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The 17 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These are the best women’s sandals for travel, hiking and everything in between.

Comfortable women's sandals we recommend on a colorful background
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Seasoned travelers know comfy walking shoes are some of the most important things to pack for travel. The perfect pair should be supportive and as fashionable as they are functional. And if you're headed to a warm weather locale, finding comfortable sandals is key.

When you choose the right pair of sandals for your feet and personal needs, they can be just as comfortable as sneakers, according to Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City­-based podiatrist and foot surgeon. "Your shoe should be appropriate for your foot type as well as your activity," she tells Travel + Leisure. "This will not only provide comfort but can prevent injury."

We spoke with Dr. Sutera to find out what makes a comfortable shoe, then tested 50 pairs ourselves to round up the best options based on comfort, fit, quality, and value. Whether you're looking for something sporty, water-resistant, travel-friendly, versatile, or fashion-forward, you'll find it here.

Why We Love It
  • The straps are snug for a tight fit to your foot, but not uncomfortable.

What to Consider
  • They run large, so size down a half or full size.

These sleek sandals feature elastic straps that mold and stretch to fit your feet perfectly — there are no buckles, zippers, snaps, or ties on the shoes to constrain movement or cause irritation. In a slide, thong, or any other open silhouette, your toes are constantly gripping in order to keep the shoe from sliding off your foot. According to Dr. Sutera, that causes strain on the muscles in your feet and can also make common issues like bunions, hammer toes, and pinched nerves even worse. That type of pressure is reduced with these sandals. These also have a lightly padded footbed and rubber sole for extra comfort and traction. Best of all, they're super stylish, so they can be worn with everything from travel dresses and skirts to jeans and leggings.

Our favorite thing about the sandals? The fact that they were comfortable right out of the box. One of our team members reported that they stretched enough to immediately accommodate her wide feet, unlike most other sandals. We also noted during testing that the shoes were easy to pack, comfy enough for all-day wear, and perfect for warm weather since they don't cause your feet to sweat.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber, elastic, textile | 0.4 inches | Elastic straps

Why We Love It
  • They come in five different widths and more than a dozen colors and prints.

What to Consider
  • They feature a high arch, so they're not recommended for flatter feet.

If you have a difficult time finding sandals that are comfortable for wide feet, check out this pair by Munro. The cute shoes come in five different widths, ranging from super slim to extra wide. They also feature an elastic back strap and padded insole for all-day comfort. Snag them in more than a dozen colors and prints ranging from neutral beige and white to cheetah and giraffe prints.

We were particularly impressed with how sturdy they were and how long they remained comfy. "I wore them to a four-hour concert where I was on my feet the entire time, standing and dancing," one of our team members said. "I was shocked by how cushiony yet supportive they were and appreciated that they didn't slide around." She also mentioned that their lightweight design makes them ideal to pack in a suitcase.

The Details: 4 to 13 | Leather, suede, vinyl, textile | 0.4 inches | Sling-back

Why We Love It
  • These sandals rival sneakers in comfort and arch support but are so much more breathable.

What to Consider
  • They're not very versatile beyond outdoor activities.

If you're looking for a sporty pair of sandals to wear on long summer hikes, check out this pair by Teva. The quick-drying sandals feature a padded midsole, and they have a rubber outsole for traction to help you avoid any slips or falls. They also have shock pads in the heels and stretchy mesh-lined straps that won't cause blisters.

After testing these out, we thought the Tirras stand out as true active footwear, as they're rugged and provide a personalized feel. "These shoes offered a great fit as soon as I put them on," says T+L commerce director Jamie Hergenrader. "I like that there are three adjustable Velcro straps, so they were easy to adjust when needed to make them tighter or looser. Also, the style is nice — not as much for an everyday shoe, but as far as hiking sandals go, I like the look of these."

The Details: 5 to 11 | Polyester, nylon, rubber | Strapped

Why We Love It
  • The style is versatile enough for almost all casual and formal occasions.

What to Consider
  • They require a bit of a break-in period.

If you want to add a little polish and height to your travel looks, reach for these sleek sandals with a low block-heel by Steve Madden. The buckled ankle straps keep your feet from sliding around, and the low heel (2 inches) is an ideal height for longer periods of walking. They're so stylish, you'll want to wear them with everything from formal dresses to jeans — and because they're so comfortable, you can.

