We Tested Over 30 Pairs of Sandals to Find the Most Comfortable for All Foot Conditions & Activities (2024)

We spent over a month testing 32 pairs of highly-rated sandals from dozens of best-selling brands. Along with casual daily wear, we wore each pair of sandals for at least eight hours in a row to truly assess for long-lasting comfort. Each pair was evaluated for responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and durability. We also had a physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. The result is a comprehensive list of the most comfortable sandals on the market to help you stride into summer with ease.

Our Most Comfortable Picks

• Most Supportive: Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal
• Most Cushioned: Skechers Go Walk Massage Fit Sandal
• Best for All-Day Wear: Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal

Our Best Dress Picks

• Most Stylish: Sorel Viibe Sandal
• Best Platform: Sorel Kinetic Impact Sandal
• Best Design: Ecco Women’s Flowt Sandal

Our Best Casual Picks

• Best for Everyday: Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal
• Best for Short Walks: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal
• Best for Travel: Chaco Townes Sandals

Our Best Tailored Fit Picks

• Best for Narrow Feet: Munro Corine Sandals
• Best for Wide Feet: Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals
• Best Arch Support: Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal

Look for sandals with low wedges and adjustable straps that cover most of your forefoot and ankle. They should also have a supportive footbed with arch support and a heel cup.

Expert Tip: If shopping in person, try on shoes at the end of the day to get the most accurate fit since your feet swell as the day goes on.

Other important factors to consider are:

• Fit: A well-fitting pair of sandals can help prevent injury and irritation. Check the fit - are they too big or too tight?
• Width: Sandals are available in different widths to fit narrow, average, or wide feet. Be sure to choose the width that fits your foot best and ensure the sandals are wide enough to accommodate your entire foot.
• Arch support: A good sandal should keep your arch supported and stable without forcing it into an uncomfortable position. Pay attention to your foot's natural arch compared to the arch support the shoe provides.

What to Avoid

Per the APMA, the worst types of sandals for your feet are traditional flip-flops, which don't provide support or keep any part of your foot held down. Slides also can present a problem because they usually don't offer support or help the back of your foot stay locked down.

Our Most Comfortable Picks

Why We Like It

Teva’s Women’s Zymic Sandals impressed us across the board—they’re supportive, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable. Thanks to the adjustable heel and toe straps, we found the fit to be true to size and accommodating to all foot shapes (narrow, average, and wide). We also appreciated the supportive arch, which is great for high—and low-arched wearers.

Besides being versatile enough for just about anyone, this shoe offers solid stability and springy responsiveness. During test walks, we noticed a quick and effortless transition between strides. The sandals also have a padded, cushioned sole that offers comfort and support. They were so lightweight that we felt like we were walking on air. After the lengthy testing period, we were also pleasantly surprised by how well the sandals held up.

It’s Worth Noting

Although these sandals are well-made and durable, we noticed some normal wear signs after testing.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Athletic
• Material: Recycled plastic upper, EVA foam insole, EVA outsole
• Closure: Hook-and-loop

Most Cushioned: Skechers Go Walk Massage Fit Transcend Sandal

Why We Like It

Not only do these shoes look unique, but they feel special, too. Skechers’ Go Walk Massage Fit Sandals feature a wave-shaped, cushioned midsole that aims to massage your feet with every step. During testing, we found these to be one of the most highly cushioned pairs of sandals on our list—making them a great choice if you prefer a bouncy, cushy feel.

The cushioned wave soles did take some getting used to mobility-wise but after a month of testing, we were quickly accustomed to the comfy cushion and pleasantly surprised by the shoe’s durability. The shoes fit true to size and have an adjustable Velcro heel strap. Overall, we found these Skechers sandals quite springy and responsive, with a quick and effortless transition into your next stride.

It’s Worth Noting

Since they’re not available in half sizes, we wish the toe strap was adjustable to accommodate more foot shapes.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Athletic
• Material: Not specified
• Closure: Velcro strap

Why We Like It

Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandals have an athletic style that offers maximum, all-day comfort. We would know—we wore this pair every single day for one week straight while on vacation, doing activities like sightseeing and going to the beach.

