Most nights out default to the same script. Dinner, drinks, maybe a movie. But a quieter shift is reshaping how friends and couples spend an evening, and researchers say what you do together may matter more than where you eat. The best nights out, it turns out, might not involve a menu at all.

Open mics, improv classes, trivia, karaoke and craft workshops are drawing crowds looking for something more memorable than another round at the bar. And the science of friendship suggests they’re onto something.

Related: 5 Research-Backed Ways to Make Meaningful Friends After Turning 30

Advertisement

If you’ve found yourself Googling “how to make friends after 30,” you’re in good company. Between busy careers, relationships, moves and packed schedules, building new friendships as an adult can feel surprisingly difficult. The good news? Experts say it’s a common challenge — and one that’s more manageable than you might think. From joining local […]

Why Social Fitness Matters

Socializing in America has narrowed. Most adult get-togethers revolve around eating or drinking, and that sameness leaves little room for the kind of shared novelty psychologists say strengthens relationships.

“Socialization culture, particularly for adults outside of school, has become really centered around eating and drinking. I think we’ve been successful because we’ve provided another option for people to do something with their friends outside their house,” Tayler Carraway, cofounder of New York City art café Happy Medium, told Vogue.

The stakes are higher than a slow Friday night. People with close friendships report greater life satisfaction and are less likely to suffer from depression, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry. They are also less likely to die from heart problems and other chronic diseases, PLOS Medicine research found.

“Not exercising your social fitness is hazardous to your health,” Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Outside.

“When you lose emotional and social fitness, you lose everything,” Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of Coa, a gym for mental health, told Outside. “Everything in life is going to feel better if you feel connected to other people to get through the tough things and enjoy the good things.”

What the Research Says About Doing Something New Together

Novelty is the ingredient most nights out are missing. A 2000 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples who took part in “novel” and “arousing” activities together reported stronger relationships and increased passion. Participants ranged from partnerships lasting two months to 15 years, and researchers noted the boost appeared after a shared task as short as seven minutes.

An earlier study of more than 50 married couples in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reached similar conclusions after 10 weeks of weekly activities described as exciting or pleasant.

Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, told the American Psychological Association that platonic connection deserves the same active promotion as physical health.

“After having to reduce social contact during the pandemic, we’ve realized how it impacts basically every sector of society. That suggests that each of these sectors can potentially play a role in solutions,” Holt-Lunstad said.

She added, “What we know is that if we don’t interact regularly, things go really bad remarkably fast. But what is the magic in these interactions that’s keeping us healthy and sane? More and more researchers are saying there’s this huge part of human behavior we know very little about. Let’s change that.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Improve Your Social Fitness: The Nights Out Worth Trying

Appetite for alternatives is showing up in the data. A 2025 Eventbrite report found craft workshop events surged in 2024, with crochet events up 44 percent and jewelry-making up 34 percent. Interest in collage, crafting and pottery is climbing too.

Options worth checking in your city include these:

• Open mic nights. Low-pressure, unpredictable and hosted at bars, coffee shops and community spaces almost everywhere.
• Improv shows or classes. Watching is reliably funny. Taking a class forces the kind of vulnerability that fast-tracks connection.
• Stand-up comedy. Local shows tend to be cheaper and more intimate than big touring acts, and shared laughter bonds fast.
• Trivia night. Competitive, collaborative and a good excuse to argue about random facts. Most pubs run weekly rounds.
• Karaoke. Commitment-free silliness. Private rooms are widely available for groups who want a more contained experience.
• Jewelry-making classes. Some workshops run over several sessions. Others wrap in as little as three hours, letting you leave with a finished silver ring or similar piece.
• Pottery classes. Whether throwing clay together or painting pre-made pieces, the appeal is hands-on.
• Art cafés. Spaces built around programming for crafts and skills you might not have touched since grade school.
• Paint-and-sip classes. Popular with friend groups and equally fun as a date. Check local listings.

The common thread is simple. Something new, done together, tends to stick.

