Sandals can make great footwear for walking or hiking, but if you want your shoes to last and keep your feet comfortable, you need to choose wisely. A good pair of sandals should provide arch support, a footbed that molds to your foot’s shape, and straps that won’t pinch or rub. In addition, look for shoes that are water-resistant and quick to dry, a must if you’re exploring a new city or taking long hikes near bodies of water. And, if you have wide feet, it’s important to find sandals that are designed to accommodate them, or else you may end up with painful blisters.
To help you find the best sandals for your needs, we surveyed shoe experts and podiatrists who specialize in comfort and walking. We also talked to women who walk a lot, focusing on those who wear sandals for work or play all summer. These women shared their favorite brands and styles of sandals, along with what features they’re looking for in a pair. We also reviewed reviews from people who have bought sandals online and looked at pictures of different styles to get a feel for what other consumers liked and disliked about the shoes they chose.
In general, our reviewers like sandals with a softer heel than a stiletto. They say this style is more comfortable for long walks and can look just as chic with a sundress or breezy linen set as it does with jeans and a button-down. The Donddi sandals fit this bill, with their supple leather and simple silhouette that can easily dress up or down.
Another sandal we love is the Bravada Lite, which our testers say is comfortable right out of the box and doesn’t require much break-in time. They also say they’re easy to pack, and can be worn with anything from a pair of shorts and a tee for a casual day out to a tea dress and denim jacket for an evening out. And, if you have wider feet, the sandals stretch to accommodate them, although one of our testers suggests ordering a half-size up.
When it comes to sandals with a bit more structure, Fisherman sandals — which are basically the sandal versions of loafers — tend to win the hearts of our testers. The ones from Vagabond, which won our Best Fisherman Sandal story, are no exception. Senior Commerce Editor Chloe Anello says they “swooped into my sandal-aversion and won me over, thanks to their stability, cushioning, and arch support.”
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated take on the slides trend, look no further than the Dansko Reece sandals, which our expert reviewers say offer great foot support, are easy to clean, and come in lots of colors that can easily go with any outfit. The slinky back strap of these sandals is especially well-received by our readers over 40, who say it adds just the right amount of edge to the simple style. best sandals for women