15 Best Walking Sandals for Women 2024
I hit my 10,000-step goal every day, thanks to these comfy sandals.
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Because I walk everywhere, racking up thousands of steps a day, I tested walking sandals to find the best styles that are still comfy miles later. Whether walking long distances on your daily commute, exploring new terrain on a hike or just running errands in your neighborhood, you need a pair of comfortable sandals that's up to the job. And if you're looking to upgrade your walking shoes, the footwear experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have you covered.
Our top picks:
We teamed up with podiatrists to find the most comfortable sandals for women with every type of feet, including those experiencing plantar fasciitis or bunions. When shopping for a good walking shoe, look for ample cushioning and arch support as well as lightweight and breathable construction. Overall, "they need to be comfortable immediately, otherwise it's the wrong shoe for you, size or fit," advises Ira Deming, D.P.M., a podiatrist and three-time chair of the podiatric surgery subsection at John Hopkins Medicine's Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.
After checking out our reviews, you'll find more expert advice and shopping tips for finding the most comfortable walking sandals at the bottom of this guide. Going on a trip? Pair your new sandals with one of our favorite travel dresses and fanny packs for the ultimate vacation look.
Pros
Molded footbed for excellent arch support
Snug fit with adjustable straps
Grippy rubber outsole
Cons
The straps are narrow, according to some testers
On busy days when you're running around, you need a pair of durable sandals that offer plenty of support. This pair from Chaco is up to the challenge. When wearing these sandals, my high arches felt completely supported, which is rare. Because of their simple design, I found them easy to style and paired them with casual and dressy outfits. Though the straps are a bit narrow, they're easy to adjust to fit a variety of foot shapes. The molded footbed offers great arch support while the grippy rubber outsole keeps you grounded on all types of terrain.
Tester notes: One tester said they are "a game-changer for someone who never bought into the concept of walking sandals." She was immediately impressed with "how effortless walking feels now with these sandals." Another tester added, "They are very versatile for vacation and felt supportive for a sandal."
Materials: PU midsole, rubber outsole and polyester upper | Style: Active with adjustable straps | Sizes: 5–12 with wide sizing; whole sizes only
Teva Original Universal Sandal

Teva Original Universal Sandal
Pros
Over 40 color and pattern options
Footbed offers excellent cushioning
Ideal for adventure and travel
Cons
Only available in whole sizes
The EVA foam footbed and adjustable straps on this versatile pair of sandals from Teva make them ideal for hiking or any sort of adventure. When I wore these on a trip to Mexico, they were instantly comfy right out of the box. These sandals were perfect to wear when walking around the resort or on a hike and felt good all day.
The adjustable straps go over the front of the foot and around the ankle, making this a great option for people with wider or narrower feet. It's also easy to find a style you love since this pair is available in over 40 colors and patterns.
Tester notes: "I love the cushioning," shared one tester who especially liked their "squishy feel." Another added, "I can't wait until the summer so I can wear these again!"
Materials: Molded EVA foam footbed, rubber outsole and polyester upper | Style: Active with Velcro backstrap | Sizes: 5–12; whole sizes only
Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling Sandals

Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling Sandals
Pros
Similar cushioning to a yoga mat
Over 20,000 Amazon reviews
10 different color options
Cons
Less arch support than other picks
This pair of sandals has a sole made from the same material as yoga mats to provide extra cushioning, and the fabric straps keep your foot in place without irritation. When I saw this pair in our Lab, I was immediately impressed with the comfy cushioning that supported my joints like my favorite exercise mat. The straps are very stretchy to accommodate different foot shapes. These are not orthotic sandals, so other picks may provide more arch support.
Reviewer notes: Online reviewers have worn these sandals everywhere from Europe to Costa Rica, praising them in over 20,000 Amazon reviews. "They look dressy enough to wear with a nice summery dress out to dinner, and yet not so stuffy that I couldn't throw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head out to the park," said one reviewer who gave the pair five stars on Amazon. "They are a DREAM to walk in!"
Materials: Foam footbed, rubber outsole and synthetic upper | Style: Pull-on sandal | Sizes: 5–11; whole sizes only
Pros
Fashionable orthotic shoes
Soft microfiber-wrapped footbed
Leather upper
Cons
Heavier weight at 8 ounces per shoe
Vionic's designs are so fashionable, you can’t even tell they're orthotic shoes. For comfortable walking, these popular sandals have a super-soft, microfiber-wrapped footbed and rubber outsole with a leather upper. We love that they're available in both medium and wide widths. Plus, they easily transition from day to night and are offered in multiple styles and shades.
Tester notes: "Vionic shoes keep my feet pain-free all day without having to wear ugly orthotics," said one GH tester. Another tester said they're “super comfortable and go with everything.” She also added, “I basically wear them all summer.” Testers reported that these sandals were heavier than other styles, making them less suited for longer walks.
Materials: Microfiber-wrapped cork footbed, rubber outsole and leather upper | Style: Fashion with Velcro backstrap | Size range: 5–12 with medium and wide sizing
Pros
Chic platform design
10+ color options
Lightweight
Cons
Straps aren't adjustable
While many slides can have a sporty look, these slides from REEF are chic and summery and easy to put on and take off. The cork footbed molds to your feet with continued use, and the platform design adds height without putting strain on your arches like a heel would. Because the only straps go over the top of the foot, they offer less ankle support and stability than sandals with a backstrap.
Tester notes: All testers were impressed with just how lightweight this pair is. One called them "lightweight but supportive" and another said, "They are lightweight and are not wobbly." Testers gave high marks for appearance but noted that the straps aren't adjustable, so some with wider feet found them a bit snug.
Materials: Cork footbed, EVA and PU midsole and synthetic leather upper | Style: Platform slide | Sizes: 3–12 with limited half sizes
Teva Women's Flatform Universal Platform Sandal

Teva Women's Flatform Universal Platform Sandal
Pros
30+ color and pattern options
Cushioned footbed
Two adjustable straps
Cons
Only sold in whole sizes
Add a few inches of height without risking discomfort with this pair of supportive platform sandals from Teva. They have a 1.75-inch platform with a cushioned footbed for a comfortable feel. I have worn this pair everywhere from beach vacations to music festivals. They're the most comfortable platform shoes I've ever worn, and they look trendy enough to pair with my favorite outfits. These sandals feature two adjustable straps to help you find the right fit, whether you have wide or narrow feet. They're sold in over 30 colors, including neutrals to neons and have over 7,000 reviews.
Tester notes: "The straps on these are super adjustable, plus the sole gives me a height boost without making them uncomfortable to walk in," said one tester with narrow feet. Another shared, "I have them in a cherry print that is totally unique and special."
Materials: Molded EVA foam footbed, rubber outsole and polyester upper | Style: Platform with Velcro backstrap | Sizes: 5–12; whole sizes only
Pros
Nearly 40 color options
Easy to dress up from day to night
Suede wrapped footbed offers ample support
Cons
Not designed to get wet
These sandals are a must if you're traveling. They're versatile enough to wear while sightseeing or dancing the night away. The cork and latex footbed is designed to fit your arches without a long break-in period; plus, it's wrapped in suede which will adjust to your specific foot shape. These stylish sandals come in nearly 40 colors, including sea green, black patent leather and silver. Just note that because of the luxe materials, this pair will stay in better condition if you avoid rainy weather and keep them dry.
Tester notes: Testers found this pair supportive and comfortable because of its contoured footbed. "They’re a lot more comfy than my old sandals," shared one tester. "They are comfortable, lightweight and just what I needed while walking around Europe this summer," said an Amazon reviewer who gave this pair five stars. "My feet were comfortable all day."
Materials: Suede-wrapped cork and latex footbed, EVA sole and leather upper | Style: Fashion with Velcro closure | Sizes: 3–13.5 with narrow and wide sizing
Teva Women's Tirra Sandal

