The 18 Most Comfortable Sandals PureWow Editors Have Ever Worn, Starting at Just $20
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I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that, as a folly youth, I spent years choosing fashion over function when it came to footwear. I suffered through blocks-long walks from the subway that felt like miles, strained my arches with sky-high stilettos and smushed my poor toes into shoes that were just a smidge too small, and I’ve got the blister scars and bunions to prove it. But with age comes wisdom, and I am now a devoted comfort convert, constantly on the hunt for the most comfortable sandals, sneakers, heels, you name it—anything to keep my feet happy so I can focus on more important things.
And in all my research I’ve discovered it’s not necessary to sacrifice style in the name of support, you can indeed have both. Read on for 18 chic sandals that will support your arches from dawn ‘til dusk, all while looking good too. (Just be sure to take them for a test run around the block before whipping them out for an all-day excursion.)
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The Top 5 Most Comfortable Sandals at a Glance
Meet the Expert
What To Look For in a Comfortable Sandal
“Your shoe should be appropriate for your foot type as well as your activity,” Dr. Sutera tells me. “This will not only provide comfort but can prevent injury.” So those looking for a shoe they can slip on for weekend errands may need to consider different options than those looking for a sandal they can wear walking around a city on vacation. But in all cases, Dr. Sutera stresses the importance of arch support. “It's normal to pronate (aka, the way your foot rolls as you walk) throughout the gait cycle, but it's overpronation that causes a lot of problems when you have a flat foot, like heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis—and even stress fractures can happen. An arch support keeps you from overpronating,” she explains. Choosing the right materials for your needs is also important. Leather straps can offer sturdy support, but are often heavier than lightweight rubber or knit materials. And if you’re on the hunt for a shoe to wear while exploring the great outdoors, waterproofing is key. With all that in mind, here are my top picks.
How I Chose the Most Comfortable Sandals
Of these 18 pairs of sandals, I have personally tested seven styles and would happily recommend each. But, of course, everyone’s feet are different, which is why I also polled the PureWow editorial team to get recommendations from women of all walks of life (pun not intended). Lastly, I reached out to friends and family, read countless reviews across multiple commerce sites and watched social videos extolling the pros and cons of every single pair of sandals on this list. The results: a vetted list of the most comfortable sandals money can buy.
The 28 Most Comfortable Sneakers for Women, According to Nurses, New Yorkers and PureWow Editors
1. OluKai Kīpe‘a ‘Olu Sandals
This Hawaii-based brand is one of my absolute favorites for high-quality, waterproof shoes that are also stylish enough to wear out on the town. And the Kīpe‘a ‘Olu sandal is my current top pick for two main reasons: the simple yet elegant stitching on the straps and the extra comfy footbed. The sole on this style is thicker than others by the brand for better support and cushioning, and that bonus stitch detailing makes these sandals appear much more expensive than they really are. Oh, and there is virtually zero break-in time required. Seriously, I wore mine right out of the box for a full day of exploring NYC and didn’t experience any irritation. And they’ve aged beautifully—after two years of use, they still look fabulous and the footbed is even more comfortable now that it’s had time to conform to the shape of my feet. My only gripe is that I wish the straps were adjustable. P.S. Because these are only available in whole sizes, I recommend rounding down to the nearest whole number if you typically wear a half size.
2. Teva Voya Infinity Sandals
I won’t lie, I bought these because I saw Mary Kate Olsen wearing them. I had a gift card and already own and love the classic Original Universal sandals and so didn’t know what to get and then voila—my childhood idol led me to these. At first, I was worried they would make my feet look like sausages with the elastic straps, and they do require you to pull and adjust them to get the exact right fit. But once they’re set they look incredibly chic. Add to that the fact that the Voya Infinity swaps out Teva’s usual EVA insole for one made of fabric, which doesn’t make my feet sweat nearly as much, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer sandal. Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen is also a fan of this minimalist style. “In the black color, these Tevas give a look that's similar to the Emme Parsons Bari sandal ($250) at a fraction of the cost,” she notes. “Plus they’re super lightweight and have no break-in period. And since they’re only $42, I don't feel bad about mucking around in them.”
