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Are you still searching for your sandal “sole” mate? A great pair can replace your sneakers as a go-to summer shoe, keeping your feet cool yet supported. We know finding the right pair can be a task.
The Birkenstock Arizona is the best sandal for women because of its classic go-with-everything style, and uber comfortable footbed that molds to your feet over time. Our men's also rated the men's Arizona as the best for its easy-on, easy-off comfort, and surprisingly good foot security (despite its simple two-bar strap design).
Those who want a reliable sandal, but aren't willing to commit to a triple-digit price tag, should look at the Teva Original Universal and the women's Teva Original. This age-old classic comes in many fun colors and is water-friendly. Plus, it's lightweight enough to throw in a beach bag or suitcase for your next vacation.
Our male and female test teams slid into these sandals as soon as temperatures warmed up, and wore them from early spring through the summer. We wore them around the house, to the pool, and also set off on day hikes and multi-week rafting trips, pushing wear time into late fall (sometimes with socks — don't judge us!) We also have a detailed flip flop review if you want to go even more casual.
Editor's Note: On June 23, 2026, we added new men's models and updated some of our award winners with long-term testing results and notes on durability.
Water friendly: No | Width Options: Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow
Who it is best for: The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a sandal that provides casual style, comfort, and support for long days on the go. Birkenstocks are known for their moldable cork footbed that customizes itself to the shape of your foot with regular use. The Soft Footbed version we tested adds a layer of latex foam for additional comfort to ease the (sometimes tough) break-in period. If you had to choose a sandal that can run errands, walk trails, and go out with friends, this one is sure to give you the support you need to keep going.
Why we love it: There is no substitute for quality footwear that you look forward to using. This sandal has the significant advantage of contouring to your foot with regular use, creating an individualized support system over time, and our Birks have lasted for years. The additional layer of foam and oiled leather straps ensure these sandals are comfortable for long days on your feet, without causing fatigue or hot spots. With a classic appearance and simple slip-on design, these sandals are among the most-used models by our testers and a favorite.
Should you buy it? If comfort and support are a top priority over aggressive adventuring, then this is the sandal for you. Though they are on the higher end of the price range, these sandals are made with high-quality materials like leather and cork that will last for years to come. These slip-on casual sandals aren't meant to be submerged in water, so they're not the best choice for poolside days. However, the Arizona Soft Footbed is one of the most comfortable sandals we have used and is ideal for casual, all-day, everyday wear.
Water friendly: No | Width Options: Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow
Who it is best for: The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is best for those who value strong arch support paired with a personalized fit that improves over time… think the best-loved t-shirt of the shoe world. The added foam layer on the Soft Footbed version of these sandals takes the edge off the classic Birkenstock feel, so it's comfortable right out of the box. It's a solid choice for everyday wear, travel, and anyone who wants comfort that just gets better the more you wear them.
Why we love it: It just supports—day in, day out. The contoured footbed gradually molds to your foot, creating a supportive, custom feel that works especially well for long days on your feet. The arch support feels solid without being overbearing, and the footbed slowly shapes to your foot. It's the kind of sandal you stop thinking about because your feet are just comfortable. Simple, dependable, and easy to reach for, it earns our testers' go-to casual sandal in the daily rotation. We also love the enduring style of the Arizona, and find that we can wear these sandals with anything from jeans to leggings to casual summer dresses.
Should you buy it? You should buy this sandal if you want reliable arch support in a casual sandal that steadily improves fit with wear. The Arizona is a bit spendy, which may put you off. The leather and cork of this sandal aren't water-friendly, so you can't wear them for activities like paddleboarding, and they don't offer as much security as sandals with heel straps. The Arizona performs best for everyday use, where all-day comfort matters more than performance features or traction.
After a year of wear, the Arizona's cork footbed develops a custom ultra-comfy mold, while the leather upper takes on a rich, worn-in patina that ages well. It’s the kind of sandal that looks and feels better - like Grand Canyon, with a little time. Credit: Kate Pitts
Who it is best for: The Teva Universal Original is best for someone looking for a general-use, water-friendly sandal without having to shell out a bunch of cash. These sandals are capable of running afternoon errands and keeping you steady on the dirt path down to the lake, but be advised, they don't provide much arch support or aggressive traction for all-day wear or technical trails. The Velcro straps are easy to use, keep them securely in place while paddle boarding or rock hopping around tide pools, and pack away easily for travel. One tester shared, “I regularly use these for traveling and tuck them flat into a pocket of my backpack.”
