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Stylish sandals are crucial to any summer wardrobe. But not every pair is suited to every occasion. We’ve scoured the internet—as well as the hearts of Wirecutter staffers—to find 11 pairs for just about any situation. Whether you’re in search of strappy sandals that will stop strangers in the street, functional sandals that are equally at home on a hike and out to dinner, or closed-toe sandals that will save you from needing a pedicure, these are the shoes you’ll want to wear all summer.

Chaco Lowdowns ($95 at the time of publication)

For simple, sporty sandals, try a pair of Chaco Lowdowns. They’re comfortable, supportive, and look subtle enough to go from a hike to lunch afterwards. They use a single strap to weave across your foot, which allows for endless adjustments and a perfect fit. Staff writer Anna Perling is also a fan of Chacos, and reports that her similar Z/1s “shield [her] tender feet from jagged seashells as well as the gritty bathroom floor of a campground. They pack flat (which makes them great for travel) and have a streamlined design that works with most outfits.” Both styles are a bit heavier than the Original Universal Tevas, which we also recommend, but we think that the added durability is worth the weight for some people. And when you buy any Chaco shoe you can also feel secure knowing that they will last: The company promises to repair soles and straps indefinitely.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 (available in medium and wide widths) Colors: 19 Vendors: Amazon, Chaco, Zappos, REI Returns: returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon); returns within 30 days but $5 shipping fee (Chaco); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos); returns within 90 days but $8.95 shipping fee (REI)

Teva Original Universal ($50 at the time of publication)

I’m not going to lie: When I was younger, I pined for a pair of Tevas because I thought they looked like the Air-Herc sandals (video) from the best animated film to ever exist, Hercules. As an adult who finally owns a pair, I still imagine I’m an extra roaming around Thebes when I wear them, but now I appreciate these Herculean sandals for more than just their look. They’re the most versatile pair of summer shoes I’ve ever owned: They work just as well with a pair of jeans for a quick trip to the grocery store as they do out on the trail for an easy hike through the mountains. The Velcro straps keep the shoe firmly attached around my ankles, giving me peace of mind that they won’t float off my feet when I’m wading into a lake or splashing in a river. They’re comfortable, supportive, and easy to strap on in a hurry. And, most importantly, they look amazing with socks.

I live in sandals during the summer, for everyday things like dog walking, weed pulling, bike riding, and water-parking. I’ve tried many active-style designs, and I find a lot of them to be heavy and overly constrictive around my feet. I always come back to the Original Tevas because they’re the ideal combination of comfort and ruggedness. I live in the Colorado foothills, where even the most casual park outing can suddenly turn into a hike. And though these sandals don’t protect my feet as well as hiking shoes, I feel confident taking off on an easy trail because I know I can walk long distances comfortably, and they provide decent grip. Plus, they’re easy to clean.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 14 (plus two widths) Colors: 19 Vendors: Teva, REI, Zappos, DSW, Amazon Returns: returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Teva); returns within 90 days but $8.95 fee to ship (REI); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos); returns within 90 days but $8.50 fee to ship (DSW); returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon)

Seychelles Lighthearted ($100 at the time of publication)

The Seychelles Lighthearted sandals are the perfect run-out-of-the-house-in-a-hurry-but-still-look-cute shoe: They slide on easily and are well padded for comfort. And their supple leather molds to your foot almost instantly. The Seychelles are more upscale than other two-strap sandals (like the Birkenstock EVAs), thanks to elevated material and criss-cross (rather than parallel) straps. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend going with the larger option because these sandals run slightly small.

Sizes: women’s 6 to 14, men’s 4½ to 12 Colors: off-white, tan, black, python, metallic Vendors: Seychelles, Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos Returns: returns within 30 days, customer assumes return shipping cost (Seychelles); free returns within 30 days (Amazon); lifetime returns with free shipping label (Nordstrom); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos)

Birkenstock Arizona EVAs ($45 at the time of publication)

What can be said about Birkenstock Arizona EVAs that I haven’t said before? They’re affordable. They’re durable. They’re made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (or EVA, hence their name), which means they’re also waterproof, lightweight, and machine-washable. I’ve been wearing my pair of black Birkenstock Arizona EVAs for the past two years, and they’re not going anywhere. And, yes, I have worn them into autumn and through the late spring, too, with a pair of socks. (I like tie-dyed calf socks from Bombas, which donates a pair of socks to someone affected by homelessness for every pair you buy.) Leather Birkenstocks are also a great choice (I just bought myself a pair!). But for the summertime, when sandals tend to face dirty, sometimes wet outdoor activities, the rinsable EVAs can’t be beat.