3. Sam Edelman Bay Sandals
My feet are so prone to blisters and cuts, literally every summer it’s like breaking in my sandals all over again, and my feet are basically covered in bandages from March through May. These Sam Edelman slides are some of the only shoes I’ve ever bought that I could actually wear right out of the box with no breaking in necessary. They also last so long—I’ve had the same gold pair for four or so years now and they’re only just starting to come apart, even though I wear them almost every day during the summer. I will admit, they don’t have a ton of arch support, so if you have difficult feet I’d suggest going with a pair from Vionic or Sorel instead. But for a casual, easy sandal you can depend on day in and day out, it doesn’t get better than these, folks.
4. Message Mullen Slide Sandals
Finding chic shoes when you have bunions is a real challenge. All too often I find the straps rub my feet or feel too stretched, or like my feet are falling off the edge of the soles. But none of those things are true for these incredibly comfortable slides. I was skeptical of the stretchy uppers when I first took them out of the box, and will admit it took me a few minutes to get used to walking in these (I kept worrying they would slip off, but they actually didn’t budge at all). But that knit upper is wildly comfortable, wrapping around my feet without showing off every lump and bump, and even offers a slight compression to ensure I am well supported as I walk. Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay is also a fan. “I love how compressive the strap is! I feel like my foot is secure and supported, not flopping around or slipping off like other flimsy slides. The cork base is sturdy with the slightest give and mimics the natural curve of my foot.” Better than that, they look surprisingly chic once on, especially in this crème brûlée hue (though they also come in black, tangerine and citron green). You can also toss them in the washing machine on a gentle setting with cold water should they get dirty. Just be sure to lay them out to dry, and skip the heat of the dryer.
5. Margaux The City Sandal
Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu adores pretty much all of Margaux’s French woman-inspired shoes, but it’s the City Sandals that impressed her most of all. “I’ve logged miles in these, and mind you, I have wide feet with bunions,” she says. “My arches aren’t screaming at the end of the day, despite the 2.5-inch heel. They are really and truly comfy for all-day wear.” The brand notes this is a constant best-seller, and with more than 300 5-star reviews, it’s pretty easy to understand why. “This is a beautiful shoe that can be dressed up or down,” writes one reviewer. “When I'm searching for special occasion shoes, I don't have the time or patience…required for a break-in period. To me, shoes either fit comfortably and work on the first wear, or I get several painful, bloody blisters and I immediately throw them away. I’ve tried a lot of other brands and nothing came close to this shoe. The customer service was fast and informative when I had questions. These are beautiful, versatile shoes and I'm hoping to keep them in my wardrobe for years to come.”
6. Easy Spirit Selina Sandals
“Bullseye in the Venn Diagram of affordability/walkability/versatility is the Easy Spirit Selina,” raves Senior Editor Dana Dickey. “It’s the perfect shoe for when you’re looking for something to wear for a day of sightseeing without giving up and going full dork. These look good with dresses, trouser shorts and jeans.” She’s even worn them with lightweight socks for a Gen Z-inspired look. “They are under $100 and have an inch-and-a-half heel—affordable and comfortable. Plus, the footbed is cushioned and the ankle strap has an elastic panel which accommodates your feet after they’ve swollen from visiting your umpteenth Cortona chapel in an afternoon.”
7. Birkenstock Mayari Sandals
For those who prefer a more fashion-forward silhouette with all the signature comfort of classic Birkenstock sandals, try the Mayari. It has a chic three-strap silhouette that feels dressier than the OG Arizonas, but is made with a super-supportive, podiatrist-approved cork and EVA footbed. “I actually need to get a new pair of these because I’ve worn my old ones down to the sole,” says Rachel Gulmi, operations director of branded content for PureWow. (She owned her first pair for about four years, wearing them nearly every day for the first two summers.) “I have wide feet, so strappy sandals are usually not my friend, but these are the best! The adjustable straps let me customize the fit to each foot and can be tightened if/when the leather stretches out a bit. I also love that they’re more dressy than classic Birks, but still casual enough to throw on when running out somewhere quick.” There are also a number of different material options for the upper, including oiled leather, vegan faux-leather and even shearling.
8. lululemon Restfeel Slides
PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera highly recommends these cult-favorite slides both for post-workout recovery and for casual athleisure strolls. “If you want a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals, these are perfect,” she raves. “I love wearing these after a workout or for just walking up the street to grab a coffee.” She notes that the footbed is supremely cushy and that the sleek, minimalist design looks far more elevated than similar sporty slides, making these easier to mix and match with more than just your workout wardrobe. They’re made of a dual-density foam that balances cushion with bounce to keep your arches feeling supported, and are reportedly easy to wipe clean should you find them getting dirty. Because they are available only in whole sizes, the brand recommends those who typically wear a half size round down to the nearest whole number for the best fit.
9. Beek Gallito Leather Slide Sandals
Another hot recommendation from LaBarbera is this simple leather design from Beek. “I wore the Beek Gallito sandals for tons of different activities ranging in length of time and levels of exertion for about two months,” she tells me. “They feel cushiony-yet-supportive thanks to the molded arch support, and my incredibly flat feet—which my mom swears are the result of years of pounding into the floor doing gymnastics—are very grateful for this. As for the memory foam footbed? I'd compare it to walking on a cloud. I also love the simple, chic slide style that really can go with anything. I've already worn the sandals with everything from sundresses to sweat shorts, and I know their versatility will come in handy when I'm trying to pack (read: not overpack) for an upcoming weekend getaway.” Because these are available only in whole sizes, the brand recommends rounding down to the nearest whole number if you typically wear a half size.
10. Wild Fable Trixie Platform Sandals
“I am usually looking at style over comfort when it comes to sandals,” admits Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor, “but these just so happen to be both incredibly cute and comfortable. I grabbed these during a recent Target run on a whim and I've been wearing them constantly ever since. They have the classic Birks look (but cuter, in my opinion), and the platform elevates the style while giving me a little extra height. The contoured footbed hits my high arches just right and the straps are adjustable so I am not sliding out of them.” They’re also incredibly lightweight, so your feet won’t feel bogged down after a full day of walking. Some reviewers note these sandals run a bit big, so you may want to go down one from your usual size, especially if you have narrow feet.
11. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals
For the gal who prefers a barely-there look, these Sam Edelman sandals are just the ticket. La Barbera says, “I’m due for a sandal update, but have loved these Gigi sandals for a few summers now. They have a slightly padded footbed that’s super comfortable and the ankle strap keeps them from slipping off.” If you’re in need of lots of foot support, these may not be the best choice, but that padded footbed is surprisingly supportive and comfortable even after long days, according to other reviewers. And as LaBarbera noted, the adjustable ankle strap makes it impossible for your sandals to come flying off so you can focus on getting where you need to go or busting a dance move at your cousin’s wedding. This style is also part of the brand’s Icons collection, meaning it’s been a best seller time and time again, further evidenced by the fact that numerous reviewers mention they’ve owned multiple (even up to ten) pairs at a time.
12. Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals
Gillen also highly recommends these supportive, strappy sandals by Teva. “The footbed is really cushy and has good arch support, and the straps don’t rub or cause blisters. Plus, all three straps are adjustable for a custom fit.” And while they were originally designed for outdoor exploration—they’re waterproof and have a rubber lug sole for excellent traction—once on they don’t obviously look like water shoes and can easily be styled with jeans or even a sundress for a stroll in the city. This Teva style is also 100 percent vegan as an added animal-friendly bonus. The footbed is made from a lightweight EVA foam that strikes an ideal balance between being soft and supportive.
13. Alohas Nico Leather Sandals
“I love my Alohas Nico sandals for a sleek look as the weather warms up,” says Dubyak. “I can’t stand super flat or unsupportive sandals, but these have a bit of lift and a cushiony footbed. They are a bit heavy, which doesn’t bother me, but may be too much for someone looking for something lightweight.” The thick sole adds about 1.5 inches to your height and is made from incredibly soft, sustainably-sourced leather over a cushioned foam footbed. The adjustable back strap also helps to secure your foot and customize the fit as needed. “I found the molded footbeds to have excellent arch support, and I like that the heel strap is fully adjustable,” says Sally Kaplan, executive editor at Insider Reviews. “I haven't experienced any pinching or digging with the buckle on the heel strap, which was my biggest concern when I chose this style.”
