The 11 best walking sandals for women that are perfect for summer travel

Business Insider

29-04-2025

Best overall: Vivaia Sport Sandals
I own a pair of boots by Vivaia and they're easily one of the comfiest pairs I've ever slipped on my feet — so, needless to say, I had high expectations for these sandals. Fortunately, they didn't disappoint. By the way — Vivaia has made our list of the best travel shoes, most comfortable heels, best flats, best loafers for women, best ankle boots, and best knee-high boots.
They have lots of cushioning. My first few steps in the Vivaia Sport Sandals felt like walking on a cloud. That's likely due to the cushioned insole, and dual arch support.
I feel secure wearing these. Thanks to the durable, anti-slip outsole, these sandals feel ultra-stable on my feet regardless of what kind of ground I'm walking in.
They're super adjustable. What I really appreciate about these sandals most is that the criss-cross straps across the foot are extra stretchy. That means whether you have narrow or wide feet, these will git like a glove. Not only that, but the ankle strap has an adjustable buckle.
Plus, the style I have — the Kara — comes in 10 different colors, from classic neutrals like grey and black to fun, playful hues like salmon pink and lime green.
Best budget: Dr. Scholl's Island Glow
Dr. Scholl's is known for making shoes that prioritize comfort — after all, the brand was founded by a podiatrist back in 1906. The Island Glow Sandals in particular are a solid pick for warding off discomfort during your travels — not to mention, they're incredibly lightweight.
It's so easy to pull them on and off. The side buckles on these sandals confused me at first, but then I realized they were nonfunctional. Honestly, the faux buckle still looks nice and I actually prefer the Velcro strap closure, because they're much faster to put on and take off this way.
They're surprisingly cute. I got a few compliments when I was wearing these sandals to a casual family gathering. I wasn't surprised, either: They look like real leather, and the wood—like low wedge heel is a nice visual touch.
They're really versatile. These sandals go with literally everything, from jean shorts and flowy skirts to leggings and maxi dresses. They're versatile enough that I can wear them while sightseeing and then head straight to lunch at a nice restaurant with no footwear changes.
They're very supportive. Between the contoured footbed and cushioned insole with arch support, these sandals definitely prevented discomfort — even after standing and walking around in them for nearly six hours.
Best waterproof: OOFOS Oomega Ooahh Sandal
Oofos makes post-workout recovery shoes — which are obviously popular among athletes, but also a great fit for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. In our Oofos review, Deputy Editor Les Shu said wearing their shoes feels like "walking on air." I have to agree. These sandals are a great pick for beach and resort getaways because they're waterproof. On the hunt for the best sandals for Disney World? Look no further.
The slip-on design is so convenient. I love a pair of slides while traveling because I can't be bothered taking extra time fasting or lacing up shoes when I have places to be. Because these slip on and off so easily — and are water-resistant — they're great for waterparks, or just hanging by the pool at your hotel.
They take a lot of pressure off my feet. Oofos shoes are designed to absorb 37% more impact than other shoes, taking stress off my joints while supporting the natural arch of my foot. The foam material feels bouncy but firm. I love that the footbed flares out at the widest part of my foot, and I swear my posture seems better when I'm walking in these. Did I mention these shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)?
There's literally no risk in trying them. I love that you can try Oofos sandals risk-free for 30 days. So, even if you bring them on a trip with you and wear them all day long, if you're not 100% satisfied with your experience, you can send them back for a refund at no cost.
Best day-to-night: Crocs Brooklyn Heel
This lightweight mule made our list of the most comfortable heels for it's lightweight design and highly walkable construction. Style editor Samantha Crozier, who tested over 80 pairs of heels for the article, counts these as one of her absolute favorites.
" Crocs' Brooklyn Heel (also available in a frosted version) might be the heel that I wear the most often, which is saying something. These are the absolute best everyday shoes I could ask for. They slip right on and pair with everything from a pair of denim cut-offs to a semi-formal maxi dress," she says. Here's why we love it.
You can go straight from a walking tour to dinner and drinks. The silhouette is incredibly versatile, and you can't tell from afar that these are, in fact, made of the same foamy rubber as crocs. If you don't look too closely, they could easily be made of suede or leather.
