We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Walking Shoes, Apparel, and Gear After 82 Days of Walking, These Are the Best Walking Sandals We’ve Tested Top-rated pairs from Teva, Birkenstock, Hoka, and other trusted brands By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 11, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Reviewed by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Walking in hot weather often results in hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable feet. But wearing a roomy, well-made pair of sandals can keep you feeling cool and fresh all season long. When shopping for walking sandals, look for high-quality cushioning and support to prevent fatigue and soreness. A secure fit is also key, so your feet don't slide out over the footbed with every step. To find the best walking sandals, we first consulted experts to learn which key features every pair should have. Then, we researched dozens of sandals and tested 31 pairs in the real world, wearing them during our daily routines for over two months. Our final recommendations received high scores for their superior fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and overall value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal at Amazon ($74) Jump to Review Best Women's: Keen Women's Ellecity Backstrap Sandal at Amazon ($115) Jump to Review Best Men's: Hoka Men's Hopara 2 Sandal at REI (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug Sandal at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Travel: ECCO Flowt 2 Band Sandal at Amazon ($135) Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal at Birkenstock.com ($170) Jump to Review Best Arch Support: NAOT Kayla Sandal at Amazon ($140) Jump to Review Best for All-Day Wear: Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal at Amazon ($64) Jump to Review Best for Beach Walking: Teva Tirra Sandals at Amazon ($85) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal Teva View On Amazon $74 View On Zappos $80 View On Walmart $112 Pros Antimicrobial treatment Padded, adjustable straps Made with recycled materials Cons No half sizes Not as breathable Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 11 | Closure: Adjustable straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Textile and recycled plastic upper, textile lining, foam footbed, recycled foam midsole, recycled foam and rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who They’re For Best for light hiking, travel, and all-day wear. Why We Love Them Comfortable, supportive, and durable, Teva’s Zymic Sandal was an easy choice for our top overall pick. With contoured arch support, a well-cushioned footbed, and a flexible sole, they were comfortable enough to wear all day long during testing. They’re also treated with an antimicrobial coating to keep them odor-free. Plus, we like that this pair is made with recycled foam, plastic, and rubber, so you can feel good about wearing a more sustainable shoe. On test walks, we noticed that the Zymic Sandal felt lightweight and cushy underfoot, with excellent support and stability. The grippy rubber outsole kept us surefooted and steady on uneven terrain. We also like this sandal’s open-toe design and padded, adjustable straps, which kept our feet in place without causing painful irritation or blisters. Stylish and easy to wear, the Zymic is a great value for an everyday walking sandal. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Teva. Potential Flaws Like other Teva sandals, the Zymic doesn’t come in half sizes. But it’s worth noting that we didn’t have any issues with the fit during testing.On some walks, we noticed some sweat building up underneath the arches of our feet, meaning the Zymic’s sole isn’t as breathable as others we tested. Still, this didn’t affect the sandal’s overall comfort. Meet Our Testers Both of our testers enjoy walking for exercise. One aims for at least 10,000 steps a day in between walking her dog and running errands. Since she has wider feet, she prefers a highly adjustable sandal so she can find the right fit. The other was already a fan of Tevas before testing and was interested to see if the Zymic would meet her high expectations. As she spent more time on her feet during her routine and workday during testing, she grew to love the Zymic’s soft foam footbed and chunky sole. Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Verywell Fit / Paige VandeWiele Verywell Fit / Paige VandeWiele Best Women's Keen Women's Ellecity Backstrap Sandal Keen View On Amazon $115 View On Zappos $130 View On Dick's $76 Pros Sleek, stylish design Buckle is easy to adjust Antimicrobial treatment Cons Not as responsive Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 11 | Closure: Adjustable straps with buckle | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, textile lining and insole, synthetic outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who They’re For Best if you prefer a more stylish sandal with a higher heel (this one measures 2 inches). Why We Love Them Keen’s Ellecity Backstrap Sandal takes our top women’s spot thanks to its customizable fit, stellar support, and comfy, contoured footbed. During testing, these sleek sandals offered remarkable stability and shock absorption on various surfaces, including hardwood, concrete, grass, and carpet. We were also impressed by the soft leather straps, which felt smooth to the touch and didn’t cause any chafing. We also love that the versatile Ellecity works for different foot types—our testers with flat feet and high arches both thought the arch support felt comfortable on long walks. Plus, the wide ankle strap has a sturdy