14. Teva Universal Platform Sandals
With more than 4,500 reviews at Nordstrom and a 4.7-star rating, it should come as no surprise that multiple PureWow editors and friends recommended these sandals for their comfort. “These Teva flatforms saw me through last summer and I can’t wait to break them out again this year,” says Sarah Stiefvater, PureWow’s wellness director. “They're cushiony right off the bat, but get even comfier as they mold to your feet the more you wear them. My only complaint would be that the straps are a little bit big/long, but it's easy enough to get a better fit by securing the Velcro tighter.” The supportive platform adds 1.5 inches to your height and the rugged sole provides excellent grip, even on dirt paths or trails. They’re also waterproof, so you can go exploring your local beach or nearby pond without stressing over getting your shoes wet.
15. Reef Water Vista Sandals
Candace Davison, VP of content at PureWow, originally bought these shoes to use them as water shoes at the beach, but now finds herself wearing them for her regular day to day as well. “I hate water shoes, but stingrays are a problem where I’m from, making them a necessity,” she explains. “Reef Vistas are cushy and waterproof, with thick straps that don’t dig into your skin.” Plus, they don’t look like traditional water shoes, so you really can get away with wearing them all over town. They come with a dual density EVA foam footbed for comfort and support and the back strap is adjustable with a small Velcro patch on the side. Reviews suggest they run true to size, and if you typically wear a half size the Reef website recommends rounding up to the next nearest whole size.
16. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
My mom, Judith, has worn Birkenstock Arizona sandals for more than two decades now (not the same pair, but always the same style), including both before and after bunion surgery. “Before having my bunions removed, I really appreciated the fact that the straps are adjustable and so could accommodate the shape of my feet,” she says. “Plus, they really mold to your exact foot once they’ve worn in, making them even more comfortable. They’re also so easy to slip on and off so I don’t have to bend down to twist or tweak them at all—I can just slip ‘em on and go!” Pretty much all rave reviews of Birkenstock shoes come back to its incredibly footbed design with tons of thoughtful, supportive details like a deep heel cup for stability, arch supports along the sides and indentations at the toes to keep your foot properly aligned as you walk. P.S. They come in a wide range of colors and material options, including a lightweight EVA style for just $50.
17. Vionic Activate Recovery Sandals
Most podiatrists will tell you that flip flops are not good for your feet, but these Vionic sandals may be an acceptable exception. That’s because of the incredibly supportive footbed and the positioning of the strap higher up on the foot. In fact, these shoes were designed with direct input and assistance from a team of podiatrists (as all of Vionic’s shoes are), meaning there have been lots of extra steps taken to ensure your feet are well supported. This includes a biomechanically engineered cushy insole that hugs your arches and raised sides that help guide your foot into proper alignment as you walk. One reviewer writes, “I really love these shoes! I discovered that I have a (very painful) bunion on my left foot about a year ago and was given orthotics that fit the shape of my foot. Sadly, I can't wear orthotics with open-toed or open-heeled shoes, so I have been on the search for a pair of sandals that I could wear without causing me pain. I've had these for a few weeks now, and my arches feel very supported! If you aren't used to strong arch support in your shoes, it may take some time to break them in.”
18. Salt Water Sandal by Hoy Shoes
PureWow’s Editor in Chief, Jillian Quint, buys these shoes on repeat every one to two years. “Salt Water Sandals are the best summer shoes on the planet,” she raves. “They are so comfortable, waterproof and can be dressed up or down. And really inexpensive!” Indeed, these adorable, classic sandals come in a wide range of solid hues (including metallics) and those wide leather straps are comfortable enough for a full day of city exploration. They also come in kids sizes for an adorable mommy and me moment. Oh, and did I mention they’re also recyclable? These sandals check literally all the boxes.
Found: The 10 Best Sneakers with Arch Support That Don’t Look Clunky
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
