The 8 Best Sandals for Women

Our Picks of Women's Sandals

Best Overall Women's Adventure Sandals

Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - Women's

The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 was a test team favorite. Testers experienced unmatched traction on every surface, from the outer sole to the internal footbed. “I've been wearing these sandals for over 15 years during river trips and backpacking adventures, and I haven't encountered a situation where they don't perform exceptionally well,” one tester said. Although the toe loop takes some time to adjust to, the added stability and security become immediately noticeable once the fit is properly adjusted. These impressive, adventure-ready sandals have navigated rapids and hiked across late-season spring snow. Sandal season has never felt so free!

Measured Weight (per pair)	18.3 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	Non-marking ChacoGrip
Upper Material	Polyester jacquard webbing
Footbed Material	LUVSEAT PU
Midsole Material	Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU

While featuring some of the best traction and stability, the sole of the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is thicker, bulkier, and heavier than most other sandals we tested. And the toe loop, while ensuring stability and security, is also far more complicated to adjust and find the perfect fit than any other sandal we've worn. We've observed the Z/Cloud over many years and find it easier to continue to adjust through many wearings than previous versions. However, the adjustment is still somewhat complicated (although once you dial it in, you generally don't need to continue to adjust it). If you despise the toe strap, the Chaco Z/1 Classic is nearly the same sandal without the toe loop. If you like the toe loop but want a pair that looks a little more at home paired with a sun dress, we highly recommend the Chaco Bodhi.

Read more: Chaco Z/Cloud 2 review

Best Overall Women's Casual Sandal

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed - Women's

The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a fan-favorite sandal that combines timeless two-strap style with the renowned orthopedic support of the Birk footbed. In its latest update, the contoured cork-latex footbed includes an extra layer of foam cushioning. This enhancement softens the break-in period of its superior arch support and a personalized fit that molds to your feet over time. With adjustable buckles, a soft suede lining, and a lightweight EVA sole for shock absorption, the sandal is designed for all-day comfort. One tester notes, “These have been my favorite casual and travel sandals for three decades (since high school). I love packing them for international trips.”

Measured Weight (per pair)	16.2 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	EVA
Upper Material	Oiled leather
Footbed Material	Suede
Midsole Material	Cork-latex

Birkenstock traces its roots to a German cobbler in 1774 and has built a reputation for premium quality since then. Unfortunately, the high quality comes with a premium price tag. If you are on a budget, then consider the Cushionaire Luna and Cushionaire Lane. These options are stylish and much more affordable. They offer greater cushioning and require a shorter break-in period compared to Birkenstocks, though this comes at the cost of some orthopedic support.

Read more: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed review

Best Value for Women's Sandals

Teva Original Universal - Women's

Searching for a pair of sandals that can take you around the world without breaking the bank? The Teva Original Universal is an excellent, high-value option. For less than half of many others, this pair of universally sized sandals offers reasonable security and solid traction for many adventures. Easy-to-adjust velcro straps are placed perfectly to keep everything stable on your feet, even on hikes and when crossing small streams. The Universal can also be purchased in many colors and patterns to suit your style.

Measured Weight (per pair)	10.0 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	Rubber
Upper Material	REPREVE recycled polyester webbing
Footbed Material	EVA
Midsole Material	Molded EVA

The Original Universal isn't without its downfalls, though. They are above average in their performance, but can fall short in extreme conditions. When very wet, the footbed is slippery, and the mild pattern on the bottoms of the soles can't offer the same serious traction as beefier options. “I sometimes found the edges of the straps to be scratchy, and this sandal also runs on the narrow side with zero arch support,” another tester remarked. If you need a wide option, Chaco sandals come in wide sizes. However, this Teva sandal is a great choice if you're a modest adventurer looking for an affordable sandal that can keep up on moderate excursions.

Read more: Teva Original Universal review

Comfortable and Secure Yet Casual

Ecco Yucatan - Women's

For those who dig the look of the Ecco Yucatan, their comfort is top tier. They feature plush midsoles with a microfiber footbed and leather straps lined with neoprene. “Even when spending long days on my feet, these sandals offered great support,” lead tester Maggie Nichols noted. They're easy to get on, and all three straps are easily adjustable with long velcro strips. The Yucatan offers excellent security and stability, no matter where you roam. They still have good traction on wet surfaces and stay put, even if your feet are sweating in the sun.