Coastal chic is an obvious aesthetic for the summer, and we’re not afraid to lean into it heavily. So, when we pictured what a Nantucket rich mom would wear on the daily, we couldn’t help but think she’d take pride in adorable lobster details that make outfits more fun. Walmart is all about the cute crustacean this season, and we certainly took notice.

You may have seen the short-sleeve lobster sweater that’s been making the rounds on social media, but that’s not the only pop of red to add to your wardrobe. From flowy dresses and tops to totes and bag charms, consider the lobster the mascot of the season. But don’t worry, it’s done in a really chic kind of way.

14 Lobster Clothing and Accessories at Walmart

1. Our Favorite: The short sleeves and roll neck make this navy lobster sweater everything we could want for summer. It also comes in other coastal-approved prints that’ll come in handy on cooler days.

2. Beaded Beauties: Walmart is making footwear fun again with these lobster beaded sandals. The blue and white stripes are a nice base to make the red creature really pop.

3. Must-Have Maxi: This tiered gingham dress has a neutral base to make the embroidered lobsters the stars of the show. The maxi length is easy to wear day or night, no matter the forecast.

4. Trusty Tote: On first glance, this looks like a simple straw tote bag, but the cute crocheted lobster makes an adorable charm. You can use this bag for beach trips and everyday life.

5. Tighter Tee: One thing to love about the coastal vibe is the plethora of seafood, and that’s what this $10 baby tee is giving a nod to. Does anyone else suddenly want a lobster roll?

Related: 17 Fourth of July Fashion Steals at Macy‘s — Up to 60% Off

Fourth of July is coming in hot with some seriously good fashion deals on the most stylish pieces — and a majority of those sales are at Macy’s. Whether you’re shopping for breezy dresses, loose tops, comfortable pants or slimming swimsuits, you’re bound to find a few marked down during Macy’s huge Fourth of July […]

Advertisement

6. Sweet Straw: Another social media favorite, this straw beach bag features a lobster front and center. But our favorite part might be the bandana-wrapped handles.

7. Dress It Up: Turn any bag into a crustacean paradise with this affordable bag charm. It features a lobster pendant and bandana-printed straps.

8. Nice Knit: Available with red and blue lobsters, this short-sleeve knit top brings the Nantucket energy front and center. We love the bold seams for a little more interest, too.

9. Straw Sun Protection: Don’t forget about sun protection this summer, and we know you won’t when you have this lobster-featured straw hat. It’s an easy way to make your T-shirt and shorts look a little more fun.

10. One of a Kind: This handbag is a literal lobster — enough said. So, only wear this novelty option if you really want to make a statement at the next seafood boil.

11. Serious Stripes: As if the blue and white stripes weren’t coastal enough, the lobster accents turn this spaghetti-strap maxi dress into the ultimate pick. It’s available in sizes small to 5XL, so almost everyone can rock it.

12. Cutest Claw: The only way we’re clipping up our hair this summer is with a lobster claw clip. For $6, you can be comfortable with an accessory that everyone will ask about.

13. Sipping Sweater: What happens when two lobsters are enjoying martinis? They’re put on a $12 long-sleeve sweatshirt. You’ll be happy to have the top when you’re greeted with a chilly summer evening.

14. Charming Charm: Dress up your bag with a rhinestone-covered lobster charm. It’s one of those items that we didn’t know we needed, adding a summery touch to all our outfits.

Nate Smith is opening up about the major lifestyle changes that helped him lose more than 70 pounds and why he isn’t finished yet. The 40-year-old country singer recently reflected on his ongoing weight-loss journey, revealing that he has already shed a significant amount of weight and hopes to eventually get below 200 pounds. While the transformation has improved everything from his stage performances to his confidence, Nate Smith admitted the journey began after a serious health scare forced him to take a hard look at his habits.

Speaking with PEOPLE magazine at the Sports Illustrated and Tight End University’s Tight Ends & Friends Concert at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Smith shared that he’s still working toward his ultimate goal.

