Best and Most Comfortable Walking Sandals
If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of finding the perfect pair of walking sandals that don’t leave your feet feeling like they’ve been through a battlefield. As someone who understands firsthand how quickly foot pain can ruin your day, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the holy grail of comfy, yet stylish footwear. With years of trial and error, along with plenty of personal experience, I’m sharing my own tips for finding a comfortable walking sandal, as well as a list of some of my personal favorites.
Interested in more shoe recommendations? See more suggestions in these posts:
- Best Sneakers and Walking Shoes for Mature Feet
- The Best Slip-on Shoes for Women Over 50
- Most Comfortable Spring Shoe Trends To Try
My Favorite Walking Sandals
My Ecco Flowt sandals are the most comfortable sandals I own…and that’s saying a lot. The velcro straps allow me to adjust for a secure fit across the top of my foot, and the footbed is a dream to walk on. This is my second year in these sandals as well, and they’ve held up beautifully. They have a very cushiony sole, arch support, and velcro securely to my ankle, so I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on. I find nude shoes much more user-friendly than any other color because they coordinate with everything. They do come in several other colors, which I may need to consider.
I now own an entire collection of waterproof Birks, so I decided, yes, they’re comfy, and it’s time to invest in a pair for the long haul. I’ve never liked the way the suede liner of regular Birkenstock sandals shows the marks from your toes, so this style appeals to me because the liner is leather. They also have them in a single buckle style here.
These sandals have been one of my go-to shoes in warmer months for 5+ years. They easily dress up and down and keep my feet happy and comfortable. Eileen Fisher makes this shape every year in various colors with a small twist to the sole. This year, they’re available in black and a pretty metallic, which is on trend for spring. You can read more about how to wear a sport sandal here.
How to Choose a Comfortable Walking Sandal
When it comes to picking out comfortable walking sandals, there are a couple of things you want to keep in mind for achieving maximum comfort. Personally, I like choosing sandals with Velcro straps. Being able to adjust them on the fly while you’re walking makes all the difference in getting that perfect fit without any hassle. This is especially helpful if your feet are prone to swelling after long hours on your feet.
Sandals made from soft fabric or leather are my favorites. They’re gentle on your feet, plus they mold to your feet over time, giving you a custom, oh-so-comfy fit. I still keep band-aids in my handbag, just in case, because nothing ruins a fun day of shopping or exploring like an irritating hot spot or painful blister. You can read more hacks on making your shoes more comfortable in this post.
Lastly, you’ll want to look for design features like cushioned footbeds and good arch support. Soles with traction are great for keeping you safe on wet sidewalks or slippery tile floors.
Comfortable Walking Sandals for Women
Taos Luckie
The Taos Luckie sandals are made with soft leather that will keep your feet happy and stylish all day long. The contoured cork footbed provides excellent arch support, while the adjustable hook-and-loop straps ensure a customized fit.
Skechers On-The-Go
With cushioned footbeds, supportive midsoles, and lightweight construction, the Skechers On-The-Go sandals provide all-day comfort, making them perfect for everything from leisurely strolls to long travel days. They also come in a slide version here if you don’t love a back strap.
SoftWalk Joliet Slingback Sandal
I know some AWSL readers prefer a flip-flop-style sandal. With the SoftWalk Joliet Sandal, you can enjoy the carefree style of thong sandals without worrying about them slipping off or causing discomfort. It’s the best of both worlds: style and security wrapped up in one chic package.
Mysoft Walking Sandal
If you’re shopping for comfortable walking sandals on a budget, check out this affordable pair from Mysoft. They’re made with a slight platform sole paired with an air cushion that absorbs shock for all-day comfort. They come in six additional colors, including all of the neutrals I love, like white, black, and tan.
Munro Juniper
A platform sandal is a great way to dress up a regular outfit, give the illusion of longer legs, and add a little height to your frame. I loved the look of this platform pair from Munro. I’ve been wearing Munro shoes for years and years, and I’m always pleased with the construction and quality. If you aren’t a big fan of the platform, you should check out this pair from Munro.
