(This article is sponsored by The Right Shoe.)

The imminent onset of summer means a few things: a rapid uptake in barbecued food consumption, less layers of clothing, and—hurrah!—open shoes.

And while we are all enjoying the spring in our step, our pale, newly freed feet are still enduring the unmanicured aftermath of months being confined to boots.

Yes, letting the air between your toes is blissful but the consequences of wearing ill-fitting sandals can be painful. And that goes beyond the odd blister.

Rand Clement, owner of The Right Shoe, knows a thing or two about the importance of wearing appropriate footwear. The triathlete and kinesiology graduate has more than 20 years in the industry and he stands firmly—in a very sensible pair of shoes— by the belief that happy feet equal happy people.

“Your feet and your shoes provide a foundation for the rest of your body and ensure everything is properly aligned,” he says.

It is for this reason that The Right Shoe has dedicated the month of June to Birkenstock. The German shoemaker, Johann Adam Birkenstock, started making insoles back in 1774. Since then, the brand has developed a cult following for its comfortable, timeless, and high-quality footwear. By ensuring that the foot is supported properly, Birkenstocks improve the posture of the entire body, which ultimately leads to an improved level of well-being. 

Thanks to more toe room, the contoured foot bed, the shock-absorbing sole, and the deep heel cup, Birkenstocks are designed to provide the ultimate in comfort, without having to sacrifice on style. Who says you can’t have it all?

Whether you spend your time strolling the streets of the city, riding your bike around the seawall, watching the sunset at English Bay, or exploring the North Shore, Birkenstocks can take you everywhere this summer.

But it’s not just about finding the best shoes. Clement also emphasizes the importance of the fit, too. And that’s where the experts at The Right Shoe come in. Every staff member is a trained fit specialist, most of whom are kinesiology graduates or students.

And while the Kitsilano store offers a curated selection of running shoes, casual kicks, arch supports, and sandals, one thing that’s always guaranteed is that you’ll leave with a pair that fits you properly.

Take a step in the Right direction and enter to win a pair of Birkenstock leather Arizonas, below.