As a Floridian, I've Tested Dozens of Sandals—and I'm Packing This Supportive Platform Style on Every Trip

As a Floridian, I live in sandals almost year-round. When it gets really hot outside, the last thing I want to put on my feet are socks and sneakers. You might think that sandals are too flimsy and unsupportive to wear for all-day walking, but I've found they can be just as supportive as sneakers, while doubling as a stylish yet comfortable swap for heels for an evening out. If you're traveling carry-on only, packing versatile sandals is a huge pro for saving serious luggage space.
Comfortable walking sandals do exist, and no, they don't all look like clunky podiatrist-prescribed orthopedic shoes. As a former cruise ship performer and current travel writer, I've tested dozens of sandals in my lifetime—and I own more than 30 pairs at this moment. When I test a new pair of sandals, I'm comparing them against years of personal trial, so I was surprised at how well the Kuru Loma Sandals performed, given the stiff competition they were up against.
I wore the Kuru sandals exploring all 66 acres of Sarasota's John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, including the Ca' d'Zan mansion, the Circus Museum, and Bayfront Gardens. It's a lot of walking, and the Lomas delivered. The campus is so big you really need several days to explore it, but if you want to try and see it all in a day, it can be done with the right comfy footwear.
I was initially hesitant about investing in a platform shoe because I typically prefer my sandals to be thin, lightweight, and packable to save space and weight in my carry-on. However, the platform sole is made out of lightweight, foam-like material that is virtually weightless.
Another crucial aspect I noticed about the Kuru Lomas is the way they hugged my heels each time I took a step. The cork footbed cups your heel pad, while the platform material flexes to absorb impact. Our heels are the first thing to strike the ground when we walk, and they take the brunt of the impact of the stride, which is why the cushioning on these sandals is so important to absorb some of that impact.
I also loved the impressive arch support in these shoes. I have the kinds of arches that don't touch the ground when I stand, so I need a high level of arch support from my shoes and sandals. Luckily, the same design that cups my heel when I walk in these Kuru platform sandals also cradles my arches and makes them supportive enough for all-day wear. The adjustable straps and flexible design add to the comfort of these shoes because I can get the perfect fit without the shoe being too tight or loose. And, the elastic cross strap on the Lomas is perfect because it wraps my foot and gives it the flexibility to move without a rubbing effect that could cause blisters.
Finally, the Loma cork footbed wicks away moisture, which adds to the shoe's overall comfort by preventing wet, sweaty feet (that can lead to blisters).
Since roaming the Ringling Museum, I've worn these shoes a lot more on daily walks and uneven terrain. They're still one of the most comfortable pairs of sandals I own. That said, the Velcro strap is starting to wear with heavy use, so I'd love to see a buckle option for durability.
As an avid sandal wearer with above-average standards for arch support and long-wear comfort, I can say that the Kuru Lomas are worth buying. I recommend them if you're headed somewhere hot where you'll be on your feet all day.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

35 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Southern Living says this small Georgia town serves as the Watermelon Capital of the World

Nestled in the heart of Georgia's farm country, lies a small town with a big title, the "Watermelon Capital of the World." Southern Living has just recently highlighted this small town calling it "home to farms, wide-open countryside, and more watermelons than you've likely seen in one place." See where. Located in Cordele, Georgia, there are fields of the iconic summer fruit. From here, watermelons are shipped across Georgia and beyond, feeding a region's appetite for this ultimate warm-weather treat. "'Watermelon Capital of the World, and if you ever taste our home-grown melons, you'll understand why!" the city's website wrote. "Other major crops grown in the area are cotton, peanuts and pecans." Cordele, Georgia is a small city located in Crisp County in south-central Georgia, about 140 miles or two hours south of Atlanta. This town serves as the county seat of Crisp County and is often referred to as the "Gateway to South Georgia." Its central location makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading to or from Florida, and it's best known for its rich agricultural roots, especially its watermelon production. According to World Population Review, this town has a population of just under 10,000. But Cordele is more than just melons. According to Southern Living, here are some things to do in this town: Take a scenic ride on a vintage train car Time your visit with the Watermelon Days Festival Go to the Georgia Veterans State Park Go golfing at the Memorial Golf Course Watch a race at the speedway Visit The Titan I Missile Monument For more information, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Where is the Watermelon Capital of the World? More about Cordele, GA

