What to Buy Fitness Gear After One Month of Wear-Testing, Here Are The 14 Best Comfortable Sandals Our favorites are from best-selling brands like Sorel, Birkenstock, Teva, and more. By Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente is a New York City-based 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. health's editorial guidelines and Rachael Schultz Updated on July 5, 2023 Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Know About Comfortable Sandals More Comfortable Sandals to Consider Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Marcus Millan For many, a pair of sandals is a summer wardrobe staple. But nobody wants to run the risk of blisters, injuries, or achy feet after months of walking miles in unsupportive, uncomfortable shoes. Luckily, there are many options on the market that offer both comfort and style—and we found the best ones. The best comfortable sandals have straps that won’t dig in, a supportive footbed with heel and arch support, and a slight one- to two-inch heel to relieve pressure from your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, according to Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). When shopping for summer sandals, you should also consider: Fit: Does the shoe run large or small? Width: Is your foot narrow, average, or wide—how does the shoe run? Arch support: What does the natural arch of your foot look like, and how much arch support does the shoe provide? In order to find the best comfortable sandals on the market, we spent over one month testing 32 highly-rated shoes from dozens of best-selling brands. Our team of 38 staffers, each with their own unique foot shape and preferred activities, such as walking or hiking, received one or two pairs of sandals to put to the test in their own regular routines. Along with casual daily wear, staffers wore their sandals for at least eight hours in a row to truly assess for long-lasting comfort. Throughout testing, we evaluated each pair for fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, and quality, rating them on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for each key category. We also had a physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal at Amazon ($74) Jump to Review Best Overall Runner-Up: Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal at Amazon ($64) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal at Amazon ($50) Jump to Review Sanuk Cosmic Waves H20 Sandal at Amazon ($48) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: ECCO Women’s Flowt Sandal at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandal at Amazon ($110) Jump to Review Best Cushioned: Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit Incite Sandal at Skechers.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Birkenstock: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal at Birkenstock.com ($170) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Chaco Townes Sandals at Amazon ($96) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Munro Corine Sandals at Zappos ($200) Jump to Review Best Overall Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal Teva View On Amazon $74 View On Zappos $80 View On Walmart $112 Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It These versatile sandals are fit for all foot types, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and offer practicality and style. It’s Worth Noting We did notice some normal signs of wear after testing. Teva’s Women’s Zymic Sandal impressed us across the board—it’s supportive, stylish, and oh-so comfortable. We found the fit to be true to size and accommodating to all foot shapes (narrow, average, and wide) thanks to the adjustable heel and toe straps. And we appreciate the supportive arch that’s great for high- and low-arched wearers. Besides being versatile enough for just about anyone, this shoe also offers solid stability and springy responsiveness. During test walks, we noticed a quick and effortless transition between strides. The sandals have a padded, cushioned sole that offers comfort and support. And they are so lightweight, we felt like we were walking on air. After the lengthy testing period, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the sandals held up. Besides some expected signs of wear, the pair still looked new with no unwanted odor left behind. The material on the well-structured shoe is durable, high-quality, and made to last. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available) Style: AthleticMaterial: Recycled plastic upper, EVA foam insole, EVA outsole Closure: Hook-and-loop Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Best Overall Runner-Up Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal Keen View On Amazon $64 View On Zappos $95 View On Keenfootwear.com Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It A well-rounded summer sandal that combines style and comfort. It’s Worth Noting If you prefer a firmer sole, this one’s not for you. Offering similar support, comfort, and durability to our best overall pick, this shoe came in close second. What sets the two pairs apart is price and style. The higher-priced pick, Keen’s Women’s Elle Mixed Strap Sandal, looks more like an everyday shoe, as opposed to Teva’s sporty style. But both pairs fit true to size, with easy strap adjustability for all foot shapes and sizes. During testing, we appreciated the cushy comfort, stable support, and great shock absorption that the stylish shoe provided. Even when worn on hiking trails, our knees, ankles, and feet felt equally stable and supported. And we also noticed a soft and springy responsiveness that provided smooth transition between strides, helping us walk comfortably for miles. The sandal’s straps are padded around the heel, which helps to prevent blisters and adds comfort. Another comfort-forward feature, the super soft and squishy soles do take some getting used to—we don’t recommend this pair if you prefer a firmer sole. Overall, Keen’s Elle Sandals are a lightweight, durable, and stylish option that can be worn all day for a variety of summer activities. 