Despite the brand not offering half sizes, we were able to find a solid fit because of the padded and adjustable heel, ankle, and toe Velcro straps. Thanks to the slightly raised edge and lifted arch of the sandal, our feet, ankles, and knees felt supported and stable. We also appreciated the smooth, springy transitions that propel you to the next step.

It’s Worth Noting

The rubber outsole is slightly thinner than other picks on our list, so it’s not ideal for rugged terrains. But after one month of consistent wear, we did find that the outsole, insole, and upper held up surprisingly well.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Athletic
• Material: Mesh upper, EVA foam insole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Hook-and-loop

Our Best Dress Picks

Why We Like It

If style is important to you, you’ll love these super sleek and trendy sandals. Sorel’s Women’s Viibe Sandals are new to the market and have quickly become a summer staple for fashionable wearers. And after one month of testing, they’ve become a staple in our footwear arsenal, too.

The sandals fit true to size and don’t require a break-in period. And thanks to the adjustable heel strap and roomy footbed, they fit equally well on both narrow and wide feet. During testing, the firm and sturdy construction helped to keep our feet, ankles, and knees safe and stable.

It’s Worth Noting

We found the somewhat rigid sandal to lack cushioning and responsiveness. While these sandals are a great choice for style, they’re not ideal for distance walks, hiking, or long hours of wear.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes available)
• Style: Classic
• Material: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Velcro strap

Best Platform: Sorel Kinetic Impact Sandal

Why We Like It

The Women’s Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandals are a classic platform sandal that combines fashion and functionality. They kept our feet supported, comfortable, and looking good throughout the one-month testing period.

For how stylish they look, we were very impressed with how stable and supportive the shoes felt. During test walks, we appreciated the cushioned footbed and slightly raised arch that provided a smooth, rolling transition between strides. The sandals also fit true to size and have an adjustable heel strap that allows you to customize the fit. We were also impressed by how well the sandals help up—they look as good as new after dozens of wears. The well-made construction and durable design make this pair worth the high price.

It’s Worth Noting

Some may find the high platform style too clunky. If you don’t like the look of a chunky platform heel, check out some other low-profile options on our list (like Munro’s Corine Sandals).

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes available)
• Style: Classic, platform
• Material: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Hook-and-loop

Why We Like It

We found the ECCO’s Women’s Flowt Sandals to be both functional and fashionable. Thanks to two velcro straps at the toe and heel and a flexible and stretchy strap at the midfoot, these shoes are a solid true-to-size fit for most foot shapes. Besides easy adjustability, during testing, we had no issues with stability and felt supported throughout the feet and entire legs.

We appreciated the solid shock absorption on all surfaces—pavement, grass, carpeting, and hardwood floors. The padded soles are thinnest at the toe, raise at the midfoot, and plateau to a slight platform at the heel—offering solid arch support. The durable leather straps and overall sturdy construction add to the sandals’ great value. After one month of wear testing, we were happy to report that the sandals look as good as new.

It’s Worth Noting

If you choose the lighter color, be wary of staining. We found that the light colorway stains on grass and dirty terrains.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 (half sizes available)
• Style: Classic
• Material: Not specified
• Closure: Velcro strap

Our Best Casual Picks

Why We Like It

Offering support, comfort, and durability, the Keen’s Women’s Elle Mixed Strap Sandal looks like an everyday shoe. During testing, we appreciated the cushy comfort, stable support, and great shock absorption that the stylish shoe provided. Our knees, ankles, and feet felt equally stable and supported even when worn on hiking trails. We also noticed a soft and springy responsiveness that provided smooth transitions between strides, helping us walk comfortably for miles. They fit true to size and have easy strap adjustability for all foot shapes and sizes. As an added bonus, the straps are padded around the heel, which helps to prevent blisters and adds comfort. Overall, Keen’s Elle Sandals are a lightweight, durable, and stylish option that can be worn all day for a variety of summer activities.