Associated Press

35 minutes ago

• Associated Press

Nomad Internet Launches First-Ever Nationwide Free Internet Service for RV Parks

AUSTIN, Texas, June 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nomad Internet, America's leading provider of high-speed internet for rural communities and travelers, has announced the official launch of Nomad RV Free Internet, the first-of-its-kind, completely free Wi-Fi service built specifically for RV parks and their guests across the United States. With the goal to eliminate the digital divide for travelers, Nomad RV Internet is free to deploy, free to maintain, and free to use for both RV park owners and their guests. In a recent LinkedIn post, Jaden Garza (CINO Nomad Internet) said, 'The parks have been waiting for this solution for months. They want to provide seamless internet for their guests without the complexity of individual account setups.' With this unique initiative, Nomad Internet is transforming how connectivity is delivered to the RV lifestyle, empowering travelers with internet access they can count on, wherever the road takes them. A Nationwide Rollout: 4,000 RV Parks by Summer's End Nomad Internet is already in the process of launching this unique service in over 4,000 RV parks nationwide, aiming to cover roughly one-third of all RV parks in the United States by the end of the summer. Jaden said in another LinkedIn post 'Nomad Internet is uniquely positioned to deliver Wi-Fi coverage to nearly 4,000 RV Parks—representing approximately one-third of all RV parks in the United States.' The company plans to expand even further by year's end, with the long-term vision of making Nomad RV Internet a standard amenity in every park. 'Internet is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity,' said Jaden Garza. 'We're proud to offer a service that finally bridges the gap for millions of Americans who live, travel, or vacation in RVs. Our goal is simple: to deliver free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi in every RV park across the country.' How It Works: The Nomad RV Wi-Fi Station At the core of this service is the new 'Nomad RV Wi-Fi Station,' a self-contained, battery-capable wireless internet unit that requires no existing infrastructure, wiring, or technical setup. Designed to be deployed by just plugging in the Wi-Fi Station, Nomad RV Wi-Fi Station: These stations are fully managed and monitored by Nomad's technical operations team, allowing park staff to focus on hospitality — not troubleshooting routers or fielding guest complaints about connectivity. Why Free? Fixing a Broken System For decades, RV parks have been expected to provide internet service as an amenity — yet the cost and complexity of doing so have created widespread frustration. Outdated infrastructure, poor service, and maintenance headaches have made the internet one of the most complained-about aspects of the RV park experience. Nomad RV Internet flips this model on its head Instead of forcing RV park owners to act as IT managers or invest in costly upgrades every few years, Nomad is offering a fully supported, always up-to-date network—at no cost whatsoever. Parks can easily sign up, plug in the Nomad Wi-Fi Station, and start providing premium-quality internet to every guest without any additional effort. Too many parks have had to choose between expensive tech or no internet at all,' Jaden added. 'We're removing that barrier once and for all.' Trusted by Thousands of Travelers Nomad Internet is already the largest internet provider for RVers and rural customers in the country. Known for its customer-first approach, blazing-fast service, and nationwide coverage, Nomad is trusted by digital nomads, remote workers, families, and retirees who rely on stable internet access wherever they go. Nomad RV Internet takes that commitment to the next level, transforming entire communities of travelers with the power of connection. Look for the Nomad RV Internet Badge When an RV park is powered by Nomad, guests will see the 'Nomad RV Internet' badge—a symbol that means free, fast, and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. There are no logins to manage, no complicated network names, and no time limits—just open, reliable internet from America's most trusted rural ISP. Whether travelers are streaming movies under the stars, working remotely, planning their next road trip, or video-calling loved ones, Nomad RV Internet ensures they stay connected—no matter how far they roam. For Park Owners: Join the Movement RV park owners across the country are invited to join the Nomad RV Internet program today. There is no cost, no risk, and no hardware investment. Nomad handles everything, from shipping to setup, support to upgrades, and guests could enjoy best-in-class internet from day one. Installation works by plugging in the station in to power, and in minutes the park immediately become part of a growing national network backed by the most powerful rural wireless spectrum in the U.S. RV park owners can get started by visiting: About Nomad Internet Nomad Internet is America's largest wireless internet provider for rural and traveling customers. With a mission to close the digital divide, Nomad delivers ultra-fast, reliable internet anywhere in the country, from off-grid cabins to cross-country RVs. Every Nomad product is designed to be portable, powerful, and user-friendly, putting the internet in the hands of those who need it most. To learn more about Nomad Internet, visit: Media Contact: Company Name: Nomad Internet Contact Person: Manish Roshan Email: [email protected]A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