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 Health / Tammy Gardini Health / Cecily McAndrews Health / Tammy Gardini Health / Tammy Gardini Most Comfortable Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal Zappos View On Amazon $50 View On Merrell.com View On Dsw.com Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It It's a lightweight option for all-day comfort. It’s Worth Noting The outsole is too thin for hiking on rugged, uneven terrains. Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandals have a similar athletic style to our best overall pick, Teva’s Zymic Sandals. And they also offer maximum, all-day comfort. We would know—one editor wore this pair every single day for one week straight while on vacation (on the beach, sightseeing, and more!). 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. The rubber outsole is slightly thinner than some 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 durable 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 Health / Katrina Cossey Health / Katrina Cossey Health / Katrina Cossey Health / Katrina Cossey Sanuk Cosmic Waves H20 Sandal Sanuk View On Amazon $48 View On Zappos View On Sanuk.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.5/5 Responsiveness 4.8/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It The ultimate summer sandal for water-shoe wearers or sweaty feet. It’s Worth Noting These are less cushy and bouncy than other options on our list. Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation, or have particularly sweaty feet, Sanuk’s Cosmic Waves H20 Sandals are a great water-friendly option. The adjustable leather ankle and toe straps offer a true to size fit and did not cause any unwelcome blisters or chafing during test-walks. We found that the sandals truly hug your feet in all the right places and provide reliable stability, slight arch support, and great shock absorption. A perfect balance of firm and squishy, the supportive sole helped to propel us forward between strides on all types of surfaces. We love how lightweight these shoes felt on our feet, which is especially important when wearing them in water. Sanuk’s Sandals are a great choice for water-shoe wearers or those with sweaty feet, but if you prefer a super cushy and bouncy feel, we recommend Skechers’ Go Walk Massage Fit Sandals instead. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available) Style: Athletic/Water Material: Synthetic upper, EVA insole, rubber outsole Closure: Hook-and-loop Health / Dera Burreson Health / Dera Burreson Best Adjustable ECCO Women’s Flowt Sandal ECCO View On Amazon $130 View On Zappos $135 View On Nordstrom $135 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It A stylish, versatile, everyday sandal that fits most foot shapes. It’s Worth Noting The light colorway stains on grass and dirty terrains. Thanks to two velcro straps at the toe and heel, as well as a flexible and stretchy strap at the midfoot, ECCO’s Women’s Flowt Sandals are a solid true-to-size fit for most foot shapes. Besides easy adjustability, we found the shoes to be both functional and fashionable—and who wouldn’t want that? 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. One of our editors, who has plantar fasciitis and an active toddler, noted how comfortable and responsive the sandals felt when chasing after her speedy child all day long. 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. After one month of wear-testing, we were happy to report that the sandals look as good as new. The durable leather straps and overall sturdy construction add to the sandals great overall value. But if you choose the lighter color, you should be wary of staining. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 (half sizes available) Style: ClassicMaterial: Not specifiedClosure: Velcro strap Health / Abigail Mercer Health / Holly Klamer Health / Abigail Mercer Best for Hiking Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandal Teva View On Amazon $110 View On Zappos $110 View On Teva.com Why We Like It These stability sandals have all the functional features of a top-quality hiking shoe. It’s Worth Noting A more firm, stability shoe that’s ideal for hiking. Teva’s Terra FI 5 Universal Sandals are ideal for hiking because of the grippy, rubber outsole that’s durable enough for the most rugged terrains. We found the shoe to be super stable, too, which is essential when exploring on uneven trails, mountains, and backroads. And while we appreciate the adjustable heel and toe straps, we do wish the brand offered half sizes for a more inclusive fit. Throughout testing, we found the curved construction of the shoe to provide ample arch support, shock absorption, and easy transitions. And the heel is slightly raised, which helps to eliminate any heel pain or pressure. We love that these waterproof sandals are treated with an antimicrobial that fights odor causing bacteria, which is important on the trail. But you should know, because this shoe is made for hiking, it’s less cushy and bouncy than other options, like Teva’s Women’s Zymic Sandal. We did still find them super comfortable for rugged hikes, long distance walks, and daily wear. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available) Style: Athletic Material: Recycled polyester mesh upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole Closure: Hook-and-loop Health / Katie Rousso Health / Signe Bamsey Health / Signe Bamsey Health / Katie Rousso Health / Signe Bamsey Best Cushioned Skechers GO WALK Massage Fit Incite Sandal Skechers View On Skechers.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 4.3/5 Fit 4.8/5 Value 4.7/5 Why We Like It A bouncy, cushy sandal for comfortable walking. It’s Worth Noting Wave construction takes some getting used to. These shoes not only look unique, but they feel rather rare, 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 shoes fit true to size, and have an adjustable velcro heel strap. But since they’re not available in half sizes, we do wish the toe strap was adjustable to be inclusive of more foot shapes. Overall, we found these Skechers Sandals quite springy and responsive, with a quick and effortless transition into your next stride. The super cushioned, wave construction did cause slight stability issues for one of our editors who said that the unique shape of the sandals does take some getting used to. But after one month of testing, we were quickly accustomed to the comfy cushion and pleasantly surprised by the shoe’s durability. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (half sizes not available) Style: Athletic Material: Not specified Closure: Velcro strap Health / Tammy Gardini Best Birkenstock Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal Birkenstock View On Birkenstock.com $170 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $170 View On Bloomingdales $170 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.7/5 Responsiveness 4.8/5 Stability 4.8/5 Fit 4.8/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Like It A classic and comfortable Birkenstock sandal for daily wear and light activity. It’s Worth Noting The stiff construction does require some breaking in. When you think of sandals and slides, Birkenstock may be the first brand that comes to mind. They’re well known for fashion-forward shoes—but are they comfortable, too? The 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 for you. Our editor who tends to overpronate especially appreciated this feature. 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 and firm construction that’s not ideal for quick, responsive strides. But if you are looking for a durable, quality Birkenstock, this is our favorite pair. 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 Health / Sarah Felbin Health / Sarah Felbin Best for Travel Chaco Townes Sandals Chaco View On Amazon $96 View On Zappos $74 View On Nordstrom $110 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.9/5 Responsiveness 4.3/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.6/5 Value 4.9/5 Why We Like It They combine style and comfort for wherever your travels take you. It’s Worth Noting The shoes feel somewhat clunky, and take some getting used to. Chaco’s Women’s Townes Sandals combine comfort and style—like ECCO’s Women’s Flowt Sandals—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. The sandals fit true to size, have an adjustable ankle strap, and feature a wide enough toe box for most foot shapes. But when we first tried them on, we noticed that they felt rather clunky (which took some getting used to). During test walks, both long and short, we were impressed with the sandal’s stability, shock absorption, and solid arch support. We 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. Also important, the durable sole is supportive and springy, keeping your feet extra comfortable between strides. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-12 Style: Classic Material: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole Closure: Buckle Health / Maria Rowella Health / Dera Burreson Health / Dera Burreson Best for Narrow Feet Munro Corine Sandals Zappos View On Zappos $200 View On Nordstrom $80 View On Munroshoes.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 4.8/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 3.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Like It Comfortable, stylish, and useful for daily wear. It’s Worth Noting You may need to size up to find the right fit, especially if you have wide feet. Available in width sizes SS-WW, Muro’s Corine Sandals are made to fit all foot shapes and sizes. But after trying on our regular sizes, we do recommend that you go up in size and width because these sandals definitely run small and narrow. You can use the brand's helpful size chart online. Besides fit, we did like just about everything else about this shoe. For starters, it’s super stable and offers great arch support. And our editor (who has four young children) appreciated the bounce back and energy return that propelled her strides while chasing after her active boys. We found the sandals to be really comfortable, but it’s worth noting that the sole is firm and supportive as opposed to cushioned and springy. If you prefer a softer sandal, we like Keen’s Women’s Elle Mixed Strap Sandal. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes available) Style: Classic Material: Suede upper, latex and cork midsole, rubber outside Closure: Velcro strap Health / Dana Ingemann Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Jessica Fleming Best for Wide Feet Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Zappos $55 View On Nordstrom $36 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.3/5 Responsiveness 4/5 Stability 4/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Like It A low-profile option that’s accessible to those with wide feet. It’s Worth Noting The shoe is not supportive or cushioned enough for walking long distances or on uneven terrains. Another Teva pick, the Original Universal Women’s Sandal offers a roomy fit and long-lasting durability at a budget-friendly price. One tester, who has especially wide feet, appreciated the adjustable heel and toe straps and wide, roomy fit. But while the straps are adjustable, we did notice that they’re slightly abrasive, causing a blister on the top of one of our tester’s toes. Compared to Teva’s Zymic and Terra Fi 5 Sandals, this low-profile pick offers less stability, cushion, and responsiveness. But during shorter test walks on smooth surfaces, we felt comfortable thanks to the soft, foam midsole that sits low to the ground. We love how lightweight the shoes feel, making them a convenient choice 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 do get dirty, no worries, we found them very easy to clean. 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 Health / Elena Garcia Health / Elena Garcia Best Arch Support Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal Vionic View On Amazon $57 View On Zappos $80 View On Nordstrom $50 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.4/5 Responsiveness 4/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 4.3/5 Why We Like It These sandals are a stylish choice for those who need extra arch support. It’s Worth Noting If you have low arches, the support may be too much. A stylish and functional choice, Vionic’s Reyna Flatform Sandals are best for long-distance walking, commuting, brunching, and more. If you’re looking for a hiking shoe, check out Teva’s Terra FI 5 Universal Sandals, because this pick is not for hiking. They fit true to size and have a buckle closure at the heel that adds adjustability and a fashionable flare. On our long and short test walks, we felt equally stable and supported thanks to the thick and well-cushioned footbed. 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. If you have low arches though, we do not recommend this pair. We found that the stylish raised platform style helps with shock absorption, but doesn’t allow for speedy transitions between strides. If you need added arch support and want a cute and comfy sandal for the summer, this pair may be for you. 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 Health / Rachel Abraham Health / Rachel Abraham Health / Rachel Abraham Most Stylish Sorel VIIBE Sandal Zappos View On Amazon $108 View On Zappos $125 View On Zappos $125 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.2/5 Responsiveness 4/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Like It A stylish, fashion-forward and comfortable sandal that looks and feels great. It’s Worth Noting The midsole feels quite rigid and less responsive than other options on our list. 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 our editors with both narrow and wide feet. During testing, the firm and sturdy construction helped to keep our feet, ankles, and knees safe and stable. But we found the somewhat rigid sandal to lack cushioning and responsiveness. While the Sorel Viibe Sandals are a great choice for style, they’re not ideal for distance walks, hiking, or long hours of wear. Instead, we recommend Ecco’s Women’s Flowt Sandals. Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (half sizes available) Style: Classic Material: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Closure: Velcro strap Health / Phoebe Sklansky Health / Cecily McAndrews Best Platform Sorel Kinetic Impact Sandal Saks Fifth Avenue View On Zappos $145 View On Zappos $145 View On Nordstrom $145 Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 4.9/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.8/5 Value 4.2/5 Why We Like It These platform sandals make a statement, while keeping your feet comfortable and supported all day long. It’s Worth Noting The high platform style may be too clunky for some. Another stylish shoe from Sorel, the Women’s Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandal is a classic platform sandal that combines fashion and functionality. It kept our feet supported, comfortable, and looking good throughout the one month of testing. The sandals fit true to size and have an adjustable heel strap that allows you to customize the fit. 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. 