The 18 Best Walking Sandals of 2025, Tested

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11, Men’s 7-14 | Closure: Adjustable straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Textile and recycled plastic upper, textile lining, foam footbed, recycled foam midsole, recycled foam and rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those looking for a light hiking, travel, or all-day wear sandal.

Why We Love Them

Comfortable, supportive, and durable, Teva’s Zymic Sandal was an easy choice for our top pick for best overall walking sandals. With contoured arch support, a well-cushioned footbed, and a flexible sole, this pair was comfortable enough to wear all day long. The shoes are also treated with an antimicrobial coating to keep them odor-free. Plus, we like that they’re made with recycled foam, plastic, and rubber, so you can feel good about wearing a more sustainable shoe.

On test walks, we noticed that this sandal felt lightweight and cushy underfoot, with excellent support and stability. The grippy rubber outsole kept us surefooted and steady on uneven terrain. We also like this sandal’s open-toe design and padded, adjustable straps, which kept our feet in place without causing painful irritation or blisters. Stylish and easy to wear, this option offers great value for an everyday walking sandal.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Teva.

Potential Flaws

• Like other Teva sandals, the Zymic doesn’t come in half sizes. But it’s worth noting that we didn’t have any issues with the fit during testing.
• On some walks, we noticed sweat building up underneath the arches of our feet, indicating that the Zymic’s sole isn’t as breathable as others we tested. Still, this didn’t affect the sandals’ overall comfort.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 (medium, wide) | Closure: Hook-and-loop strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Leather and recycled textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who spend their days on their feet and seek stylish, comfortable, and supportive walking sandals.

Why We Love Them

Merrell’s Terran 4 Slide is a slip-on sandal that offers adjustability, comfort, and style, making it our top choice for women’s walking sandals. The shock-absorbing outsole makes it easy to wear all day without causing foot fatigue. And the foam and microfiber insole is soft and cushy. We also appreciate the natural odor control treatment; we noticed no odor at all during testing. These sandals are available in five colors and in medium and wide widths so you can get the perfect fi.

The sandals offer excellent shock absorption in the heel and just the right amount of curve in the outsole to create smooth transitions without being too bouncy. The arch support feels good, and the sandals fit true to size—no digging or chafing anywhere. The hook-and-loop strap across the top allows an adjustable, secure fit. We also love the colorful accent strap, which adds a touch of flair and style.

Potential Flaws

• We found the fit of these sandals to be perfect during our test; however, some wearers have noted that the hook-and-loop strap is too high on the foot and causes their foot to slide out of the sandal.

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7-15, Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Elastic bungee | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Mesh and suede upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for active individuals who want a sandal-shoe hybrid that offers protection and versatility.

Why We Love Them

Merrell’s Maipo Explorer Sieve Sandal combines the comfort and breathability of a lightweight sandal with the support and stability of a sturdy hiking shoe, earning our top spot for best men’s walking sandals. When we tested this sporty pair, we found that its tough rubber outsole with a grippy lug pattern offered exceptional traction on a variety of surfaces. The plush foam cushioning kept our feet comfy and protected, whether we were walking on sidewalks or gravel paths. The sandals also felt springy and responsive, propelling us to the next step.

During test walks, our feet stayed in place, thanks to the bungee lace system with toggles and adjustable heel strap. We also liked that the closed-toe design kept out rocks and debris when walking on rougher terrain. The durable sandals also felt surprisingly light and well-ventilated, given their ample cushioning and protection.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Merrell, Zappos, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• Although we found the fit to be comfortable and secure, we thought the rear strap could be a bit tighter.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13, Men’s 7-15 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for budget-conscious travelers looking for lightweight walking sandals to take on the go.

Why We Love Them

For an adjustable, durable sandal at a budget-friendly price, we recommend Teva’s Original Universal Sandal. Weighing just 6 ounces, this is one of the lightest sandals on our list, meaning it won’t weigh you down on long walks. Plus, the shoes are easy to stash in a backpack or tote bag, making this pair one of our top picks for vacations or other trips.

During testing, we noticed that the sandals’ three adjustable straps provided a perfect fit. We also like that its simple, low-profile style pairs well with everything from yoga leggings to summer dresses. With dozens of colors and patterns to choose from, stocking up for the warmer months is easy. Another bonus? We found that these sandals are easy to clean and dry quickly, making them ideal for beach workouts or most summer sports.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• The thin midsole may not have enough stability or support if you have flat feet or are walking on rough terrain.
• During testing, we noticed that the straps felt stiff and gave us a few small blisters at first. But after a few wears, the straps started to soften and feel much more comfortable.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Woven straps, molded foam insole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want a stylish design with lots of stability that travels well.