Yahoo

an hour ago

• Yahoo

Nomad Internet Launches First-Ever Nationwide Free Internet Service for RV Parks

AUSTIN, Texas, June 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nomad Internet, America's leading provider of high-speed internet for rural communities and travelers, has announced the official launch of Nomad RV Free Internet, the first-of-its-kind, completely free Wi-Fi service built specifically for RV parks and their guests across the United the goal to eliminate the digital divide for travelers, Nomad RV Internet is free to deploy, free to maintain, and free to use for both RV park owners and their guests. In a recent LinkedIn post, Jaden Garza (CINO Nomad Internet) said, 'The parks have been waiting for this solution for months. They want to provide seamless internet for their guests without the complexity of individual account setups.' With this unique initiative, Nomad Internet is transforming how connectivity is delivered to the RV lifestyle, empowering travelers with internet access they can count on, wherever the road takes them. A Nationwide Rollout: 4,000 RV Parks by Summer's EndNomad Internet is already in the process of launching this unique service in over 4,000 RV parks nationwide, aiming to cover roughly one-third of all RV parks in the United States by the end of the summer. Jaden said in another LinkedIn post 'Nomad Internet is uniquely positioned to deliver Wi-Fi coverage to nearly 4,000 RV Parks—representing approximately one-third of all RV parks in the United States.' The company plans to expand even further by year's end, with the long-term vision of making Nomad RV Internet a standard amenity in every park. "Internet is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity," said Jaden Garza. "We're proud to offer a service that finally bridges the gap for millions of Americans who live, travel, or vacation in RVs. Our goal is simple: to deliver free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi in every RV park across the country." How It Works: The Nomad RV Wi-Fi StationAt the core of this service is the new "Nomad RV Wi-Fi Station," a self-contained, battery-capable wireless internet unit that requires no existing infrastructure, wiring, or technical setup. Designed to be deployed by just plugging in the Wi-Fi Station, Nomad RV Wi-Fi Station: Connects to Nomad's private nationwide wireless network. Delivers high-speed internet access across the entire RV park. Offers consistent, secure, and maintenance-free service. Requires no tech support or investment from park owners. These stations are fully managed and monitored by Nomad's technical operations team, allowing park staff to focus on hospitality — not troubleshooting routers or fielding guest complaints about connectivity. Why Free? Fixing a Broken SystemFor decades, RV parks have been expected to provide internet service as an amenity — yet the cost and complexity of doing so have created widespread frustration. Outdated infrastructure, poor service, and maintenance headaches have made the internet one of the most complained-about aspects of the RV park experience. Nomad RV Internet flips this model on its headInstead of forcing RV park owners to act as IT managers or invest in costly upgrades every few years, Nomad is offering a fully supported, always up-to-date network—at no cost whatsoever. Parks can easily sign up, plug in the Nomad Wi-Fi Station, and start providing premium-quality internet to every guest without any additional effort. Too many parks have had to choose between expensive tech or no internet at all," Jaden added. "We're removing that barrier once and for all." Trusted by Thousands of TravelersNomad Internet is already the largest internet provider for RVers and rural customers in the country. Known for its customer-first approach, blazing-fast service, and nationwide coverage, Nomad is trusted by digital nomads, remote workers, families, and retirees who rely on stable internet access wherever they go. Nomad RV Internet takes that commitment to the next level, transforming entire communities of travelers with the power of connection. Look for the Nomad RV Internet BadgeWhen an RV park is powered by Nomad, guests will see the "Nomad RV Internet" badge—a symbol that means free, fast, and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. There are no logins to manage, no complicated network names, and no time limits—just open, reliable internet from America's most trusted rural ISP. Whether travelers are streaming movies under the stars, working remotely, planning their next road trip, or video-calling loved ones, Nomad RV Internet ensures they stay connected—no matter how far they roam. For Park Owners: Join the MovementRV park owners across the country are invited to join the Nomad RV Internet program today. There is no cost, no risk, and no hardware investment. Nomad handles everything, from shipping to setup, support to upgrades, and guests could enjoy best-in-class internet from day one. Installation works by plugging in the station in to power, and in minutes the park immediately become part of a growing national network backed by the most powerful rural wireless spectrum in the U.S. RV park owners can get started by visiting: About Nomad InternetNomad Internet is America's largest wireless internet provider for rural and traveling customers. With a mission to close the digital divide, Nomad delivers ultra-fast, reliable internet anywhere in the country, from off-grid cabins to cross-country RVs. Every Nomad product is designed to be portable, powerful, and user-friendly, putting the internet in the hands of those who need it most. To learn more about Nomad Internet, visit: Media Contact:Company Name: Nomad InternetContact Person: Manish RoshanEmail: +1 281 800 1000 Disclaimer: This content is provided by the Nomad Internet. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at