Hergenrader has owned these for years and packs them on most warm-weather trips due to their versatile style and comfort for walking around cities. T+L editor Elizabeth Rhodes, who also tested the shoes, adds that "the design is aesthetically perfect… and the heel height looks very polished, but isn't too high." And while heels might seem counterintuitive for a comfortable shoe, know this: a little height is totally okay to add into your packing lineup. In fact, it's healthier to switch up your shoe height and style from day to day, according to Dr. Sutera. You're welcome, over-packers.

The Details: 5.5 to 12 | Leather, suede, synthetic materials | 2 inches | Strapped heels

Why We Love It
  • These are more stylish and versatile than your average pair of flip-flops, and they're comfortable to walk in on different terrains.

What to Consider
  • These can't be submerged in water, so avoid wearing them in waves or pools.

Flip-flops aren't known for being supportive enough to wear for a full day of sightseeing, but if you need a pair for the pool or hot sand, Dr. Sutera, who is a member of Vionic's Innovation Lab, recommends the brand because of their scientific approach to shoes. The brand has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health. The vacation-ready sandals have a thin profile with a soft sole and topsole cushioning that makes them extra comfortable.

These shoes are all about versatility. "I like that they manage to merge comfort and style," T+L commerce editor Hillary Maglin says. "I spent several days walking and standing in these on various terrains and my feet never hurt. I'll also probably pack them on my next vacation, because they'd be perfect for sightseeing in both comfort and style." Maglin notes that while the top straps were slightly loose on her narrow foot, they would probably fit shoppers with wider feet perfectly.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather, suede | 1.2 inches | Flip-flops

Why We Love It
  • They offer firm support at a light weight.

What to Consider
  • The firm footbed may feel too hard for shoppers who prefer softer shoes.

If you have high arches, opt for these comfortable, supportive sandals by Vionic. Not only are they incredibly lightweight, but they also feature a midsole that provides shock absorption. Their contoured design aids in stability and natural alignment. As Dr. Sutera explains, it's all about keeping your foot as neutral as possible — not pronated (rolling inward), not supinated (rolling outward), but right in the middle. The biomechanically designed sandals have even earned themselves a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

These shoes were made for taking on the day in comfort. The textured footbed received rave reviews during testing for preventing feet from slipping around, and we loved that they are plush and supportive with a substantial arch. One of our team members did say, however, that the rope-like toe divider was a bit uncomfortable, even after several wears.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Synthetic rubber, vinyl | Flip-flop

Why We Love It
  • These shoes have a grippy rubber sole that prevents slippage.

What to Consider
  • They're on the pricier side.

If you are headed somewhere with rocky terrain or uneven cobblestone streets, you're going to want a comfy pair of sandals with great traction like this pair by Keen. The molded insole offers all-day comfort, while the ridged rubber sole and durable ankle straps provide stability as you're walking around. We especially love that the sandals are machine washable and come in 11 colors ranging from red violet to silver.

However, the comfort and walkability factors are where these shoes really shine. They proved to be pretty and stylish enough to wear to work and durable enough for long walks. Keen's "grippy sole," which includes small bumps on the inner sandal for traction, prevented any slippage when our feet got sweaty. When it came time for cleaning, we appreciated how easy it was to wipe dirt off of these sturdy sandals.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber, polyester, vinyl | Semi-closed toe with straps

Why We Love It
  • They're incredibly supportive and sturdy for true, all-day comfort.

What to Consider
  • To avoid any blisters or chafing, you should break them in.

Chaco is known to have amazing comfort standards, especially when hiking, and the Zx2 Classical Sandal is no exception. During our testing period, one of our team members wore these while being on their feet and walking around for almost eight hours straight, and they noted that their feet were not tired in the least. "While the high level of arch support took a bit of getting used to, my entire foot (arch, heel, ball of foot) felt supported throughout the day," they noted.

Because the straps are adjustable, wearers with all foot sizes, narrow to wide, can tighten or release the foot straps to get their perfect fit (which is extra helpful since they don't come in half sizes). While we do recommend you break them in to avoid blistering, these shoes are the ultimate supportive sandal whether you're hiking or exploring a new city.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Rubber, polyurethane, textile | Adjustable straps

Why We Love It
  • They're easy to pack and don't need to be broken in.

What to Consider
  • You may want to size up if you're between sizes.