metal buckle that’s easy to adjust, providing a secure fit. Like our top overall pick, these sandals also have an antimicrobial treatment to keep them odor-free after long days spent sightseeing or strolling along the sand. Potential Flaws We realized during testing that these sandals aren’t as responsive as some others we wore, meaning they don’t have a springy, bouncy feel underfoot. Even so, we do think they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long. Meet Our Testers One of our testers has high arches and wider feet. She enjoys walking for fitness but needs a pair of sandals she can wear up and down many flights of stairs when she’s at the office. She’s had issues with Birkenstock sandals aggravating her heel pain in the past. However, she noticed during testing that the Ellecity sandal helped combat her heel pain. Our other tester has flat feet and needs comfortable, supportive sandals for chasing after her toddler. She worried that the Ellecity’s 2-inch heel would cause arch pain but was surprised to find during testing that she could wear them for hours at a time without any issues. Verywell Fit / Stephanie Lewis Verywell Fit / Stephanie Lewis Best Men's Hoka Men's Hopara 2 Sandal Hoka View On REI View On Dick's $135 View On Hoka.com Pros Supportive and stable Rubber toe cap Adjustable heel strap Cons May run small and narrow Key Specs Sizes: 7 to 14 | Closure: Quick lace system | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Recycled knit upper with recycled mesh overlays, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber toe cap and outsole Who They’re For Best for hitting the trails—the Hopara 2 is designed for off-roading on wet or uneven surfaces. Why We Love Them Hoka’s Hopara 2 Sandal combines the comfort and breathability of a lightweight sandal with the support and stability of a sturdy hiking shoe, earning our top men’s spot. When we tested the previous version of this sporty pair, we found that its tough rubber outsole had deep lugs for exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions. With a rubberized foam midsole, the first version of the Hopara also offered soft responsiveness that made walking in them feel effortless. The latest iteration of the Hopara Sandal features a quick lace system with toggles and a rubber toe cap to keep rocks and debris out. There’s also more mesh in the water-repellent upper for better airflow and a new adjustable heel strap for a closer fit. Other nice-to-haves include heel tabs for slipping these sandals on and off and responsive, protective foam cushioning in the midsole. Also available in women's sizes at Hoka, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI. Potential Flaws Some wearers have found that these sandals run small and narrow. You may want to size up for the right fit. Best Budget Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals Teva View On Amazon $34 View On Zappos $55 View On REI $55 Pros Very lightweight Three adjustable straps Sleek, low-profile style Cons May not be supportive enough for some Straps may feel stiff at first Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Who They’re For Best for bringing along with you on outdoor adventures. Why We Love Them For an adjustable, durable sandal at a budget-friendly price, we recommend Teva’s Original Universal Sandal. Weighing just 6 ounces, this is one of the lightest sandals on our list, meaning it won’t weigh you down on long walks. Plus, they’re easy to stash in a backpack or tote bag, making this pair one of our top picks for vacations or other trips. During testing, we noticed that the Original Universal Sandal’s three adjustable straps provided a perfect fit. We also like that their simple, low-profile style paired well with everything from flare yoga pants to summer dresses. With dozens of colors and patterns to choose from, stocking up for the warmer months is easy. Another bonus? We found that these sandals are easy to clean and dry quickly, making them ideal for beach workouts or most summer sports. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Potential Flaws The thin midsole may not have enough stability or support if you have flat feet or are walking on rough terrain.During testing, we did notice that the straps felt stiff and gave us a few small blisters at first. But after a few wears, the straps started to soften and feel much more comfortable. Meet Our Testers Both of our testers walk multiple miles a day around their neighborhood and while running errands. They tend to gravitate toward sneakers in warmer weather but wanted to try Teva’s Original Universal Sandals after hearing rave reviews from friends and family. One tester has had to deal with plantar fasciitis symptoms in the past and was pleased to find that these sandals did not aggravate her heels or arches. Verywell Fit / Elena Garcia Verywell Fit / Elena Garcia Verywell Fit / Elena Garcia Best for Plantar Fasciitis Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug Sandal Vionic View On Amazon View On Zappos $130 View On Vionicshoes.com Pros Sleek, stylish design Ergonomic insoles Wide, adjustable straps Cons Heavy Key Specs Sizes: 6 to 11 | Closure: Adjustable strap with buckle | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, synthetic lining and insole, synthetic outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who They’re For Best for those who need excellent arch support to help prevent a plantar fasciitis flare-up. Why We Love Them If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you need a shoe with thick soles and arched or well-cushioned insoles, like Vionic’s Jamie Sandal. During testing, we noticed that their