“I think I want to get under 200 pounds,” he said. “So I was like 275 pounds, somewhere in that world. But I want to get down to like 185 pounds again.”

The “Bulletproof” singer said dropping the weight has dramatically changed how he feels physically and emotionally. Not only is he healthier, but he’s also noticing a difference in everyday activities and even the clothes he wears. “I just feel better. It’s nice to be able to wear clothes that I like,” Smith explained.

Referencing the shirt he was wearing during the interview, he added, “This is a large. I’ve been double X for the last five or six years, so I’m feeling really good.”

The Country Star Says Weight Loss Has Improved His Performances

Beyond aesthetics, Smith revealed that one of his biggest motivations for losing weight has been his desire to perform at his best for fans. “Keeping the energy on stage” is important to him “because I think that takes care of the fans,” he explained.

The singer said the physical benefits have become impossible to ignore. “I don’t sweat anymore, which is amazing. I used to be totally out of breath tying my shoes,” Smith admitted.

But now, he noted, “I can jump around a lot more.” The increased stamina has allowed him to bring more energy to his live performances while also making everyday life easier.

A Serious Health Scare Became A Turning Point For Nate Smith

Smith’s decision to overhaul his lifestyle came after a frightening upper respiratory infection in November 2024. The health scare forced him to reevaluate both his eating habits and alcohol consumption.

According to PEOPLE, Smith previously admitted he knew his habits were negatively affecting his health but struggled to figure out where to begin.

“I knew I was hurting myself, but I couldn’t stop. It was like looking at this mountain and wondering, ‘How do I get up there?’ I didn’t even know where to start.”

Determined to make a change, Smith reduced his alcohol intake and focused on increasing his protein consumption as part of a broader commitment to healthier living. The changes produced dramatic results. By simply adjusting his eating and drinking habits, the country star reportedly lost 55 pounds in just four months.

Nate Smith Remains Honest About His Ongoing Struggles

Although Smith has celebrated major progress, he isn’t pretending the journey has been perfect.

The singer candidly acknowledged that he still struggles with binge eating at times and continues to work on maintaining a healthier relationship with food. “I still struggle with some binge eating. And if I want to have it, I’m going to have it,” he admitted.

However, he has changed the way he approaches indulgences. “I want to find a way to make it a treat versus a lifestyle thing,” he shared. “If I decide I’m going to have mac and cheese, it’s okay.”

Rather than striving for perfection, Smith said he’s focused on creating sustainable habits that allow him to enjoy his favorite foods in moderation.

Nate Smith Says He’s Happier Than He’s Been In Years

While the singer still has more weight he hopes to lose, he said the progress he’s already made has transformed both his health and confidence.

Back in 2025, Smith acknowledged that he still had work to do before reaching his target weight. “I’m not even close to my goal,” he said at the time. “But I’m way happier where I’m at, and I feel, like, better about the way I look.”

Now, more than 70 pounds lighter, Smith continues to push toward his next milestone while embracing the improvements he’s already made along the way.

Love Island USA‘s Jen Terry answered a burning question about how Islanders pass gas in the villa.

“It’s literally everyone walking around,” Jen said on the Saturday, July 4, episode of the Aftersun special. “Do it and run away.”

Caleb McDaniel recalled his own experience in Fiji.

“The first night that Kenzie and me were coupled up, I was behind her and my belly [wasn’t feeling good],” he recalled. “You could probably feel it on the other side of the room.”

Before her exit, Jen was surprisingly candid when she previously admitted to struggling when guys in the villa don’t show interest in her.

“I know that I am gorgeous and stunning but here — besides when I was with Gabe — I felt like, ‘Am I hideous?’” she said in a June episode. “Is there something wrong with me? Does my personality suck?”

She continued: “Normally I am used to guys drooling over me. Here, it has been so hard.”

Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.

The show is coming off a record-breaking moment with season 7 bringing in 18.4 billion streaming minutes, making it the most-watched original season of television on the platform.

