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Best Comfortable Summer Shoes at Nordstrom for Women Over 50

Let’s be honest, summer shoes have to do more than just look good. At this stage, I need them to feel good, too. That means no pinching, no slipping, and no heels that make me regret everything by lunchtime. I’ve spent enough summers learning the hard way that “cute” doesn’t always mean “comfortable.” These days, I’m only interested in shoes that check all the boxes: walkable, breathable, supportive, and stylish enough to elevate my everyday outfits. Thankfully, I found lots of comfortable summer shoes from Nordstrom for women over 50.

Some of the pairs below are longtime favorites I already own and wear constantly. Others are new finds, either sitting in my cart or highly recommended by women I trust. If you’re looking for comfortable summer shoes from Nordstrom for women over 50, these are the ones worth a second look.

Shoes That Earned a Permanent Spot in My Closet

These are the shoes I’ve walked miles in (some literally), and they’ve never let me down. Supportive, stylish, and built to last.

Birkenstock Comfort, But Make It Stylish

woman over 50 wearing gray dress with comfortable Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandals
PAPILLO BY BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA FLEX PLATFORM / SHOULDER BAG / SILVER EARRINGS / SUNGLASSES / SIMILAR LINEN SHIRTDRESS / SIMILAR NECKLACE

I bought these during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last summer, and I’ve worn them to bits. The low platform gives a little height without wobble, and the contoured footbed is every bit as supportive as you’d expect from Birkenstock. The double buckles make for a great fit, especially helpful if your feet swell in the heat. My gray is selling out fast, but they come in 6 other options.

Velcro That Doesn’t Feel Like a Concession

MEPHISTO LISSANDRA PLATFORM WEDGE

Soft-Air footbed, velvety suede lining, and adjustable straps that don’t look orthopedic—these wedges are about as good as it gets. I now have them in two colors. The comfort is immediate, which is rare for a wedge, and they work beautifully with dresses or cropped pants.

Tempting Picks I’m Eyeing This Summer

Even if you don’t need more shoes (and who really does?), these styles might still tempt you. They’re the kind of shoes that make you think, “I’d actually wear those.”

A T-Strap That’s Both Flattering and Adjustable

Naturalizer Brandy T-Strap Sandal Best Women's Shoes from Nordstrom from Summer
Naturalizer Brandy T-Strap Sandal

T-straps can visually lengthen the leg, and this one adds a cushioned footbed and adjustable straps—both must-haves in my book. They come in sizes 6-12 in neutrals and a fun metallic that would dress up a casual outfit.

A Birkenstock Look with a Bit More Polish

Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal Best Women's Sandals at Nordstrom this Summer
Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal

If you’re a Birkenstock fan but want something with a bit more flair, the Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal is a great option. They have a contoured footbed that molds to your feet the more you wear them. These are the kind of shoes that look just as good with wide-leg linen pants or shorts as it does with a simple cotton dress. Available in sizes 36-41EU in multiple colors.

An Easy Travel Sandal with Stretch Straps

Easy Spirit Lana Slingback Sandal
Easy Spirit Lana Slingback Sandal

This is the kind of dependable sandal you’ll be glad you have in your closet. The Easy Spirit Lana Slingback Sandal has stretch straps that move with you and a low wedge that gives a bit of lift without sacrificing comfort. It’s a great pick for travel or long days on your feet.

A Flip-Flop That Won’t Wreck Your Arches

Beek Sunbeam Flip Flop Best Nordstrom Shoes for Women over 50 60 for Summer
Beek Sunbeam Flip Flop

Beek’s Sunbeam Flip Flop is handmade, beautifully crafted, and has arch support, which is all but unheard of in this category. These feel elevated enough to wear beyond the pool or beach and come in over 10 colors.

A Slide That’s Soft, Sleek, and Supportive

Naot Liv Slide Sandal Comfortable Shoes for Women Over 50 60
Naot Liv Slide Sandal

The Naot Liv Slide Sandal is one of those styles that looks simple but feels incredibly well-made. The leather straps are soft and supple, and the footbed is supportive without being bulky. Reviews say they do run a bit narrow, so if you have a slimmer foot, this might be a great option for you. If you like Naot, you may enjoy this post: Best Naot Sandals for Women Over 60: Comfortable, Stylish, and Supportive Picks for Summer.

Built-In Arch Support That Doesn’t Look Orthopedic

Vionic Elara Sandal, Best Nordstrom Shoes for Women
Vionic Elara Sandal

The shape is flattering, and the comfort is serious. Vionic’s built-in orthotics make this a great walking shoe, and the crisscross straps add a bit of edge without being fussy. Available in sizes 5-13, medium, and select wide widths, in several colors.

My Favorite Type of Wedge: Low, Cushioned, and Walkable

Naot Magic Wedge Sandal Supportive Comfortable Women's Shoes from Nordstrom Summer 2025
Naot Magic Wedge Sandal

A low wedge like the Naot Magic Wedge Sandal can be a game-changer when you want a bit of lift without giving up comfort. The soft suede footbed molds to your feet with wear, and the wide strap holds your foot securely without digging in. It’s an easy, walkable style that still feels polished. Comes in sizes 5–11 in multiple colors.

Slides That Pair with Just About Everything

Kork-Ease Tutsi Slide Sandal
Kork-Ease Tutsi Slide Sandal

Kork-Ease has long been known for their comfy shoes with cushioned cork footbeds, and their Tutsi Slide Sandal is no exception. It’s the kind of style that pairs effortlessly with everything from relaxed trousers to breezy summer dresses. The wide leather strap offers coverage without feeling heavy, and the slight lift gives just enough height to feel flattering.