Why We Love Them

Ryka’s Blissful Strappy Sandals have soft straps, making them easy to pack, and are stylish enough to go from sightseeing to a night out. The upper straps are woven in a fisherman-style pattern, and there are two hook-and-loop straps for maximum adjustability for a perfect fit. The straps even provided plenty of ankle support. And we also think the rose gold buckles are a stylish accent.

We like the platform sole for its stability and the deep ridges that created some nice traction. We wore these sandals on varied and uneven terrain, such as gravel and loose dirt, and never felt unstable. They held our feet secure and steady. We think they’re a great value for their stable and stylish design.

Potential Flaws

• The deep ridges in the sole provided great traction, but they collected small rocks and debris that we had to clean out.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-15 | Closure: Buckle strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Polyester straps, recycled foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want good arch support and firm cushioning for all-day wear.

Why We Love Them

Chaco’s CushZ Toe-Loop Sandals are extra-cushioned yet provide firm support for all-day wear, such as sightseeing or standing for long periods at work. We love the extra-thick padding that helps prevent foot and leg fatigue. The ankle strap is padded for comfort, and the adjustable buckle strap allows for a perfect fit and easy adjustments if you need the sandals tighter or looser.

The molded arch support supported us and felt nice when we had to stand for a long time. We found these sandals had the perfect combination of firmness, padding, and flexibility. Wet surfaces were no match for them thanks to their solid traction. And when the sandals got wet, they didn’t chafe our skin and dried quickly. We think these sandals are reasonably priced for their value and are well worth it if you’re on your feet for long periods.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• These sandals are not available in half sizes, and the company recommends sizing up. However, we sized down, and they fit perfectly, so getting the right size might be challenging.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Pull tab, hook and loop strap | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, cork insole, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who need excellent arch support to help prevent a plantar fasciitis flare-up.

Why We Love Them

If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, consider a shoe with thick soles and arched or well-cushioned insoles, such as Merrell’s Fleur Fisherman Sandals. When testing this pair, our feet and joints felt well-supported and stable, whether we were walking on indoor or outdoor surfaces. We noticed that the insoles delivered a good balance of cushion and firmness, providing support exactly where we needed it most.

We found that the thick, wide leather straps felt soft and smooth, preventing chafing or irritation. Additionally, we appreciate that the durable rubber outsole provides grippy, reliable traction to keep you steady on your feet. Well-made, lightweight, and stylish, these versatile sandals are perfect for active vacations and can be easily dressed up or down.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we found the fit to be comfortable and secure, but we wished that we could pull the ankle strap a bit tighter.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Recycled plastic upper and outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone who wants super comfortable walking sandals with firm support and plenty of color options to choose from.

Why We Love Them

Vivaia’s Kiara Sport Sandals proved soft, supportive, and breathable when we tested them, making them our top choice for the most comfortable walking sandals. We like that they feel flexible without losing support, and they’re easy to wear with any outfit because of their versatile design. The contoured sole has a slight curve, making the sandals feel responsive, rather than slow or sluggish.

The moisture-wicking, anti-microbial insole kept our feet cool and dry through long, hot days. We love that the heel shock absorption prevents any hip and knee pain and the contoured footbed reduces pressure points and fatigue. Plus, we like how high-quality and durable these sandals feel. They’re available in 28 different color combinations, allowing you to pick the perfect look.

Potential Flaws

• Although we didn’t have any issues with the shoe’s fit, they don’t come in wide sizes, which may be an issue for those with wide feet.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers looking to walk on the beach, tidepool, or simply enjoy the convenience of a water-friendly sandal.

Why We Love Them

To get the most out of your beach walks, we recommend Teva’s Tirra Sandal. During testing, we noticed that the contoured midsole provided comfortable arch support, even keeping our painful plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay. We also noticed that the foam cushioning helped absorb shock without feeling too squishy or compromising our balance.

The thick, durable rubber outsole delivers outstanding stability, support, and traction for traversing uneven terrain and wet conditions. We also love that the fully padded straps are highly adjustable, thanks to convenient hook-and-loop closures that keep our feet stable and secure. Cleaning these shoes is easy—just run them under water to remove any sand or dirt. Even better, this sandal has an antimicrobial treatment derived from peppermint that helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.