For a supportive sandal that's also soft and cushiony, consider Teva's Universal Trail Sandal. While they provide the same stability as other hiking sandals, they're still portable and easy to pack, perfect for those long trips. After walking around in them, we thought they felt lightweight while also being extremely comfortable. Our feet did not get tired in them, and we found them to be sturdy enough to wear in different terrains.

These sandals are also made of Vibram Megagrip rubber that doesn't need to be broken in before wearing. After trying them out, one of our team members thought that the shoes can feel tight, so you may want to consider sizing up when buying. The sandals feature a Universal Strapping System that secures your feet through four anchor points, so you can adjust them to your perfect fit if they're on the larger side.

The Details: 6 to 11 | Rubber, polyester, mesh | Adjustable straps

Why We Love It
  • You can wear these stylish shoes all day long and not look out of place at various locations.

What to Consider
  • There's very little arch support.

Whether you're planning a long hike, walk on the beach, or city adventure, these sandals are a comfortable and stylish option for a full day of activities and are sophisticated enough to wear to dinner as well. They feature stretchy straps (made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles) that fit tightly without cutting off circulation or losing their stretch over time. While the soles of the sandals are fairly flat, they're have a memory foam feel to mold to your foot and keep you supported.

"You definitely get what you pay for with this stylish shoe that fits your foot and holds up for miles of walking wherever your travels take you," our team member who tested these said. "I would definitely recommend these shoes ... They're stylish and durable, and they're flat, so they're easy to pack for a trip or quick getaway."

The Details: 5 to 11 | EVA, gore, microfiber | Back strap

Why We Love It
  • The Tirra Sandal is made of water-friendly, easy-to-clean materials and boasts excellent stability, cushioning, and arch support.

What to Consider
  • Those with wider feet might want to order a half-size up.

The adjustable straps on Teva's Tirra Sandals offer a customized fit. We didn't have any issues with sizing during our tests, and liked how the straps don't dig into the skin (though women with wider feet may want to order a half-size up). The straps are made of a quick-dry webbing material sourced from plastic bottles and recycled performance polyester. It's also treated with Life Natural, an eco-friendly peppermint-based antimicrobial that keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay.

These sandals have excellent stability and arch support, so you'll be comfortable walking long distances or standing for several hours. They have the perfect amount of cushioning to absorb shock without feeling too squishy. Not only that, but there was no break-in period whatsoever — you can take them out for a walk right out of the box. Considering the high-quality design and easy-to-clean, water-friendly materials, we think the price is right on point.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Rubber, EVA, polyester | Adjustable straps

Why We Love It
  • These adventure-ready sandals absorb shock, support your arches, and keep you stable on your feet while hitting the trails.

What to Consider
  • They only come in whole sizes, so consider ordering up if you're in between.

Need something for hiking? Teva's Zymic Sandal is your best bet. The thick injection-molded sole does a great job absorbing shock, the contoured footbeds provide plenty of arch support, and the cushiony feel gives you a nice spring in your step. We didn't notice any instability in our knees or ankles when hitting the trails. Not only great on dirt hiking paths, these were also comfortable to wear on grass and sidewalks.

The straps aren't padded, but the soft material doesn't chafe or dig into the skin. We felt that these sandals were true to size, but since they don't come in half-sizes, you'll want to order up if you're in between and adjust the straps as needed. The Zymic is not only super comfortable but also lightweight, like you're walking on air. Considering how durable and versatile the design is — you could wear it for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, or running errands — we think the price is absolutely reasonable.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Injection-molded EVA, rubber | Adjustable straps

Why We Love It
  • These lightweight, cushy, high-traction, odor-treated sandals will keep your feet feeling and smelling good for hours on end.

What to Consider
  • The front straps aren't adjustable and might be too loose for narrower feet.

You can wear Keen Ellecity Sandals all day without worrying about your feet hurting. We appreciated how the lightweight design didn't drag down our feet and loved how exceptionally cushy the footbeds are. Our knees and ankles felt stable when walking around, and the high-traction outsoles helped keep us steady on our feet. You could wear these sandals to work, on a walk, on a travel day, to a theme park, or at a festival and have peace of mind knowing they'll stay comfortable until you take them off. What's more, they have an anti-odor treatment we can confirm prevents smelly feet, even after wearing them outside all day.

