When it comes to walking shoes, your mind may jump straight to comfortable sneakers or even hiking boots for the more adventurous among us. But fret not, fans of open toed shoes: there are plenty of walking sandals on the market that are comfortable to wear for a full day of activities. You just need to know what to look for, which is where we come in.
The best sandals for walking, at a glance
- Best overall: Teva Original, $55
- Best design: André Assous, Nigella Featherweight Sandal, $110
- Best performance: Chaco Bodhi Sandal, $80
- Best antimicrobial: Taos Trophy 2, $135
- Best thong: Nisolo Isabel Go-To Flip Flop, $90
- Best lightweight: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials, $50
- Best slide-on: Ugg Koolaburra, $70
- Best slides: Archies Footwear Arch Support Slides, $60
- Best for trails: Keen Astoria West Sandals, $125
- Best recovery sandal: Hoka Ora Luxe, $80
- Best platform: Reef Cushion Rem Hi, $70
- Best for dressing up: Clarks Orinoco Strap Sandal, $80
- Best back strap: Sorel Viibe Sandal, $125
- Best comfort: Sanuk Sling ST Blanket Sandal, $45
- Best athleisure: Nike Vista Sandal, $60
What to look for in a walking sandal, according to a podiatrist
There are a few key things you should look for when it comes to walking sandals, the first being a proper fit. As with sneakers, hiking boots, and other shoes, the wrong size shoe is a recipe for pain and injury. Start with making sure they right right first.
From there, Patrick McEneaneny, DPS, owner, and CEO of Northern Illinois foot-specialists, previously told us to look for sandals made from sturdy materials that aren’t too flexible. “When the midsole bends a lot, it increases the pressure load to the ball of your foot and toe joints,” he said. This pressure can cause excess pain in the joints and bones while making you prone to tripping or stumbling.
Instead, opt for walking sandals with a strong midsole that’s not too flexible, is equipped with a grippy outsole, and cushions your feet. Dr. McEneaneny also suggested choosing shoes with foot-friendly features, like a deep heel cup for stability, and wide, thick straps across the upper to keep feet in place. (And won’t give you blisters, to boot.) Other features—like a cushioned insole or built-in arch support—can alleviate shock on bones and joints while you walk, too.
What to avoid in a walking sandal, according to a podiatrist
As you can glean from the above, sandals that are flimsy and thin, like flip flops or flat gladiators, aren’t suitable for long walks. “I rarely say a sandal is a good sandal,” Dr. McEneaney admitted to us previously. To give your feet proper support and shock absorption on your walks, look for sandals with a solid base, like Birkenstocks (which are made from cork) or Chacos (which are made from polyurethane, aka, PU). The outsole should be sturdy too, as this is what grips the actual ground and prevents you from slipping and sliding.
If you plan on wearing them for long walks, avoid anything that might cause discomfort on your feet and toes itself. Think: Skinny thongs that might dig in between toes or around your heel, fabrics that may chafe against skin, and too-tight heel or ankle straps that might trigger blisters.
These stylish and supportive options will have you walking comfortably whether you’re traipsing through Europe on vacation or just taking a stroll through your neighborhood.
Teva, Original — $55.00
Sizes available: 5-12
Teva sandals are beloved for a reason. The supportive original universal sandal is crafted from a vegan quick-dry material that makes it suitable to wear doing just about anything, including water activities. But it’s perfectly suited for daily wear as well. Another key feature is the adjustable straps and arched midsole that make it easy to find the ideal fit for you. Additionally, this sandal is not only made from recycled materials, but is recyclable itself, so you can feel good about adding it to your closet.
Colors: 14
Return Policy: Teva accepts returns on unworn footwear up to 30 days after purchase. Both shoes must be present in order to process the return as well.
- They have adjustable straps.
- They are water-resistant.
- The arched midsole adds support.
- They are a little too casual to dress up.
André Assous, Nigella Featherweight Sandal — $110.00
Sizes available: 5-12
For those looking for something comfortable that can still be dressed up for a night out, look no further than André Assous’ Featherweights line. Each pair has a bendable leather footbed that moves with the foot, so you’ll always be walking comfortably. One thing to note is the brand suggests you size up if you find yourself between sizes as they don’t offer half sizes.
Colors: 4
Return Policy: André Assous accepts returns up to 30 days as long as the shoes are unworn and in their original packaging.
- They have a breathable footbed.
- They can be dressed up or worn casually.
- They have a flexible design.
- They don’t come in half sizes.
Chaco, Bodhi Sandal — $80.00
Sizes available: 5-12
Another fan favorite walking sandal is the Chaco Bodhi Sandal. If you’ve ever attended a music festival or stepped foot into a farmer’s market, it’s more than likely you’ve encountered these lightweight performance shoes. This style features a slimmer footbed than older models, giving it a sleek look that stays fitted to your footbed throughout the day. If you typically wear a half size, the brand suggests you size down to find your best fit from this particular sandal.
Colors: 6
Return Policy: Per Chaco’s return policy, you can return unworn shoes up to 30 days after they were shipped, but you will need to pay a $5 shipping fee, which will be deducted from the refund. Exchanges are always free.
- They’re lightweight.
- They have a slim footbed.
- They have an adjustable strap.
- They don’t come in half sizes
Taos, Trophy 2 — $135.00
Available sizes: 7-12
This pair of sandals is exceptionally comfortable, thanks to its cushioned sole, which was designed not only for arch support, but metatarsal support as well. The microfiber footbed also has antimicrobial properties, so you don’t have to worry about picking up any bacteria if you’re walking around on a hot day.
Colors: 4
Return Policy: Taos accepts returns up to 30 days after the purchase date for unworn shoes that were not marked as final sale.
- They have a cushioned sole.
- They have metatarsal support.
- They have antimicrobial footbeds.
Nisolo, Isabel Go-To Flip Flop — $90.00
Sizes available: 5-10
It wouldn’t be a sandal roundup without at least one pair of classic flip flops. But this chic pair is a far cry from the $2 foam flip flops we all wore (and wore out) as kids. Instead of a flimsy material that won’t last a full summer, these sleek sandals feature memory foam insoles for comfort, added traction on the heel, and breathable leather.
Colors: 2
Return Policy: Nisolo accepts returns of unworn items up to 30 days after purchase.
- They have memory foam insoles.
- They have plenty of traction for support.
- They are made of breathable material.
- They don’t feature an ankle strap for extra stability.
Birkenstock, Arizona — $50.00
Sizes available: 4/4.5-12/12.5
These lightweight Birkenstocks have the same supportive shape and style as the brand’s cult-favorite Arizonas, but are crafted from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) a stretchy, foam-based material that feels and looks similar to rubber. This means this pair is perfectly suited for wearing at the pool, lake, beach, and even in the rain. And if you find yours covered in dirt or grime you can simply give the sandals a quick rinse and they’ll look good as new.
Colors: 11
Return Policy: You can return your unworn Birkenstocks in the original packaging up to 30 days after delivery.
- They are waterproof.
- They are made of lightweight and flexible EVA.
- They have adjustable straps.
- The straps might not have enough holes for narrow feet.
Ugg, Koolaburra — $70.00
Sizes available: 5-12
Don’t let the name UGG throw you—these sandals aren’t lined with sheepskin. Instead, the sole is crafted from water-resistant ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), while the insole features foam for added comfort. The double strap design also makes it easy to slip this pair on and off as needed throughout the day.
Colors: 3
Return Policy: This pair of sandals is part of Amazon’s Try Before You Buy program, so Prime members can test them out for seven days before returning or purchasing. If you purchase directly, you can return them to Amazon within 30 days.
- They are water-resistant.
- They are lightweight and flexible.
- They’re easy to dress up and down.
- Cons:
- The straps aren’t adjustable.
Message, Mullen Slides — $160.00
Sizes available: 36-46 (EU)
Our editorial commerce director has been testing the Message Mullen Slides for a couple months now—and as an avid walker and traveler, she’s really impressed. Specifically—she took the slides with her on a trip to Mexico, and they got her through a day of traveling, and then long walks on the beach. They also make for great dog walking shoes. Described by the brand as a “hug for your feet,” these sandals are hand-made with an arch support-friendly barecork footbed and hugflex strap (it’s stretchy enough to be comfortable, but still holds your feet in place).
Colors: 4
Return Policy: Customers have 14 days for a free return.
- They’re super comfortable.
- They offer arch support.
- The slide strap secures well around the foot for stability.
Keen, Astoria West Sandals — $125.00
Sizes available: 6-12
While this particular shoe does have a closed toe, it’s still considered a sandal, thanks to its open sides and back. With water-friendly traction on the soles and a quick-drying construction, these shoes are ideal if your walking plans will take you near—or in—bodies of water. This pair of sandals also features anti-odor properties that make it a great choice for sportier activities.
Colors: 3
Return Policy: REI Co-op members can return items within one year of purchase even if they’ve been used, while non-members have 90 days to make their returns.
- They combine a sneaker and a sandal for comfort and stability.
- They’re made from quick-drying material.
- They have anti-odor properties.
- They aren’t the most stylish sandal on our list.
Hoka, Ora Luxe Recovery Sandal — $80.00
Sizes available: M3/W5-M14/W16
Designed specifically for post-run relief, these all-gender recovery slides also make for great daily walking sandals. They’re lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and feature an adjustable velcro strap that makes it easy to find the fit that works best for you.
Colors: 20
Return Policy: Hoka accepts returns of complete pairs of shoes within 30 days of purchase from their site, other authorized retailers, or authorized local retailers.
- They’re lightweight.
- They have an adjustable slide strap.
- They’re designed for post-run recovery, so they’re extra comfortable.
- They don’t come in half sizes.
Reef, Cushion Rem Hi Sandal — $70.00
Sizes available: 5-11
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of comfortable walking sandals that still offer a little lift, this pair from REEF may be just what you’ve been looking for. The footbed is designed to cup your heel and provide arch support, while the platform sole offers added height without sacrificing any traction.
Colors: 3
Return Policy: Items shipped from Amazon.com, including Amazon Warehouse, can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
- They have excellent arch support.
- They feature a sturdy ankle strap for stability.
- They have plenty of traction.
- They might be too tall for some preferences.
Clarks, Orinoco Strap — $80.00
Sizes available: 6-9.5
Clarks proprietary foam footbed has been a fan favorite of comfort seekers for years, and this new sandal puts it to use in an extra stylish way. The strappy silhouette adds an elevated look to what is otherwise a shoe designed for comfort, while the rubber sole makes it easy to walk in all day.
Colors: silver
Return Policy: Clarks accepts returns of unworn shoes in the original packaging within 60 days of purchase.
- They’re easy to dress up or wear casually.
- They have a durable rubber sole.
- They offer tons of cushion and comfort.
- We wish they came in more colors.
Sorel, Viibe Sandal — $125.00
Sizes available: 5-12
The sturdy ankle straps on these sandals ensure they’ll stay on your feet all day, even if you’re walking through uneven terrain. The platform heel adds about 1.5 inches of height, so you can get a little boost without feeling like you’re traipsing around in a pair of actual heels.
Colors: 4
Return Policy: Zappos accepts returns of unworn items in their original packaging up to 365 days after purchase.
- They have a comfortable padded strap.
- They have an ankle strap for extra stability.
- They feature some arch support for added comfort.
- They don’t come in all half sizes.
Sanuk, Sling St Blanket — $45.00
Sizes available: 5-11
Sanuk is so confident these sandals will bring you comfort they describe them as “the softest things you’ve ever put on your feet.” What makes them so soft? Namely, the cushioned foam footbed and blanket-inspired polyester upper.
Colors: multi
Return Policy: Sanuk accepts returns within 30 days of purchase.
- The strap is super soft and comfortable.
- They have a cushioned foot bed.
- They are flexible.
- They don’t come in half sizes.
Nike, Vista Sandal — $50.00
Sizes available: 5-11
Prefer a sandal with more of an athleisure vibe? This pair from Nike is a great option. The adjustable strap and lightweight formulation make it an ideal choice for a day of walking, while the bold gold Nike swoosh ups the cool factor.
Colors: 2
Return policy: Famous Footwear accepts returns online or in store.
- They combine a sneaker and a sandal.
- They have lots of straps for stability.
- They feature plenty of support.
- They don’t come in half sizes.
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