“[This season] there’s a lot more emphasis put on the journey as opposed to the result,” narrator Iain Stirling told Us Weekly exclusively in July 2025. ”I think it’s about the journey of finding someone and how you grow as a person by doing that. Whereas five or six years ago, you had, like, proper millennials in there. There was that more traditional approach to dating.”

While some fans questioned the love journeys, Stirling was on board with the Islanders taking a different approach.

“The end goal [was] to be with someone and you have this contract with someone you’re in a relationship with to honor that person and to honor that relationship,” he noted. “I think now there’s a lot more people who make contracts with themselves to have the journey that they want and the experience they’re after.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

He added, “These people are predominantly speaking in their early 20s. If you can’t be selfish dating then — then when can you? Especially people from my generation, they weren’t selfish in their 20s and maybe did not want to upset people. Then they get to sort of 30 to 40 and get divorced and go insane. Maybe it’s the healthier way to do it.”

New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.

Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!

Leo Tolstoy once wrote that “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” and that’s certainly true for the Walls family. Led by patriarch Rex (Woody Harrelson), the family, which consists of mother Rose (Naomi Watts) and four children, including young Jeannette (played at various stages by Chandler Head, Ella Anderson and Brie Larson), moves from town to town, usually because of Rex’s excessive drinking and run-ins with the law. As they grow up, each child vows to escape, with Jeannette putting herself through college before becoming a journalist. But some family ties are hard to break, and even as an adult, Jeannette can’t escape her father’s shadow.

Based on the best-selling memoir by Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle is a harrowing coming-of-age story about a family living on the margins of society. It’s less an insult and more of an accurate description to call the Walls family “poor white trash,” but the film doesn’t make them simplistic stereotypes, either. Harrellson is particularly fine as a dad whose love for his children can’t seem to overcome his addiction to alcohol — and his need to constantly move around to escape his problems. The Glass Castle isn’t a pleasant experience, but it is a memorable one that will make you want to read the book it’s based on. Do so — it’s one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read.

Hugh Jackman has opened up about his hopes of donning the Adamantium claws as Wolverine for the foreseeable future. However, he added that he will not meddle if a successor eventually emerges.

The actor has also made headlines this year for his love life with Sutton Foster, with reports suggesting things have hit a rough patch between them.

An alleged prenup also emerged in May amid speculation that the pair may have gotten engaged.

For over two decades, Hugh Jackman has been largely synonymous with Logan, the gruff mutant known as Wolverine.

But as Marvel Studios inevitably looks toward the future, the Australian actor has offered his blessing to whoever eventually steps into his shoes, while also expressing his desire to play the role for as long as he can.

Should he be replaced, Jackman said he will not meddle with the character or offer his successor any advice.

“I’m 57. I’m doing it till I’m 90,” he told Project Big Screen. “So, you know, I’ll do a little time capsule for them. I’m not going to say anything to whoever plays him, ’cause no one said anything to me, which I really am thrilled about.”

He continued, “And I had not read the comics, so I was just coming to it fresh. And I learned a lot over the years. Of course, I’ve got my own take, but it must be melding in with me in some way. I hope someone just comes in and does whatever the f-ck they want and makes it their own.”

Replacing Jackman Could Be Marvel’s Toughest Task

Whoever steps into the role would no doubt have big shoes to fill, as Jackman has had such a chokehold on the character.

He first embodied Logan/Wolverine in 2000’s “X-Men,” a role that launched him into global superstardom.

He then went on to play the character across several films, including “X2” in 2003, “X-Men: The Last Stand” in 2006, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” in 2009, and “X-Men: First Class” in 2011.

The Oscar nominee also reprised the role in “The Wolverine” in 2013, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” in 2014, 2016’s “X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Logan” in 2017, “Deadpool 2” in 2018, and 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Hugh Jackman’s Romance With Sutton Foster Draws Scrutiny

Meanwhile, Jackman has been in the news lately for reasons other than his acting career. After separating from his wife of nearly three decades, Deborra-Lee Furness, in 2023, he began seeing his new girlfriend, former Broadway co-star Sutton Foster, who went public in January 2025.

