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What to Wear on a Beach Vacation
There is nothing quite like the anticipation of a summer vacation. The itineraries, the outfits, the carefully curated playlist for the journey. And then, somewhere between pulling out your sandals and trying to squeeze into them, reality hits. Because for anyone with bunions or wider feet, sandal season is not the glorious liberation it looks like on Instagram. It is a negotiation.
Most sandals are built for a foot that simply does not exist for a lot of us. Straps cut straight across the bunion. Toe boxes pinch. Anything "barely there" might as well be invisible support, too. You end up either in pain by day two or reaching for the sneakers you swore you would not pack.
That is exactly the problem that Calla was built to solve. Founded by a bunion sufferer who was exhausted by the same impossible choice, Calla works with podiatrists and expert Portuguese shoemakers to create footwear that is wide where you actually need it, supportive underfoot, and genuinely stylish enough to take on vacation without apology. Every sandal in the collection features a wide to extra-wide toe box, arch-supported and cushioned insoles, bunion-friendly strap placement, and uppers crafted from the softest European leathers and suedes so there is no breaking in period, no blisters, and no regrets.
Here are four styles we would pack without hesitation.
Simone: Beige Suede Fisherman Sandal
Meet the sandal that does everything. The Simone is a fisherman-style sandal and one of those rare shoes that looks just as good on a cobbled street as it does on a beach promenade. Built around an extra-wide toe box that accommodates bunions without any of the bulk you might expect, the straps are thoughtfully positioned to sit with the bunion rather than against it. The cushioned, arch-supported insole means you are comfortable by the end of the day, not just at the start of it, and the chunky lug sole gives just enough height and grip for uneven terrain. The buckle fastening lets you dial in the fit to exactly where your foot needs it. Available in beige suede and tan leather, and true to size.
How to Style:
Ruby: Cognac Leather Flat Sandal
Ruby is the sandal that finally lets you enjoy summer styling without the usual trade‑offs. It brings together the ease of a barely‑there silhouette with the thoughtful fit women with bunions and wide feet actually need. The soft toe post and gently contoured upper sit comfortably around the bunion area, giving subtle coverage while keeping the look clean and minimal. The generous forefoot fit and cushioned, arch supported insole with its discreet moleskin hallux panel make long days feel effortless. Finished in cognac leather with a refined black edge, Ruby slips into warm‑weather wardrobes with a quiet, polished confidence.
How to Style:
Eloise: Navy Suede Wedge Sandal
Eloise is the wedge for women who have always wanted height but never found the stability or width to make it comfortable. The navy suede upper molds softly around the foot, giving space across the toe box and the bunion‑friendly fit Calla is known for. The ankle strap adjusts easily as the day warms up, which matters more on holiday than it does at home. The woven platform gives height with real stability, and the arch‑supported footbed keeps your feet supported rather than simply elevated. It’s a sophisticated warm‑weather shoe that lifts any outfit without the discomfort wedges usually bring.
How to Style:
Evelyn: Lemon Canvas Espadrille Wedge
Some shoes just feel like summer, and Evelyn is one of them. This lemon‑canvas wedge espadrille, with its striped upper, rope‑tie ankle strap and jute platform, brings effortless holiday energy without asking your feet to compromise. The extra‑wide fit, accommodating up to an EEE width, works quietly alongside the moulded arch support footbed and bunion‑friendly construction, giving space and support when long beach days turn into long evenings. The bright lemon canvas adds a pop of colour to any outfit, making Evelyn the kind of shoe that feels like you’re already on vacation, even when you’re still deciding what to pack.
How to Style:
Finding sandals that fit and actually feel good is hard enough at home. On vacation, where you are on your feet more than usual, on unfamiliar ground, in the heat, it matters even more. Calla makes it possible to pack sandals you are genuinely excited to wear, and that is something worth celebrating.
Shop the full Calla summer collection
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