Why Your Feet Swell in Summer — And the Shoes That Help
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It’s not just you — lots of women find their feet puff up in warmer weather.
Suddenly your favourite sandals feel tight, straps dig in, and shoes that were comfortable in spring start to feel “off.”
The good news? It’s completely normal… and easy to manage with the right footwear.
Here’s why it happens — and the styles that make summer so much more comfortable.
Why Do Feet Swell in Summer?
1. Heat = Expanded Blood Vessels
When it’s warm, your blood vessels widen to help cool your body down.
This is great for temperature control, but it also means more fluid pools around the ankles and feet, causing that puffy, tight feeling.
2. Standing and Walking More
Summer means:
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walking the village
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beach days
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long shopping sessions
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weekend markets
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travel and exploring
All of this increases circulation to your feet — and with heat in the mix, swelling is even more common.
3. Dehydration (Sneakily Common)
If you’re not drinking enough water, your body actually holds on to fluid — especially in the extremities.
4. Salt, Heat, and Hormones
Summer foods (hello, chips on the beach!) + heat + natural hormonal shifts can also increase fluid retention.
So yes — swollen feet are incredibly normal.
But uncomfortable shoes don’t have to be.
The Best Shoes for Swollen Summer Feet
The right footwear can make a huge difference. Here’s what to look for:
1. Adjustable Straps
Your foot shape can change hour by hour in summer.
Adjustable straps let you adapt on the go, giving you more room when you need it.
Great features:
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Velcro straps
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Buckles
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Multiple adjustment points
Sole Sisters has a huge selection of adjustable summer sandals across all of our brands
2. Soft, Mouldable Leathers
Good leather stretches gently with your foot instead of rubbing or digging in.
Look for soft, buttery leathers that move naturally — not stiff synthetics that trap heat.
3. Cushioned, Supportive Footbeds
Swollen feet tire quickly.
A cushioned footbed absorbs shock and keeps your ankles and arches relaxed.
Supportive footbeds help with:
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balance
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swelling
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pressure relief
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all-day comfort
4. Wider or Stretch-Friendly Fronts
In summer, toes want a little more space.
Look for:
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wider toe boxes
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soft fronts
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stretch panels
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rounded toes
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peep-toes
These let your foot swell naturally without the discomfort.
5. Contoured Soles With Good Grip
When feet swell, stability matters.
A good sole:
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supports the arch
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reduces fatigue
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helps keep your ankle centred
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stops the “sliding forward” feeling
Many customer favourites in our store are loved specifically for this feature.
Simple Tips to Reduce Swelling at Home
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Stay hydrated
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Elevate your feet after long days
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Avoid tight ankle straps
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Choose breathable materials
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Wear supportive shoes instead of flat, flimsy ones
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Use a cooling foot spray at night
(You can even pop your sandals in front of a fan before slipping them on — it works!)
Final Thoughts
Swollen feet are a normal part of summer — but the discomfort doesn’t have to be.
With the right materials, support, and adjustability, your shoes can work with your feet all season long.
If you need help finding the perfect pair for summer comfort, pop into Sole Sisters.
We’ll help you find something stylish, supportive, and designed for real feet — even on the hottest days.