Your shoe choice more or less determines how comfortable you’ll remain throughout the day. Regardless of how cozy your clothing selection is, if your pair of flats or sandals pinch ever so slightly, your comfort level will swiftly start to decline. In an effort to avoid such discomfort, we often tap podiatrists to shed insight on those current footwear silhouettes that won’t cause as much pain.
Today, given that many are spending more time at home, we wanted to zero in on the best (and worst) shoes to wear around the house. We turned to Benjamin Tehrani, DPM, of Kings Point Foot & Ankle in Los Angeles and creator of Nerve Assist for expert tips on the common styles that are okay and those that could cause some harm to your overall foot health. In addition, given that many of us do spend a lot of time walking barefoot around the house, Tehrani shed light on the pros and cons on that front, too.
Without further ado, keep scrolling for a ranking of the best and worst at-home shoes. And if you’re shopping at the moment, you’ll find shoe recommendations that could be of interest as well.
"Supportive sandals are preferred. I am impressed with styles like those from Birkenstock that have the ability to remain in style while also providing the best support in the arches that I've seen to date. They have a soft foot bed that has an integrated latex foam cushion that molds to your feet the more you walk in them. The insole is leather lined so it helps to keep the feet dry and makes it durable, which is why they're typically more expensive than the typical sandal." — Tehrani"I prefer to wear a supportive sandal or slipper versus walking barefooted. Our bodies have adapted to the new-world environment of this concrete jungle, and our feet could use the support more than ever. There is absolutely nothing wrong with walking barefooted around the house but in moderation. For instance, if I am washing dishes or doing my laundry, I know I'll be spending lots of time standing in one place and putting pressure on my heels, arches, and balls of my feet. Even if you're in excellent shape, spending hours on your feet without support can lead to many foot, knee, and hip soft-tissue impairments! In those instances where I know I'm going to be on my feet for more than a half-hour, I prefer to wear sandals, such as Powersteps or Vionic, which have built-in orthotics that support your arches. "If you're going the sock route, cotton socks help wick sweat away, for those of you whose feet sweat a lot. Cotton is also thicker and provides more comfort for your feet, especially for people who can't stand wearing sandals or slippers around the house." — Tehrani"Pay attention to the bottom sole of the sandal or flip-flop. As a general rule of thumb, if it bends in the middle of the sole, it has very poor support and your feet will tire out quickly. Take your thumb and middle finger and grab the heel, do the same thing with your other hand on the ball of the sandal, then squeeze. If the central portion bends, it's literally doing nothing to support your arches during your walking cycle." — TehraniOne reviewer says the material here is super soft and feels like you're walking on clouds.Trendy, cool, and comfortable.A+ for that Max Air cushioning.Engineered with an EVA midsole for plush, all-day cushioning.All about the classics.These sneakers have a shock-absorbing technology to ensure comfort.Reviewers rave about the comfort level here.
As the summer months quickly approach and vacations are booked, there's probably one thing on your mind—swimwear. If you're a major swimwear connoisseur, it can often feel like once you've seen one style, you've seen them all. That's why we're here to tell you about the one country that does swimwear its own way: Australia.
While doing some research for a story on cool-girl Aussie brands, I found myself overwhelmed by the number of stylish swimwear labels I was coming across. You know those moments when you find something so good you need to share it with everyone you know? That's exactly how I felt as I came across brand after brand churning out incomparable swimwear designs.
Since Australia is probably one of the most-pinned warm-weather destinations in your Pinterest feed, it should come as no surprise that the girls there don't go trotting around in average bikinis. No, they're wearing swimsuits from brands you've never heard of until now. Here, get ready to be overwhelmed by 10 of the best Australian swimwear brands we fell in love with instantly. Whether you're in the market for a striking one-piece or a barely-there bikini, we apologize in advance for how many swimsuits you're about to buy.
Scroll down to read all about the 10 Australian swimwear brands you need to know and to shop our favorite suits from each.
"[Bāmba] is an Australian swimwear label designed by a small team of creatives who grew up along the coastal borders of Western Australia. [The line is] inspired by the '80s, which birthed a generation of empowered women who showcased the true meaning of comfort in their own skin. With an understanding of the female body in all forms, Bāmba is designed to incorporate the high-rise, cheeky cuts and bold colors to accentuate your assets. The '80s minimal aesthetics have been tailored for the modern Bāmba bombshell." — Bāmba
"We felt the swimwear market lacked a label that was simplistic but sophisticated, so high-quality fabrications and beautifully tailored patterns became our focus. We design swimsuits that create support from their construction and are functional from day to night." — Fella designers Rosie Iffla and Christine Tang
"Made for the sun, the salt, and the sea, Zulu & Zephyr is an Australian lifestyle brand [and] an independent, boutique label, owned and operated by a small team of creatives. [Product can be] found exclusively in Australian and international boutiques." — Zulu & Zephyr
If you're in the market for a bright, unique, and head-turning suit, Triangl should be your number one shopping destination. From cutout one-pieces to floral bikinis, this brand has every shape imaginable at prices you'll definitely be drawn to.
"Growing up with long, sun-drenched summers on the coast of Western Australia and memories of playing in her mother's swimwear closet, designer Dakota Gilbert was always drawn to create and chase the sun. After spending a number of years working in the fashion industry in Australia and London and adventuring through ocean-loving cultures around the world, Dakota returned home to Western Australia with the vision to create a luxe swimwear line the world hadn't seen before. Known for its fusion of sleek designs, its mix of quality fabrics, and, most recently, its embellishments, Skye & Staghorn has cemented itself as a leader in the swimwear industry both locally and abroad." — Skye & Staghorn
"A nomad at heart who appreciates the concept of minimal luxury, Chloé Dunlop (creator) seeks inspiration for every collection through her experiences traveling the globe. From Morocco to India and back to the brand's initial roots in Bali, Chloé's journeys are about connecting with exotic, remote, and foreign cultures. She finds treasures in native colors, landscapes, textiles, and textures, all contributing to the uniqueness within her line." — She Made Me
Zimmermann creates some of the most beautiful, perfectly bohemian, and consistently one-of-a-kind swimsuits. Although these might be a bit of a splurge, we can guarantee you'll keep yours for a lifetime, as the styles are always strikingly classic.
"Palm focuses on creating unique, luxurious swimwear with a timeless appeal. Dedicated to modernizing the classic swimsuit, we aim to create beautiful, simple-lined pieces that encapsulate subtlety and understated elegance. Every suit is made in luxurious Italian fabrics, which provide exceptional shape retention, chlorine resistance, and UV protection." — Palm
"Matteau swim was created to be the subtle swimsuit, the one you reach for to feel confident and at ease by the water. Simple, comfortable, and uncomplicated, our styles are focused on fit and shape to be flattering and firm. The brand stands for classic style and simplicity above all else. Tastefully created to enhance and support the modern woman, our motivation was to reduce the bathing suit to its bare essentials and create a calm, assured aesthetic." — Matteau
"Born out of a lifelong love affair with the ocean, boutique Australian swimwear label Peony fuses bohemian nostalgia with refined femininity to create swimwear made for chasing the sun. Effortless, feminine style forms the philosophy behind the brand, which is inspired by summer's simple joys—diving into the ocean, the smell of coconut oil, the feeling of sand under bare feet, and the first bloom of peony flowers, which signal the beginning of summer." — Peony