Why we love it: This sandal is good for all-around use, thanks to its really simple design. They are lightweight with a comfortable footbed and good traction for most surfaces. Though the straps can be irritating at first, they soften with regular use and are available in a variety of colors to add a little style to your ensemble. These water-friendly sandals have many of the qualities of more expensive competitors,, but at a budget-friendly price.
Should you buy it? If you want an affordable sandal capable of adventures and everyday use, then this is a solid choice. It offers good overall comfort and is easy to pack away for travel or hiking. These are meant for use in the water, but many of our testers report that the footbed becomes slippery and that traction decreases when wet. When compared to other sandals at a much higher price point, these sandals offer many good qualities at an affordable price.
Who it is best for: The Teva Original Universal is an ideal sandal if you need some open-toed “adventure” footwear but can't quite swing the premium prices of other models. These are great for anyone with narrower feet who doesn't need much arch support. “I became a big fan of the velcro adjustment system, which was friendlier to use than some of the top-dollar competition,” one of our head testers shared. We also like that their water friendly, so you can wear them everywhere from the park to the lake.
Why we love it: These sandals uniquely combine minimalist design with practical functionality, offering barefoot-like freedom while maintaining durability and reliable traction. And the classic Teva styling comes in a wide range of fun prints and colors. Their thinner, flexible soles allow for natural foot movement and enhanced ground feel, setting them apart from heavier sandals like Chacos. Lightweight and compact, these sandals are easy to pack and make a good secondary pair of vacation shoes.
Should you buy it? The Teva Original Universal is a compelling option for anyone seeking an affordable, stylish sandal that handles everyday adventures and travel with ease. That said, it's not without its flaws in tougher or wetter environments. As one of our testers observed, “Particularly in water, I found myself slipping in the footbeds, and when I tightened them, the edges of the straps can be a bit scratchy. It's also noticeable how narrow this sandal is on my feet.” Additionally, the flat footbeds lack arch support, so you won't want to walk long distances in these shoes. But if you want a casual “around-town” sandal, this is an attractively priced pair.
Who it is best for: The Chaco Z/2 Classic is a great choice for those wanting a “one-stop-shop” from their next sandal that'll keep up with most open-toed ambitions. The Z/2 is a do-it-all option that'll keep you happy on hikes, rowdy days on the river, or lengthy adventures on a boat. As one of our primary men's testers commented, “I grabbed these sandals anytime I suspected the day might be longer or more intense.” The best part? The Z/2 is still great for any casual outing, from beach lounging to social gatherings at a local happy hour.
Why we love it: Our team loved the infinitely adjustable webbing and its secure toe loop, providing a personalized, “locked-in” feel that makes the sandals feel like an extension of our feet. The sandal is built with Chaco's signature LUVSEAT midsole, which provides excellent arch support and promotes healthy foot alignment, making it a favorite for all-day wear and outdoor adventures. Its rugged ChacoGrip rubber outsole also delivers reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces throughout our testing process.
Should you buy it? The Z/2 is the right sandal for you if your day-to-day life includes lunch hikes and post-work river floats, followed by a trip to the local brewery. This sandal can handle it all, from a casual coffee shop run to an intense day on a rough river. This is also a worthwhile choice if you're needing a sandal that has a more secure foot strap system, as our head men's sandal tester concluded, “Once you get the hang of the slip-through strap adjustments that go under the footbed, the Z/2's fit becomes very customizable, so it can keep up with your next adventure.”
Who it is best for: The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is ideal for women who want a sandal they can strap on to grab breakfast before heading out for a day hike or river float. We've even worn them for backpacking. One of our lead testers, with over 15 years of guiding experience, swears by their durability and stability on diverse terrain, such as rocky river crossings and long hikes.
Why we love it: The Z/Cloud 2 has outstanding traction and durability on varied surfaces. Plus, their durability is off the charts. These are a long-time staple of river raft guides, and for good reason. They just last. Our tester joked, “They're nearly as trusty as my PFD.” Though the adjustable toe loop requires effort to set, it significantly enhances stability and security, ensuring a solid, grounded feel during intense activities.