The modest platform heel gives you a little extra height without sacrificing the sporty appeal of this sandal. We thought it fit perfectly and liked how the straps kept our feet in place. (But since the front straps aren't adjustable, they might be slightly too loose for women with narrower feet). The break-in period wasn't painful, either — no blisters or irritated skin. All things considered, we would definitely pay full price for these sandals.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA, nubuck leather | Adjustable back strap platform

Why We Love It
  • The cushioned Bravada Sandal is super supportive and responsive, springing you into your next step while keeping you steady on your feet.

What to Consider
  •  It only comes in whole sizes, so consider ordering a half-size down if you're in between.

We were also big fans of the Merrell Bravada Sandal. With Velcro straps across the heel, ankle, and forefoot, you can adjust the fit in three areas. Our feet stayed securely in place, and the lightly padded straps didn't rub or dig into our skin. We felt very stable while walking on the beach, sidewalks, trails, and other terrain. These cushioned sandals are incredibly responsive, with an almost bouncy feel that springs you into your next stride.

You can actually feel the arch support in the footbeds when you walk — not so much that it's distracting but just enough that you feel supported with each step. After wearing these sandals on many occasions, we're happy to report absolutely no heel pain, blisters, strained arches, or discomfort whatsoever. There was no break-in period, either, so don't be afraid to wear them all day right out of the box. The only thing to note is that the Bravada only comes in whole sizes, so think about ordering a half-size down if you're in between.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA, mesh | Adjustable straps

Why We Love It
  • With shock-absorbing soles, ample cushioning, and a springy feel, wearing this shoe-sandal hybrid is like walking on air.

What to Consider
  • The closed-toe style looks more like a sneaker than a sandal, and without straps, it can be hard to get on.

Calling all outdoor adventurists! The Hoka Hopara is just the thing for warm weather excursions. Designed for any terrain, this shoe-sandal hybrid has ample cushioning that keeps you stable when transitioning from concrete to trails to grass. The squishy, springy feel helps you push off from one step to the next. Meanwhile, the thick rubber soles absorb shock from the ground, and the arch support prevents foot fatigue.

This shoe doesn't have any straps, so you'll have to use the heel tab to pull it on, but you can adjust the tightness with the bungee laces. The neoprene and mesh uppers felt good on our skin, even without socks, and we didn't experience any chafing or blisters. Wearing Hoparas feels like you're walking on air, and you don't have to worry about breaking them in before wearing them on a hike. The style might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking for an all-terrain sneaker alternative, you really can't go wrong.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber, EVA, neoprene, mesh | Closed-toe hybrid

Why We Love It
  • These statement-making sandals are supportive, responsive, and exceptionally lightweight with a cloud-like feel.

What to Consider
  • They run large, and the back strap only adjusts so much, so think about ordering a half-size down.

Sorel's signature chunky, scalloped sole makes the Kinetic Impact II Sling Sandal stand out from the rest. But the statement-making design doesn't just look cool — it's also supremely comfortable. These supportive, padded, and slightly squishy sandals have a very responsive, stable feel that rolls your foot forward while helping you push off for your next step. They're also exceptionally lightweight with a cloud-like feel that won't hold you back on long walks.

These sandals have soft, wide leather straps across the top. The material is nice, but it could rub on your skin, depending on the shape of your feet. Also, the back strap only adjusts so much, and since Sorels typically run large, you might want to order a half-size down to make sure they aren't too loose. Still, if you don't want to choose between fashion and comfort, these are the warm weather shoes to get.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Rubber, molded EVA, leather | Adjustable back strap

Why We Love It
  • These stylish sandals offer a customized fit with Velcro straps, and the cushioned design keeps you comfy while preventing heel pain.

What to Consider
  • The sizes are inexact, and the white soles might discolor quickly.

We thought Ecco's Flowt 2 Band Sandals fit great. Though the sizes are inexact (they come in 7/7.5, 8/8.5, 9/9.5, etc.), you still know what size to order if you're in between. Not only that, but the adjustable Velcro straps make it easy to get a customized fit while ensuring they stay securely on your feet. Our feet never felt like they were sliding around, but they didn't feel too tight or constricted, either. And the soft leather straps didn't cause any chafing or blisters.

These simple yet stylish sandals are immensely comfortable. They support your arches while absorbing shock and keeping your ankles and knees stable. Thanks to the responsive, cushioned design, we didn't experience any discomfort — and those with plantar fasciitis can have peace of mind knowing their heels won't hurt. We love that the versatile design could be worn with just about any warm weather ensemble and definitely think the price is warranted.