Measured Weight (per pair)	17.4 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	Rubber
Upper Material	Leather with neoprene lining
Footbed Material	Microfiber
Midsole Material	Molded EVA

The Yucatan runs narrowly and isn't available in wide sizes. You may find the Yucatan restrictive if you have wide feet or prefer letting your toes and forefoot spread out in your shoes. If you're planning to walk through deep water, you should expect these sandals to take a long time to dry out afterward. Their overall bulk also makes them inconvenient to pack in a suitcase to take on vacation. If you want secure sandals but prefer them to be a little more water-friendly and have more room for your feet to spread, check out the Keen Newport H2 instead.

Read more: Ecco Yucatan review

Bargain Buy Casual Sandal

Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed

The Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed sandal is a budget-friendly gem that exceeds expectations at its price point. With a flexible cork footbed, plush padded insole, and adjustable vegan leather straps, it delivers orthopedic support and all-day wearability right out of the box—marathon festival days, here we come! Lead tester Kate comments, “Right out of the box, they felt soft and supportive—there was no break-in period and no blisters, just instant comfort.” The cork footbed molds to your feet as if it were custom-made. Our testers wore them on long walks, quick errands, and even to a casual date, and they held up beautifully. The adjustable straps and vegan upper give them a more polished feel than the price suggests.

Measured Weight (per pair)	16.2 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	EVA
Upper Material	Faux leather upper
Footbed Material	Suede
Midsole Material	Cork

While the Cushionaire Luna offers impressive comfort for the price, it's not without a few drawbacks. While cushy and supportive, the footbed is not as structured as the Birkenstock Arizona and Birkenstock Mayari, which offer slightly more arch support for those with high arches or specific orthopedic needs. Another thing to consider with the Luna is that although the EVA outsole provides decent traction, the rubber traction doesn't hold up on wet or rugged terrain. The Keen Newport H2 or Ecco Yucatan are more puddle-proof, and you can trust their grip on slick rocks and roots.

Read more: Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed review

Minimalist Straps but Adventure-Ready

Bedrock Cairn Evo - Women's

Straddling the line between minimalism and rugged performance, the recently updated Bedrock Cairn Evo is better than its predecessors in small but impactful ways. With a new sizing scheme that's much truer to fit and softer straps and strap seams, these sandals are comfortable for all-day wear. Their flexible but tough soles offer impressive grip, even when wet, while bending familiarly. “Of all the sandals I've tested with this type of strap configuration, these are one of the most stable and adventure-focused,” one tester said.

Measured Weight (per pair)	14.1 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber
Upper Material	Polyester and nylon webbing
Footbed Material	Minimalist EVA
Midsole Material	(Not specified)

The Cairn Evo isn't very supportive for long-distance hikes or when carrying heavy loads. Their zero-drop flexible footbeds with minimal contouring can leave you feeling fatigued faster. That said, if what you want is a bit more support, the Cairn Evo 3D Pro has a contoured footbed and an upgraded sole, which kept our feet feeling fresh even after 8-mile hikes. Though the sizing has been updated with this line of sandals, they still aren't offered in half sizes. Still, these sandals are great for hikers who prefer minimalist straps but don't want to compromise on traction.

Read more: Bedrock Cairn Evo review

Best Rest and Recovery Sandals for Women

Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

When we tested the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3, we were immediately impressed by how comfortable they felt—almost like walking on cushioned clouds. After completing a weeklong backpacking expedition in the Rocky Mountains, slipping them on provided instant relief for tired feet. These slides have received approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for contributing to foot health. The footbed cradles your arches without being too firm, and the broad base offers a surprising sense of stability for a slide. Lead tester Kate comments, “I wore them around the house and even to the local hot springs, and they remained light, cool, and supportive the entire time. This slide has replaced my summer house shoes because of the gentle massage sensations on my mid-foot provided by the meta-rocker and sculpted footbed.”

Measured Weight (per pair)	12.5 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	EVA
Upper Material	EVA foam
Footbed Material	EVA foam
Midsole Material	EVA foam

However, the Hoka Ora Recovery is not ideal for long walks or even extended daily urban wear. It is a niche sandal for recovery purposes. It has limited traction, making it unsuitable for wet or slick surfaces. Try something like the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 if you need an all-around multi-purpose sandal that is comfortable for long walks. For a relaxed, casual sandal, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed or budget-friendly Cushionaire Lane Cork Footbed offer premium arch support and a versatile style.