Should you buy it? This is a great choice if you need a sandal for serious hiking and value traction and stability over lightweight design. However, they are among the bulkiest and heaviest sandals tested, with the tester noting, “I never felt light and free. But I always felt solid and grounded.” Adjusting the toe loop is complex and demands patience, but it boosts security, and is the payoff is worth it if you like to take your sandals to places most people would only wear boots to.
The difference between the Z/2 and the Z/Cloud 2 comes down to an additional layer of ultra-soft foam on the upper footbed in the Cloud version, resulting in a slightly cushier step. Both models are available in men's and women's versions.
Who it is best for: The Olukai Kipe'a Slide is the classy “around town and in between” slide. Think grabbing coffee, running errands, airport travel, or slipping on for working at the coffeeshop or library when you want something clean and easy to pair with almost anything. It also fits well in casual social settings; patios, beach towns, or relaxed evenings—where you still want to look put together without wearing a full shoe.
Why we love it: The Kipe'a is one of the most polished-looking options in the slide category, with a clean leather upper that leans noticeably more refined than athletic. In addition to its elevated style, the outsole traction is better than that of most slides in this category. The rubber tread has a grippy, slightly lugged pattern that we felt grips more confidently than a typical smooth sole. It feels noticeably more secure on smooth sidewalks and poolside, where cheaper slides can get a bit slick or sketchy. The insole also has decent foot grip for a slide style, and we didn't have trouble with our feet slipping out throughout the day.
Should you buy it? It is a good buy if you want a clean, leather slide that balances everyday comfort with a more refined look. It can act as a staple piece as it's easy to pair with a diverse wardrobe. It has a nice sculpted footbed with a firmer feel, but it only has moderate support and overall less cushioning than structured ergonomic options. If you want something soft and plush, look elsewhere—but if you want a stylish, dependable daily slide, this is a solid choice.
The durable, stylish Olukai Kipe'a slide is comfortable for long urban walks and transitions easily from errands to relaxed social settings. Credit: Kate Pitts
Lovely slides for long neighborhood walks, easy to slip off and enjoy the grass at the park. Credit: Kate Pitts
Who it is best for: The Bedrock Cairn Evo is a well-made sandal that's great for those wanting more ground sensitivity, as Bedrock designed this to be a minimalist shoe. Its slimmer footbed moves with your foot for flexibility and comfort, and its outsole is made with grippy Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber, which provides dependable traction in both wet and dry conditions. The sandal's t-strap system offers multiple points of adjustment that allow you to get a surprisingly secure, customized fit that worked for several different testers and their various foot shapes. One of our main sandals experts also added, “The Cairn EVO is resoleable, so it's a good investment for people who wear sandals a LOT, and want reliable footwear that can be repaired rather than replaced.”
Why we love it: This was a unique sandal that offered better performance and comfort than other minimalist designs. Its zero-drop footbed has a textured surface that keeps our feet securely in place, while the Vibram sole offers exceptional grip throughout testing, even while scrambling over wet river rocks. The simple strap system is soft on the upper foot and has concealed seams to minimize irritation when tightened. “It's like a flip-flop that doesn't flop,” said one tester. “The straps keep it secured comfortably in place.” We also loved the aesthetics of the Cairn Evo, and wore them with jeans at social events.
Should you buy it? The Bedrock Cairn Evo belongs in your shopping cart if you want a minimalist sandal that offers more adjustability and traction than your typical bare-bones design. If you want more arch support, we'd steer you elsewhere, but as our head sandals expert concluded, “I loved the unique blend of sensitivity, sole protection, and traction of the Cairn Evo, which I haven't yet seen in another minimalist sandal.”
We also tested the Women's Bedrock Cairn Evo, and it was a favorite minimalist option for our female testers as well, though we didn't find it to be versatile enough to win an award.
Who it is best for: The Keen Uneek is great for outdoor enthusiasts who demand a versatile sandal that can do a little bit of everything - like light hiking, water crossings, and city strolls — while making a style statement. Our testers received more compliments on the trail than with any other sandal. This is the go-to choice for women seeking a sandal that performs seamlessly from city streets to walks in the woods, and thrives in any activity, from water sports to casual hiking.