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. But 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 Health / Kristen Geil Health / Kristen Geil Our Testing Process In order to curate a reliable list of recommendations for our readers, we spent hours researching and over 30 days testing the best comfortable sandals on the market. First, we consulted with three experts for safety guides and buying recommendations: Dr. 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 Then, we researched top-rated products from the best-selling sandal brands. And finally, we selected 32 pairs to put to the test—how comfortable are they, really? Our team of 38 staffers each wore one or two pairs of sandals over the span of one month. Each tester has their own individual foot shape, wears shoes in different settings and for different activities, and boasts unique style preferences. This is essential in order to acquire the most inclusive, accurate list of the best comfortable sandals. To begin testing, we first unboxed and examined the sandals upon arrival to ensure they arrived in perfect condition. Then, we performed a bend test where we bent and twisted each 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. We then tried on the sandals and walked around for 30 minutes—paying close attention to how well they fit, if the materials and construction felt cheap or sturdy, and any presence of pain or discomfort. After the initial 30-minute walk test, we subsequently wore the shoes for 3-hour and 8-hour shifts (of intermittent walking, standing, and other movement). During each wear test, we noted how comfortable the sandals felt on our feet: Any blisters or chafing? Excess sweat or stickiness? Pressure on the heels, arches, or toes? We also evaluated how well each pair of sandals held up after more than one month of consistent wear. We rated each product on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, and quality. And we used these thorough ratings and detailed insights from our testers to develop our final list of recommendations. What to Know About Comfortable Sandals Straps Dr. Levine noted that the best comfortable sandals need a strap covering the forefoot, not just the toes, and not just a thong or flip-flop style. That helps prevent your foot from peeling back and lifting with every step, an action that can lead to strained muscles, per the National Library of Medicine. Additionally, look for thick straps—a thin band across your forefoot isn't going to hold anything down. Ideally, you also want an adjustable ankle strap, which helps offer stabilization and reduce the chances of a sprained ankle, added Dr. Parthasarathy. Foodbed If you can fold a sandal in half, do not wear it, said 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. Also, look for a heel cup. Without it, all the pressure goes on the forefoot, which can cause neuromas (pinched nerves between the toes), and no heel support can cause skin cracking in your heel, added Dr. Levine. Heel Height You want at least a little wedge over an utterly flat sandal. That helps take pressure off the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, explained Dr. Parthasarathy. Although, research is limited regarding the effects of heel height on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Still, according to one study published in 2019 in the journal PM&R, researchers found that high-heeled shoes caused the Achilles tendon to thicken, whereas the shoes did not affect the plantar fascia. So, if you're looking for high-heeled shoes, pick a sandal with about one to two inches in the heel. Materials Dr. Levine mentioned that some of the ideal sandals are leather, which is highly durable. Many sandals are typically made from a special foam, a great material to keep the shoe lightweight and provide molded support. Width When it comes to sandals, one red flag to keep an eye out for is if it isn't wide enough for your whole foot, noted Dr. Parthasarathy. So, ensure your sandals offer support across the forefoot and that the shoe accommodates 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 (for example, Dr. Parthasarathy recommended Birkenstocks) 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, said Dr. Parthasarathy. 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 a comfortable walking sandal—and they feel that way, too. The pair offers great stability, but the thin, firm, and unresponsive sole is not suitable for long-distance walking or all-day wear. Your Questions, Answered What Types of Sandals Are Good for Your Feet? The best comfortable sandals for your feet are low wedges with adjustable straps covering most of your forefoot and ankle. They should also have a supportive footbed with arch support and a heel cup. 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, and often slides, which usually don't offer support or maintain the back of your foot locked down. "Finding the right sandals can prevent foot pain in the long run," explained Dr. Parthasarathy. Here's a tip: If you're shopping in person, try on shoes at the end of the day to get the most accurate fit, because your feet swell as the day goes on. When choosing a supportive, comfortable sandal, the most important factors to consider are straps, footbed, heel height, materials, and width. Who We Are 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit