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Shop cute sandals with proper arch support, comfy straps, and lots of cushion.
You have your outdoor walking goals marked down, and your perfect playlist or podcast ready to go. The one thing that still threatens to get in the way? Those cute summer sandals that aren’t exactly functional.
With so many sandals available online—from flip flops, to wedges, to slides—it can be difficult to distinguish between shoes that actually support your feet and the ones that only get by based on looks. Thankfully, several sandal makers are acing the game when it comes to shock-absorption, arch support, all-around comfort, and a cute design.
Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), spoke with Prevention about shopping for the best walking sandals, and we’re pleased to report that what’s trendy and what’s comfortable aren’t mutually exclusive. “The most important thing is to know your feet and to know your sandals,” Dr. Andersen says. “No shoe or sandal should feel uncomfortable in the store. They shouldn’t require a break-in period. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking with any shoe, it’s a good idea to work your way up to that.” So, your shoe should never make your feet feel cramped or cause them to bleed.
Retailers like Vionic, FitFlop, and Chacos have all gained the APMA seal of approval and are honestly some of the most stylish, comfortable shoes around. “Before [Vionic] became popular, it was like, ‘Well, just gotta wear flip flops,’ and then these came along, and you’re like, ‘Oh, these are great,’” Dr. Andersen says. “A lot of their sandals are really, really good. Those are ones I generally recommend quite a bit.”
There are several general features integrated into these podiatrist-recommended walking sandals that set them apart from other shoes that’ll hurt your feet post-summer vacay (according to Dr. Andersen, this happens a lot). Make sure the pair you’re eyeing has:
Another thing Dr. Anderson loves? Memory foam. If you can find a pretty sandal with memory foam, don’t hesitate to scoop it up! “If this was a perfect world, every shoe would have memory foam lining with arch support in it,” Dr. Andersen says. “Every shoe would feel that good.”
Ready to browse our top-rated picks? Ahead, the most most comfortable walking sandals that withstand the longest days:
Minimal yet fashionable, FitFlop sandals are some of the most popular walking sandals out there. Don't be scared by the platform—it is loaded with cushiony goodness thanks to two midsole layers and a footbed that’s ever so slightly contoured. Reviewers on Amazon say that they wear these sandals all summer long for consecutive years without wearing them out. Many also mentioned that these have great arch support, so they are particularly suited for people with high arches.
So stylish and so comfy! We can’t get enough of how cute these summery espadrilles are because you can literally wear them with anything. Unlike the typical espadrille, these Cole Haan sandals are actually filled with layers of cushioned foam that provide extra softness while walking. Although it doesn’t have a hole punched strap design, this one expands to fit your foot accordingly.
Despite what you think about flip flops, they’re not as bad as you think—well, anymore. “For a long time, flip flops were terrible,” Dr. Andersen says. “Now there are some really great flip flops on the market that actually give you support.” These sandals are a great example. Take comfort in knowing they’re podiatrist-designed and approved, featuring a shock-absorbing midsole and arch support. It’s important to note that although these are super soft, we wouldn’t recommend you wear these if you’re planning to walk for hours. We have a ton of other picks for that!
Think about the way your feet feel when you stand on a yoga mat. Comfy, right? These slingback shoes feel similar, because they’re made from the same material used to manufacture yoga mats and have knit straps that comfortably stretch as much as you need. That means no blisters, no cuts, and no bleeding. Can I get an amen?
We love these walking sandals that come in several accent colors and patterns. Podiatrist-approved, these beach-ready flip flops have a midsole that both responds to the curves of your feet and have just the right amount of flexibility. Plus, it has lugged treads for extra traction and a water-resistant strap so you don’t slip-and-slide. “These shoes are the most comfortable flip flop I’ve ever worn,” one reviewer raved. “They don’t need breaking in and can be worn all day without getting achy feet. Worth every penny.”
Remember what Dr. Andersen said about sandals with memory foam? In short, they feel like you’re walking on clouds. It’s why she says she personally likes to wear shoes from this brand. “They have a memory foam over the arch support, so it’s really nice,” she says. “It’s not something that you have to have, but it’s extremely comfortable.” Memory foam aside, these have a beautiful braided design, adjustable straps, and superior arch support that helps to align the foot and prevent pain.
Whether you’re going on a tropical vacation or heading outside to walk the dog, these walking sandals are a wonderful combination of quality, comfort, and style. The contoured microfiber-lined footbed and flexible EVA midsole protect your feet from the impact of each step. Vionic says these walking sandals are biomechanically designed to hug your arches and support natural alignment. And with stylish cutouts, you can definitely wear them during the day or out at night.
Block heeled sandals are all the rage right now, and we fully support the movement. Replacing all pain-inducing high heels, these adorable sandals from Naturalizer provide just enough height along with cushion where your foot feels the most pressure. Camel leather and a gold metal buckle enhance the look.
One of the best hiking sandals on the market, these Chacos have amazing support in the footbed which contours nicely, supporting even the highest of arches. If you like to take a walk on the wild side, a.k.a. a nature walk, you know how important it is to have a sandal that’ll keep your foot secure, which is why these Chacos have multiple straps, a toe loop, and a high-tread outsole. It’s security at its finest.
If you do a heck of a lot of walking throughout your day, these Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals have got you covered. Just look at that contoured footbed! Comfortable straps allow this sandal to move and flex just like your foot naturally would and every step is met with a shock-absorbing sole. Whether you’re walking on grass or gravel, this has a Rugged Durabrasion Rubber outsole, which means it has some crazy traction you’ll want on any trip.
These sturdy, reliable sandals have a soft leather lining, a single toe loop design, and an easy-to-adjust back strap, making these super pleasant to wear while walking for long periods of time. “Danskos have a rigid sole, but they’re really supportive and good for your feet,” Dr. Andersen says. You’ll also love that these are made with materials that won’t rub against your foot, have a EVA midsole, and memory foam footbed.
Slides aren’t typically good for your feet. However, these walking sandals have a slip-resistant sole, two thick adjustable straps for customization, and a super contoured footbed that’ll give you more support than any flimsy slides that try to compete. Plus, they come in six stylish patterns, so you can order one for every outfit!
For nice dinners and date nights, these Naturalizer wedge sandals will become your go-to. The added height gives your feet a little extra touch of sexiness, the front strap has a beautifully crafted fabric design, and the strap is all business, hugging your ankles for added stability. With a 2.75-inch cork wedge, these fit within the podiatrist-recommended height, unlike most wedge sandals. Dr. Andersen says as long as the differential height from the front to the back of the wedge is two inches, you should feel comfortable enough to stand and walk around.
This classic Arizona Birkenstock design is one of the brand’s bestsellers. What makes this particular walking sandal different than the original Arizona is its soft footbed, which is complete with a foam layer on top the cork footbed and the already comfortable EVA sole. We absolutely love these sandals because of their ability to evenly distribute weight. Plus, you can wear them with practically any outfit!
It is impossibly hard to walk around in a shoe that squeezes your toes. We wouldn’t wish it on our worst enemy. Thankfully, there are sandals out there with multiple adjustable straps that allow you to take the reins on how much give your feet need. Whether your feet may be shaped a bit differently or you suffer from bunions, Dr. Andersen says a sandal with straps across the front is something to definitely look for.