Sandals and breathable shoes for swollen feet: a summer guide for NZ

When the weather warms up, closed winter slippers can feel a bit hot, and ordinary sandals rarely help. Many people find swollen feet feel tighter in warm weather, and most summer footwear is built to one fixed shape.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between cool and comfortable. This guide covers what to look for in summer shoes and sandals for swollen feet, and how to match a style to your level of swelling. For the bigger picture, see our complete guide to shoes for swollen feet.

Why regular summer footwear doesn’t work

Most sandals and summer shoes have a fixed width and a fixed strap. They can dig in on a swollen foot, rub where the foot is tender, and give no way to loosen the fit as the day goes on. Flat, unsupportive soles add to the problem.

What to look for:

- Adjustable straps: touch-fastening straps at the front, and ideally at the heel too, let you loosen or tighten the fit as swelling changes.
- A wide, full opening: the shoe should open flat so your foot slides in without squeezing.
- Breathable materials: lightweight mesh or an open design lets air circulate and keeps feet cooler.
- A soft interior: look for seam-free linings to reduce rubbing.
- A lightweight, non-slip sole: safe on smooth floors and easy to walk in.

Open-toe sandals or closed mesh shoes?

Open-toe sandals give the most airflow, and the open front leaves more room for toes. They suit warm days at home and short outings.

Closed mesh shoes keep the breathability but protect the toes, which makes them a better choice for longer walks or uneven ground.

If you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your feet, ask your podiatrist or GP whether open-toe styles are right for you, because toes are less protected.

Summer styles matched to your level of swelling

Here are our summer styles, with their features and fit for each level of swelling. Measurements are for the largest size in each style, measured by hand (Milo’s Moment and Sam’s Striders being measured on a 240mm sample size).

Significant swelling

• Noah’s Breeze is a fully opening shoe in lightweight breathable mesh, with front and heel adjustable straps. It fits up to 44cm around the foot and 18cm high, for men and women.
• Maggie’s Moments is a fully opening shoe for spring and summer, with a lightweight woven upper and front and heel adjustable straps. The woven fabric has a slightly more structured look than mesh, and a memory foam insole adds cushioning.

Mild to moderate swelling

• Eleanor’s Essence is a fully opening, breathable summer style with front and heel straps(35cm around the foot, 13cm high).
• Milo’s Moment has an open toe and front and heel straps (35cm, 10.5cm high).
• Harper’s Haven is a fully opening sandal with an open toe and adjustable front and heel Velcro straps.
• Sam’s Striders has an open toe and an adjustable front strap (35cm, 10.5cm high).

Mild swelling

• Rosie’s Retreat is a women’s open-toe sandal with an adjustable front strap (34cm around the foot, 10cm high).

Not sure which one? Our guide to measuring swollen feet for shoes walks through it.

Getting the fit right

- Measure later in the day, when swelling is usually at its largest, and size for the larger or more swollen foot. The straps let you tighten the other side.
- Go for thin, soft socks, or none with open-toe styles. If you wear socks, choose non-binding ones, such as our diabetic bamboo socks.
- Try them at home first on a clean floor, so you can check the fit before wearing them outside.

Keeping feet comfortable in summer

- Keep feet clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot on hot pavement or decking.
- Put sunscreen on the tops of exposed feet.
- At the end of the day, check for red spots or rubbing, especially if your feet are sensitive or you have reduced feeling.
- If you notice sudden swelling in one foot, pain or redness, see your GP.

Buying for a parent or grandparent

If you’re choosing from a distance, send us their measurements and a photo and we’ll check the fit against each style’s adjustment range. If you’re in Taranaki, you’re welcome to book a time to try shoes on and bring a family member along. Our Easy Returns page explains what happens if the fit isn’t right.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are open-toe sandals suitable for swollen feet?
A: They can be a good choice, because the open front gives toes room and lets air in. Choose adjustable straps so the fit can change through the day, and ask your podiatrist or GP first if you have diabetes or reduced feeling.

Q: Do I need socks with sandals?
A: Not with open-toe styles, though some people prefer a thin, soft sock. Choose non-binding socks so nothing squeezes the foot.

Q: Can I wear these outdoors?
A: Yes. They’re light and flexible, with slip-resistant soles that suit short walks, the garden and the shops.

Q: What if my feet swell more in the afternoon?
A: That’s very common. Size for your most swollen time of day, and use the straps to tighten the fit on slimmer days.

Go deeper

• Complete guide to shoes for swollen feet
• How to measure swollen feet for shoes
• Choosing socks for diabetic feet
• Winter slippers for the elderly

Ready to shop? Browse our adaptive footwear, or contact us for a personalised recommendation.