Sizes: women’s 5½ to 15½; men’s 4 to 13½ Colors: 24 Vendors: Amazon, Birkenstock, Dicks, Zappos, DSW Returns: returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon); returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Birkenstock); returns within 90 days with free shipping label (Dicks); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos); returns within 90 days but $8.50 fee to ship (DSW)

Nisolo Huaraches ($120 at the time of publication)

The handwoven leather on these elegant sandals molds to the feet after a few wears. And the padded, cushioned midsole kept my low arches (and hopefully all arches) supported for additional comfort. Even though I just wore them pacing around my apartment, they made my usual WFH uniform (track pants and high school ballet-studio shirt) feel elevated. And since I haven’t had a pedicure since pre-pandemic, I also appreciated that no one had to see my unpainted toes or calluses as I walked around in them. Nisolo is a certified B Corps brand (its site states that the brand offsets 100% of its carbon emissions). And although its shoes may be a little bit pricier than some of the others we recommend, we think they’re worth it for their quality and elegance.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 11 Colors: seven Vendors: Nisolo, Amazon Returns: returns within 30 days but $6 return fee (Nisolo); returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon)

Seychelles Bits ’n Pieces ($90 at the time of publication)

A dressier sandal that’s sophisticated enough for date night, the Seychelles Bits ’n Pieces are still well suited to even the hottest July days. The open weave of the leather allows for plenty of airflow, and the adjustable ankle strap keeps them sturdily in place when you’re running around town. I spent most of my time testing this pair by pacing around my apartment, but I also wore them out on the first warm spring day in Brooklyn, New York. I paired them with a long skirt and a simple tank, and I felt effortlessly chic kicking them up on a bench to write en plein air. Like most leather shoes, these will become more comfortable after a few wears as the material breaks in to conform to your feet. The shoe’s sole is just a tad narrow, so this may not be a good option for those with wide feet.

Sizes: women’s 6 to 11 Colors: eight Vendors: Seychelles, Zappos Returns: returns within 30 days, customer assumes return shipping cost (Seychelles); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos)

Viscata Escala Black ($100 at the time of publication)

I tend to like a bit more coverage when it comes to warm-weather footwear. So in the summertime my feet would be truly miserable if it weren’t for my go-to “sandal”—classic cotton espadrilles, which keep my tootsies covered but not sweltering. These 2½-inch-tall canvas shoes—made by hand in Spain—are very comfortable to walk in. And they have fun ankle ties, which add a little flair to cropped cotton pants or a sundress. These shoes never make my feet sweat, and the jute soles lend a touch of the Mediterranean. Viscata, based in Barcelona, offers several other styles, from towering pairs to classic flats, like Alain Delon wore in Purple Noon (video). I’ve had my black pair for a few years now, and they still look almost new.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 11 Colors: 11 Vendors: Viscata, Amazon Returns: free returns within 120 days (Viscata); returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon)

Hoy Salt Water Sandals ($48 at the time of publication)

The Missouri-based Hoy Shoe Company has been operating since 1944, originally using scrap World War II boot leather for its early version of the Salt Waters. Since then, this company has earned a very loyal, multigenerational fan base, helped by the fact that its Salt Water shoes come in baby, toddler, kids, and adult sizes. The Salt Waters made a comical squeaking sound when I was breaking mine in. But they were comfortable from the moment I slipped them on, thanks to a soft leather upper, molded rubber sole, and adjustable ankle strap. Still, they don’t offer wonderful arch support. This was fine for me, but those with high arches may find these shoes to be uncomfortable after a few hours. The Salt Waters are also waterproof. Though this isn’t something I typically care about in a sandal, you never know when you’ll tumble into a pond at Central Park (video). Wirecutter supervising editor Courtney Schley, who has been wearing these sandals since she was 4 years old, said, “They’re comfortable and durable and stay decent looking seemingly forever.” Her kids all wear them too.