Read more: Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 review

Sandals with the Best Foot Protection

Keen Newport H2 - Women's

If you're the type of person who prefers the security, stability, and support of a proper shoe but you're sick of having sweaty feet all summer, the Keen Newport H2 might just be your new favorite footwear. These high-coverage sandals with a rubber toe bumper offer more protection than their copycats. The Newport footbed is soft and impressively supportive, keeping your feet relatively dry even on hot days. A slightly narrower-than-average footbed is surrounded by slightly stretchy straps that, all together, provide a secure and stable fit.

Measured Weight (per pair)	21.1 oz (size 6.5)
Sole Material	Rubber
Upper Material	Polyester webbing
Footbed Material	Shock absorbing foam
Midsole Material	Foam

The Newport H2 has great traction in most daily wear. Their razor-thin slits in the outsoles, meant to channel water away, only open when bent very far, and these sandals don't offer quite as good wet traction as some of the more adventure-focused sandals in our lineup. They only have a single point of adjustability (the bungee cord across the top), and their snug fit means you may spend more time tugging them on than most. Then there's the elephant in the room — as one of our other testers remarked, “They just look dorky.” But these are a long-time staple in Keen's lineup for a reason. They're stable, protective, and comfortable. If you don't often wear sandals, you might be okay with the similar-looking Dream Pairs, but if you want a supportive sole and a secure fit, the Newport H2 is worth the investment.

Read more: Keen Newport H2 review

How We Tested

Since 2016, we have evaluated over 100 sandals in various real-life situations and assessed their comfort across a wide range of activities, including day hikes over 20 miles, multi-day backpacking trips, bike rides around town, and camping excursions in all seasons. We assess their stability and grip on tough terrain from scrambly trails to river rocks.

We also assess how sandals perform during everyday activities such as walking the dog, doing yard work, exploring new cities, and spending full days at amusement parks and festivals. We pay close attention to each sandal's adjustability and strap systems. After walking the walk, we have solid recommendations for the sandals that work best for different foot types and activities. Each sandal in this lineup is tested and evaluated across five performance metrics:

• Comfort (25% of total weighted score)

• Traction (25% weighting)

• Stability (20% weighting)

• Adjustability (15% weighting)

• Versatility (15% weighting)

Learn more about how we test our women's sandals.

Why Trust GearLab

As a sandal addict and Senior Review Editor, (Maggie Nichols) is always looking for a way not to wear socks and has worn hundreds of pairs of sandals through just about every excursion. She threw out her hiking shoes and started professionally guiding backpacking adventures and river trips in a sturdy pair of adventure sandals in 2007 and never looked back. From trekking through her Sierra Nevada neighborhood and wandering desolate desert paths to exploring flooded jungles and touring foreign cities, she never leaves home without a trusty pair of sandals.

As a National Park ranger, thru-hiker, and wilderness guide with thousands of miles of dusty footprints behind her, co-lead tester Kate Pitts lives in her favorite sandals and slides. As a backcountry ranger in the Grand Canyon, she helped distressed hikers with foot issues. At the ranger station clinic, she treated various foot problems caused by improper sandals, such as blood blisters, plantar fasciitis, foot fatigue, and hot spots. Kate learned from her own experiences on the trails and from her work as an EMT, caring for other hikers with foot issues, that certain sandal features contribute to happy feet. In her evaluations of the best casual and outdoor sandals, she looks for sandals that can go far for healthy feet.

Analysis and Test Results

We wore these sandals continuously to understand how they fit and function across different foot shapes, support needs, and environments. We tested them wet and dry, on smooth, flat surfaces and rocky hills, across pavement and sand.

What's the Best Value?

As with any purchase, finding a high-value item is ideal. And with a pair of sandals, the pressure is on — they should be comfortable, stylish, functional across many activities, and hopefully, not overly expensive. While this is a lot to ask, it's not impossible to find. Regarding high-functioning adventure, the Teva Original Universal has much to offer for a lower price tag, and it comes in many colors and patterns to match just about any summer outfit.

If you are looking for a casual option with high-end style and excellent support, the Cushionaire Luna is a bargain slide with a cork footbed that molds to your feet.

If you're the type who likes to wear sandals 100% of the time, investing in the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 can take you from backpacking trips to winery tours and everywhere in between.

Comfort

We've all worn uncomfortable shoes to complete an outfit, but that's not always for the best. That's why we thoroughly test each pair for comfort. We evaluate the flexibility and protection of the soles, the fit of the footbeds, and how the straps feel. We walked miles on various surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and trails, braving beach sand and bushwacking, to ensure they provide support and comfort for all foot shapes.

