I Found Sandals That Are Actually Comfortable for Walking
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As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, your step count will probably skyrocket—mine always does. This year, I vow to be prepared. No more “I shouldn’t have worn these shoes,” or “I don’t care where we go as long as we can sit.” To make sure I never mutter these words again, I researched the most comfortable walking sandals. And because I’m generous, I thought I’d share my findings with you.
To get ready for the fun-filled days ahead, I walked for miles in plenty of summer slides and sorted through hundreds of sandal reviews. But, in order to truly put my best foot forward, I also tapped expert Ashley Rezcalla, the global product line manager of lifestyle at Teva. If you’ve ever worn a pair of Tevas, you know they are the end-all and be-all of walking sandals. Together, we chatted through non-negotiables to help me dissect what makes the optimal comfortable shoe.
The first thing to consider, Rezcalla says, is underfoot comfort. “You want to make sure what you’re stepping on is soft yet supportive,” she says. Next up, look for shoes that offer ventilation. Fortunately, most sandals are open-air in one way or another, but she still recommends styles with underfoot airflow and breathable materials to avoid sweat and stink. Lastly, your walking shoes need to be durable and have good traction. “You want to make sure the style has the right outsole materials and tread pattern to keep you supported and provide grip for multiple terrains and surfaces.” No slipping or sliding here. Without further ado, read on for 15 of the most comfortable walking sandals to try this summer. Wishing you happy trails ahead!
Hurricane XLT Ampsole Sandals
Mark my words: This will be the summer of Tevas. Functional and lightweight, these sandals are a must-have if you plan on being out and about this season. The brand also wins at color and pattern options that bring a sense of personal style to any ensemble.
Sizes: US 6-10
Colors: Eucalyptus, Blue Blizzard, Oyster, Pastel Pink, Sesame
Materials: Recycled plastic, REPREVE polyester yarn
Customer review: “This is a sandal that you can wear anywhere, anytime, goes with almost anything and is so comfortable that you can walk miles in them easily.”
Hurricane XLT Ampsole Sandals
Free People
$80.00
Anna Black Leather Sandal
I stand by Aeyde as a complete crowd-pleaser. Every time I leave my house wearing the brand, I am swarmed with questions and compliments regarding my shoes. This pair is sleek, simple, and the perfect summer sandal for daily wear. Plus, every pair of Aeyde shoes is produced in its family-run factories!
Sizes: 36-42
Colors: 8 options
Materials: Nappa leather
Anna Black Leather Sandal
Aeyde
$295.00
Jalen Sandal
There isn’t a single pair of A. Emery sandals that I’m not drawn to. When I first discovered the brand, I figured they couldn’t possibly be adorable and comfortable. Fortunately, I stand corrected; second pair, here I come!
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Storm
Materials: Suede, rubber
Jalen Sandal
FWRD
$210.00
Gigi Leather Sandals
As the fisherman sandal makes a return, it’s hard to resist the movement. Not only is this shoe chic and versatile, but it’s also ultra comfortable and platformed for added height.
Sizes: US 5-11
Colors: Ivory, Black
Materials: Leather, rubber
Gigi Leather Sandals
Moda Operandi
$249.00
Jack Slingback Sandal
Bottega Veneta needs no introduction, and these braided sandals are one investment piece that should be on everyone’s wish list. Wear these every day over the next few summers, and they’ll practically pay for themselves.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: 7 options
Materials: Nappa leather
Jack Slingback Sandal
Nordstrom
$1150.00
Bari Sandal
Padded soles and summer plans go together like peanut butter and jelly. These elevated yet minimalistic sandals will tie together any outfit.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: 7 options
Materials: Nappa leather
Bari Sandal
Emme Parsons
$450.00
Madrid Big Buckle Birkenstock
When crafting this story, Birkenstock was one of the no-brainer brands that I just knew I had to include. With over 250 years in the industry, the brand strives for long-term comfort. While you may have a pair of the iconic Bostons or Arizonas, why not branch out with the Madrid sandal? It was the brand’s first shoe ever sold!
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: 8 options
Materials: EVA, leather, suede
Customer review: “You can’t go wrong with Birkenstocks, EVER!! When I received them, I put them on and within an hour, they fit the shape of my foot. They’re so comfortable and CUTE and it will work with many of my outfits.”
Madrid Big Buckle Birkenstock
Free People
$140.00
Harbor Platform
A pair of platform, arch-supporting sandals are essential to every summer wardrobe. Whether you are walking on sandy beaches or bustling streets, your feet will thank you for this purchase.
Sizes: 6.5-11
Colors: 6 options
Materials: Fabric, synthetic
Customer review: “Love my new sandals. They’re cute, comfortable and stylish.”
Harbor Platform
Zappos
$87.22
Alina Leather Heeled Thong Sandal
An open-toe block heel is the way to go if you want to add height and formality to an outfit. This pair from Vince caught my attention not only for its design but also its wearability.
Size: 5-11
Color: Moonlight, Black
Materials: Leather
Alina Leather Heeled Thong Sandal
Vince
$295.00
Ives Sandal
I’ve had this pair for a couple of years now and can’t imagine spending a summer without them. Truly, these foam platforms have never let me down. Never again will you end your day early because you need to rest your feet.
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black Como
Materials: Leather
Customer review: “So good—a great option if you don’t want to invest in The Row sandals.”
Ives Sandal
Revolve
$120.00
Linen Espadrille Thong Sandals
If you’ve got a vacation on the horizon, pack this pair of espadrilles. With a linen-covered thong, comfort is the least of your worries; that luggage weight limit, on the other hand...
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 6 options
Materials: PU, fabric
Linen Espadrille Thong Sandals
Charles & Keith
$66.00
Ripple Shaw Slide
From yogis to runners and everything in between, these cushioned slides are built to help with recovery after athletic performance. With stellar reviews and sustainable fabrics, these pass the ELLE test.
Size: 36-46
Colors: 13 options
Materials: Recycled barecork, rubber
Customer review: “Instantly fell in love.”
Ripple Shaw Slide
Wear Message
$160.00
Luna Low Heel Slide Sandals
As always, I’ve sorted through pages of Amazon reviews to present the latest and greatest. Technically speaking, you’ll be the 55,811th satisfied consumer for this cork-bed classic.
Sizes: 5-12
Color: 21 options
Materials: Faux leather
Customer review: “These are my go-to sandal now. Super comfortable, not too heavy, and my feet don’t hurt after wearing them for long stretches of time. True to size. There was also no break in needed, they were great from the first day. Definitely would buy again!”
Luna Low Heel Slide Sandals
Amazon
$29.99
Breeze
Kuru combines science with footwear, and pain relief is the brand’s mission. With arch-supporting and shock-absorbing features, this sandal will make you feel like you’re walking on air.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: White, Black, Brown, Blue
Materials: Leather, sheepskin
Customer review: “I adore these shoes! I have 3 pairs of Kuru shoes, but these are my favorite. They are so comfortable and I have absolutely zero pain.”
Breeze
Kuru Footwear
$130.00
Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Sandals
That feeling when your flip-flops feel like your yoga mat...oh, you can’t relate? Weird.
Sizes: 35-42
Color: 7 options
Materials: Rubber, fabric, memory foam
Customer review: “So comfortable! They have nice arch support and they’re super cushioned. The top straps are very soft, so no blisters. I will be ordering more colors.”
Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Sandals
Amazon
$13.99
Meet The Experts
Ashley Rezkalla is the global product line manager at Teva Lifestyle.
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