Both stars have been seen vacationing in Costa Rica and stepping out around Hollywood. They also attended the Met Gala together in May. However, reports have emerged suggesting their relationship may be encountering a rough patch due to his busy work schedule and relocation plans.

A source told Women’s Day in June that the actor’s demanding career has left Foster feeling isolated. Jackman had reportedly been using work to cope since his split from Furness, and while Foster was initially supportive, the insider claimed she has now found it “interminable” and has struggled to come to terms with it.

The Veteran Star’s Workload Reportedly Strains Romance

According to the outlet, those close to Jackman think the situation has done “more harm than good” and now threatens to drive the couple further apart.

One moment that sent the rumor mill into overdrive was Jackman’s attendance at the premiere of his recent film “The Death of Robin Hood,” where he reportedly showed up to the after-party alone.

“Hugh’s a workaholic, and she’s starting to understand how lonely Deb must have felt at times,” the source said. “Sutton’s finding it hard to be by Hugh’s side at so many events, and he invites her to every single one.”

They continued, “It’s not that she’s shy, but she’s busy with her own career and still has a young daughter to raise. Sadly, the biggest casualty of all is Hugh and Sutton finding quality time together – they’re like passing ships sometimes.”

Jackman’s Alleged Prenup Talks Get Uncomfortable

Jackman and Foster have faced public backlash for their romance, but they have stuck by each other regardless.

Speculation has swirled that they may have gotten engaged, especially after Foster debuted a huge diamond ring at the Met Gala in May, although it was not on her engagement finger.

“It wasn’t a shock to Sutton as it’s something they’ve been talking about,” a source told New Idea. “But Hugh did get down on one knee, and she is in possession of a diamond solitaire she’ll show off when they’re ready.”

However, things are reportedly not all rosy, as the couple is reportedly having some “not comfortable discussions” about a prenup.

According to the outlet, Jackman was initially opposed to the idea, considering he never had one with Furness. However, they are now reportedly negotiating a $200 million arrangement.

“Hugh was against a prenup initially, but his business team and his ex kicked off about it, with Sutton also wanting to protect her future should things go sideways,” a friend of the actor allegedly said. “This is a $200m prenup, including a $50m ‘no hard feelings’ exit package, and it’s mostly designed around protecting all three kids.”

“This is all new territory for both of them, and it’s not comfortable discussions, but neither of them is willing to walk away – and Hugh genuinely believes the Sutton trolls will calm down once they’re married,” the source added.

Since it was first announced, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, has been at the top of moviegoers’ must-watch lists for this summer’s blockbusters. Audiences have come to expect unbelievable spectacle from the writer-director’s innovative use of IMAX and unparalleled cinematic experiences in 70mm, but what is that experience like for the star-stacked cast delivering performances?

The Odyssey is a sweeping myth about King Odysseus of Ithaca, played in the film by Oscar-winning Matt Damon, traversing a perilous voyage to return home to his wife, Queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son Telemachus (Tom Holland), after the Trojan War. This journey home spans 10 years, where Odysseus and his crew encounter the likes of Polyphemus the Cyclops (Bill Irwin), the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron), and a goddess witch Circe (Samantha Morton). The movie also stars Zendaya as Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, and more.

In addition to devising a workaround for the infamous noise IMAX cameras make, Nolan needed to formulate a method of capturing The Odyssey’s most intimate moments between its stars. In this interview with Collider’s Steven Weintraub, Damon discusses the comprehensive world-building required to ground Homer’s larger-than-life tale of heroics and breaks down the clever technique Nolan conceived to achieve the movie’s quieter moments. Plus, Damon reveals what he’d ask Homer about the poet’s revered Odysseus.

Matt Damon Still Doesn’t Know How Christopher Nolan Re-Created Ancient Greece for ‘The Odyssey’

“It was about this comprehensive effort on the part of all the departments to just really world-build.”