Some shoes are designed for comfort, and Hoka designed the Hoka Ora Recovery to help hard-working feet bounce back. “I felt like my feet were sinking into tiny clouds. After feeling achy from a grueling hike, that soft, cushioned footbed was exactly what I needed — it hugged my arches and took the pressure off my heels,” wrote lead tester Kate after recovering from a 14er ascent.

The Ecco Yucatan offers plush comfort. A molded EVA midsole provides support during long days and carrying heavy loads, while a microfiber footbed keeps your feet comfortable and relatively dry all day. The leather straps are lined with neoprene, offering enough stretch to add comfort without compromising fit. Their only downside is that they run narrow, with no wider options available. But they fit my slightly wider-than-average feet comfortably; if they fit yours, their comfort level is top-notch.

In our casual lineup, sandals that offer cork footbeds that mold to your feet over time tend to have premium arch support, deep heel cups, and orthopedic support. The Birkenstock Arizona and Mayori have a firmer feel with deeper heel cups and more pronounced arch support — ideal if you like structured, orthopedic-style comfort. The Cushionaire Lane and Luna are more padded, so we noticed they didn't need a break-in period. They gave us a softer underfoot experience right out of the box, with cushioning that feels a bit more forgiving for casual wear.

The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 features a contoured LUVSEAT™ footbed with pronounced arch support designed to promote healthy alignment and reduce fatigue. We love that the arch is firm and structured, offering orthopedic support ideal for long hikes, uneven terrain, or all-day wear. Lead tester Kate notes, “When I put on my Chacos, the first thing I noticed was how solid and supportive the arch felt under my foot. It's like the sandal was built to match my stride.”

The Chaco Bodhi accommodates feet of many shapes, while the soft webbing never caused hot spots, even through days of adventuring. “I was initially concerned that the strap between the toes would rub, but it didn't, even after scrambling up and down rocks, walking coarse sand beaches, and meandering downtown for hours,” comments lead tester Maggie. The Bodhi sole is thinner, lighter, and more flexible than other Chacos, with just enough arch support to keep you on even the longest hikes.

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro offers a nearly flat experience, with just a touch of ridges and crests in key spots near your toes to help keep your foot in place.

This 3D Pro version is also more supportive over longer days and farther distances than the less expensive and thinner iterations of this sandal.

The recently revamped Bedrock Cairn Evo is another pair that surprised us with its relative comfort for its minimalist design. Despite a flat (though textured) footbed, the strap design and fit of these sandals provided a snug fit for scrambling in rugged terrain. These are a good option if you want a barefoot feel but enough support to not feel rocks underfoot.

The Keen Newport H2 also impressed us with a footbed and midsole that create a supportive base on par with many standard tennis shoes. Though its overall fit is narrow, the straps feel soft against the top of our foot and have just the right amount of give.

For experienced barefoot walkers, the Xero Z-Trail also proved extremely comfortable. With a unique strap attachment system, I could wear these much looser than other options without compromising their overall fit. The Luna Mono features soft straps and a squishy, mostly smooth footbed for relaxed wear. They lost a little comfort when tightened completely, as the plastic buckle tends to dig into the feet.

The Chaco Z/1 Classic has a similar sole to the Z/Cloud 2 (though you can get the lighter Cloud sole with the no-toe strap configuration in the Z/Cloud version). The lack of a toe loop is actually more comfortable.

For individuals who prefer a snug strap system, the flexible sole of the Earth Runner Alpha is topped with a soft fabric footbed that I found exceptionally comfortable. The Keen Whisper has nearly as smooth a footbed with a comfortable sneaker-like feel. Both the Teva Original Universal and the Cairn Evo have flat soles with moderate texturing — great for anyone with flat feet or low arches.

Traction

Walking safely on challenging surfaces is a crucial quality for any pair of shoes. Our traction testing focused on two main aspects: we evaluated the soles on various types of surfaces and tested the grip of bare feet against the internal footbed in both dry and wet conditions. We assessed the shoe's lugs on steep gravel hills, slick, angled rocks, and wet, slippery boat decks. Additionally, we wore the shoes until our feet became sweaty and then tested their grip while wading through lakes and swift-moving rivers.

The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 and Chaco Bodhi have exceptionally grippy soles, but what stands out is their additional top-side traction — a combination of texturing, sloped edges around the heel, and a toe loop helps cement your foot in place. Maggie comments, “These traction traits easily allowed me to cross swift-moving streams, clamber over glassy boulders safely, and trek confidently up steep trails covered in loose gravel.”