ergonomic insoles molded to our feet and hugged our arches, offering support right where we needed it the most. We also like how sturdy they are, with a platform that feels supportive and comfortable while walking across wood floors, grass, pavement, sidewalks, and even boardwalks. We found that the wide leather straps feel soft and smooth, preventing chafing or irritation. They’re also easy to adjust for a secure fit—our feet never slipped or slid around in these sandals while we walked. Plus, we like that the durable rubber outsole has grippy, reliable traction to keep you feeling steady on your feet. Potential Flaws At 14 ounces, these are some of the heavier sandals on our list. The chunkier platform may make your feet and legs feel tired after a particularly long day on your feet. Meet Our Testers One of our testers has high arches, and the other has wide feet. Both walk for most of the day and were curious to see if the Jamie was just as supportive as it is stylish. Each felt that these sandals delivered in both aspects—and even though they can feel heavy, they’re priced fairly and are more comfortable than they look. Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Best for Travel ECCO Flowt 2 Band Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $135 View On Zappos $135 View On Zappos $135 Pros Excellent support and stability Secure fit Soft, responsive cushioning Cons Straps aren’t padded Key Specs Sizes: 4 to 12.5 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Soft, responsive | Materials: Leather and textile upper, leather lining and insole, polyurethane sole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who They’re For Best for tossing in your suitcase, duffel bag, or carry-on. Why We Love Them Ecco’s Flowt 2 Band Sandals are comfortable, supportive, and easy to pack, making them our top pick for traveling. Stylish and supportive, they can easily go from all-day sightseeing to dinner at a restaurant. During testing, we found that these sandals were easy to adjust for a secure fit and felt comfortable from the first step, with no break-in period needed. We didn’t notice any rubbing or irritation when wearing these, and our feet stayed in place—even when walking up and down hills quickly. The sandals’ soft, supportive footbed provided solid impact protection and felt responsive on concrete sidewalks, hardwood floors, and pavement. One of our testers, who is prone to plantar fasciitis, found that the Flowt 2 Sandals offered the right amount of arch support and heel cushioning to keep her symptoms at bay. Plus, we like that they can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile option for all kinds of trips. Potential Flaws Unlike some of the other sandals we tested, the straps aren’t padded. However, we didn’t have any issues with blisters during testing. Meet Our Testers Both of our testers average at least 5,000 steps a day around their neighborhoods. They usually wear sneakers for their daily walks but were drawn to this sandal’s dressier silhouette. One tester has a history of plantar fasciitis, and she appreciated how well the Flowt 2 Sandal absorbed shock underneath her heel. Our other tester liked how supportive and solid these sandals felt, instead of flimsy (like a flip-flop). Verywell Fit / Abigail Mercer Verywell Fit / Abigail Mercer Best for Wide Feet Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal Birkenstock View On Birkenstock.com $170 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $170 View On Bloomingdales $170 Pros Excellent stability and arch support High-quality, durable design Three adjustable straps Cons Require a break-in period Not as responsive Key Specs Sizes: 4 to 12.5 | Closure: Adjustable straps with buckle | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, cork-latex footbed, leather lining, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Who They’re For Best for long-distance walks. Why We Love Them For wide feet, we recommend Birkenstock’s Milano Big Buckle Sandal. We love that the three adjustable straps deliver a highly customizable fit to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. During testing, the straps felt sturdy and prevented our feet from sliding around in the shoe. We also like that the wide toe box offers plenty of room up front, so your toes can splay out without falling off the edge of the footbed. These sandals feature a contoured cork-latex footbed, which provided exceptional support as we trekked around. While the Milano’s cushioning isn’t thick or plush, it absorbs shock well (especially in the heel). Plus, we noticed that this pair felt extremely well-made, with an eye-catching design that garnered tons of compliments. Potential Flaws We should note that if you’ve never worn Birkenstocks, they tend to feel stiff initially. But you can follow the manufacturer’s easy instructions for breaking them in so the footbed conforms to the shape of your foot.We love the Milano’s firm arch support, but it doesn’t feel as responsive as other, softer sandals we tested. Meet Our Testers Both of our testers walk long distances while running errands and commuting to the office. They’re overpronators with high arches, so they need walking sandals with plenty of arch support. They chose to test this sandal because they love walking in Birkenstock’s classic Arizona sandal. Both testers think the Milano and the Arizona feel similar, although they prefer the Milano’s chic design. Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morley Best Arch Support NAOT Kayla Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $140 View On Zappos $140 View On Naot.com Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Available in three widths Foam outsole Cons Some straps aren’t adjustable May feel too stiff for some Key Specs Sizes: 4 to 13 | Closure: Adjustable strap | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Leather or suede upper, cork and latex footbed, foam outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Who They’re For Best for events when you don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort. Why We Love Them Do your high arches ache when you spend long days on your feet? If so, we highly recommend Naot’s Kayla Sandal. During testing, the sandals’ cork and latex footbed felt firm but comfortable. The raised arch offered support right where we needed it the most, allowing us to walk long distances with ease. And unlike other sandals we tested, this pair has a foam outsole for a lighter feel. We love that the Kayla Sandal comes in three widths and has an adjustable, hook-and-loop ankle strap—plus, it’s simple, stylish design pairs well with most wardrobes. We noticed that they feel lightweight, preventing foot fatigue even while walking on rocks and grass. But we aren’t the only fans of this sandal: This pair has also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that their design helps support good foot health. Potential Flaws We like that the ankle strap is adjustable, but we think we could get an even better fit if the other two straps across the forefoot could also be adjusted.Those who don’t need extra arch support might find that these sandals feel a bit too stiff or firm. Meet Our Testers Our testers rack up a few miles daily on regular walks and while running errands. One tester underpronates, meaning she needs a sandal with reliable arch support to align her feet and prevent pain as she walks. The other tends to stick with her favorite Asics sneakers because she can wear them for long distances without her feet feeling sore. Both testers chose to test the Kayla Sandal for its sleek design, and they were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt during testing. Verywell Fit / Janice Desenberg Verywell Fit / Janice Desenberg Verywell Fit / Janice Desenberg Best for All-Day Wear Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal Keen View On Amazon $64 View On Zappos $72 View On Dick's $135 Pros Excellent traction Great arch support Good shock absorption Cons Toggle may dig into feet Not as breathable Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 11 | Closure: Bungee system with toggle | Cushioning: Soft, responsive | Materials: Leather upper, textile lining and insole, cork footbed, foam midsole, synthetic outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Who They’re For Best for long walks, especially if you like a sandal with great traction. Why We Love Them With excellent support, comfort, and traction, Keen’s Elle Mixed Strap Sandal checks all of our boxes for a reliable everyday walking sandal. This pair features a cork footbed that feels cushy and springy while still providing great arch support. On test walks, they felt stable and grippy on pavement, sidewalks, and even light trails—we also noticed they helped us stay steady while walking across slippery surfaces. The Elle Sandal also delivers solid shock absorption, preventing foot fatigue even after long periods of wear. The toggle closure makes them easy to adjust for a precise fit. And padded straps add to this sandal’s comfort, preventing chafing or blisters. For such a rugged sandal, we were pleased to find that the Elle is also sleek and chic. Potential Flaws During testing, the toggle closure sometimes dug into the top of our feet as we stood up from a kneeling or squatting position. This may be an issue if you like to garden or if you follow children and pets around a lot. The sandals’ leather lining is very comfortable, although it made our feet a little warm and sweaty during testing. Meet Our Testers Our testers walk every day, whether they’re taking their dogs for laps around the neighborhood or running around the office. One of our testers has wide feet and is prone to plantar fasciitis—she appreciated the Elle sandal’s stellar support and shock absorption. Our other tester wanted to try these shoes because she was intrigued by the Keen brand and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they turned out to be. Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini Best for Beach Walking Teva Tirra Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $85 View On Zappos $85 View On Walmart $75 Pros Adjustable, padded straps Easy to clean Antimicrobial treatment Cons Not as responsive Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 12 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, nylon shank, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Who They’re For Best for tidepooling or enjoying the surf. Why We Love Them To get the most out of your beach walks, we recommend Teva’s Tirra Sandal. During testing, we noticed that the contoured midsole provided comfortable arch support, even keeping our painful plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay. We also noticed that the foam cushioning helped absorb shock without feeling too squishy and compromising our balance. The thick, durable rubber outsole delivers outstanding stability, support, and traction for traversing uneven terrain or wet conditions. We also love that the fully padded straps are highly adjustable, thanks to convenient hook-and-loop closures that kept our feet stable and secure. Cleaning these shoes is easy—just run them under water to remove any sand or dirt. Even better, the Tirra Sandal has an antimicrobial treatment derived from peppermint that helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing. Potential Flaws We noticed that these sandals feel about as springy as most tennis shoes do. For a more responsive sandal, you may want a pair with softer cushioning. Meet Our Testers We think these sandals work for a wide variety of wearers. One of our testers has high arches and wider feet, while the other is an underpronator with plantar fasciitis. The first tester has had issues with shoes being too narrow in the past, so she liked that she could adjust the Tirras for the right fit. The other tester appreciated that these are slimmer than her Teva Hurricane Sandals, with enough support and rigidity to combat her plantar fasciitis. Verywell Fit / Katie Tuttle Verywell Fit / Katie Tuttle Best for Hiking Ecco Yucatan Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $123 View On Zappos $140 View On Walmart $140 Pros Excellent traction Three adjustable straps Lightweight but supportive Cons Not waterproof Not as breathable Key Specs Sizes: 4 to 12 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, foam footbed, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Who They’re For Best for hiking on light to moderate trails. Why We Love Them Need a durable, comfortable sandal with better traction for hiking? ECCO’s Yucatan Sandal is our top pick. With a contoured footbed, they’re designed to cushion your feet, absorb impact, and provide gentle support for hitting the trails. When testing these sporty sandals, they felt flexible in the right spots, but they were also rigid enough to offer good support and stability. The Yucatan Sandal’s excellent ventilation also kept our feet cool and dry. We were impressed by their durable rubber outsoles, which offered exceptional traction on varied terrain. The three hook-and-loop straps made adjusting them easy and helped us find a secure, comfortable fit. Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom. Potential Flaws Although the Yucatan Sandal’s soft leather upper isn’t fully waterproof, they can be worn in wet conditions and they dry very quickly.We noticed that the leather and soft lining make these less breathable than some other walking sandals we’ve tested. Our feet tended to overheat a little on test walks, although we wouldn’t consider this a dealbreaker. Meet Our Testers One of our testers has wide feet, while the other tends to underpronate. They’re both fairly active, from hiking on the weekends to running errands on foot after work. Our testers appreciated that the Yucatan Sandal is supportive and sturdy enough to handle a variety of terrain. They were also impressed by these sandals’ highly adjustable straps and solid support. Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Best for Water Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal Zappos View On Amazon $50 View On Merrell.com View On Dsw.com Pros Lightweight but supportive Easy to clean Great value Cons No half sizes Strap may not work for very narrow or wide ankles Key Specs Sizes: 5 to 11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Recycled webbing upper, foam and recycled foam insole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Who They’re For Best for beach days, water park trips, or water sports. Why We Love Them Whether you’re kayaking, boating, or spending the day at the beach, Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandal can handle the surf and sand while keeping your feet comfy and supported. When we tested this pair, we found that the durable, quick-drying materials were ideal for water activities. Despite their lightweight feel, the sandals’ springy foam midsole offered good arch support and plush comfort. We felt like we were walking on air, and we didn’t notice any pain or fatigue—even after wearing them all day long. After several trips to the beach in these, the sand easily washed off, revealing spotless sandals. The three adjustable straps held up well and continued to fit well even after getting soaked multiple times. Plus, the grippy outsole kept us feeling steady and confident. Potential Flaws It’s worth noting that this sandal doesn’t come in half sizes. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing down for the right fit.We found that the ankle strap is an odd length—the hook-and-loop part may be the wrong length if you have particularly narrow or wide ankles. Meet Our Testers Our testers are both underpronators with neutral arches. One walks long distances both at the office and while running errands, while the other works from home but usually takes at least a daily walk around her neighborhood. Both testers are fans of their ultra-comfortable New Balance shoes but decided to take a chance testing these sandals for the warmer months. They agreed that these sandals were priced well below their expectations, making them an excellent value. Verywell Fit / Dera Burreson Verywell Fit / Dera Burreson Verywell Fit / Dera Burreson What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Sandals Support and Stability: Look for sandals with stability that will keep your feet securely in place. According to podiatric surgeon Damian Roussel, DPM, FACFAS, your sandals should have straps to hold your forefoot, heel, and ankle. He notes that slide-type sandals don’t have proper ankle stability because your feet tend to flop around when you wear them, increasing your risk of injury. Protection: Some sandals leave your feet more exposed than others—the amount of protection you need depends on where you’ll be wearing yours. For running errands, you don’t need to worry too much about open-toe designs. But if you’ll be hiking and walking on unpaved trails, sandals with an enclosed toe are a must. Style: Function and comfort are the most important things to consider when buying a pair of walking sandals, but style can also be a big factor. Make sure your sandals’ heel height and materials are practical for the places you’ll be wearing them. Straps: Your sandals’ straps should be snug and secure (but not tight), and there should be enough room for your toes to wiggle freely, according to physical therapist Brian Mills, PT, DPT. For a more precise fit, make sure the forefoot and ankle straps are adjustable—this is especially important if you have wide feet, says physical therapist Eric Bjorkman, PT, MPT, CO. Soles: Good traction is crucial for staying steady and sure-footed as you’re walking on slick or uneven surfaces. Look for sandals with outsoles made from a durable, grippy material, like rubber. For hiking, you’ll want soles with deep lugs that can handle challenging terrain. How We Tested the Walking Sandals To find the best walking sandals on the market, we’ve tested 31 pairs of sandals by walking in them for 82 days. Our testing process is guided by recommendations from experts and the American Podiatric Medical Association. When we test walking sandals in the real world, we rate each pair based on the following key attributes: Fit: When we first try them on, we note whether the sandals feel snug around our heel and midfoot. Do our toes or heels stick out over the edge of the footbed? We use these observations to assess whether the sandals run small, large, or true to size. Stability: During testing, we walk on wood and tile flooring, sidewalks, pavement, dirt trails, and grass. How do the sandals feel when walking on uneven ground, up and down hills, and on stairs? How secure are the straps? We also complete the bend and twist tests: First, we bend the toe back towards the heel. Then, we twist the footbed. Ideally, the sandal bends only under the toes (not at the arch) and is difficult to twist—this means it’s stable.Responsiveness: Responsive shoes feel springy underfoot and propel us to the next step. Do the sandals provide quick transitions between steps, or do they feel heavy on our feet?Cushioning: As we walk, we note how the cushioning feels. Is it plush or firm? Does it feel even throughout the footbed, or is there extra padding in certain areas? We also check to see if the straps are padded for comfort and protection against blisters. Quality: When we unbox the sandals, we inspect them for any flaws, examining their materials and construction. We also continue to check the sandals for signs of wear and tear during and after the testing period. Comfort: Do the sandals still feel comfortable after hours of wearing them? Are the materials and straps soft and breathable? We prioritize sandals that don’t create irritation, hot spots, or painful blisters. Overall Value: To accurately assess each shoe’s value, we don’t check its price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve rated it in all other categories. Based on our experience, do we think the sandal is priced fairly? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the sandals to a friend or family member. Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy Our Experts We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Diana Valencia, DPM, helped us create and refine our testing process. Others, like Mills, Roussel, and Bjorkman, helped us understand what to look for when shopping for walking sandals and how to tell if a sandal will feel stable and supportive. We choose products independently, although input from experts helps guide our decisions. Diana Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot and Ankle Center Brian Mills, PT, DPT, physical therapist with Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy in Louisville, Kentucky Damian Roussel, DPM, FACFAS, board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgery specialist in Frederick, Maryland Eric Bjorkman, PT, MPT, CO, physical therapist and owner of FYZICAL in Lincoln, Nebraska Frequently Asked Questions Can you walk long distances in sandals? If your sandals have good traction and secure straps, it’s possible—although a walking or running shoe is usually a safer option for covering long distances. According to Roussel, it‘s much easier to get blisters and twist an ankle walking long distances in sandals, especially if they don’t have straps to support your feet, heels, and ankles. Is walking in sandals bad for you? Not necessarily—as long as you’re wearing the right pair. Over time, walking in unsupportive sandals can lead to heel pain, sore feet, blisters, and arch pain. How do you stop sandals from squeaking when walking? New sandals can squeak or make a suction noise when air escapes from in between the sole’s layers. To avoid this noise, try adding some baby powder (which can also help absorb sweat) or petroleum jelly. Or, if you’re concerned about the bottoms of your sandals squeaking on slick floors, you can rub sandpaper on the sole. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a running coach, marathon runner, personal trainer, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes to clients and friends. To walk in comfort and reduce your risk of injury, she suggests getting properly fitted for your walking sandals and replacing them regularly. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Umar H, Idrees W, Umar W, Khalil A, Rizvi ZA. Impact of routine footwear on foot health: A study on plantar fasciitis. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(7):3851-3855. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_637_21 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit