Last weekend I spent a fantastic few days in Madrid with my husband. It was heat-wave hot, and we were walking nearly 20 km a day in sweltering temperatures.
At 55, my feet swell in the heat. Fortunately, I was comfortable in my shoes all weekend. Over the years I've learned that there are really two challenges when dressing for hot weather: keeping your feet cool and managing swelling.
For everyone: staying comfortable in the heat
• Choose breathable materials. We use butter-soft leather because it moulds to your feet and allows them to breathe. Plastic, synthetic and rubber shoes don't—and that's a problem when temperatures rise.
• Stay hydrated, cool your feet whenever you can, and put them up for a few minutes when the opportunity presents itself.
• Sandals are often the best choice in hot weather because they allow air to circulate and help keep your feet cool.
If your feet swell in the heat
• Choose sandals with straps and consider ordering half a size larger than usual. The straps keep your feet secure before swelling, and the extra room is appreciated later in the day. Think styles like Deyi, Mia, Jess or Daphne. In fact, almost all of our summer shoes are designed with this in mind.
• Break your shoes in before the hottest months arrive. My feet change dramatically over the summer, and a shoe that feels perfect in June can become unwearable by August. By then, I often switch to a larger pair.
• Consider compression socks when travelling or even while sleeping. They make a surprising difference.
• Most importantly, don't plan a summer day around a single heel height. If you're attending a wedding, graduation, garden party or another special occasion, bring both low and medium-height heels. The feet you have at 5 p.m. are not the feet you had at 10 a.m.
The goal is simple: keep your feet cool, minimise swelling, and stay comfortable from morning to night.
