The Most Comfortable and Chic Sandals for 10,000-Step Days

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There’s a certain horror that arises when, one day into a weeklong vacation, you take your shoes off slowly, wincing at the pain from the blisters you’ve accumulated over a day on the move. So don’t set yourself up for that unnecessary torture. If you’re planning on logging 10,000 or more steps for the day, a pair of the most comfortable walking sandals might be just the thing to save your feet from achy arches or heels covered in Band-Aids.

“You want to pay attention to how cushioned the footbed is, as well as the flexibility and material of the upper,” advises Katie Moore, senior design director at Dr. Scholl’s Shoes. You know your own feet best, so you’ll want to pay attention to the details you know are most important for knobbly toes or flat feet. A flat or low-heeled pair of sandals offers the best support, but you can also find platforms or higher heels if the occasion calls for it. (Say, a wedding where you plan to spend ample time on the dance floor.) “If the pitch is too high, you could add a comfort pad to the front part of the sandal,” Moore suggests.

If the steps you’re logging will more likely be on trails than on sidewalks, look for a pair of rubber-soled sandals, preferably a style that will dry out easily should you come across any puddles or shallow streams while you’re in the great outdoors. For the city, leather or suede are the most popular materials, because of their durability, and because they’re soft enough not to rub against the skin after a few hours in motion. In terms of trendiness, fisherman sandals are a must-have style for the summer ahead, but more minimalist thin-strapped options also remain popular, thanks in part to their versatility.

Ahead, shop for the 11 best comfortable walking sandals that will keep you supported as you head out into the world—no need to let your feet be the limiting factor.

Elliot Leather Wrap Sandals

Function meets fashion with this lace-up sandal from A.Emery. A slight heel gives it a dressier feel without sacrificing comfort. Try styling it with spring’s trendy dresses and skirts.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Leather

Colors: White, black

Arizona Sandals

Birkenstock’s Arizona sandal is a classic option if you’re looking for a shoe that is all about comfort. The footbed molds to your own foot, so you can walk comfortably for hours.

Want your comfortable sandals to also feel on trend? Birkenstock partnered with Free People on a pair of equally comfortable, extra-elevated platform sandals.

Sizes: 4–12.5

Materials: Oiled leather

Colors: Tobacco brown

Rockstud Leather Sandals

Valentino’s signature Rockstud sandals are a bold choice for those who gravitate toward the gladiator silhouette. The multi-strap design will keep the sandal firmly in place on your foot as you’re on the move.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Materials: Leather

Colors: Blush, black, and ivory

The City Crossover Sandal

For a dressy sandal that could work for long days at the office, this style—with a supportive heel strap and a sleek silhouette—is a top choice

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Leather

Colors: Black, desert tan, light taupe, rum

What reviewers are saying: “Very comfortable. Sandals often bother me, but I could wear these all day!”

Original Sandal

“Definitely look for styles with a bit of a platform in the front part of the sandal and with cushioning in the footbed,” Moore suggests. “Both those areas will really help with comfort!” Dr. Scholl’s Original sandal includes those key features, and is a favorite of Lily-Rose Depp.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Leather, wood sole

Colors: Black

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve loved these sandals since they first came out in the 1970s. The elegance of the design works with any outfit. My favorite shoes of all time.”

Pesca Sandals

Elegantly simple, Hereu’s sandals are handmade in Spain. This style is inspired by a classic fisherman sandal, but with a modern, minimal twist.

Sizes: 35–41 EU

Materials: Leather

Colors: Cream, brown, black

Wraparound Leather Sandals

This minimalist wrap sandal has a supportive footbed, which is great if you’re traveling to a new city and plan to spend all day on your feet.

Sizes: 34–42 EU

Materials: Leather

Colors: Black

Stephanie Heeled Sandal

If you’re on the hunt for a heeled sandal you can still walk in comfortably, keep an eye out for a style that checks a few key boxes. First, you want a low, chunky heel to offer stability. Next, an ankle strap offers support and the assurance that your feet won’t slide around and the shoe won’t slip as you’re on the go. This pair from Reformation meets all those requirements.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Leather

Colors: Black, white

Kira Sport Sandal

The past year’s platform sandal trend shows no sign of slowing down. These chunky sandals have both heel and wide cross-foot straps that will support you comfortably, even with a bulkier sole.

Sizes: 4–12

Materials: Mesh knit

Colors: Yellow, black

What reviewers are saying: “The most comfortable shoes. Love them! I could take a jog in these shoes.”

Allai Black Leather Flat Sandals

If you prefer a simple slip-on sandal, this low-key slide from ATP Atelier is lightweight and easy to wear without the risk of blisters. While overall a slide won’t be as easy to keep on as a strappy sandal, this one will still stay comfortably in place all day long.

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Materials: Leather

Colors: Black, brandy

Padded Sandals

Chunky Velcro-strap sandals have been trending for a few seasons, but they continue to be a comfy and fun addition to your spring and summer wardrobes. This quilted pair from Prada can be dressed up or down.

Sizes: 34.5–41.5 IT

Materials: Leather

Colors: Sand beige, black

What to Look For in Comfortable Walking Sandals

When you’re shopping for a pair of sandals good for walking, you’ll first want to determine what you’re planning to wear them for. For a hike or time out in nature, you’ll want rubber sandals that are durable and flexible when you’re on the move. For work or vacations, you’ll want sandals that balance style and function. Leather sandals with a supportive footbed are a great choice when you need something that looks good and feels good too.

Meet the Expert

• Katie Moore is the senior design director at Dr. Scholl’s Shoes.

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