Teva Women's Tirra Sandal
Pros
Designed to wear on the trails
Great arch support and traction
Sweat wicking materials
Cons
Active design not suited for dressier wear
Expert hikers and everyday trailblazers love these durable sandals from Teva which are especially great for uneven terrain and long walks. The contoured footbed supports your arch and provides cushioning to absorb impact.
We appreciate this pair's durable rubber outsole for extra grip and we like the adjustable Velcro straps that ensure a snug fit that keeps you supported mile after mile. Plus, the polyester webbing upper is designed to dry quickly. Say goodbye to wet, sweaty feet! Just note that this pair has a more active design that's better suited for adventurous trips.
Tester notes: "Even on cobblestone streets, which can kill one's feet and ankles, they were super comfy the whole time," said one tester who wore them on vacation.
Materials: EVA midsole, rubber outsole and REPREVE recycled polyester upper | Style: Active with Velcro closure | Sizes: 5–12
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Sandal

Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Sandal
Pros
Footbed molds to your feet
Thousands of online reviews
50+ color options
Cons
Not waterproof
First launched decades ago, these Birkenstock sandals have a loyal following that includes multiple GH staffers, some of whom have been buying pairs of these sandals for over 15 years.
Arizona Birkenstocks come in multiple styles — there's even a waterproof option! Among over 10,000 Amazon reviews, many love that they're available in over 50 color options with many reviewers buying multiple pairs. The contoured footbed conforms to the shape of your foot as you wear it; my Birkenstocks have perfectly molded to my feet and are still comfy after years of wear.
Tester notes: "They’re my go-to on travel days when I walk for miles as well as when I’m lounging at home or walking the dog," said one tester. She especially loved how easy they were to slip on, but noted not to get them wet as the leather can stain. Multiple testers told us they bought the waterproof version because they're lightweight and easy to rinse off, ideal for beach or pool days.
Materials: Suede-lined cork and latex footbed, EVA outsole and leather upper | Style: Slides with buckle closure | Sizes: 5–15 with narrow sizing
Dr. Scholl's Women's Islander Sandal

Dr. Scholl's Women's Islander Sandal
Pros
Anatomical footbed
Trendy, versatile design
Short wedge for lift
Cons
Not designed to wear in inclement weather
A supportive shoe helps prevent foot pain, whether you have specific foot conditions or not. Plantar fasciitis is a type of foot pain caused when the tissue connecting your heel and toes becomes inflamed. Our pros appreciate that these walking sandals by Dr. Scholl's feature a contoured midsole that keeps the pressure off your arches — very important to look for in plantar fasciitis shoes. The outsole is not as durable or grippy as other pairs, so we recommend wearing this pair on casual outings in good weather conditions.
Tester notes: One tester who wore them while commuting called them "super comfy." Another tester especially liked the cushioned footbed saying, "It molded well to my feet and didn’t weigh me down." She added that the elastic straps "stretched easily when I put on the shoes and bounced back to keep them in place."
Materials: Synthetic materials with a molded footbed and microfiber upper | Style: Fashion with stretchy straps | Sizes: 6–11
KEEN Whisper Closed Toe Sport Sandals

KEEN Whisper Closed Toe Sport Sandals
Pros
Arch support and cushioning
Keeps toes fully protected
EVA midsole absorbs shock
Cons
Not as attractive as other picks
From water parks to river exploring, these sandals are up for any water adventure. When hiking, closed-toe sandals like this pair from Keen are a must. I wear this pair whenever I'm worried about keeping my toes safe on uneven terrain, especially on hikes near water. The “Metatomical Footbed” design provides arch support and comfy cushioning with an EVA midsole.
The bungee lace detail ensures a snug fit and the polyester upper is waterproof so these sandals won’t weigh you down if they get wet. Because I don't love the appearance, I tend to only wear them when hiking. I appreciate that these are machine-washable, too.
Tester notes: One GH analyst who tests all types of hiking gear said, "I find that Keen sandals and shoes provide excellent stability compared to other hiking/sandal brands I’ve tried." She especially liked that "you feel secure in the sandal without fear of slippage."
Materials: EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole and polyester upper | Style: Active closed toe with bungee straps | Sizes: 5–12
ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandal

ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandal
Pros
EVA molded footbed with soft microfiber covering
Leather upper
Three adjustable straps
Cons
Some online reviewers recommend going up a size
When walking for exercise, opt for a style that will keep your foot stabilized with excellent arch support. This pick has a lightweight EVA molded footbed and a durable outsole. We appreciate that this pair offers great support without feeling too bulky or heavy. There are three adjustable straps to get a secure fit. Some online reviewers found these ran small and recommended going up a size.
Tester notes: These sandals were popular among testers for providing optimal arch support. One tester said, "These have always been very comfortable for walking in the summer." She added, "They also have plenty of traction to keep you stable on uneven terrain." Another tester shared that all sandals have given her blisters, except for this pair.
Materials: EVA footbed, PU midsole, rubber outsole and leather and neoprene upper | Style: Active with Velcro straps | Sizes: 4–12; whole sizes only
Vionic Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal

Vionic Rest Bella Toe Post Sandal
Pros
Built-in arch support with foam midsole
Mold to your foot shape over time
Dozens of color options
Cons
Not designed for long walks
Podiatrists often recommend avoiding flip-flops, as most offer no support, but now there's Vionic's better flip-flop. This pick has built-in arch support and a shock-absorbing foam midsole. This pair is specifically designed for people with flat feet or plantar fasciitis, but shouldn't be worn on long walks as they don't offer ample stability. These easy slip-on sandals may need some time to break in to get them extra comfy. With a chic bow and dozens of color options, this pair is not only more supportive than most flip-flops but it's also more stylish.
Tester notes: "I've never had a pair of flip-flops like these," said one tester who keeps these at her beach house. "They offer way more support than my previous plastic ones."
Materials: Microfiber-covered footbed, EVA midsole and rubber outsole with a bow detail | Style: Fashion slides | Sizes: 5–12 with narrow and wide sizing
Clarks Leisa Cacti Slide Sandal

Clarks Leisa Cacti Slide Sandal
Pros
Narrow, medium and wide sizing
Three adjustable straps for a perfect fit
Over 9,000 Amazon reviews
Cons
Prices vary by size and color
Whether you have bunions, hammertoe or just wider feet, these slides are designed to be comfy. We were impressed with the three adjustable straps designed to ensure a snug fit. The orthotic footbed is designed for support while the rubber outsole makes walking in them a breeze. For a stylish touch, this pick features trendy stitching details and a short heel. Note that prices differ by color and size on Amazon.
Reviewer notes: One online reviewer with wide feet said, "I don't often find comfortable shoes, [but] these sandals are great and true to size in the wide width." Another Amazon reviewer added that this pair has "great arch support and cushion."
Materials: Ortholite footbed, EVA outsole and leather upper | Style: Slides with Velcro closure | Sizes: 5–12 with narrow and wide sizing
Pros
Platform and wedge heel for added height
Woven braided details
Molded footbed offers arch support
Cons
Not designed for uneven terrain
Shoes with added height can end up being uncomfortable and cause foot pain when worn for long periods. This pair from Taos has a 0.5-inch platform and 1.5-inch wedge heel but doesn't sacrifice comfort. The molded footbed offers ample arch support, and the adjustable closures keep your foot secure. The braided details are chic, making this a great travel shoe too. The added height makes this pair a bit less stable, so avoid uneven terrain.
Reviewer notes: Appreciating how easy they are to style, one online reviewer said, "These are really cute and you can wear them with dresses or pants." She added that "the arch support makes them very comfortable."
Materials: Suede-lined footbed, rubber outsole and leather upper | Style: Fashion with Velcro straps | Sizes: 5–12 with wide sizing
How we chose the best walking sandals for women

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab tests all types of footwear, including walking shoes, running sneakers and hiking boots. Every year, hundreds of our consumer testers try out top footwear styles, and our pros will even saw shoes in half so that podiatrists can analyze the footbed to see if they give proper arch support.
For this story, I wore a variety of walking sandals while walking multiple miles, in New York City and when traveling. Consumer testers with various foot shapes wore different styles before giving feedback on comfort, fit, appearance and more. We made these recommendations based on our consumer testing, expertise in footwear and analysis of online reviews. We also interviewed Ira Deming, D.P.M. to help provide expert shopping tips to ensure you find the most comfortable sandals for you.
What to look for when shopping for a walking sandal