It’s Worth Noting

The super soft and squishy soles take some getting used to—we don’t recommend this pair if you prefer a firmer sole.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes available)
• Style: Fisherman
• Materials: Leather and textile upper, EVA foam insole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Lace-lock bungee system

Best for Short Walks: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal

Why We Like It

The Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandals not only look sleek and stylish, but they’re also functional and comfortable. These sandals come in nine sizes and two widths, and they have three adjustable straps at the toe, midfoot, and heel for a fully customizable fit. After the break-in period, we found that the shoes start to contour to the shape of your foot, providing the proper arch support and foot alignment.

It’s Worth Noting

While they are comfortable enough for daily wear, we do not recommend these sandals for long-distance walks, hikes, or other outdoor adventures. The shoe has a stiff, firm construction that’s not ideal for quick, responsive strides.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 4/4.5-12/12.5 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Classic
• Material: Leather upper, cork and leather midsole, EVA outsole
• Closure: Buckle

Why We Like It

Chaco’s Women’s Townes Sandals combine comfort and style with a classic silhouette and contoured footbed. We love this pair for travel because they’re lightweight enough to stash in your luggage, streamlined and stylish to go with most outfits, and supportive enough for a long day of sightseeing. We also love that the leather strap is soft and doesn’t dig into the skin—which is important to avoid blisters and chafing during long days of adventure.

The sandals fit true to size, have an adjustable ankle strap, and feature a wide enough toe box for most foot shapes. During test walks, both long and short, we were impressed with the sandal’s stability, shock absorption, and solid arch support. Also, the durable sole is supportive and springy, keeping your feet extra comfortable between strides.

It’s Worth Noting

When we first tried them on, we noticed they felt rather clunky. This can take some getting used to.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12
• Style: Classic
• Material: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Buckle

Our Best Tailored Fit Picks

Why We Like It

We found Muro’s Corine Sandals to be really comfortable. They’re super stable and offer great arch support, and we appreciated the bounce back and energy return that propelled our strides.

Available in width sizes SS-WW, the sandals are made to fit all foot shapes and sizes. But after trying on our regular sizes, we recommend you go up in size and width because these sandals run small and narrow. Thankfully, the brand has a helpful size chart online.

It’s Worth Noting

The sole is firm and supportive rather than cushioned and springy.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes available)
• Style: Classic
• Material: Suede upper, latex and cork midsole, rubber outside
• Closure: Velcro strap

Best for Wide Feet: Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals

Why We Like It

The Teva Original Universal Women’s Sandal offers a roomy fit and long-lasting durability at a budget-friendly price.

We felt comfortable during short test walks on smooth surfaces thanks to the soft foam midsole that sits low to the ground. We love how lightweight the shoes feel, making them convenient for travel or on-the-go wear.

After the one-month testing period, we were surprised to see how well the sandals held up—especially because of their rather thin, everyday design. And if they got dirty, we found them very easy to clean.

It’s Worth Noting

While the straps are adjustable, we noticed they’re slightly abrasive, causing a blister on the top of one of our toes. Moreover, the shoe is not supportive or cushioned enough for walking long distances or on uneven terrains.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Classic/athletic
• Material: Recycled plastic and polyester upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
• Closure: Hook-and-loop

Why We Like It

Vionic’s Reyna Flatform Sandals are a stylish and supportive choice for long-distance walking, commuting, brunching, and more.

Thanks to the thick and well-cushioned footbed, we felt equally stable and supported on our long and short test walks. Along the footbed, the sandals are thinnest at the toe, raise high at the arch, and drop slightly at the heel—offering maximum arch support. They fit true to size and have a buckle closure at the heel that adds adjustability and a fashionable flare. If you need added arch support and want a cute and comfy sandal for the summer, this pair may be for you.

