Our faves by far, so make sure you grab a pair of these Birks while they're "-enstock."
While you probably already have a great pair of walking sneakers or hiking boots for long days on your feet, support and comfort for your sandals can be an afterthought. But if you plan to walk in airy shoes during the hotter months, it's wise to invest in a comfortable pair of walking sandals. The best options will let your feet breathe while also helping you avoid blisters, pinched toes, and achy feet.
There are plenty of walking sandals for women available in stores, so to find the most comfortable models around, we tapped a team of podiatrists and our own shopping editors to find out exactly how to shop for the ideal pair and which ones they wear themselves. There was one pair that stood out: the Birkenstock Arizona Sandal. Not only did four of our staff members sing their praises (myself included), but so did several podiatrists we talked to. And they have over 27,000 five-star reviews on Amazon to boot. Keep reading to see why the Birkenstock slides got our seal of approval for the most comfortable walking sandals for women, and learn more about a few of our other favorite options, too.
Update, June 24, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best comfortable walking sandals remains unchanged.
Sizes: 4 to 15 | Colors: 55 options | Upper material: Birko-Flor | Sole material: Cork
Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates gives Birkenstocks the thumbs up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers and four of our very own editors! Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza wears them so often she said "They've become almost a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home'." Birkenstock Arizona's have been known as one of the most comfortable sandals around for decades. The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you grip so your feet aren’t sliding around. Even better, there are two adjustable straps, so you can find a custom supportive fit. Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards says they are so comfy, stylish and supportive, that she wears them in everyday life and on European vacations that are full of walking. "I LIVE in these sandals because they're so comfortable," she raved.
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 64 options | Upper material: Polyester | Sole material: Rubber
I wear these comfy sandals anytime I know I’m going to be walking a lot. I first bought the Teva Sport Sandals for a trip to Morocco and they have since became my go-to sandals. Not only do they provide me with pain-free wear but the sleek, minimalist design allows me to pair them with everything from cute dresses to flowy linen pants. The cute kicks feature polyester straps with Velcro, including a backstrap, that are super soft against the skin and didn't dig in or give me blisters once, even when I was walking around for 20,000+ steps a day sightseeing. The sandals are fully adjustable thanks to the hook-and-loop straps, so I was able to find my perfect fit and not worry about them slipping or sliding. They also have a contoured footbed for comfort, a durable rubber sole and they are quick-drying so I was able to wear them to the beach and pool without worrying about getting them wet.
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 3 options | Upper material: Leather | Sole material: Microfiber Covered EVA
These sleek leather sandals will elevate any warm-weather look. From the podiatrist-designed brand Vionic, these leather strap sandals feature a sturdy toe-post loop that helps your toes get a comfortable grip and a second thicker strap behind that for even more support. There is a heel height of 1.5 inches to give you a slight boost while still making them completely walkable and they boast the brand’s signature Vionic technology that helps support the natural alignment of your foot from the ground up. Even people with foot issues find them incredibly comfortable and supportive. “My collapsed arches love these sandals,” said one reviewer. "These sandals are super supportive. So glad I tried them! I broke my ankle 3yrs ago and this is the first pair of open-toe sandals that actually look nice and contain all the support I need to walk pain-free."
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 11 options | Upper material: Synthetic | Sole material: PU leather
Our Senior Beauty Editor, Jennifer Romolini is on her second pair of I'm wildly comfortable, super affordable sandals from Amazon. "There's nothing particularly 'special' about the design, no bells or whistles, but they're well made and the slightly-padded platform makes them more cushion-y than the flat leather sandals. The sandals are easy to put on and take off — no zippers or buckles here — and they're mega-stretchy, too, so they won't dig into the sides of your feet. And did we mention how stylish the budget-friendly kicks are? "I get compliments on them all the time — once a woman actually stopped me on the street to find out the brand," said Romolini.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 30 options | Upper material: Rubber | Sole material: Rubber
Another one of Dr. Brenner’s picks are these FitFlop flip-flops are made from 100% rubber and have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for footwear found to promote good foot health. “I like the FitFlop brand as the majority of their shoes have a rubber outsole (which helps with friction) and the arch is thick with a wide chunky heel giving extra support,” she said. The biomechanically-engineered sandals are slip-resistant and have a soft jelly upper micro-bubble foam ergonomic footbed that is ultra-comfortable and makes for the best flip-flop. One happy shopper wrote, “These flip flops are great! They have a nice arch and a cushioned heel. I can wear them all day they are that comfortable!”