Why we love it: It is one of the few sandals that is stylish enough for dressy outfits while still being comfortable for hikes, travel, and water sports. Its corded design is eye-catching, playful, and, true to its name, unique, turning heads on the trail or around town. The adjustable cords provide a secure, comfortable fit, while the cushioned footbed is lightweight. The Uneek transitions from outdoor adventures to casual everyday outfits without looking out of place.
Should you buy it? Yes—if you want a sandal that's versatile, comfortable, and a modern casual style. It's great for hiking, water sports, and dressing up for town, and it handles a range of conditions with more style than most outdoor sandals. The downsides are that it doesn't offer as much structure underfoot as some options, and it has fewer points of adjustability.
Our men's team tested the Keen Uneek in the most recent update, and were just as intrigued. They also loved wearing them around town and for the occasional after-work hike.
From the streets to the salt flats, the Keen Uneek showed off its versatility at Death Valley’s Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. Lightweight and breathable, it kept our feet comfortable across crunchy salt flats, shallow pools, and desert hikes—and earned multiple compliments for its chic, poppy style. Credit: Kate Pitts
Who it is best for: If you need a sandal that offers more protection for the top of your foot, the Keen Newport H2 provides nearly as much coverage as a sneaker, but is still a bit more breathable. These are very capable sandals that are almost as protective as water shoes and just as happy on long, dry hikes or days playing in and around a river. “While the Newports can be worn around town, they aren't the most stylish - definitely a function over form kind of vibe. I found them best for days spent in and around the water or when I needed some breathability,” one tester commented.
Why we love it: Everyone on our testing team has, at some point or another, bludgeoned their toes and toenails while wearing sandals, but the Newport H2 offers a rubberized toe cap and upper-foot protection that guards against rougher terrain. It's also got a dependable outsole, so we could trust our feet as we scrambled across river banks or crawled around on sandy beach approaches.
Should you buy it? As long as you don't mind the aesthetics of the Newport H2, this is a worthwhile hybrid shoe with the breathability of a sandal and the protection of a water shoe. “If you're tired of scraping skin or blackening toenails, or just don't like to have your toes in full view, I'd go with the Newport H2,” our head reviewer shared. These have become a summer staple for many, and for good reason.
Who it is best for: The Keen Newport H2 is ideal for diehard adventurers who prioritize foot protection, security, and stability for wet outdoor activities like kayaking, dock walking. It also offers enough foot support for long days on your feet. They work better for those with narrower feet, thanks to their snug fit and lack of wide sizes. It's perfect for users who value a supportive footbed and protective design over minimalist or highly adjustable sandals.
Why we love it: This has unmatched security and stability, with our lead women's sandals tester stating, “The Newports gave me a lot of confidence on all surfaces.” The rubber bumper and extra straps provide exceptional toe and side-foot protection, creating a “safely cocooned” feel, as noted by our tester. Its soft, well-contoured footbed has minute channels to wick sweat away to keep feet drier, while the midsole and outsole offer superb support for extended wear, making it one of the most secure sandals tested.
Should you buy it? We like the functionality of the Newport, though its distinct 'cocoon' style and narrow fit may not suit everyone, and the toggled bungee adjustment can be a tight fit, making it challenging to pull over the heels. The style can also be somewhat divisive. Our tester noted, “I like the style. But it is not for everyone. I also found my toes got a little clammy in hot weather.” They're not as breathable as a true open-toed shoe, but if you need a highly protective, stable sandal to keep your feet safe from grabby roots and hidden rocks, this is a top choice,
We were impressed with the traction on these sandals. They also provided great protection for our feet. Credit: Kate Pitts
How We Tested
After researching hundreds of the market's most promising sandals, we purchased a selection of the best ones for testing. Testing sandals means taking them far beyond the comfort of the store shelf and out into the real world. For casual models, we wore them day in and day out, aroudn the house, and out on the town, noting how well they blended with our style, and how comfortable they kept our feet on hot days. For hiking and water-oriented models, we trekked through mud, scrambled over desert slick rock, and waded rivers to see how each pair performed. In both cases, testers noted how the straps felt after hours of wear, whether the soles held steady on slippery ground, and how the cushioning stood up after days (or months) of use. By the end, every scuff, abrasion, and water stain told a story about the sandal's true durability and comfort—proof that only real-world testing can reveal.