Sizes: women’s 6 to 11 (plus baby, toddler, and kids sizes) Colors: 20 Vendors: Nordstrom, Zappos, My Salt Water Returns: lifetime returns with free shipping label (Nordstrom); returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos); returns within 30 days, customer assumes return shipping cost (My Salt Water)

Steve Madden Donddi ($53 at the time of publication)

Steve Madden’s Donddi sandals are simple and stylish. And despite their minimal material, they are still very comfortable to wear, thanks to the supple leather and an adjustable buckle. I was worried that because the front strap crossed over the joints of my toe they’d cause blisters, but the leather is pliable enough that this was not an issue. Because the Donddi sandals’ soles are so thin, the shoes offer no arch support, so we don’t think you’ll want to wear them for hours of walking. But for short errands or seated get-togethers, they’re just right.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 11 Colors: three Vendors: Zappos, Amazon, Steve Madden Returns: returns within 365 days with free shipping label (Zappos); returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon); returns within 30 days but return costs $3 to $6 (Steve Madden)

Amazon Essentials H Band (about $20 at the time of publication)

I was shocked by how well these shoes looked and performed, condsidering their price. They fit true to size—snug enough that they didn’t slide around or slap the backs of my heels while walking, but also with enough give that they didn’t rub uncomfortably. The polyurethane upper didn’t look quite like leather upon closer inspection, but at a distance it can almost pass as the real thing. Foam padding in the shoes’ insole adds additional comfort, which makes these sandals a great, easy choice for a day at the beach or running small errands. I could wear them for four hours no problem.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 13 Colors: four Vendors: Amazon Returns: returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon)

Amazon Essentials Women’s Two-Strap (about $20 at the time of publication)

These are very similar to Steve Madden’s Donddi sandals. Side by side they’re nearly identical. But when you look at them closer, you can tell that Amazon’s version is made from synthetic material rather than real leather. Still, for about the price of a casual dinner in New York City, Amazon’s shoes are a decent choice. They have the look of sandals that are twice as expensive (the stitching on the sole is a nice touch). And though they’re not particularly supportive for long walks, they’re good enough to last a couple of summers, which, at this price, is more than reasonable.

Sizes: women’s 5 to 13 Colors: three Vendors: Amazon Returns: returns within 30 days with free shipping label (Amazon)

You will notice there are no flip-flops listed in this guide. It is my journalistic duty to recommend only those shoes I believe in. And I believe that flip-flops expose too much foot, make an annoying sound (they’re called flip-flops for a reason!), and aren’t as sturdy and comfortable as those we highlight in this guide. But if you disagree with me (and many do!), Wirecutter does have recommendations.

This guide includes sandals I’ve researched and tested myself, as well as pairs that Wirecutter staffers wear and love. Due to stay-at-home orders, we couldn’t have multiple testers wear each pair, as we normally would. Still, we wanted to suggest shoes that would work for a variety of feet and styles, so we asked our sandal aficionados to tell us exactly why they love their favorite pair. In my research, I read reviews and articles about sandals from other publications, including fashion magazines and product review sites, for their thoughts on the matter. And while scrolling through major shoe distributors (including DSW, Nordstrom, and Zappos), I read countless buyer reviews. From that long, unwieldy list of 41 sandals, I chose 18 to test based on:

Availability: To avoid stock issues, I looked for shoes that were sold through several vendors.

Colors: I also focused on sandals that came in several color options (got to have choices here, people!).

Inclusivity: Many women’s shoes run only from sizes 6 to 11. I tried to prioritize shoes that ran from 5 to 12 (or a wider range), whenever possible. I also considered the physical process of putting on shoes. And I made sure to include pairs that slid on or used Velcro, so they could be fastened without the hassle of finicky straps and buckles.