COLLIDER: Before I get started, the movie’s incredible. You’re awesome in it. But the most important question is, how exactly did Chris build the time machine that brought you guys back to ancient Greece to film on location?

MATT DAMON: I don’t know how he did it. I don’t know. I mean, the amount of vision that it took to build this world and how intentional it was. He talked about it from the moment we had our first conversation about it, and how it’s myth, it’s this ancient world, but he wanted to ground it. So all of those conversations about the wardrobe and the layering and the layers of dirt and everything, it was about this comprehensive effort on the part of all the departments to just really world-build.

Then, to be able to do it on IMAX, which was the goal, but we didn’t know if we’d do it. He didn’t announce that as we set off. I mean, we knew that was the intention, but we didn’t know if we’d be able to do it, and that is the final piece that just puts you there.

I watched it in the Lincoln Square IMAX on 70 millimeter, and I really wish everybody on the planet could watch it like that because it’s insane.

DAMON: Me too. It’s insane. That experience of seeing it there, it is overwhelming in the best possible way. I wish it just played there in perpetuity so everyone could go.

I agree. If you could ask Homer one question about Odysseus, what would you ask?

DAMON: Wow. Are you ready for the actor question? “Did you like my performance?” [Laughs] That’s the actor in me. “Was it okay?”

I think he would say yes.

DAMON: I hope so.

Matt Damon Explains ‘The Odyssey’s Extremely Unique New IMAX Camera

“If we can fix the eye lines, we can shoot large format, and we can shoot really quiet scenes.”

Image via Universal Pictures

One of the things that people don’t realize is that using this new IMAX camera, there were mirrors that you were using. Halfway through the shoot, it was you and Anne [Hathaway] in an intimate scene, having a dialogue using mirrors. What the hell was that like for you as an actor?

DAMON: It’s really interesting because that was one of the big questions — is the mirror system going to work? We knew technically it could work, but would it interfere with the ability to do an image?

Could you actually explain to the people watching how this mirror thing worked?

DAMON: So, if I were shooting a shot of you in a scene with me, right, and I was doing your closeup, the camera would be right here. I, as your scene partner, would put my face right next to the camera [for] your eyeline, so that the camera is seeing both of your eyes at all times, and so it feels like we’re looking at Steve’s soul, basically. And when we did the corresponding shot, it would be over your left shoulder, looking at me. The IMAX camera is so noisy that they built the giant blimp. The blimp goes around the IMAX, and so the blimp is like that wide, with the camera sitting in the middle. So if I’m going to put my face next to the camera to do my scene with Steve, it’s going to be way over here, which means your eyeline is going to be like that, and I’m not going to be seeing both of your eyes and seeing you.

So, the mirror system works like this. The camera’s here, the big box is here, I’m here, and you’re Anne Hathaway. I look into a mirror which reflects into another mirror, and my full face is in a mirror right next to the camera lens, where it needs to be for us to have that intimate view of your face. So what ended up happening, which was amazing, is that we could still feel how close we were to each other. We could hear each other breathing. We could hear each other’s voices. We were just looking there, in a mirror.

The effect, it worked seamlessly. And in fact, I was talking to Anne about this yesterday because I realized that in my memory of doing that very intimate scene at the end of the movie with her, I don’t remember it being a mirror. I remember I was so dialed into Annie’s eyes that I just remember Annie being right there, and she was, she was right there, but I was doing it to the mirror. But it worked. It worked really well. So, that was the hack that Chris came up with to say, “Okay, this will work if we can deaden the sound, which requires a giant box. If we can fix the eye lines, we can shoot large format, and we can shoot really quiet scenes.”

It’s crazy.

DAMON: Yeah, it’s really cool.

The Odyssey opens in theaters and IMAX on July 17.