Sizes: 5 to 15 | Colors: 13 options | Upper material: Plastic | Sole material: Foam
These Oofos sandals are as cute as they are comfortable. The sleek slides are odor-resistant and waterproof, and they feature extra cushioning, which helps reduce stress on your feet, knees and lower back. They are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and come in six easy-to-match colors. One Zappos customer wrote, “I cannot say enough about this shoe - best slide out there. I feel like I am walking on bouncy clouds. The only con is that it makes me hate all my other shoes.”
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 14 options | Upper material: Polyester | Sole material: Rubber
Looking for comfortable walking sandals you can go for miles in? Thousands of shoppers recommend this option from Chaco. The criss-crossing straps and toe loop keep your foot in place, while the brand’s patented Luvseat technology provides “durability, daylong comfort, and arch support.” The ChacoGrip outsoles have 3.0 mm lug depth, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding and they have an adjustable lock buckle at ankle, so you can find your perfect fit. “Chacos never disappoint. Great sandals to wear all day. Sturdy shoes that are great for outdoor activities. Great to walk in all day,” one five-star reviewer noted. Bonus: There are 23 different styles to choose from!
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 options | Upper material: Leather & suede | Sole material: Leather covered cork
"I love a little lift to my sandals, but comfort is also key, and the Myrna 2.0 sandals by Korkease offer both," said Editor-in-Chief Laura Kenney. "The nude shade also helps visually lengthen your legs since it's pretty close to my skin color and just creates a nice line. Korkease makes these sandals in darker Golden Sand and Brown versions too, to sync with a range of skin tones." Along with being comfortable and stylish, the classic sandals have a rubber outsole that offers excellent traction and an adjustable ankle strap for added support. While the wedge adds some lift, they are still under 2 inches making them super easy to walk in. Kenney does note that they are so great and she wears them so often, that they can wear out easily so they might not be the most durable if you plan on wearing them every day for hours at a time. "I wear them so much that they just last me one summer and I can't carry them over to the next year."
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 10 options | Upper material: Fabric | Sole material: Rubber
Senior Deals Writer, Carrie McCabe wore these comfy Skechers sandals for up to 12-hours a day on a 10-day adventure through Italy and had no complaints! "The one thing I did not stress about were my feet, even after long, long l days of walking the streets of Rome, Florence and Milan. These Skechers sandals were perfect for staying cool and comfortable while pounding the pavement, and I definitely noticed the difference when I had to swap over to my other, closed-toed shoes." She loved how cushioned and supportive the double strapped sandals were and said they were so sturdy, "they never felt like they'd come flying off my feet even when hustling between our destinations."
Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 7 options | Upper material: Polyurethane nubuck | Sole material: Thermoplastic rubber
Dr. Bass is a consultant for the brand so you know it gives you the all-day support you need. These sleek sandals are his top pick because “They provide a contoured arch, with shock absorbing cushioning and they have a deep heel cradle to provide stability.” The orthotic sandals also have a non-slip grip on the bottoms and a soft thick thong strap that feels good against the foot. “These flip-flops felt perfect from the first moment I stepped into them. Good fit at the heel, great fit between the toes, and the arch support is wonderful,” said one customer. “ These flip flops allow your foot to remain relaxed while walking.”
