The best cute and comfortable walking sandals for women

Walking sandals are an ideal option for warmer months whether you’re going to the beach, sightseeing, or even for a hike. When shopping for the best walking sandals for your feet there are some key factors to look out for. “Look for a style with a contoured footbed that matches the natural shape of your feet, as well as adjustable straps over the toes, behind the heel, and along the ankle,” says podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas. “It's important to choose sandals that offer good support and protection for your feet, and that won't slide around when you walk.”

Our top overall pick for walking sandals for women, the Keen Elle Backstrap, meets all these criteria. They’re comfortable, provide ample arch support, are lightweight, have straps to keep them from sliding around, and are versatile enough to wear with a wide variety of outfits.

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The best walking sandals for women

Best overall: Keen Elle Backstrap 

Buy it now at Zappos

Why we like it: This versatile walking sandal gets high marks for comfort, style, and function from reviewers. The Keen Elle Backstrap is waterproof making it just as ideal for travel as it is for everyday use, no matter the weather conditions. The stretchy straps are soft enough to not cause blisters, and contract to provide a snug fit.

Made of recycled plastic stretch material for the straps and a cushioned EVA rubber for the sole, shoppers can be reassured to know no forever chemicals are used in any component of this shoe. Speaking of the sole, there’s solid treading on the bottom for extra durability and comfort over a variety of terrain.  

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Weighing in at just over 8 ounces, this lightweight walking sandal won’t feel heavy or hot after walking long distances. It also gets high marks for style and pairs equally well with casual clothing as it does for dressier outfits thanks to the neutral color palette. 

Keep in mind: While the vast majority of customers said these were great for wide feet, there were a few who pointed out that the front toe strap was “tight” and not comfortable for their big toes. I’ve personally tested these out and found that breaking them in for a few days alleviates that issue for my wide feet.

Product details: Materials:  Recycled PET plastic stretch gore upper, EVA foam midsole, Microfiber lining | Sole: Rubber and jute-infused outsole | Style: Strappy sandals | Sizes: 5-11 

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Best budget walking sandals for women: Crocs LiteRide 360

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Why we like it: These affordable and comfy sandals boast the same ergonomic features that made Crocs such a household name. The signature foam footbed keeps feet nice and cushy even on prolonged walks. They’re super lightweight and definitely blend in more with your everyday outfits than their clunky clog counterpart.

Traction on the sole should make them safe to wear even in wet conditions, and the adjustable fabric straps are breathable and flexible, moving with the motion of your foot. At under $40 for most sizes, these are a budget-friendly pick that should last for seasons to come.

Keep in mind: These popular sandals keep selling out, which may mean you have to wait a bit to snag your size. The back heel strap is also not adjustable, although both the middle arch and toe strap are.

Product details: Materials: Knit fabric straps | Sole: Thermoplastic rubber | Style: Sling sandal | Sizes: 4-11 

Best walking sandals with arch support: Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Flops

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Why we like it: With an extra cushy midsole and a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, these sandals were engineered specifically with arch support in mind. According to podiatrist Dr. Julie Schottenstein, “For high arch feet, cushion is the name of the game and having an arch that is built up as a part of the shoe itself distributes the pressure along more areas of the foot,” which is exactly what the Ora Recovery Flip Flops do. 

The sandals use Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry, meaning the sole is designed in such a way to make the transition between stepping on your toes back to your heels smoother for optimal stability. The rubber outsoles have treading on the bottom making it a great choice for walking (some customers even say they hike in them) and the breathable jersey strap helps to wick moisture so there won’t be any uncomfortable chafing.

Keep in mind: Some say they may not be the best for wide feet, and others may not find them the most aesthetically pleasing. 

Product details: Materials: EVA footbed, Jersey strap,  | Sole: EVA | Style: Flip-flops | Sizes: 5-11 

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Best walking sandals for women with wide feet: Birkenstock Arizona

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Why we like it: Birkenstocks have been back in a big way, and fortunately, this is a trend that’s as comfy and supportive as they are versatile — and are especially great for those of us with wider feet. Adjustable buckles on the straps make it easy to widen. The signature shock-absorbing contoured cork footbed not only helps to reduce moisture, making them great for long walks, but they also mold to your feet the more you wear them, which is probably why you’ve heard people raving about these being the most comfortable shoes ever. 

Podiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry recommends that “if you’re choosing a sandal to wear for extensive walking, invest in a pair of sandals that have a cork footbed to mold to your foot structure, offer slight flexibility, and help with shock absorption” — all factors this sandal has in spades. The classic Arizona Birks are available in a wide range of sizes ranging from 4 to 12.5 and pair as easily with jeans as they do with shorts and summer dresses. They even come in a wide-width version, although I’ve personally felt the regular version was wide enough for my wide feet. I’ve gone through multiple pairs of Arizonas and have found they have a very short breaking-in period for the footbed. I have never experienced a blister from the straps. They provide excellent support whether I’m just running errands or taking in a long day of sightseeing across the globe.