After interviewing multiple podiatrists and physicians over the years, we continue to hear that comfort should be prioritized when shopping for shoes. Innovative features just don’t matter if your feet hurt! "It can be a challenge, saying it mildly, to find a pair you like cosmetically and a pair you’ll be comfortable in," Dr. Deming says.
Below are considerations to keep in mind when shopping for walking sandals to ensure they’ll not only feel comfy, but stay in excellent shape wear after wear.
✔️ Sizing: Dr. Deming suggests starting your shopping journey by considering your shoe size. He says many women are actually wearing the completely wrong size shoe. To find your ensure you're wearing the right size, pay attention to the width and height of your foot to prevent any pressure build-up in the toebox. You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably without any pinching and your foot shouldn't move from side to side. Try styles with wide or narrow options if you experience any discomfort in the toebox.
✔️ Fit: When you try on the shoe, make sure your toes aren't cramped. There should be a little less than half an inch of space between your big toe and the front of the shoe when your heel is all the way at the back of the shoe, according to Dr. Deming.
✔️ Adjustable straps: For the best fit — and one that's customizable as your feet swell through the day — you'll want adjustable straps. Some styles have one adjustable strap, but adjustable straps on the back and across the top help the sandals fit even better.
✔️ Contoured footbed: Many fashion sandals have a completely flat footbed, but for sandals that you'll wear walking all day, choose footbeds with arch support and cushioning materials like foam.
✔️ Durable materials: Leather is pricier than synthetic materials, but tends to last well over time while feeling soft and supple. When it comes to athletic styles, nylon is an excellent option. Dr. Deming suggests looking for stretchy materials if you have bunions or hammertoe as it can better accommodate your foot shape.
✔️ Try on at the end of the day: "Your feet swell throughout the day, so you will find a more true size if you measure your feet at the end of the day," explains Dr. Deming. We recommend trying on shoes at the end of the day instead of the morning to find your best fit.
✔️ Any-reason return policies: When shopping for shoes online, make sure you can return them if you try them on at home and they're not comfortable. Comfort should be your number one priority!
Top questions about walking sandals, answered by footwear experts

Can you wear walking sandals for long distances?
✔️ If you are planning on walking or hiking many miles over many days, you likely need a shoe more supportive than a walking sandal. Dr. Deming says to avoid walking too much in heeled sandals as heels make the arch higher "which can put less tension on the arch, but will cause problems over time." Look for adjustable straps, arch support and a comfortable fit when buying a pair of sandals for extensive walking.
Why does my foot hurt after wearing sandals?
✔️ Some shoes are just not right for our feet, no matter how stylish they are. If you are having constant foot pain with your current sandals, it's time to get a new pair. You may be gripping your toes at the front of the sandal, which means the sandals don't fit properly. The toebox should be fitted to your foot without feeling cramped, so look for adjustable top straps to get your best fit. Dr. Deming suggests speaking with a podiatrist if you have specific concerns with footwear shopping to make sure your feet are properly taken care of.
What are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?
✔️ Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, causing pain in your heel. According to Dr. Deming, "You want to control the flattening of the arch." You need a shoe that will keep your arch from collapsing and it's easier to find this type of support in a walking sneaker, but Dr. Deming is impressed with how many more sandals are available with ample arch support these days.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been a leading expert on footwear for decades. For the past five years, Emma Seymour has been overseeing GH Institute Lab and consumer tests for all different types of footwear, including walking shoes, workout shoes and running shoes — testing over 50 different shoes herself. She is an avid walker, usually walking over 10,00 steps a day while exploring NYC. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear.
To learn even more about what to look for in the best walking sandals, she interviewed Ira Deming, D.P.M., an expert podiatrist, for this story.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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