It's almost a full three-inches tall, which is perfect for adding some height — though they don't feel that tall at all. These are a great pair to throw on with a pair of pants that are a little too long.
They're also budget-friendly. The Brooklyn Heel is normally $65, but you can often find it for lower. We recommend checking all the links above for the best price.
Best arch support: Vionic Walk Max Wanderer
If you're not familiar with Vionic, this brand has landed on Oprah's Favorite Things List multiple times — and many of their shoes carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Their shoes are a go-to for many travelers because they're not only comfortable but also stylish. This pair is no exception.
They fit like a dream. The footbed on these Walk Max Wanderer Sandals feels like it was custom molded to my foot. I credit the adjustable straps and VIO MOTION Technology, which includes contoured arch support. Note: These sandals seem like they're ideal for someone with an average/medium to high arch (rather than flatter feet)
They're super comfy even on hard surfaces. Typically, walking on concrete and gravel for long hours can take quite a toll on my feet. Luckily, these sandals provide shock-absorbing cushioning, excellent traction, and a deep heel cup to ensure stability to keep my feet happy. They also feature a lightweight nitrogen-infused midsole with maximum rebound. It almost felt like I was getting a foot massage while I was walking in these.
The straps are so soft. Straps can actually be a nuisance on sandals, depending on what fabric they're made out of. These have a cushioned feel, so they felt really nice against my skin. The straps — along with the heel tab — also make these a cinch to get on and off.
Best leather: UGG Goldenstar Villa Sandals
True story: When I first put these sandals on, I actually "oohed" out loud. UGG has come through for me time and again, particularly in the boot department, but these Goldenstar Villa Sandals truly blew me away.
The lining is so soft. One feature that makes these sandals extra comfortable is the velvety soft material lining the heel, footbed, and strap across the toes. It feels way better than stiff leather on my skin and goes a long way in preventing blisters on the back of my heel.
It's all in the details. The gleaming buckles on these may take an extra few seconds to fasten, but I don't mind since they're such a beautiful, eye-catching accent. I love the overstitched binding and box stitch details, too. A pull-on heel tab adds to the convenience factor, and the combo of Nubuck and genuine leather makes these look — and feel — extra refined.
They're practical to walk in for long periods. Thanks to the flatform design with a reasonable height, and contoured footbed, I had no trouble wearing these for long periods. I plan to bring these on urban getaways where I'll be doing a lot of exploring downtown — plus, as an added perk, they're stylish enough that I can get away with wearing them out at night.
Most stylish: Sorel Rein CB Criss-Cross Sandal
Sorel has long been one of my go-to brands for rugged but on-trend shoes — particularly boots. This is my first pair of sandals by the brand, and I was so impressed by how comfortable they are without sacrificing style.
They look so chic. Walking sandals aren't necessarily known for being stylish, but these defy all stereotypes. The criss-cross leather straps, metal D-ring, and lugged platform sole give these leather sandals an edgy but timeless look.
They're also surprisingly comfortable. Wearing these felt like walking around in slippers. Admittedly, I was a little worried that the leather straps would feel tight — particularly because I have pretty wide feet — but that wasn't an issue whatsoever. They almost seemed to stretch, accommodating my feet perfectly, with wear. I tend to get blisters on the back of my heel from straps that wrap all the way around the back of the ankle but that didn't happen with these, either. I love the molded midsole and cushy footbed, and the flatform style and modest 1.5-inch heel height made these super reasonable for long walks.
The sole is clearly durable. The lightweight but sturdy rubber soles on these made my feet feel supported on a range of terrain, from soft grass and soil to solid concrete.
Best for hiking: Teva Verra Hiking Sandals
When looking for hiking sandals to wear on your future adventures, you want not only a supportive fit but also superior traction that can handle various terrains. The Teva Verra Hiking Sandals fit the bill. They're also way cuter than most hiking sandals I've seen.
The fit is just right. The hook-and-loop closure on these sandals allows you to tighten or loosen as needed so the fit is flawless. Plus, the ankle strap is adjustable.
They're a breeze to pull on and off. Due to the pull-tab on the heel and velcro straps, I can put these sandals on or take them off in less than five seconds. Also worth mentioning? There's a soft felt-like lining on the inside of the heel and ankle strap, which felt so nice against my skin.
The footbed design is so thoughtful. I couldn't help but notice the way the footbed gets narrower or wider exactly where it should, molding to my foot. I also have to say the contoured midsole lends some serious arch support.
They provide plenty of stability. Teva really has thought of everything here: There's a cushioned impact-absorbing heel, a nylon shank designed to stabilize my feet on uneven terrain, and a rugged rubber outsole that offers impressive traction for light hikes.
Best flip-flop: FitFlop F-MODE Knot Soft Leather Flatform Toe Post Sandals
I absolutely love the ease and simplicity of flip-flops. Unfortunately, I've never found a pair that's very practical, especially for longer walks — that is, until I tried these beauties from FitFlop.
They're really well-made. These sandals are crafted in luxurious, buttery Nappa leather, with a chunky yet lightweight sole and a sculptural knotted strap for a visually appealing twist. Even the footbeds are made with leather, and the soles are wrapped in premium leather as well. They're the kind of flip-flops you can proudly wear while traversing the streets of a sophisticated district in Greece or Italy. And since there's some decent grip on the bottom, I can wear them worry-free on country paths and light trails.
They're comfortable for long hours. I love a flatform because you get a nice lift without all the aching that typically comes with a heel. These sandals are also ergonomically designed to optimize the body's natural alignment, made with a pressure-diffusing midsole, and feature triple-density cushioning that varies at different parts of the foot — with firmer cushioning at the heel, medium cushioning at the toes, and softer cushioning at the middle. By helping to absorb impact, the cushioning system helps reduce muscle exertion. My feet felt great after spending an entire afternoon walking around in these, which explains why they were granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Thicker straps mean they don't dig in. One of my pet peeves on sandals is skinny straps that dig into my skin — luckily, the straps on these are thicker, and surprisingly flexible considering they're leather.
Most versatile: REEF Vista Higher Raya
If you're looking for a travel sandal that can work for a variety of situations, the REEF Vista Higher Raya is a no-brainer.
They're supremely comfy. The pillow-like padded straps on these sandals don't feel stiff, and never dig into my skin. The adjustable hook-and-loop closure allows me to get a perfect fit every time, and the compression-molded outsole and cushy footbed were a godsend have been a godsend when I'm on my feet for long hours.
They can be dressed up or down. I'd slip these on to do some shopping or sightseeing — but also for a dinner out. The 2.5-inch ridged platform and faux leather straps make them feel a bit dressier than most other walking sandals, but they're also casual enough to wear for daytime adventures.
They're water-resistant. Since they're made from a water-friendly material, these are a great option for beach days and poolside lounging.
Best lightweight: Bared Footwear Sanderlings Rubber Sandals
Bared Footwear stands out for several reasons — for one, it was founded by a podiatrist. The company also makes big sustainability efforts, and sources responsible materials. These 100% vegan sandals have a sleek look but are also thoughtfully designed to offer all-day support. They even come packaged in an adorable terrycloth carrying case, that I plan to use as a toiletry bag while traveling.
They're easy to clean. These sandals are made from a natural rubber blend, and they couldn't possibly be easier to wipe down. When I got some dirt on them, I was able to wipe it away in seconds with a damp cloth.
They're adjustable all around. Both the buckle across the foot and the ankle strap are adjustable, allowing for a custom fit.
They're water-resistant. Because these won't get damaged from water exposure, I can wear them to water parks, beaches, and swimming pools. Plus, they're cute enough that I don't have to change my shoes when I want to head straight to drinks or lunch after.
I don't have to compromise on comfort. The low wedge style on these sandals makes them one of the most versatile pairs I've ever tested. Like all of Bared Footwear's other shoes, these are designed with the brand's signature contoured and cushioned biomechanical footbed, which boasts an arch shape designed to minimize pressure on the heel, and a heel cup that offers unparalleled support. Typically, sandals with a strap across the toes tend to pinch since that's the widest part of my foot, but thankfully that was not the case with these sandals.