The Details: 4 to 12.5 | EVA, leather, elastic | Adjustable straps

Our Testing Process

We researched today's most comfortable sandals for women and selected 50 styles to try firsthand. After examining the materials, inspecting the construction, and noting any defects, we tried each pair on and wore them as often as possible during a six-month testing period. The sandals were worn while walking on various terrains and tested for several hours on a single day to see if they remained comfortable.

We logged how our feet felt while wearing the sandals and noted any rubbing, chafing, blisters, pain, pressure, or discomfort. Additionally, we evaluated whether the sandals had a break-in period or if they were comfortable enough to wear for multiple hours right off the bat. Each pair was scored for fit, stability, cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, quality, and value, and those with the highest overall ratings are featured here.

Other Sandals We Liked

Three of the sandals we reviewed had fans among our team members, but certain pitfalls ultimately kept them off our list of the most comfortable options.

Steve Madden Kimmie Espadrille Sandal: Despite the comfort of these shoes' elasticized ankle wrap and molded footbed, we found them to be very narrow. While shoppers with slender feet may have no problems with them, those with wider feet likely won't find them comfortable.

Ugg Yarrow Espadrille Wedge Sandal: While they're certainly stylish, we felt the zipper on the heel rubbed badly enough to keep them off our comfort-based list.

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal: These slides are versatile in that they can be dressed up or down, but after trying them out, we came to the conculsion that the leather uppers make them too uncomfortable to be good walking shoes.

Tips for Buying Comfortable Sandals

Choose features that signal comfort

One main aspect to look for in a shoe for comfort is arch support. Arch support — that little bump in the center of the insole — will help you maintain better alignment. "It's normal to pronate throughout the gait cycle, but it's overpronation that causes a lot of problems when you have a flat foot, like heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis — and even stress fractures can happen. An arch support keeps you from overpronating," Dr. Sutera says. A thicker overall sole is best, too. And one that thickens beneath the heel is preferable to one that's totally flat.

Whether you're shopping for sandals or a pair of slippers, the right footwear can also be part of therapy if you have a foot condition. Dr. Sutera suggests features like wide toe boxes for shoppers with bunions, extra arch support for those with high arches and insteps, and, especially in sandals, a footbed that isn't completely flat.

Materials make a difference

Durable materials like rubber and leather are always wise choices when it comes to sandals, as both are typically lightweight and easy to clean. Rubber also expertly repels moisture, while leather remains breathable even in heat and humidity. Leather can take longer to break in, but once you have, it wears well. Other materials, like suede and memory foam, make for soft and comfortable footbeds. However, foam usually doesn't last as long: even if a foam shoe still looks good, long-term wear can diminish its supportive qualities, so keep an eye on any pairs with foam footbeds to see when they might need replacing.

Consider style and your intended use

While style mainly depends on personal preference —and you'll want to buy a shoe that you'll wear long-term — you should take intended activities into consideration as well. For beach or lake days, a pair of thong flip-flops or comfy slides are good choices. If you plan on hiking or getting active on uneven terrain, a pair with ankle straps and multiple straps over the top of the foot is best. Going to a formal event? You can't go wrong with strappy heels or stylishly comfortable wedges, as long as they have plenty of support and padding. There are a variety of podiatrist-approved comfortable heels to choose from for those dressier occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What sandals do podiatrists recommend?

    Podiatrists usually recommend sandals with thick soles that have ankle straps and arch support. You'll want to avoid flat sandals with a thin bottom as they're more likely to harm the soles of your feet.

  • What types of sandals for women are most supportive?

    The most supportive sandals for women should have a cushioned, thick sole to promote arch support. Any sandal should also have a strap to support your ankle and help keep your foot in places while walking. You should prioritize health over style, too, when it comes to sandals with a wedged heel as they can place more weight on the sole of your foot and lead to pain.

  • Are sandals good for long walks?

    Sandals can be a perfectly good option even for long walks. Especially in hotter climates or near water, sandals can be a good, breathable option for hiking or walking. Be sure to select a pair with sufficient arch support and breathability to keep you comfortable and protect the soles of your feet. If you're near water, you can also choose a pair of water-resistant or quick drying sandals that won't chafe or slip.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Hillary Maglin and Theresa Holland researched today's most comfortable women's sandals, compiled T+L's long-term testing insights, and combed through product specs to curate a comprehensive list of trusted recommendations. We also spoke with New York podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Sutera for insight into the importance of supportive footwear and what to look for when buying it.

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