If you’re anything like me, your feet have opinions now. Strong ones. They’re no longer interested in breaking in shoes, tolerating tight straps, or pretending a paper-thin sole is “fine for a quick walk.” We’ve earned the right to be picky with our shoes and just about everything else.

Finding the right pair of summer shoes can make getting dressed feel less like a negotiation and more like an easy yes. That’s the kind of style confidence we deserve at this stage. No blisters required.

If you’ve found a great summer shoe lately, I’d love to hear about it.

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18 Comments

  1. Great post Jennifer! I can’t wear birkenstocks but if I could I would grab those gray ones! Lot’s of options I need to check out!

  2. Mary Jean Cunningham says:

    I have purchased two pairs of extra wide Munro sandals at Nordstrom, but unfortunately Munro has closed. I bought wide width Vionic sandals at DSW this spring and today got a pair of regular width Merrell sandals (they don’t seem to make a specifically wide width so I sized up and it worked) at DSW as well as Bare Traps wide width wedges with a cork upper. I have neuropathy and need a shoe with heel straps for outside the house for stability, but just as with clothing, the sizes in shoes don’t seem to be standard depending on the company and the style of the shoe, so I usually need wide or extra wide but sometimes can wear a B width – there is usually a limited selection of wide width in stores so I wind up ordering four and five pairs of shoes at a time online hoping to find one pair that fits and returning the rest, which I don’t enjoy! I’m only buying leather shoes that can be polished to look better longer and are more comfortable to wear.

  3. I wish so much that I could wear Birks but they just don’t fit my feet. I’m a 6.5 in all shoes but sneakers. Then I’m a 7. Also a 7 for winter wear with wool socks. I do wear a wide because of severe arthritis in my toes. I’m wearing traveltime clogs by Easy Spirit. They come in a lot of colors, breath, have good arch support and are on sale. I just ordered two more pairs in grey and natural. I’m wearing pale blue. It is very difficult to find comfortable sandals. I have only a few. I have a very old black pair of Echos, two Easy Spirit, two Cushionaire which were the cheapest and are the most comfortable from Amazon. You do look terrific in all of your pictures!

  4. You have found some attractive and tempting choices here. To be honest, I mostly wear Brooks Adrenaline athletic shoes! I am still running and have a sporty lifestyle, so that works for me. Plus, my feet are fussy in that they are super narrow, so I need to have the ability to adjust the width. My husband punched two extra holes in the straps of my Birkenstocks, and they are still so floppy that I just wear them around the house. My mother wore a size 13AAAA (at 6′ tall), and always had problems finding shoes in her size, especially heels for the office. If she found some, she bought multiple pairs and colors! Therefore, I feel lucky to be a good old 8.5N!

    1. I’m finding velcro staps incredibly handy for adjusting my shoes. Who knew?

  5. I can never find a comfortable pair of shoes. I am definitely going to try some of your suggestions
    I also love your light weight breezy summer clothes suggestions. Can’t wait to /y them

  6. These are all great shoe choices. Since walking everyday and playing golf I really have to wear shoes with a wider toe box and lots of cushioning. I think these sandals would do the trick.

  7. Mary Beth says:

    Hi Jennifer,
    Thanks so much for showing a cute shoe that comes in narrow sizes! They are hard to find, bit Nordstrom’s is one of the few places that carries some. Those adorable sandals were sold out in my size, but I’m happy to know I can watch that brand. 🙂

    1. Narrow and wide are hard to come by, as it petite and tall. It’s very frustrating

  8. Great shoe choices! I swear you many of the brands you highlighted. After teaching 23 years and being on my feet almost all day, I’m very fussy about comfort and you nailed it with all of these. My Birkies are my go to from my slippers to sandals.

  9. Love all your shoe choices. After 8 years of playing pickleball, my feet have decided that I need to wear more accommodating shoes. Thanks for the suggestions!

    1. I bet they do. Mine are getting longer all of a sudden. How could that be?

  10. Jennifer, like most women, I LOVE shoes! However, I have a wide foot so not all shoes fit me. I’m not a Birkenstock fan at all, but I am going to check out the Madrid because it’s not so clunky with the one buckle. I’m also going to go for the Vionic Elara. I wanted you to know that thanks to your recommendation, I’ve just ordered my second pair of Ilse Jacobsen Tulip slip ons. Love them! So comfy and cute! Thanks for a great post!

    1. I’m glad you like them too. They’re not big on support but they sure are comfy…and machine washable!

  11. Thanks for sharing so many good sandal choices. The older I get the pickier I’ve gotten in finding comfort & style. Having a large foot(size 10) can make a cute shoe, not so cute! I recently purchased Cliffs by White Mountain(on Amazon)that have a cork wedge. They are light and flexible. So far, so good. Thought I’d share.
    P.S. You consistently look so put together from head to toe.

    1. Thanks for sharing Mary! I’m a 9.5 and wear a 10 in sneakers so I know what you mean. Size 6 shoes just look so much cuter to me 😂

  12. Thank you for a terrific array of shoes. You’ve done your homework! You have a beautiful collection to choose from. I’ve loved the Lily Moon style of Gentle Souls (Nordstrom and Amazon) for years. They are available now in black suede, graphite leather and a gold/tan suede. These have been my choice as a comfortable dressier shoe for years. I have bunions, but the M width is fine.

    1. Good to know! I have several pair of Gentle Souls and love their comfort.