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 6 options | Upper material: EVA | Sole material: EVA
If fashion-forward flatforms are more your style, our Contributing Writer, Libby Sentz recommends this cute pair from Reef. "I've finally landed on a dreamy, waterproof, lightweight, crazy-comfy vegan sandal for pool days ahead. At 2.5 inches, the new Reef Water Vista Higher is, indeed, higher than I'm used to (which is great for looking leggy in my swimsuit), but the platform is super-stable, supportive and feels like a recovery shoe. Trust, I do not do heels, but these are a breeze to wear," she said. The rugged lugs on the sole keep you from slipping and sliding around, while the molded EVA footbed is super comfortable for all-day wear. Bonus: these cute flatforms come in six stylish colors and there's also a lower version if you want less of a lift.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 27 options | Upper material: Polyester | Sole material: Rubber
The rugged summer sandals are so popular, they have earned themselves over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s easy to see why these waterproof sandals are so in-demand. Not only do they feature a metatomical footbed that offers ample arch support, they also boast a molded EVA midsole that customers say is as comfortable as their favorite pair of running shoes. The cushioned sandals also have a closed-toe design to protect your feet from the elements, a bungee lace capture system to help you create a custom fit, and a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction. Shoppers also love the breathable mesh fabric straps that contour to their feet and the fact that the supportive sandals are machine-washable. “These are the best sandals I have ever bought anywhere. They can get wet and it's OK! They can go with slacks, jeans, dresses, hiking, to dinner, anywhere. And if you are a clutz like me you will NEVER stub your toe,” raved one.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 options | Upper material: Foam | Sole material: Foam
These sturdy sandals have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality. This flip-flop features the brand’s signature Oofoam technology that helps cushion your foot while you walk. The brand's special tech also absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear foam. A patented footbed cradles your arches to minimize stress on your feet, knees and back. "These are my latest favorite," Dr. Lockwood says. "They last a long time and have a great footbed." What’s more, the flip-flops are machine-washable for easy cleanup.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 12 options | Upper material: Recycled plastic & polyester | Sole material: Rubber
These Teva sandals offer so much comfort, support and traction, they also made Sentz's list. "This is the most comfortable run-around footwear in my shoe closet," she said. "I have painful nerve damage to my right foot (Morton's neuroma), but thanks to the excellent arch support, contoured footbed and fully adjustable width, these feel like an orthotic, yet they're cute. The top-notch traction means they're trail-ready. Even better, they are vegan and made from recyclable materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Sizes: 5 to 16 | Colors: 21 options | Upper material: EVA | Sole material: EVA
Athletes and workout enthusiasts love these! These Hoka sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. They boast perforated detailing on the upper to increase airflow and keep feet cool, and they have a molded sugarcane EVA midsole that offers the perfect amount of bounce and cushioning. Even better, there are 21 stylish colorways to choose from. “I bought these as I had read that they are great for plantar fasciitis. Now I put these on when I get up and rarely take them off my feet. If I could only wear them to church!! LOVE LOVE LOVE these and will be purchasing in multiple colors,” raved one customer.
Sizes: 4 to 15 | Colors: 55 options | Materials: Foam, cork, suede, rubber
Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates, gives Birkenstocks the thumbs-up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers. Birkenstock Arizonas have been known as one of the most comfortable sandals around for decades.
The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you grip so your feet aren’t sliding around.
Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza, wears them so often, she says, that these iconic shoes have "almost become a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home.'" Even better, there are two adjustable straps, so you can find a custom supportive fit.
Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards says they are so comfy, stylish and supportive that she wears them in everyday life and on European vacations that are full of walking. "I LIVE in these sandals because they're so comfortable," she raves. "Another bonus? They are super durable. I’ve had my current pair for over five years now and they still look and feel amazing."
The only downside is they don't have a back strap. While I've never had any issues with my feet sliding around in these sandals while walking for miles, if you feel you would be more comfortable with a strap around the heel you should check out the brand's Milano sandal.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: Four options | Materials: Closed cell foam
You may think flip-flops won’t be good for your feet, but this pair from Oofos has an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality. They feature the brand’s signature Oofoam technology, which helps to cushion your feet while you walk and absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear foam.
These sandals have a deep heel cup that offers a cradling style of support that keeps your feet in a posture-friendly alignment — a feature that is particularly beneficial for people with ailments like plantar fasciitis. The geometry of the footbed also gives added support to arches, which helps reduce pronation and supports ankle health.
"These are my latest favorite," Dr. Lockwood tells us. "They last a long time and have a great footbed."
Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, agrees, adding, "They offer great shock absorption and cushioning [with] great arch support."
One of the hundreds of five-star reviewers writes, "I have plantar fasciitis and thought my flip-flop days were over. [I] was so happy that these were comfortable and that I could wear them for extended periods."