Potential Flaws

• These sandals feel about as springy as many tennis shoes do. For a more responsive sandal, you may want a pair with softer cushioning. However, for beach walking, we prefer a more stable option.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 (narrow, medium, wide) | Closure: Adjustable strap | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Leather or suede upper, cork and latex footbed, foam midsole and outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those in need of arch support, looking for a sandal that doesn’t sacrifice style for comfort.

Why We Love Them

Do your high arches ache when you spend long days on your feet? If so, we highly recommend Naot’s Kayla Sandal. During testing, the sandals’ cork and latex footbed felt firm but comfortable. The raised arch offered support right where we needed it the most, allowing us to walk long distances with ease. And unlike other sandals we tested, this pair has a foam outsole for a lighter feel.

We love that this sandal comes in three widths and has an adjustable, hook-and-loop ankle strap—plus, its simple, stylish design pairs well with most wardrobes. We love that the shoes feel lightweight, preventing foot fatigue even while walking on rocks and grass. But we aren’t the only fans of this sandal: This pair has also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that its design helps support good foot health.

Potential Flaws

• We like that the ankle strap is adjustable, but we think we could get an even better fit if the other two straps across the forefoot could also be adjusted.
• Those who don’t need extra arch support might find that these sandals feel a bit too stiff or firm.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 4-11 | Closure: Elasticized slingback strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Synthetic upper and lining, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a comfy, supportive platform sandal with a stylish flair.

Why We Love Them

If you love the look and comfort of a platform sandal but also want reliable support, Nike’s Air Max Isla Sandal may be your ideal shoe. With thick, velvety straps, super soft cushioning, and a chunky sole, this pair offers chic style and plush comfort without sacrificing stability. From the moment we slipped into them, we felt like we were walking on air, thanks to the cushy footbed.

During test walks, the sandals were surprisingly supportive, especially given their high platform. We never wobbled, and the plush straps helped keep our feet securely in place. Plus, the sandals’ durable rubber outsole offers great traction and durability.

Also available in men’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

• While power walking in this pair, we found that the sandals’ back straps started to squeeze and rub our heels, so they may be more suited to casual wear rather than fast-paced walking.

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7-13, Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Nylon and polyester upper, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers looking for a water-resistant sandal for beach days, water park trips, or water sports.

Why We Love Them

Whether you’re kayaking, boating, or spending the day at the beach, Reef’s Cross-Shore Sandals can handle the surf and sand while keeping your feet comfy and supported. When we tested this pair, we found that its durable construction and water-resistant materials were ideal for water activities. The three adjustable straps allowed us to dial in the perfect fit and held up well throughout the testing.

Despite their lightweight feel, the sandals’ cushy foam midsole offered plush comfort and good shock absorption. We also found that the ergonomic design delivers optimal support, which helps to reduce foot fatigue during walks. And once you head home from the beach, the sandals are easy to rinse off and dry quickly. We also love that the rugged, stylish design and built-in bottle opener on the bottom make them perfect for backyard cookouts or trips to a brewery.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Reef.   

Potential Flaws

• Although these sandals were supportive and secure enough for casual walking, they’re not suitable for hiking on rough terrain.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, microfiber lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a durable, comfortable dressy sandal with plenty of support.

Why We Love Them

We recommend Taos’ The Show Sandal for its exceptional comfort and versatility as a casual or dressy walking sandal. When we tested this pair, we were impressed with its outstanding arch support. The sandals provided the perfect balance of flexibility and sturdiness, and we noticed that our feet were well-supported but not too restricted.

These sandals are very responsive, so our stride felt springier and our feet were more energized, compared to when we wear other pairs. And the lightweight and breathable design kept our feet cool and comfortable. Plus, the straps and footbed felt buttery soft and didn’t cause any chafing, making this pair easy to wear for extended periods.

Potential Flaws

• When testing this pair, the strap was initially digging into our feet, but we were able to fix it with some adjustments.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11, Men’s 7-14 | Closure: Buckle, hook and loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon webbing, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those looking for a good sandal for hiking on light to moderate trails.

Why We Love Them

Need a durable, comfortable sandal with better traction for hiking? Hoka’s Infini Hike TC Sandals are our top pick. With a deep heel cup and thick midsole, they’re designed to cushion your feet and provide good stability for hitting the trails. When testing these sporty sandals, they provided exceptional comfort and arch support, along with good impact protection. We found this pair to be ideal for traveling, whether we were traipsing through the airport or walking on concrete, sand, gravel, or indoor surfaces.