Advertisement

Release Date

July 17, 2026

Advertisement

Runtime

172 Minutes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Sometimes the most unexpected styles creep in and suddenly become super on trend. That’s what’s happening with ‘dad’ sandals for summer 2026, and believe it or not, you’ll actually want to get on board. The chunky appearance packs a ton of comfort — hey, dads are always moving and grooving! — so they make for a seasonal shoe your feet will be happy to wear all day long.

Just like any other shoe, dad sandals come in all different looks. So, whether you want a classic pair you can wear with every outfit or prefer something sleek that feels very ‘rich mom,’ you can do so in a utilitarian silhouette (i.e., arch support). Let’s just say you’ll be thankful you own a pair when a whole lot of walking is on the agenda.

18 Dad Sandals That Are Actually Chic

1. Our Favorite: These flexible dad sandals have everything we’re after: soft, plush insoles, non-slip outsoles, water resistance and adjustable straps. Basically, they’ll remain on your feet all summer long.

2. Leather Look: Need something sleek to pair with sundresses or to give your go-to T-shirt and shorts combo an elevated twist? Coutgo’s strappy option is easy to slip on, but looks like a designer find, enhancing your outfit in an instant.

3. Hiking-Approved: Who says you need to wear sneakers for prolonged outdoor activities? These non-slip dad sandals offer serious arch support and anti-slip texturing on the footbeds.

4. Hint of Hardware: For a little something extra, these double-strap sandals have a faux hardware lock that adds bling. We like the six color choices, including an unexpected metallic option.

5. Cool Crocs: Yes, Crocs is in on the dad sandal game, too, and its version even has a wedge detail. You can expect comfort to take top priority in the chunky Brooklyn sandals, with an adjustable strap to keep your feet in place.

Related: Look Taller With These Trendy Summer Sandals — No Heels!

Nothing elongates your legs like the right sandals, and with mini dress season in full swing, we want all the length we can get. There’s a reason platform sandals are trending, especially among people who know the flattering secret. We found 13 chic summer pairs that make you look inches taller! Whether you’re searching for […]

Advertisement

6. Easy Espadrilles: These Sam Edelman sandals scream summer with espadrille detailing. The bold buckles and metallic touches are the cherries on top.

7. Buckled Beauties: Ugg isn’t just a brand for fall and winter, and these buckled dad sandals are proof. The 1-inch platform adds a little height without any discomfort.

8. Colorful Choice: Each strap on these $21 dad sandals is a different color, so they’ll go with your summer wardrobe. Or, if you tend to keep your looks neutral, this pick will make the statement you need.

9. Extra Height: For a clean, simple look, platform wedge sandals are the ideal base for any outfit. Plus, the footbed pads keep comfort top of mind.

10. Cute Closed-Toe: For a little more coverage, the Quince fisherman sandals feature multiple chunky straps. The 100% Italian cow leather upper means they’ll last for years to come, too.

11. Y2K Vibes: No matter which variation you choose, you’ll get a chunky dad shoe with two different colored straps. Your footwear will instantly become the coolest, most nostalgic part of your outfit.

12. A+ Adjustability: Not only is the ankle strap adjustable, but so are the two straps that go across the top of the foot. Pair that with the solid color offerings, and these easy-to-wear summer sandals are a winner.

13. Joyful Jelly: Jelly shoes have been everywhere lately, and we like how we can combine two trends in one. These jelly dad shoes are meant to slip on and head out the door with ease.

14. Sweet Straw: Your outfit will automatically feel more beach, thanks to the raffia details. These double-strap platform sandals can be worn on vacation — or every day that you wish you were on one.

15. Animal Instinct: Animal print can be a neutral, so style these leopard-print dad sandals with that in mind. They have a soft, bouncy footbed, allowing you to go all day without pain complaints.

16. Pool-Friendly: Thanks to being waterproof, Cushionaire’s dad sandals will be the hero of summer. The designer-inspired look has an adjustable strap for an optimal fit.

17. Lovely Leather: Made with an Italian nappa leather upper, these Quince platform sandals are simple in the best way. The no-fuss design means they’ll be a workhorse when it comes to your summer outfits.