The Chaco Z/1 Classic has a similar sole, but traction suffers slightly without the added toe loop.

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro also has very good traction, particularly on the bottom of the sole. Though the 3D footbed has marginally better traction than their redesigned flat counterparts (found in the regular Cairn Evo sandals), the difference is only noticeable with the two pairs compared side-by-side. “I wore one on each foot for long hikes and treks through flooded alpine meadows to be able to discern the difference. The biggest difference in their sole feel is that the regular Cairn Evo has far more flexible soles than the 3D Pro,” observed Maggie.

The Earth Runner Alpha has great traction on dry surfaces. They did well through loose sand and up steep inclines of loose gravel. Their fabric footbeds help to keep your feet firmly planted on them, even if you tend to get a bit sweaty.

The Xero Z-Trail also has impressively good traction. The large lugs on the sole are great for tricky terrain, and the sole's flexibility allows you to use the muscles in your feet to adapt to whatever you're walking across and offers more mobility than a rigid sole. On the flip side, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 has a rather rigid sole, but the underside offers excellent traction on most dry surfaces.

The Ecco Yucatan and Keen Newport H2 offer sneaker-like traction. Both perform above average in traction tests but lag slightly on wet surfaces compared to beefier adventure models like Chacos and Bedrocks. That said, both the Yucatan and the Newport have solid footbed traction. The Yucatan accomplishes this with a microfiber footbed covering, while the Newport has intricate textures and shapes carved into the footbed.

The Teva Tirra has fairly good traction during normal strides, though the edges of the sole are smooth, offering minimal grip in trickier situations. Both the Teva Original and Luna Mono have slightly above-average traction abilities due to the exaggerated patterns on the soles. However, they have flat, lightly textured footbeds that won't keep your foot from sliding around, particularly when sweaty or wet. The Keen Whisper provides about the same level of traction as an average pair of sneakers. However, sweaty feet slide inside these not-very-breathable shoes when worn without socks.

Out of our casual lineup, Birkenstock Arizona and Birkenstock Mayari aren't built like a hiking sandal, but their traction holds up surprisingly well for everyday wear. The EVA outsole features a simple wave-pattern tread that provides a decent grip on dry pavement, wood floors, and even light gravel.

Stability

Stability in a sandal is crucial for keeping your feet supported, aligned, and secure, especially during long walks or on uneven terrain. A stable sandal helps prevent your foot from sliding around, reduces strain on your ankles and knees, and minimizes the risk of slips or injuries. Whether you're running errands or hitting the trail, good stability means less fatigue, better posture, and more confidence in every step. We evaluated the strap security, flexibility, balance, weight, and exterior protection of each sandal.

When keeping your feet stable in a pair of sandals, strap placement is one of the most significant indicators of overall stability, followed by the shape of the footbed. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is one of the most stable we tested, with straps anchored to all the key spots surrounding your foot, including between your toes. The Chaco adjustment system enables full customization of the strap fit, enhancing their overall security. The Ecco Yucatan is also impressively stable. They have a sturdy sole, with straps anchored in all the right spots to stop your foot from sliding off sideways. Each of the three straps holding your foot in place can be easily cinched tight with simple Velcro.

The Chaco Z/1 Classic is nearly as stable as the Z/Cloud 2 (their soles are essentially the same shape and texture) — it lacks only the added security of the two additional anchor points the toe loop of the Z/Cloud 2 provides. The Chaco Bodhi, with its even fewer strap anchor points, suffers a further degree of instability. Although minimalist strap designs are typically the most stable, these are among the most stable we've tested because they encapsulate the big toe, anchoring the Bodhi more firmly to the forefoot.

The Keen Newport H2 raises the bar for anchor points, enveloping your entire foot in a close-knit structure of straps. Their configuration and overall snug fit add more stability to these sneaker-adjacent sandals. We tested other similar-looking sandals — like the Dream Pairs — and none could match the performance of the Newport H2.

The Earth Runner Alpha features a snug strap system that securely fastens these sandals to your foot and a firm clasp that remains in place, even after miles of wear. The sole and strap of the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro and Cairn Evo also offer a decent level of stability, but there's more wiggle room, particularly in side-to-side movements and through water. The 3D Pro version has mild topography on the footbed that helps some wearers feel more secure. The Xero Z-Trail is stable on dry surfaces, but the looser fit isn't ideal for wading through moving water.