Secure, quick-drying straps are a key feature for water-friendly hiking sandals. Adjustable straps keep your foot firmly in place, preventing slipping or shifting when navigating wet rocks, stream crossings, or uneven terrain. Credit: Kate Pitts
Why Trust GearLab
We've been pushing outdoor equipment and open-toed footwear to its limits for years. Our team is composed of river guides, wilderness rangers, mountain guides, and medical professionals, all of whom are absolute sandal fanatics.
We live in our open-toed footwear, whether testing flip flops or traditional sandals, and we never stop improving our examination process. Credit: Zach Lovell
Kate Pitts heads our “feet-forward” women's testing team. She's amassed thousands of trail miles and has worked as a National Park Service ranger in iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, and Haleakala. Kate brings unparalleled expertise in foot care and outdoor footwear. She's intimately familiar with the impact of subpar sandals on hardworking feet—from treating blistered and fatigued feet in backcountry clinics to experiencing firsthand the relief her own feet crave during, and after, strenuous thru-hikes. Today, as a wilderness guide, EMT, and seasoned gear tester, she is discerning about sandal features that truly make a difference—favoring designs that offer lasting comfort, durability, and protection for feet that consistently face tough, varied terrain.
Our women's testers love adventuring in their open-toed footwear.
On our men's team, Travis Reddinger is an avid outdoors enthusiast who calls Minnesota home. When the weather warms, he prefers minimalist footwear during his favorite activities—fishing in the state's many lakes, hunting in its forests, and rock climbing. As temperatures drop and winter takes hold, Travis shifts focus to testing robust winter boots, ensuring his gear holds up against the harsh cold and snow. Throughout the year, he fully immerses himself in the outdoor lifestyle that Minnesota's changing seasons uniquely offer.
We love pushing open-toed footwear in unconventional settings to better examine traction and durability. Credit: Zach Lovell
Also joining the men's testing team is IFMGA Certified mountain guide Zach Lovell. Zach has likely spent about a third of his life slipping into sandals and flip-flops, craving the open-toed freedom as a much-needed respite from the rigid confines of climbing shoes and ski boots. With over a decade of experience in product testing, he approaches every category with relentless curiosity, meticulously dissecting every detail to understand performance and durability. His deep dive into gear often borders on obsessive, driven by a passion to find footwear that perfectly balances comfort, functionality, and longevity for life both on and off the trail.
Quick drying and comfortable these versatile sandals are functional and look great. Credit: Travis Reddinger
After a full season of wear, the footbed on the Birkenstock Arizona molds into a deep, personalized shape that feels supportive and exceptionally comfortable. Credit: Kate Pitts
Women's Sandals
We've worn dozens of pairs of women's-specific sandals over the past decade. In our latest and greatest review, we identify a variety of our favorites across intended uses, budget, and style.
Men's Sandals
Below are the overall scores from our review of sandals for men. We recommend checking it out to go deeper into the specific sandals we tested to get more details on your next pair.
How to Pick the Best Sandals
Most sandals have the same basic components: a sole, straps, and (sometimes) a way to adjust those straps. But there are several aspects to consider before hitting the “buy” button when shopping online. Ranging from sleek city footwear to tank-like designs meant for hiking, you'll want to narrow down your options by first considering where you walk each day.
If you want to wear socks with your sandals, we won't judge you. Credit: Miya Tsudome
Intended Uses
Are you more of a sneaker person, but want a pair of sandals to wear for the occasional beach stroll or river day? You'll want to look for water-friendly materials, but you might not need to spring for the most expensive or rugged pair. Something basic and comfortable will do the trick. Are you someone who refuses to wear closed-toed shoes as soon as the temperature is warmer than 60°F? Comfort, durability, and a style that blends into your daily wardrobe will reign supreme in this case. Slides are oh-so-easy to slip into when making a coffee run first thing in the morning, and materials like leather and durable rubber will stand up to heavy wear. Do you need something for weekly (or daily) boating adventures? Again, you'll want something water-friendly that gives you a locked-in feel and won't fly off your feet in the event of an unexpected swim. The last case is if you plan to wear your sandals as a recovery shoe. For this, you want lightweight materials and ultimate cush to give your tired feet a break.
