I’m Prioritizing Comfort This Summer—These Shoe 5 Trends Make It Look Incredibly Chic

30 pairs from Nordstrom you can walk for miles in.

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Whether it's a walk through the park or a beach day, I plan on being outside this summer. The quickest way to kill a nice day, though, is an uncomfortable pair of shoes. There's nothing like blisters or heel pain to kill the vibe, and I refuse to suffer through either this season. I'm on a mission to find summer shoes that are both chic and comfortable, and Nordstrom has got me covered with plenty of options.

Luckily, several summer shoe trends are practically designed to be blister-free. For starters, sandals have stolen my heart (as they do this time every year), but for 2026, I'm prioritizing flat styles I can walk for miles in, like thong styles and other minimalist strappy silhouettes. I also can't forget about cool retro sneakers, like those from Adidas and Vans, for more casual outfits.

Considering the sheer number of stylish shoes I found, it's shaping up to be one comfy summer. Ahead, shop all the comfortable summer shoes from Nordstrom I'm eyeing, including under-$100 pairs to suit every budget. This list proves that comfy shoes don't have to be orthopedic.

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High-Vamp Flats

fashion week attendee wears long pink top, jeans, and white ballet flats

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Spring 2026 saw the rise of the high-vamp flat, but I don't think they've reached their fever pitch just yet. Characterized by a glove-like fit, these chic styles will be sticking around for summer—I guarantee it. Classic black flats will go with everything in your summer wardrobe, but don't be afraid to try punchy colors, woven textures, or Mary Jane silhouettes to elevate your breezy dresses.

Thick Flip-Flops

fashion week attendee wearing sunglasses, button down shirt, white tank top, red skirt, and black flip flops

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Thong sandals, a.k.a flip-flops, are not for the faint of heart—especially if you live in a bustling city like New York. There's no denying, though, that the sandals are particularly comfortable. This year, the classic silhouette is taking on a puffier, more dramatic style. A dense sole and thicker straps ensure an even more comfortable fit. Just ask Zendaya, who wore platform flip-flops on a recent trip to Los Angeles.

Retro Sneakers

fashion week attendee wearing cream tank top, pants, green sneakers

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There's no denying that retro sneakers are trending. Ultra-slender Adidas styles like the Taekwondo and Tokyo are beloved by Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence. Meanwhile, Rihanna can't stop wearing the Puma Speedcat (inspired by a '90s-era design). Vans is also in the midst of a major style moment, thanks to Jenna Ortega, who is a huge fan of the '80s-inspired Super Low Pros.

'90s Sandals

fashion week attendee wearing sunglasses, green jacket, floral dress, and black sandals

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Call it the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy effect, but barely-there black sandals are everywhere this summer. Of course, strappy silhouettes are nothing new, but 2026's take on the look feels fresh. The clean silhouette adds an extra dose of chicness to your minimalist summer outfits, especially when paired with an elegant black-and-white color combination.

Soft Loafers

fashion week attendee wears white t-shirt, khaki skirt, and black loafers

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Soft, slip-on loafers are having a moment as we head into the summer months. Fashion's biggest A-listers, including Zoë Kravitz, Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez, have adopted the style into their new-season wardrobes. Whether you prefer a totally backless pair, which feels especially appropriate in hot weather, or choose a soft-back pair for versatile styling, soft loafers are the undeniable work shoe of summer.

Brooke Knappenberger
Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.