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 64 options | Materials: Polyester, rubber
I reach for these comfy sandals anytime I know I’m going to be walking a lot. I first bought the Teva Sport Sandals for a trip to Morocco, and they have since become my go-to sandals. Not only do they provide me with pain-free wear, but the sleek, minimalist design allows me to pair them with everything from cute dresses to flowy linen pants (though if I were going to a fancy dinner or event, I’d probably leave them at home).
The cute kicks feature polyester straps with Velcro, including a backstrap, that are supersoft against the skin. They never dug in or gave me blisters, even when I was walking for 20,000+ steps a day sightseeing. The sandals are fully adjustable thanks to the hook-and-loop straps, so I was able to find my ideal fit and not worry about them slipping or sliding. They also have a contoured footbed for comfort, a durable rubber sole and are quick-drying, so I was able to wear them to the beach and pool without worrying about getting them wet.
I will mention that there are no half sizes. I'm normally an 8.5 but sized down based on the sizing chart and they fit great.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 8 options | Materials: Synthetic, Rubber
Senior Deals Writer, Carrie McCabe wore these comfy Skechers sandals for up to 12 hours a day on a 10-day adventure through Italy and had no complaints! "The one thing I did not stress about were my feet, even after long, long l days of walking the streets of Rome, Florence and Milan. These Skechers sandals were perfect for staying cool and comfortable while pounding the pavement, and I definitely noticed the difference when I had to swap over to my other, closed-toed shoes."
She loves how cushioned and supportive the double strapped sandals were and says they were so sturdy, "they never felt like they'd come flying off my feet even when hustling between our destinations." And she's not the only fan. Nearly 10,000 Amazon shoppers rave about how great the lightweight walking sandals are too. "These sandals are the best. Took them to Cancun where we walked at least 7 miles a day and I used them to swim in the rivers and cenotes. My feet never felt tired and I never got any blisters either," wrote one.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 36 options | Material: Rubber
With more than 6,500 customer reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating, these Olukai flip-flops are one of the most popular pairs of sandals on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Along with a non-slip EVA insole that’s cushioned for added comfort, the popular flip-flops also feature a water-resistant upper strap and a durable rubber sole.
The footbed has a molded foot cup, which was one element Dr. Daughtry says to look for as a "heel cup allows for the heel to nestle in the shoe to avoid walking out of the shoe quite as easily." She also told us they are "perfect for the beach as they are made with cushioned, water-resistant material."
One happy shopper calls them "the best flip-flop the world has to offer," and adds "Once I tried them I couldn't believe how comfortable they were. They conform to your actual feet to provide support and relief from foot pain." These comfy flip-flops also topped our list of the Best Flip-Flops of the year.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 49 options | Materials: Synthetic Textile, Rubber
These rugged sandals are so popular, they have earned themselves more than 8,400 five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s easy to see why these waterproof sandals are so in demand. Not only do they feature a metatomical footbed that offers ample arch support, but they also boast a molded EVA midsole that customers say is as comfortable as their favorite pair of running shoes. The cushioned sandals also have a closed-toe design to protect your feet from the elements, a bungee lace capture system to help you create a custom fit and a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction, making them a sturdy option for a day on the trails.
Shoppers love the breathable mesh fabric straps that contour to their feet and the fact that the supportive sandals are machine-washable. Dr. Daughtry called them "perfect for summer hikes as these are waterproof and have a toe cap to protect your feet from the elements!"
Sizes: 4 to 13 | Colors: 23 options | Materials: Cork, leather, latex
Love a little lift to your sandals, but still want them to be comfortable? Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza recommends this pair from Naot. “The cork footbed is cushioning, shock-absorbing and supportive, even during long walks,” she says. And Dr. Daughtry agrees. "The Naot Kayla is by far my favorite sandal and offers the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. Comfortable and available in a myriad of colors, this is my staple dress sandal year-round," she says.
Along with being comfortable and stylish, the classic sandals have a rubber outsole that offers excellent traction and an adjustable ankle strap for added support. While the wedge adds a small boost, they are still under 1.5 inches, making them super easy to walk in. Plus, they're highly versatile too.
