The worst shoes to wear in a heatwave: Expert reveals the styles that are an absolute ‘no-no’ as Angela Rayner hits the beach in Crocs while Venezuela Fury opts for divisive ‘sock and sandal’ trend
Heatwave dressing makes getting out of the house in the morning so much more complicated.
Is your outfit breezy but not too skimpy? How do you cover up the parts you don’t want to expose and still stay cool? Are your fabrics breathable? And that’s before you even get to footwear.
While a pair of sandals might seem like the obvious choice, Angela Rayner made the case for white Crocs as she headed to Brighton Beach over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Like the former deputy prime minister, newlywed Venezuela Fury wore the divisive beach shoes under her white dress when she married Noah Price during a ceremony on the Isle of Man last week.
The 16-year-old followed up on her divisive choice by wearing socks with black, two-strap Dior sandals on her honeymoon in Marbella, Spain, which was also ill-advised, according to a shoe expert.
In fact, pairing socks with sandals is the biggest heatwave faux pas you can make, Paul Donnelly from Heavenly Feet and celebrity stylist Lalla Bronshtein told the Daily Mail.
Lalla emphasised: ‘Socks and sandals are an absolute no-no; they look on trend but lack breathability for your feet.’
Platform wedges
Nicola Peltz opted for a pair of gold cork wedges when she holidayed with husband Brooklyn Beckham in St Tropez last summer
Dua Lipa opted for a pair of flatform sandals when she hit the beach in Miami in 2022
Paul: Comfort is key. In warm weather, many people find their feet swell slightly in the heat. Ensuring sandals are adjustable and designed to fit properly helps avoid blisters, rubbing and discomfort. Heavy shoes are a major cause of irritation during hot weather, particularly when feet become warm and sweaty after long periods of walking.
Chunky and platform wedges may be on trend, but heavier styles can quickly become uncomfortable and impractical for all-day wear.
Crocs
Angela Rayner made the case for white Crocs as she headed to Brighton Beach over the Bank Holiday weekend
Justin Bieber paired his grey Crocs with slouchy socks
Paul: Crocs may be convenient for short periods, but enclosed rubber styles can quickly become hot and sweaty during a heatwave. If worn for long walks or all-day wear, they can be restrictive and lead to rubbing, overheating and discomfort, especially in extreme temperatures.
Birkenstocks
Jessica Alba opted for a pair of Birkenstock-style sandals to keep cool during a beach outing in Miami
Lalla: The right footwear for a heatwave is sandals, such as Birkenstock, because the cork footbed absorbs sweat and helps mould your feet. In particular, Birkenstock’s fisherman-style sandal is perfect for the weather and trendy at the same time.
Slide sandals
Victoria Beckham opted for a pair of brown Hermes sandals during a family getaway in Ibiza over the Bank Holiday weekend
Paul: Adjustable and easy-to-slip-on sliders are the perfect choice for hot weather. Lightweight, comfortable and easy to get on, they are also often sweat-proof and accommodate feet as they swell throughout the day. Supportive, well-fitting and adjustable styles are best to help avoid blisters and discomfort.
Sneakers
Rita Ora teamed a black swimsuit with a pair of slip-on sneakers for an unconventional beach getaway
Shakira opted for practical white sneakers for an afternoon on the beach with her sons, Milan and Sasha
Paul: Comfort is key in warm weather, especially as feet naturally swell in the heat. Lightweight, breathable sneakers with cushioned soles help prevent rubbing and keep feet comfortable all day. Make sure they fit really well and don’t be scared to try a size up, down or get a wide fit as we see feet becoming more prevalent.
Lalla: Canvas sneakers such as Vans keep your feet cool as they are breathable and lightweight, best to wear with sports socks.
Socks with sandals
Venezuela Fury divided opinion by wearing socks with black, two-strap Dior sandals on her honeymoon in Marbella, Spain
Paul: With any heatwave styling, remaining cool is a priority. It’s all well and good if footwear looks fashionable, but if your feet are overheating or rubbing in platform wedges, closed toe sliders and socks and Crocs after a short walk, they’re simply not practical for summer wear.
While the look has become more fashionable, socks with sandals can trap heat and make feet uncomfortable in warmer weather. Open-toe styles are the ideal option for helping feet stay cool and comfortable throughout a heatwave.