We were impressed by the durable rubber outsole, which offered exceptional traction on varied terrain. And the three soft, adjustable straps stayed securely in place, thanks to the durable hook-and-loop closures. We were also pleasantly surprised that the sandals felt lightweight and responsive, like a springy running shoe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• Although we liked the sandals’ fit, we wish the strap over the toe box could be made a bit tighter for those with narrow feet.

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7-15, Women’s 4.5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Low | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for minimalist fitness walkers, hikers, or outdoor adventurers who want a barefoot walking sandal.

Why We Love Them

If you prefer minimalist shoes that allow for natural foot movement, we recommend Vivobarefoot’s Tracker Sandal. During testing, we found that they offered an outstanding grounded feel while still providing good stability and protection for warm-weather adventures. This pair feels lightweight and flexible on our feet, allowing for easy, natural strides and quick transitions.

Although the sandal doesn’t have plush foam cushioning, it effectively absorbs impact, thanks to the thick rubber outsole. Additionally, this durable pair provided grippy traction, allowing us to feel stable and confident on a variety of terrains, including dirt, grass, pavement, and gravel. We’re also fans of the closed-toe design, which shields our feet when walking on rough terrain, without squishing our toes or causing blisters. And these sandals travel remarkably well–we were able to roll them up into a small ball and easily tuck them into a pack.

Also available in women’s sizes at Vivobarefoot.

Potential Flaws

• During our first wear, we noticed some slight rubbing underneath the top strap. However, it wasn’t too bothersome and went away as we continued to wear the sandals.
• With a closed toe box, this pair is not as well-ventilated and breathable as open-toe sandals, so our feet got warm and a bit sweaty in hot weather.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6-13 | Closure: None | Cushioning: Low | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want an attractive, stylish walking sandal that can handle slick surfaces and wet terrain.

Why We Love Them

Lightweight and easy to pack, Frankie4’s Isla Slides feature a chic style that can take them straight from the beach to a night out. Their sleek, low-profile design can be easily dressed up or down, making them a versatile option for travel. During a warm-weather vacation, we found them to be perfect as waterproof beach shoes. They also felt supportive and comfortable as we walked on a variety of surfaces, including sand, concrete, gravel, and rocky paths.

The grippy rubber outsole kept us surefooted and steady on uneven terrain, steep hills, and slick concrete stairs during a tropical downpour. Additionally, the sandals felt airy and light, allowing our feet to stay cool, even in extremely hot and humid weather. We also love that the soft, smooth leather straps didn’t cause any rubbing or chafing.

Potential Flaws

• Unlike some other sandals we tested, this pair doesn’t have adjustable straps. However, we had no issues with the sandals’ fit and found that they stayed securely in place during walks.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6-13 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a stylish, versatile sandal that offers extra support and padding, especially under the arch and forefoot.

Why We Love Them

Frankie4’s Thompson Sandals stand out for their plush comfort and fully adjustable design. During test walks, the well-padded midsole and solid arch support kept our feet comfortable and protected. We put these sandals through the ringer—walking in hot, humid conditions on concrete, gravel, and dirt—and they performed spectacularly.  

Made with high-quality, durable materials, this pair held up to repeated use and all-day wear. We also like this sandal’s open-toe design and three padded, adjustable leather straps, which kept our feet in place without causing painful irritation or blisters. Stylish and easy to wear, they’re perfect as an everyday walking sandal.

Potential Flaws

• This pair felt a bit heavier compared to other sandals we’ve tried, but we think the extra weight from the cushioning and buckle detailing is a fair trade-off.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12.5 (medium, wide), Men’s 6-13.5 (medium, wide) | Closure: Adjustable straps with buckle | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, cork-latex footbed, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those looking for wide-feet-friendly sandals for long-distance walks, that are also attractive for casual wear.

Why We Love Them

For wide feet, we recommend Birkenstock’s Milano Big Buckle Sandal. We love that the three adjustable straps deliver a highly customizable fit to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. During testing, the straps felt sturdy and prevented our feet from sliding around in the shoe. We also appreciate that the wide toe box provides ample room at the front, allowing your toes to splay out without falling off the edge of the footbed.

These sandals feature a contoured cork-latex footbed, which provides exceptional arch support as we trekked around. While the sandals’ cushioning isn’t thick or plush, it absorbs shock well (especially in the heel). Plus, we noticed that this pair felt extremely well-made, with an eye-catching design that garnered tons of compliments.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• Birkenstocks tend to feel stiff initially. But you can follow the manufacturer’s easy instructions for breaking them in so the footbed conforms to the shape of your foot.
• We love this sandal’s firm arch support, but it doesn’t feel as responsive as other, softer sandals we tested.