“These look good with jeans and a good pedicure, and look great with dresses and shorts,” Randazza adds.
Sizes: 5 to 16 | Colors: 21 options | Materials: Rubber
Athletes and workout enthusiasts love these! These Hoka sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. Yahoo's Westry Green is a big fan of the unisex recovery slides. "I suffer from a bunion and extremely high arches that require orthotics," he says. "I hate wearing shoes at home, but walking barefoot isn't an option. Even on days when I wear my orthotics for every waking minute, my feet still ache in the place that squeezes my bunion. Enter the Hoka slides and ... bam! My feet feel so much better."
These sandals come in 21 colors and have airflow channels built into the strap for breathability. Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, a New York-based podiatrist, explains why these slides feel so great on your feet: "The sole has a rocker bottom, which is helpful for people who have metatarsalgia because it helps with propulsion. And the sole is also a good shock absorber."
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Leather, Rubber
Every pair of shoes from Vionic has been specially designed by a team of podiatrists to provide you with the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM, of NYC Private Medical, is a big fan of the brand because they are "the most supportive out of a variety of sandals and they have good arch support."
Dr. Daughtry agrees and is a fan of this pair in particular because they "Offer a casual leather design in a lightweight recovery sandal that features adjustable straps, a massaging footbed, and dual-density cushioning. The VIO MOTION technology footbed features contoured arch support with shock absorbing cushioning, a deep heel cup for added stability along with an ankle strap for additional support yet excellent forefoot flexibility."
Added bonus? They're also available in a wide width and the minimalist design is incredibly versatile.
Whether you're wearing them for a short stroll or several miles, you want to find a pair of walking sandals that are both comfortable and supportive. To find the option that best suits your needs, there are a number of factors to consider:
Straps: You’ll want to look for straps that are soft on your feet and won’t rub against them uncomfortably and cause blisters. Options with adjustable straps to customize the fit of the sandals are great and if you are looking for extra support and stability for walking long distances, you should look for an option with a strap around the heel to help keep them in place. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS added “Avoid sandals with ankle straps that are not adjustable as our feet do swell during the day, especially in the heat of the summer.”
Fit: As with any shoe, the most important part of finding a comfortable walking sandal is finding one that fits just right. It should support your entire foot. If it's too big, your foot will slide; if too small, your foot will hang off the sides or the back.
Stability: "A stable sole with a good amount of traction is important. And be sure the sole is non-slip to help prevent injuries," Dr. Hillary Brenner, New York based podiatrist and foot surgeon tells us.
Support: A contoured footbed is also important as it helps keep your foot supported and in place as you walk. And with any shoe, arch support is essential "to maintain the natural alignment of the foot," Dr. Brenner tells us.
Footbed: “If choosing a sandal to wear for extensive walking (such as on a trip), 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,” says Dr. Daughtry.
Traction: The shoe's sole should provide ample traction, especially since sandals are often worn in wet environments like the pool or beach. Look for styles that have deep grooves or patterns to prevent you from slipping and sliding.
To find out which sandals are actually comfortable and supportive enough for a day full of walking, we tapped a team of podiatrists and our own shopping editors to find out exactly how to shop for the ideal pair and which ones they wear themselves.
“Unless the shoe has adequate arch support and proper fit, try to avoid wearing sandals to walk long distances,” says Dr. Daughtry. But if they are comfortable, cushioned, and supportive you should be able to wear them for long distances with no issues.
The podiatrists we spoke to say that, besides the styles listed above, they generally recommend looking for options that offer arch support, thick cushioning and good traction. You also want to make sure the sandal itself is sturdy and durable. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., tells us that if you can easily bend the base of a sandal — in terms of support — "it’s almost like you're walking barefoot.”
This all depends on the sandal itself and how often they’re worn. But Dr. Daughtry says if regularly worn a walking sandal will typically need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. “Once the sandal starts to show signs of wear (such as cracking, scuffing, or discoloration) or the outsole of the shoe shows a reduction of treads or the heel wears down on one side more than the other, the shoes should be replaced.”
Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.,
Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Hillary Brenner, New York based podiatrist and foot surgeon
Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, a New York City-based podiatrist
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
