedge sandals to covet this summer… and next… and next. They are timeless and charming with a knotted bridge and ankle strap that add a feminine flair and will dress up any outfit.
Dolce Vita Ilva Mid-heel Sandal $121
The designer of last summer’s “It” sandal, this could be the one for this summer for its elegant scalloped design and wearable block heel.
Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve 50 Wedge $296
This has been my go-to for a couple of summers now and probably will be until I wear them out. They look great with nearly everything in my closet and have endured days of ins-and-outs of test drive cars, walking miles through airports and more. And they still look good with a dress at dinner.