Reef Water Vista Sandal
This waterproof shoe looks like it might be the ultimate comfy vacation sandal that can seamlessly take you from the beach or pool straight to dinner! The review section is full of happy customers singing this shoe’s praises, so it’s definitely worth a try.
Clarks Arla Shore Flat Sandal
With its Cloudsteppers™ technology, these sandals from Clarks provide unparalleled comfort and support, making them ideal for long walks or extended periods of wear. The cushioned footbed absorbs impact and provides cushioning with every step, while the lightweight design reduces fatigue, allowing you to explore city streets with ease.
Vionic Shore Slide Sandal
If you prefer an open-heel design, check out these slide sandals from Vionic, which have earned the American Podiatry Association Seal of Acceptance. They’re made with an adjustable double strap design and an orthotic footbed with ample arch support.
What are your favorite walking sandals for long days on your feet?
Any hints or tricks for keeping the white soles white? Most of my shoes and sandals look pretty dirty after only a little wear.
Mr Clean erasers work wonders.
Super choice of sandals, my favourite are the Vionic navy sandals I think the navy patent strip sets them off . They would look nice with blue jeans, white slacks or even a pretty summer dress. I must look to
see where I could buy them in uk . Thanks Jenifer for info of sandals, our poor feet do take a bashing
over the years we should wear support shoes , sandals etc . How on earth in my younger days I would wear stilettos for a day out shopping in the City of Cardiff ! Thing is everyone else did too ! Crazy I know .
Pamela Wales UK
It’s hard to believe the horrible shoes I subjected my feet to in my youth. Have a great day Pamela!
I can attest to Clark’s Cloudsteppers as being the most comfortable sandal I have owned. I also have a pair of their thongs and they are the only thongs I can wear!
Thanks Kathy
This is a great post, full of great sandal options! I really like the shoes by Vionic and Teva, and I want to try the Taos. Another brand I’ve had success with is Abeo – I’ve ordered their Lanai Sandal on repeat – it is a flat leather sandal and it has just the right arch support for me.
I don’t know that brand. Thanks for mentioning them.
Do you have any suggestions for those of us who have narrow feet?
I know Naturalizer make narrow shoes but I’m sorry I haven’t looked into it further.
Last year I bought a cute pair of Dansko sandals. They look as cute as the lightweight kind of sandals I loved all my life and I was worried how they would be. I LOVE them. It’s nice to be comfortable, but to not to wear “old lady sandals.” Expensive and worth it if your feet hurt like mine.
Although I must say I’m going to try out some of the cute options you have shown. It seems that there are shoe producers who now realize there are foot issues in the real world.
Yes!! “Comfort” shoes used to be so ugly but we’ve got lots of attractive options now.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who carries Band-Aids in her purse in case of foot blisters/hot spots! Great sandal options; the Vionics are nice looking, and I own two pairs of Birkenstocks, which I love. I bought Oofos sandals about six months ago, and, I have to say, the OOaah Sport Slide Sandal is life-changing (I don’t use that term lightly). They literally feel like walking on a cloud, months after buying them. I now own three pairs of them and use one pair exclusively as my “house slippers” even though they could easily be worn outside. I find walking on them less painful than walking barefoot. You might want to check them out sometime if you haven’t already.
I do have a pair of Oofos and love them!
It’s nice to know there are supportive sandals out there. After a toe and heel problem my Podiatrist really didn’t want me to wear sandals and definitely not a thong type. I think this year I will have to do invest in a good pair. I can’t wear tennis shoes forever! These all look really great.
Supportive sandals are really important. Thongs are increasingly uncomfortable for me unless they have a heel strap.
Feel sorry for me! I have to use orthotics in my shoes, so i cannot wear sandals at all! You have so many nice choices!
Oh no! But they do help your feet so that’s important.
I have to wear orthotics 100% of the time as well. I’m happy to tell you that there are some sandals that have removable insoles and my orthotics fit inside. I’m away from home and not near my sandals but 2 types I recall are Romika and Ecco. Good luck. I hope you find some.
I ordered the Ecco sandals so fingers crossed they work for me. Thanks this post is really helpful.
If you love them half as much as I do, you’ll be happy with them.