Keep in mind: If your feet are on the narrow side, it may be tricky to get a secure fit using the adjustable buckles. The light-colored suede straps will show dirt more easily than their leather or darker color counterparts.

Product details: Materials: Suede straps, Cork footbed | Sole: EVA outsole | Style: Slide sandal | Sizes: 4-12.5 

Best walking sandals for women with bunions: Clarks Breeze Sea

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Why we like it: The Clarks Breeze Sea aren’t your average flip flop — they have an adjustable thong strap to accommodate various foot factors, like bunions. Typically, people with bunions want to look for sandals with “adjustable straps or straps that wrap around the bunion prominence,” says Dr. Daughtry. The straps are also made of a soft and flexible material to minimize any friction around the bunion area. 

The cushioned footbed provides shock absorption to help alleviate pressure on the bunion and provide solid arch support for walking. As an added bonus, the Sea Breeze is available in wide size options, making the toe box wider — something that Dr. Schottenstein says can help accommodate the bunion.

Keep in mind: Many shoppers said this style runs large, so perhaps order two sizes to try before committing, as there are no half sizes.

Product details: Materials: Synthetic upper, EVA midsole | Sole: TPR sole | Style: Flip-flop | Sizes: 5-12 

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Best walking sandals for women with plantar fasciitis: Kuru Glide

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Why we like it: Generally speaking, folks dealing with plantar fasciitis want to look for “sandals that offer additional arch support, good midsole cushioning, and deeper heel cup,” says Schottenstein. With three straps, including adjustable heel and toe straps, these sandals offer exceptional stability and customization since you won’t have to worry about your foot slipping out. For additional grip security (especially in wet weather), there are rubber traction “pods” embedded underneath at the toe and heel. The contoured footbed boasts a curved heel cup and is wrapped in sheepskin, a material known to wick moisture.

The sandal is versatile in appearance as well, thanks to the leather straps. They can be dressed up or dressed down and are light enough to walk long distances without foot fatigue. 

Keep in mind: The sandal only comes in full sizes, so those that need half sizes may find it challenging to get the perfect fit. Some shoppers also noted that the elastic on the heel strap started to fray after a couple of months.

Product details: Materials: Leather straps | Sole: Rubber | Style: Strappy sandal | Sizes: 5-12 

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Best walking sandals for travel: Teva Hurricane XLT2

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Why we like it: Like Birkenstocks, Tevas have also been having a fashion moment as of late. The popular hiking sandals boast a hook-and-loop closure to ensure an optimal fit and the adjustable straps are made of a quick dry material, making it ideal for traveling in a variety of weather conditions. Weighing in at only nine ounces, these take up minimal space in any backpack or suitcase.

In terms of stability,  it’s obvious even with the naked eye that the rubber outsole has an impressive amount of traction. While some heel straps chafe and irritate the skin back there, Teva has added a soft padding in the back to keep the strap nice and comfy.

Keep in mind: The straps may take some getting used to and/or breaking in, and the shoes aren’t available in half sizes. While Tevas may be having a mini fashion comeback, the style of this sandal may not be for everyone.

Product details: Materials: Recycled polyester straps, EVA foam midsole, Nylon shank | Sole: Rubber outsole | Style: Strappy sandals | Sizes: 5-11 

Best walking sandals for long distances: Ecco Flowt 2

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Why we like it: The ergonomic footbed and buttery soft cushioned footbed provide substantial arch support, which all of the podiatrists we spoke to said were essential for comfortable sandals for walking. Both the soft leather toe and ankle strap are adjustable, allowing you to get a stable fit, and there’s a third flexible middle strap for an extra secure fit.

In addition to being made of breathable fabrics to keep feet nice and dry, the Ecco Flowt 2 also has minimal seams and stitching, making it less likely to chafe and form blisters — which is crucial for a long day of walking. The sandal is available in half sizes, so you can really have the perfect fit while logging lots of miles. While not as important as comfort, the Flowt 2 is also a fashionable sandal, making it easy to go straight from sightseeing to dinner without having to change shoes. 

Keep in mind: The straps aren’t padded, which may irritate some customers, and some customers say that the soles on the newer iteration of these sandals crack more easily than their predecessor.

Product details: Materials: Leather upper | Sole: Synthetic Sole | Style: Strappy sandal | Sizes: 4-12.5 

Best cute walking sandals for women: VIVAIA AdaptAll Isla

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Why we like it: This sling sandal is as beautiful as it is functional, which is harder to find than you’d think. The straps are made of an antimicrobial and breathable fabric allowing the feet to stay dry and minimizing chafing and the dual cushioned contoured footbed and deep heel cup provide ample arch support, but there’s nothing orthopedic looking about these stylish shoes.

The stretchy AdaptAll straps can be adjusted both around the heel and around the ankle for a customized fit, and the waterproof foam outsole is super flexible and bendy to provide maximum walking comfort. The contemporary AdaptAll Islas (which is the version with the heel strap) comes in three neutral colors that will match any outfit, from shorts and a t-shirt to a sundress and beyond. 

Keep in mind: This style is often sold out in many sizes, so you may have to wait for a restock to purchase your size. 

Product details: Materials: PU foam footbed, knit straps | Sole: PU foam outsole | Style: Sling sandal | Sizes: 5-11 

How we chose the best women’s walking sandals

There’s an overwhelming amount of walking sandals out there, so we narrowed them down based on the following factors:

• Third-party reviews: I read customer reviews on multiple retailers websites for each sandal, primarily searching for real life accounts from women who have worn them for situations that would involve lots of walking like traveling and hiking.
• Expert advice: I consulted three different podiatrists — Dr. Rachel Daughtry, Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, and Dr. Jillian Schottenstein — to get a deeper understanding of the attributes to look for in a good walking sandal.
• Brand reputation: I sought out primarily trusted name brands, which are more likely to have better customer service in case of an issue and higher quality designs and materials.
• Materials: It’s important for walking sandals to be made of breathable moisture-wicking material to prevent chafing and blisters.
• Arch support: Since the primary point of these sandals are to be comfortable while walking, I only looked at sandals that provided ergonomic and cushioned arch support.

Tips for buying good walking sandals for women

Comfort 

At the end of the day, the sandals that are the most comfortable for walking are the best. You’ll want to make sure there’s a roomy toe box that won’t squish toes after a while, a cushioned footbed to offer substantial arch support and a flexible sole that won’t feel clunky and heavy after a while. 

Arch support

Substantial arch support is key for any prolonged walking. “Walking sandals should have a sturdy arch and lots of cushion,” says Dr. Schottenstein. “A good rule of thumb is, if you can bend the middle of the sandal in half, that isn’t sufficient arch support.” Without proper arch support, feet will fatigue easily and may make certain conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet worse. 

Material

According to Dr. Schottenstein, shoppers should “look for sandals made from breathable materials like mesh to keep your feet cool and dry and to expand as the foot swells with increased activity.” Fabrics that dry quickly are also ideal in case they get wet to prevent slippage and for comfortability. Also keep an eye out for extra features that can help to prevent chafing after extended wear like padding on the straps.

Adjustability

Look out for walking sandals that have adjustable straps (whether through stretch, buckles, or velcro) to not only ensure you get the proper fit to prevent them from slipping around on your feet but also for cases when your feet may swell up and need to be expanded. The ideal sandal would allow you to adjust both the back heel strap and the toe or ankle strap to accommodate various types of feet.”

Stabilizing Factors

“If you’re walking for longer distances in sandals, you will want to prioritize comfort and pick sandals that have straps around the foot for multiple secure points,” says Dr. Kuizinas.

Keep an eye out for other stabilizing features like significant traction on the bottom to prevent slippage on wet surfaces, and deep heel cups also help prevent the foot from sliding around. 

Versatility 

Ideally, you want a sandal that can coordinate with various styles of outfits and walk comfortably on multiple types of terrain. If you’re traveling, it’s even more important to save precious luggage space by finding a sandal that fits all your needs. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the most comfortable sandal for walking?

Dr. Schottenstein recommends “a sandal with a sturdy arch made from EVA, which will support the foot and not cause discomfort. It should have excellent cushioning and the material of the sandal should be an EVA or a soft, flexible leather.” Sandals with an adjustable heel strap to securely fit your foot and breathable fast-drying straps are other features Dr. Kuizinas says adds to the overall comfort of a walking sandal.

Can you wear sandals for long distance walking?

Yes — the best women’s sandals for walking long distances have supportive straps and a cushioned footbed with good arch support — the same as you’d look for in any other shoe. What you’re really trying to avoid are any sandals that may potentially give you blisters and make walking long distances painful or uncomfortable.

Which walking sandals have the best arch support?

Sandals with contoured or ergonomic footbeds with built-in cushioning are often your best bet for proper arch support. Someone with flat feet will need more substantial arch support, but everyone should avoid completely flat sandals.