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GET YOUR FEET READY FOR SUMMER

Expert tips for SS26 healthy, happy feet

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, it’s officially time to step into summer. Sandals come out, toes get exposed and we spend more time on our feet - whether that’s family BBQs in the garden, heading off on holiday or simply enjoying the sunshine closer to home.

But after months hidden in boots and thick socks, your feet may not feel quite ready for their seasonal debut.

At Vionic, we believe that summer style should start from the ground up. With a little preparation - and the right supportive footwear - you can ensure your feet look good, feel comfortable and stay healthy all season long.

Prepare your feet for summer with expert tips on foot care, supportive footwear and the best Vionic SS26 sandals, trainers and loafers for all-day comfort.

WHY SUMMER FOOT CARE MATTERS

Your feet go through a lot during summer. Warmer weather, increased activity and lighter footwear can all place extra demands on them. Common seasonal issues include:

• Dry, cracked heels

• Increased foot fatigue

• Blisters from new or unsupportive sandals

• Lack of arch support in flatter styles

The good news is that a  few simple changes can make all the difference, helping you avoid discomfort this summer and enjoy every step.

Step 1: Refresh and restore after winter

Before you slip into sandals, it’s worth giving your feet a little extra attention, so you look and feel your very best and are ready to embrace the summer. Here are our tips for summer-ready feet:

• Exfoliate and Hydrate: Cold weather can leave skin dry and rough. Use a gentle exfoliator or foot file to remove dead skin, followed by a rich moisturiser to restore softness, especially around the heels

• Trim and tidy: Keep toenails neatly trimmed and filed to prevent discomfort in open or closed shoes. Overgrown nails can press against shoes, causing painful toes, blisters and corn development. They can also catch on socks or sheets, causing pain

• Don’t forget SPF: Yes, really - your feet are exposed in summer too. Especially on holiday, applying SPF helps protect against sun damage, particularly on the tops of your feet

Step 2: Build strength and flexibility

If your feet have spent months in structured winter boots, they may need time to readjust to lighter styles. Simple daily exercises can help:

• Toe stretches to improve flexibility

• Rolling your foot over a ball to ease tension

• Gentle calf stretches to support overall alignment

Strong, flexible feet are better equipped to handle increased activity - whether that’s sightseeing on holiday or long walks in the park.

Step 3: Choose supportive summer footwear

One of the biggest mistakes people make in summer is swapping supportive shoes for completely flat, unsupportive styles. While regular  flip flops and thin sandals may feel easy, they often lack the structure your feet need and may even cause long-term damage to your feet.

What to look for in summer shoes:

• Arch support to maintain alignment

• Cushioned soles to absorb impact

• Flexibility to maximise forefoot motion

• Contoured footbeds for all-day comfort

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This is where Vionic’s SS26 collection comes into its own - combining lightweight, breathable design with podiatrist-developed support.

Step 4: Step into the season with the right styles

Summer footwear should work with your lifestyle, not against it. Whether you’re staying local or heading abroad, having a few go-to styles makes all the difference.

• Supportive sandals

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A summer essential….. but remember that not all sandals are created equal. Vionic’s SS26 sandals collection features adjustable straps, cushioned footbeds and built-in arch support - ideal for everything from city exploring to seaside strolls.

Look for styles like Geneva, the active Walk Max Wanderer and Sky, all very different styles, but each of them hold the foot securely in place.

• Lightweight trainers

Perfect for travel days, long walks or casual wear, lightweight trainers - City Walk, the Uptown sneaker and Walk Glide - offer the support your feet need with a breathable, summer-ready feel. Vionic’s updated trainer silhouettes for SS26 combine flexibility with stability - helping to reduce foot fatigue even on the busiest days.

• Easy slip-ons and loafers

For days when you want something quick yet polished, slip-ons and loafers are a versatile option. Soft materials and supportive soles ensure they’re as comfortable as they are stylish - ideal for work, weekends or evenings out. Look for styles like the lightweight Hayward trainer (above), the Kearny 2.0 platform slip-on and Uptown Perf  - all of which have inbuilt comfort and support with Vionic’s VIO-MOTION Technology in every pair.

• Wedges and everyday heels

If you’re dressing up, opt for supportive wedges or block heels that distribute weight more evenly than traditional high heels. Vionic’s SS26 designs - like Bolinas (above), Reyes and Dana - focus on balance and cushioning, allowing you to enjoy a little height without sacrificing comfort.

Step 5: Prevent common summer foot problems

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to foot health. Here’s how:

• Avoid blisters: New shoes can rub, especially in warmer weather. Break them in gradually and look for soft, flexible materials that move with your foot

• Drink water: Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your body - it helps keep skin supple and less prone to cracking.

• Alternate your footwear: Rotating between different styles reduces pressure on the same areas of your feet, helping to prevent discomfort and overuse.

• Listen to your feet: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Switching to more supportive footwear early can prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems.

It’s easy to associate supportive footwear with colder months or more structured shoes, but support is just as important in summer, if not more so. When your shoes support your natural alignment, they can help to:

• Reduce strain on the feet, ankles and knees

• Improve posture and balance

• Minimise fatigue during long days on your feet

Vionic’s podiatrist-designed summer shoes and sandals ensure that every pair - whatever your chosen style - deliver wellbeing from the ground up. With every pair designed with Vionic’s built-in VIO-MOTION Support Technology, it’s about making style feel comfortably effortless, whatever your plans.

With Vionic’s latest collection, you don’t have to compromise. Whether you’re reaching for supportive sandals, summer heels and wedges, lightweight trainers or everyday loafers, you’ll find styles designed to keep you feeling stylish and supported - every step of the way.

Read more of our blogposts on the Vionic UK website here.