It’s Worth Noting

If you have low arches, the support may be too much. We also found that while the raised platform style helps with shock absorption, it tends to slow you down.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available)
• Style: Classic, platform
• Material: Leather and suede upper, man-made midsole, durable rubber
• Closure: Buckle

More Comfortable Sandals to Consider

• Merrell Women's Speed Fusion Convert 1TRL Sandals are lightweight and comfortable. But we found the athletic style to be too clunky for most wearers, and overall, the shoe is not worth its higher price.
• Lightweight, breathable, and quite comfortable, Skechers’ On The Go 600 Sandals are a budget-friendly pick. But during testing, we found them to be a bit flimsy, unsupportive, and not worth the purchase.
• Naot’s Dorith 4710 Sandals look more like classic fashion footwear than comfortable walking sandals—and they feel that way, too. These sandals offer great stability, but the thin, firm, and unresponsive sole is not suitable for long-distance walking or all-day wear.

To find the most comfortable sandals for every situation and stride, we tested 32 pairs of sandals for over 30 days. Our team of 38 editors each wore one or two pairs of sandals over the course of one month. After an initial 30-minute walk test, we wore the shoes for three- and eight-hour shifts of intermittent walking, standing, and other movements. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate the sandals during our tests.

• Comfort: We considered the sandal's comfort level. We also noted any blisters or chafing, excess sweat or stickiness, and whether the sandals caused pressure on our heels, arches, or toes.
• Quality: We performed a bend test for each pair of sandals. We bent and twisted the sandal to check for quality and durability. A high-quality, durable shoe should bend slightly at the toes (not in the middle) and be difficult to twist.
• Durability: We tried on the sandals and walked around for 30 minutes, paying close attention to the materials and construction to see if they felt cheap or sturdy. We also evaluated how well each pair of sandals held up after more than one month of consistent wear.
• Responsiveness: We noted how they responded when we were wearing them and if they propelled us forward. We also considered the resiliency of the sandal and its stiffness, noting if they weighed us down in any way.
• Cushioning: We noted how cushy these sandals were and whether or not they helped prevent fatigue when we were wearing them. Ideally, we wanted to find sandals that kept our feet feeling well-cushioned without so much cushioning that they compromised stability.
  

Our Experts

We consulted with three podiatrists for safety guidelines and buying recommendations. Here is an overview of who provided their insight:

• Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgery specialist
• Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association
• Suzanne Levine, DPM, a board-certified podiatric foot surgeon and professional associate of podiatric medicine at the New York–Presbyterian Hospital

The most important factors to consider in comfortable sandals are straps, footbed, heel height, materials, and width.

• Straps: Choose sandals with a wide strap covering the forefoot, not just the toes, and not a thong or flip-flop style. A strap helps prevent your foot from peeling back and lifting with every step, which can lead to strained muscles, per the National Library of Medicine. Also, look for an adjustable ankle strap, which offers stabilization and reduces the chances of a sprained ankle.
• Footbed: If you can fold a sandal in half, do not wear it, says Dr. Parthasarathy. Instead, you want a sandal with built-in arch support—even if you have low arches and cushioning in the balls of the foot. A heel cup is also recommended. Without it, Dr. Levine explains all the pressure goes on the forefoot, which can cause neuromas (pinched nerves between the toes).
• Heel Height: Wearing sandals with a slight wedge is better than flat soles. This reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, says Dr. Parthasarathy. A sandal with a heel height of one to two inches should suffice.
• Materials: Many sandals also contain special foam, which is a great material for keeping the shoe lightweight and providing molded support. Dr. Levine recommends highly durable leather sandals.
• Width: Make sure your sandals are wide enough for your whole foot. They should offer support across the forefoot and accommodate ailments such as bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes.

Other Considerations

If you have a unique foot structure or medical issues, look for unique attributes in your sandal—including:

• A supportive footbed: If you have plantar fasciitis, look for sandals with a supportive footbed and a wedge to reduce pressure on your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
• Shock absorption: If you have high arches, look for sandals with shock absorption and a conforming footbed to offload the pressure.
• Arch support: If you have flat feet, a lack of structure can overwork the posterior tibial tendon that holds up your arch, explains Dr. Parthasarathy.

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, Michelle makes it her mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations.

Sherri Gordon, CLC, covers health and social issues and has a passion for connecting people with the right products to address their health goals. As an avid walker, Sherri knows how important it is to have a comfortable pair of sandals when you are out and about. Her favorite sandals offer cushy support while being stylish.