18. Butter Yellow Babe: It’s the seasonal color that keeps being a favorite, and now you can add it to your footwear. These butter yellow dad sandals instantly make your ensemble cooler and on-trend.

Related: As a Comfort Snob, These Are the Sandal Styles I’m Stocking This Summer

I’m extra particular about most things in life, so naturally, my summer sandals are no exception. My go-to sandals can’t be too heavy, flat, chunky or dull — and they certainly can’t rub. Basically, they have to be perfect, and I found 11 chic shoe styles that check my boxes. These staple sandals range from […]

Advertisement

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

PlayStation has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons of late. Last month, Sony delivered a harsh reminder that there’s no such thing as “ownership” in the digital age when they announced users would lose access to over 500 StudioCanal movies and TV titles they purchased through the PlayStation Store after their licensing agreement with the studio expires. More recently and alarmingly, given that action, however, the company decided it would end production of physical games in January 2028. It’s a crushing blow for physical media collectors who want to live without the fear that the things they purchased could be wiped away in an instant at a corporation’s whim.

For developers and publishers, however, it’s similarly disheartening to know there is a future where their games may never physically exist on PlayStation. A proper disc, or, in the Nintendo Switch‘s case, a cartridge release, is a bit of a badge of honor for indie titles, showing there’s enough of a demand from fans to warrant creating something they can put on their shelves. Publishers like Lost in Cult and iam8bit have made businesses out of preserving games and creating high-quality collectibles like vinyl albums of their soundtracks and books that dig into their development. “As a company on a mission to preserve video games, we are deeply saddened by the recent news from PlayStation on ending physical disc production from 2028,” the former wrote in an official statement on X in response to Sony’s move. “We aim to do everything in our power to preserve video games to the best of our ability and will continue to do so for as long as we can.”

Since the announcement, more voices from throughout the industry have spoken out about the move away from physical games, with fears for the future of the medium and personal disappointment for their own titles. Among the most prominent names to come forward is Michael Douse, the director of publishing at Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios, who decried the decision for PlayStation as “genuinely heartbreaking,” reflecting on their own experiences. The Game of the Year-winning RPG originally released digitally only, but later released a lovingly crafted deluxe edition that included the actual disc with additional DLC alongside plenty of physical goodies for collectors. He called the work “both my pride AND quite literally my joy” and considered the cost more than worth it for all the people who loved it.

‘The Binding of Isaac’ and ‘Animal Well’ Creators Speak Out for Physical Games

Independent developers Billy Basso and Edmund McMillen also spoke to the personal side of the shift away from physical games on social media. Basso, who created the puzzle adventure darling Animal Well, lamented the thought that “I’ll never release another physical game for PlayStation,” while the Binding of Isaac, Super Meat Boy, and most recently, Mewgenics mastermind McMillen expressed hope that more outlets like Lost in Cult will continue to pick up the slack where PlayStation has faltered. “I collect physical media and will always find a way to release my games physically,” he wrote. “The fact is, if mainstream publishers stop, independent boutique publishers will continue making collector’s editions that will be way better anyway.” Whether that will even be possible in the future is up in the air as more consoles are being eyed as digital-only without a disc drive to begin with.

The outcry over PlayStation’s decision has reached some pretty high-up places. Recently, 2027 French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon weighed in on Sony’s move and the recent news that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch without a physical disc on social media, saying that games were “cultural assets, and the law in force must apply to them.” He believes the issue of preservation will need to be addressed at the highest level, both for the preservation of culture and the protection of consumers.

“With GTA 6 without a disc in 2026 and Sony’s announcement of the end of physical disc sales for games in 2028, the question arises of how we view these products. Tomorrow, you will pay without owning anything. No loan, no resale, no guarantee of keeping what we’ve paid for.”

Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the future of PlayStation and the video game industry as a whole.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

Advertisement

M

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Advertisement

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Advertisement

Franchise

Baldur’s Gate

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement