These Stylish Walking Sandals Are Comfortable, Supportive, and Podiatrist-Approved

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We updated this article in June 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

You have your outdoor walking goals marked down, and your perfect playlist or podcast ready to go. The one thing that still threatens to get in the way? Those cute summer sandals that aren’t exactly functional. So, if you’re looking for the best sandals for walking, you’ve come to the right place.

With so many sandals available online—from flip flops, to wedges, to slides—it can be difficult to distinguish between shoes that actually support your feet and the ones that only get by based on looks. Thankfully, several sandal makers are acing the game when it comes to shock-absorption, arch support, all-around comfort, and a cute design.

Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), spoke with Prevention about shopping for the best walking sandals, and we’re pleased to report that what’s trendy and what’s comfortable aren’t mutually exclusive. “The most important thing is to know your feet and to know your sandals,” Dr. Andersen says. “No shoe or sandal should feel uncomfortable in the store. They shouldn’t require a break-in period. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking with any shoe, it’s a good idea to work your way up to that.” So, your shoe should never make your feet feel cramped or cause them to bleed.

Meet the Experts: Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., podiatrist from North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute.

Our top picks

Ready to browse our top-rated picks? Ahead, the most most comfortable walking sandals that withstand the longest days.

Women's Whisper Closed Toe Sport Sandals

Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., podiatrist from North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, says that her most recommended sandal for outdoor activity is Keens. “They provide great stability, arch support and even toe protection. These can really go the distance in terms for comfort and activity.” Reviewers agree, with one saying “Perfect summer trail hiking shoe in my opinion. I want more colors now!!!”

Jamie Women's Platform Lug Sandal Black

Vionic makes great shoes and sandals, says Dr. Sharkey, mainly because if they have a supportive arch. “This is my go-to brand for those looking to merge style with comfort.” And customers of the brand agree, with one saying “This is my second pair of these Vionic Sandals. They are terrific. Comfortable for walking miles and miles but still stylish enough to wear out and about.”

CLOUDFEEL Espadrille Sandal

So stylish and so comfy! We can’t get enough of how cute these summery espadrilles are because you can literally wear them with anything. Unlike the typical espadrille, these Cole Haan sandals are actually filled with layers of cushioned foam that provide extra softness while walking. Although it doesn’t have a hole punched strap design, this one expands to fit your foot accordingly. One happy Amazon customer writes “WOW, these sandals are super cute!! And the comfort is next level! These are my new favorite shoe, highly recommend.”

Tide Aloe Toe-Post Sandal

Despite what you think about flip flops, they’re not as bad as you think—well, anymore. “For a long time, flip flops were terrible,” Dr. Andersen says. “Now there are some really great flip flops on the market that actually give you support.” These sandals are a great example. Take comfort in knowing they’re podiatrist-designed and approved, featuring a shock-absorbing midsole and arch support. It’s important to note that although these are super soft, we wouldn’t recommend you wear these if you’re planning to walk for hours. We have a ton of other picks for that!

Lulu Toe-Post Leather Flip-Flop Sandal

Minimal yet fashionable, FitFlop sandals are some of the most popular walking sandals out there. Don't be scared by the platform—it is loaded with cushiony goodness thanks to two midsole layers and a footbed that’s ever so slightly contoured. Reviewers on Amazon say that they wear these sandals all summer long for consecutive years without wearing them out. Many also mentioned that these have great arch support, so they are particularly suited for people with high arches. One reviewer praises the shoes, saying “The best thing about them is the comfort. The soles are very stable and soft. My arches get the proper support needed for standing for long periods of time. They are worth every penny.”

Ohana Sandal

We love these walking sandals that come in several accent colors and patterns. Podiatrist-approved, these beach-ready flip flops have a midsole that both responds to the curves of your feet and have just the right amount of flexibility. Plus, it has lugged treads for extra traction and a water-resistant strap so you don’t slip-and-slide. “These shoes are the most comfortable flip flop I’ve ever worn,” one reviewer raved. “They don’t need breaking in and can be worn all day without getting achy feet. Worth every penny.”

Aetrex Reese Arch Support Sandal

Remember what Dr. Andersen said about sandals with memory foam? In short, they feel like you’re walking on clouds. It’s why she says she personally likes to wear shoes from this brand. “They have a memory foam over the arch support, so it’s really nice,” she says. “It’s not something that you have to have, but it’s extremely comfortable.” Memory foam aside, these have a beautiful braided design, adjustable straps, and superior arch support that helps to align the foot and prevent pain.

True Colors Vera Ankle Strap Sandal

Block heeled sandals are all the rage right now, and we fully support the movement. Replacing all pain-inducing high heels, these adorable sandals from Naturalizer provide just enough height along with cushion where your foot feels the most pressure. One happy Nordstrom customer writes “These are such a great choice for a versatile, comfortable, but still fashionable heel. Naturalizer never fails me!”

Z/2 Classic Sandal

One of the best hiking sandals on the market, Chacos are another favorite of Dr. Sharkey’s. These have amazing support in the footbed which contours nicely, supporting even the highest of arches. If you like to take a walk on the wild side, a.k.a. a nature walk, you know how important it is to have a sandal that’ll keep your foot secure, which is why these Chacos have multiple straps, a toe loop, and a high-tread outsole. It’s security at its finest. Madeleine Haase, Prevention’s Assistant Editor, lives in her Chacos, and says “I don’t wear anything else in the summer, and my pair has lasted me through 5 years already. Still the most comfortable walking shoes I own!”

Hurricane XLT2 Sandal

Another favorite of Dr. Sharkey’s, these Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals have got you covered for a heck of a lot of walking throughout your day. Just look at that contoured footbed! Comfortable straps allow this sandal to move and flex just like your foot naturally would and every step is met with a shock-absorbing sole. Whether you’re walking on grass or gravel, this has a Rugged Durabrasion Rubber outsole, which means it has some crazy traction you’ll want on any trip.

Reece Waxy Burnished Sandal

These sturdy, reliable sandals have a soft leather lining, a single toe loop design, and an easy-to-adjust back strap, making these super pleasant to wear while walking for long periods of time. “Danskos have a rigid sole, but they’re really supportive and good for your feet,” Dr. Andersen says. You’ll also love that these are made with materials that won’t rub against your foot, have a EVA midsole, and memory foam footbed.

Randi Slide Sandal

Slides aren’t typically good for your feet. However, these walking sandals have a slip-resistant sole, two thick adjustable straps for customization, and a super contoured footbed that’ll give you more support than any flimsy slides that try to compete. Plus, they come in six stylish patterns, so you can order one for every outfit! One repeat customer writes “I have been wearing these shoes for years. I keep re-ordering them every couple years! Easy to slip on and off.”

Areda Wedge Sandals

For nice dinners and date nights, these Naturalizer wedge sandals will become your go-to. The added height gives your feet a little extra touch of sexiness, the front strap has a beautifully crafted fabric design, and the strap is all business, hugging your ankles for added stability. With a 2.75-inch cork wedge, these fit within the podiatrist-recommended height, unlike most wedge sandals. Dr. Andersen says as long as the differential height from the front to the back of the wedge is two inches, you should feel comfortable enough to stand and walk around. One Amazon customer writes that these sandals “are very comfortable, light weight, non slippery, great material and fits perfect.”

Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal

This classic Arizona Birkenstock design is one of the brand’s bestsellers, and a favorite of Dr. Sharkey. What makes this particular walking sandal different than the original Arizona is its soft footbed, which is complete with a foam layer on top the cork footbed and the already comfortable EVA sole. We absolutely love these sandals because of their ability to evenly distribute weight. Plus, you can wear them with practically any outfit! One Zappos customer writes “I have crazy wide feet and sandals can be hard. Since the straps are adjustable they are perfect. These are by far the most comfortable sandal for me. The black can be dressed up or down.”

Florida Soft Cork Footbed Sandal

It is impossibly hard to walk around in a shoe that squeezes your toes. We wouldn’t wish it on our worst enemy. Thankfully, there are sandals out there with multiple adjustable straps that allow you to take the reins on how much give your feet need. Whether your feet may be shaped a bit differently or you suffer from bunions, Dr. Andersen says a sandal with straps across the front is something to definitely look for. One Amazon customer writes “I love mine and have been wearing them non-stop this summer.”

How to choose the best sandals for walking

Retailers like Vionic, FitFlop, and Chacos have all gained the APMA seal of approval and are honestly some of the most stylish, comfortable shoes around. “Before [Vionic] became popular, it was like, ‘Well, just gotta wear flip flops,’ and then these came along, and you’re like, ‘Oh, these are great,’” Dr. Andersen says. “A lot of their sandals are really, really good. Those are ones I generally recommend quite a bit.”

There are several general features integrated into these podiatrist-recommended walking sandals that set them apart from other shoes that’ll hurt your feet post-summer vacay (according to Dr. Andersen, this happens a lot).

According to Dr. Sharkey, here’s what to keep in mind when looking for good sandals:

• Comfort. the most important factor is that the sandal should be comfortable. It should feel comfortable to walk in. The material should be comfortable and not feel like you will develop blisters after just a short time. Adjustable straps can provide even more comfort. For walking, look for a sandal that has arch support and shock absorption for extended comfort.

• Fit. make sure you are wearing the proper size, your foot should not fall over the sides of the sandal and there should be room between the end of your toes and the end of the sandal.

• Activity. If hiking or going for long walks, look for a sandals with a good tread for traction.

Another thing Dr. Anderson loves? Memory foam. If you can find a pretty sandal with memory foam, don’t hesitate to scoop it up! “If this was a perfect world, every shoe would have memory foam lining with arch support in it,” Dr. Andersen says. “Every shoe would feel that good.”

How we chose the best sandals for walking

We consulted Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., podiatrist from North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. We also poured over countless online reviews and specs to ensure we provide you with all the information to find the right walking sandals for you.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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