Returns: I dismissed any models that had short return windows or charged expensive shipping fees. I know how hard it is to get going on a return, and two weeks felt like the bare minimum for that, though I prioritized brands with longer return windows.

During testing, I walked in each pair for at least 30 minutes. Since this was in late winter in Brooklyn, New York, most of my tests consisted of pacing back and forth down the length of my apartment, and up and down the stairs of my building. During each test I noted how the shoes felt, if any part of the shoe pinched or rubbed uncomfortably, and if they squeaked or slapped (shoes should be seen, not heard!). I paid close attention to details like buckles, stitching, and ties, making sure they were easy to use and of high quality. Finally, I considered how each shoe looked: Were they nice-looking, versatile, and easy to style?

TKEES Leah ($65 at the time of publication)

If you’re a flip-flop devotee and you want an upgrade from your basic pairs, try these. They’re also skimpy on material (not the shoe to wear between pedicures!). But due to their thin leather straps, they’re far sexier than flip-flops in how they expose the foot. The toe loops keep the front of the shoe anchored, but the two mid-foot straps were just a little loose on me and resulted in some sliding as I walked. I’m usually an 8½, and I sized up to a 9. If you choose to try Leahs, consider sizing down if you’re between sizes or have a narrow foot. Ultimately, they’re beautiful shoes. However, they’re not practical for walking, so we are hesitant to recommend them.

Seychelles Nice Try Sandal ($70 at the time of publication)

If you love the style of these sandals from Seychelles, you should buy them. The thin leather straps conform to the foot in a comfortable way. The shoes slide on and off easily (without your having to use your hands, when you’re feeling lazy). And they come in five pretty color options. We just thought that of the slide-ons we tested, they weren’t the absolute cutest. And the price was just a bit too high to recommend for a so-so style.

Steve Madden Ivara ($70 at the time of publication)

The Ivaras are pretty shoes and decently comfortable. I have slight bunions from years of dancing, and the leather strap across the toes felt a little uncomfortable at first. But after I wore them for 30 minutes, they started to soften up, and that problem would likely go away after a few wears. The other slide-ons we tried, from Birkenstock and Seychelles, had more-padded soles. If you don’t plan on wearing these for long walks, however, they make a comfortable, attractive option.

TKEES Phoebe ($65 at the time of publication)

These are beautiful shoes, thanks to their minimal construction: Held to the foot with just a leather ankle strap and a toe loop, they really are “barely there.” That also means they’re not particularly comfortable or practical to walk in. But for an occasion that requires you to just sit pretty? They’re ideal.

Croc’s Tulum Sandal ($40 at the time of publication)

These sandals are made from the infamous Matlite material, which is used in most Croc shoes. Like other shoes from Crocs, these sandals are indeed very comfortable, breathable, and waterproof. We just didn’t think they were as cute as other models we tested, precisely because of that material.

Dansko Season ($120 at the time of publication)

These platform sandals are lightweight, and their Velcro ankle strap makes them easy to take on and off. Also, padding in the midsole keeps them super-comfortable. They ultimately didn’t make it as a pick for an aesthetic reason: The faux wood of the platforms looks a little corny up-close.

Sandalup Faux Leather Sandal ($16 at the time of publication)

We tested three similar-looking sandals: the Sandalups, the Amazon Essentials, and the Steve Madden Donddis. The Sandalup version was the worst. Its faux leather looks cheap, there’s absolutely no padding in the soles, and the stitching seemed like it could break free at any moment. The price is great if you just need a pair of shoes for a weeklong trip somewhere warm, but we don’t see these lasting an entire summer.

Montbell Sock-On Sandals ($32 at the time of publication)

Staff writer Katie Okamoto recommended these EVA foam and rubber slip-ons, which she praises for being waterproof and lightweight, and for packing flat. “Their genius is in the single round rope strap that slides freely between two loops secured to the sole, allowing the sandal to convert from slide to heel-strap style without any buckles or Velcro,” she explained. The only reason we didn’t select them as a pick is the ordering process: They cost $6 to ship, and returns must be received within 30 days and are paid for by the buyer.

Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”

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