Flip-flops and slides are a great class of sandals for more casual activities.
Generally, if your needs are on the lighter side, you might be able to get away with a more casual pair of sandals that's less expensive, since your demands on the rubber and cloth are likely much lower than those of a serious whitewater kayaker. Alternatively, if you're someone who wears sandals for everything, from day hikes to dog walks to social hangs, a pricier and more durable pair might offer much higher value in the long run. And while you might think you have to choose between style and functionality, we tested sandals that prove you don't have to.
From lakeside lounging to more intense river adventures, make sure to consider where you're planning to take your next pair of sandals. Credit: Syd Knadler
Comfort Is King
Most people want sandals for their convenience and comfort. Nothing beats feeling the breeze between your toes on a hot, sweaty day. Perks like cool style or grippy traction are appreciated, but secondary to overall comfort. When considering a sandal's comfort, you'll want to consider mid-sole support, strap materials, and configuration.
Footbed Material
Sandals with a contoured footbed provide ergonomic arch support, aligning with the foot's natural curves to prevent strain and discomfort. The right amount of contour depends on your arch height and foot shape, and you can tell almost as soon as you put on the shoe whether it matches the shape of your foot or not. Adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot absorbs impact, making walking more comfortable and reducing stress on the joints, but it can be harder to know how this will play out in real-life wear.
Most sandals use one of three materials for their footbed: EVA foam, polyurethane (PU) foam, and cork. These all have different densities and compression rates, which ultimately affect how soft or firm a shoe feels. EVA foam is the lightest and cushiest of the three; it provides instant compression that forms to the shape of your foot and then bounces back with each step. The downside is that this generally lasts only a few months, and at best up to a year. EVA foam is the least durable and will eventually lose its “bounce back” properties, leaving you with thin spots in your sandal. Polyurethane (PU) is a firm material that is the most durable of the three. It generally holds the shape it was molded into at the factory, and if your PU sandal has high arch support, you can be confident it will remain high throughout the sandal's life. This material has very little give, so sandals made with PU foam can feel stiff or overly firm for some wearers. The last material that is commonly used in sandal midsoles is cork. Cork is a natural material that falls in between EVA and PU in terms of durability (it usually has a special coating to keep it from crumbling), but its main advantage is that it compresses slowly and has a memory of the shape of your foot. So the more you wear it, the more comfortable it gets. The downside is that it can feel aggressively stiff and may cause blisters if you don't take it slow during the break-in period. However, for long-term comfort, this is our favorite material hands down.
We've found every pair of sandals to offer at least some footbed molding, but the amount of molding varies greatly between models. Credit: Kate Pitts
Straps
Strap configurations range from a classic single, double, or criss-cross straps found in slides to z-strap, h-strap, or t-strap setups with a heel strap to keep your foot securely inside. All are functional, depending on your preference; some people can't stand having a post between their toes and will avoid the t-strap. Others find that they strain their foot by using their toes to grip the bottom of the sandal to prevent the sandal from slipping off, and so will only consider something with a heel strap.
Adjustable straps allow for a customized fit, ensuring the sandal stays secure without pinching or causing blisters. Most of the water-friendly options we tested have straps made with polyurethane webbing that can be adjusted with a slide buckle or velcro fastener. Casual townie options are often made from vegan leather, suede, or genuine leather that gets softer and comfier over time. These sometimes have traditional center-bar buckles to adjust the length of the straps, but don't have the range of options found in sandals made with webbing.
The right pair of sandals support your walk through a beautiful world. Credit: Kate Pitts
FAQs
Your foot should sit fully on the footbed, with neither your toes nor your heel hanging over the edge. Straps should feel secure without pinching or rubbing, and your foot shouldn't slide around while walking. Different foot shapes and support needs can also affect fit and comfort: High arches: Often benefit from contoured footbeds with noticeable arch support to reduce fatigue. Flat feet: Usually do better with stable midsoles and supportive arches that help improve alignment. Wide feet: Adjustable straps and roomier footbeds help prevent pressure points and rubbing. Narrow feet: More secure strap systems can help keep the foot from sliding around. Sensitive feet: Softer cushioning and padded straps can improve long-term comfort.
Cushioning preference matters too. Consider if you prefer plush, shock-absorbing sandals for all-day comfort, or a firmer footbed that provides more support and stability over time.
The best walking sandals balance comfort, support, and stability for long hours on your feet. Supportive footbeds with good arch support help reduce fatigue over time, while cushioning absorbs impact on pavement and uneven surfaces. Secure straps are equally important, helping keep your foot locked in place without rubbing or excessive movement. Reliable traction also makes a noticeable difference, especially on wet sidewalks, dirt paths, or trails.
For many people, arch-support sandals make the difference between achy feet at the end of the day, especially on long days filled with lots of walking. Supportive sandals help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort during extended wear. Contoured footbeds feel more stable and supportive than completely flat sandals, particularly on hard surfaces like pavement or city streets.
The level of support you need often depends on your foot shape, gait, and personal comfort preferences. People with flat feet, high arches, or recurring foot pain may benefit the most from structured arch support, while others may prefer a more flexible “barefoot” feel. If you are unsure what type of support works best for your feet, visiting a podiatrist or a specialty running store for a foot and gait assessment can be helpful. Understanding your foot profile can make it much easier to choose sandals that provide the right combination of cushioning, stability, and long-term comfort for your needs.
Sandal traction is different from the traction you'd expect from your hiking boots or trail running shoes. Wet traction is much more important, since you are more likely to wear sandals on slick surfaces like river rock, pool-side concrete, or slippery grass at the park than on rugged trails. That said, some of the same rules apply. Good sandal traction comes from a combination of outsole material and tread design. Sandals with rubber outsoles and deeper lug patterns generally provide better grip. Wider contact points and textured tread patterns improve stability and reduce slipping during everyday walking or light outdoor use.
The type of traction you need depends on where you plan to wear the sandal most often. Casual slides and fashion sandals may offer enough grip for dry sidewalks and indoor use, but can feel slippery on wet or uneven terrain. Outdoor-focused sandals typically use stickier rubber compounds and more aggressive tread patterns designed for hiking trails, river crossings, and variable conditions.
Other Notable Sandals
Birkenstock Mayari: The Mayari features the brand's classic cork-latex footbed, yet it has a refined and strappy vibe that feels more dressy than the Arizona. The contoured arch support and deep heel cup deliver that signature Birkenstock stability, making it a strong option for long days of casual walking once broken in. The toe loop and dual straps help lock the foot in place, giving it a more secure feel than most slides.
We appreciate how the Mayari's crisscross straps and toe loop give this Birkenstock a more delicate, modern look. Credit: Kate Pitts
Reef Ojai Two Bar: This sandal is by no means a performance shoe, but it is an understatedly stylish option that our testing team felt comfortable wearing from the beach to dinner with friends. It has a comfortable footbed that feels good right out of the box and a monotone suede construction that pairs perfectly with shorts or jeans.
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3: We love that this comfy recovery sandal is unapologetically built for one job: taking the load off tired feet after hard efforts. It feels plush with an oversized EVA midsole that softens impact and creates a noticeably cushioned, almost “sink-in” sensation without feeling unstable. The rockered geometry keeps transitions smooth, so even sore legs feel like they're rolling forward with less effort rather than collapsing into each step.
The Hoka Recovery Slide is designed for comfort and support after physical activities, making it an ideal shoe for post-workout recovery. Credit: Kate Pitts
Conclusion
Sandals make life easier and more comfortable when the weather warms up. They're ideal for days that call for both movement and relaxation, letting your feet breathe while still offering a steady grip and lightweight feel. Slip them on after a long day to unwind, or wear them when you want a laid-back style that doesn't try too hard. Are you a water sports lover? Sandals can be a fantastic option when you're headed to the river, lake, or ocean. Whether you're exploring a new town, spending time outdoors, playing in some friendlier white water, or just enjoying a slow afternoon, sandals bring a sense of freedom that closed shoes can't match. Their simple design and natural feel make them more than just footwear—they're part of a relaxed way of living.