The Teva Original has a rather secure strap design, but the flat footbeds allow slippage when wet. Similarly, the Luna Mono can be tightened for additional stability, but it also has a nearly smooth footbed that doesn't mix well with moisture. The Keen Whisper has a closed toe and provides much coverage. While all this added security makes them about as stable as a sturdy pair of sneakers, it also traps foot sweat, which doesn't promote stability. The Teva Tirra has additional straps in key places and a stiff sole that tends to dump the toes off the end when you bend your foot too far.

Birkenstock's structured footbed found in the Arizona and Mayori is engineered to mirror the shape and movement of a healthy foot, promoting natural alignment and balance. The deep heel cup and defined arch support anchor the foot in place, preventing excess motion and distributing weight evenly. Over time, the cork-latex blend molds to your unique footprint. The Cushionaire Luna and Lane also have a structured footbed, but it is more cushioned and slightly less defined.

When testing sandals designed for rest days, we were impressed by the Hoka Ora Recovery's broad base and Active Foot Frame meta-rocker, which gently cradled our foot while walking around the local hot springs without overcorrecting natural movement.

Adjustability

Adjustability is key to dialing in the right fit because no two feet are exactly alike. Features like hook-and-loop straps or buckles allow you to fine-tune tension across the forefoot, instep, or heel, ensuring your sandal hugs your foot without pinching or slipping. We evaluate how easily each pair can be adjusted and how readily it can be changed. For models with no adjustability, we assess their performance as slides.

Some of the most adjustable sandals we tested are also the most complicated to dial in. All the Chacos sandals in the lineup can fine-tune your adjustments to fit your feet perfectly. Both pairs with toe loops — the Bodhi and the Z/Cloud 2 — require additional work and patience to discover the perfect strap tightness. However, the Bodhi cuts out some of that hassle by making the toe loop the only portion to adjust. While Chacos are more complicated to get perfect, they also offer the most adjustability.

The Xero Z-Trail EV features an easily adjusted Z strap that can be quickly pulled or loosened. The heel strap is fully velcro, further adding to adjustability. You cannot, however, overtighten these sandals — the outwardly bent rubber anchors for the Z strap prevent it from getting too tight, which is great for comfort. Both Bedrock sandals tested have nearly the same adjustment systems, allowing you to change the lengths of three of the four sections of straps. The Cairn Evo has a “whitewater grade” velcro strap around the heel that is infinitely adjustable, while the Cairn Evo 3D Pro repeats the hook and loop adjustment system found on the arch sides of both pairs. Their hook and loop systems are simple to use, though limited in their ability to be fine-tuned.

The Luna Mono has a single strap design meant to be easily adjustable. However, adjusting it is more challenging than other models employing similar concepts. The Teva Original, Teva Hurricane, and Ecco Yucatan all have long velcro adjustments on nearly every portion of the strap systems.

All of the Birkenstock and Cushionaire options are slides with simple buckle straps that are easy to adjust once to your foot, and then you're good to go.

Versatility

A versatile sandal is like a summer sidekick—ready for anything, from spontaneous beach strolls to casual dinners downtown. The magic lies in its ability to pair with a range of outfits and activities: supportive enough for light walking or burly peak bagging, stylish enough to dress up, and breathable enough to keep you thermo-regulated.

Whether it features adjustable straps for a customized fit, a color palette you love, or durable materials that transition seamlessly from van life to backyard barbecues, a truly versatile sandal adapts to your lifestyle. We evaluate packability, taking into account weight, size, and overall shape.

We were impressed by the versatility of the Chaco Bodhi. Not only does it perform impressively well in tons of scenarios, but it also has an appealing style. We felt just as confident wearing them on a 15-mile hike as with a cute dress to the boardwalk. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 and Z/1 Classic are versatile options. They both have a more “outdoorsy” vibe, but both can be purchased in a dizzying array of colors and patterns that change yearly.

Both Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals have a similar look and style, with minimal straps generally considered to provide slightly more style. However, they also have many hooks, clips, and seams on their straps, giving them a distinctly utilitarian vibe. The Xero H-Trail has a similar appearance to the Bedrocks and is designed for barefoot enthusiasts. They're some of the lightest and most packable options tested, making them a great option for travel.

The Birkenstock Arizona and Cushionaire Lane are sandals that show up ready for anything, a laid-back brunch, dog walk, rooftop party, or that quick grocery run that somehow turns into a full-blown stroll. We love its iconic double-strap design and earthy, no-fuss charm. Our lead tester has worn the Arizona for decades, casually with a swimsuit or dressing them up for a dinner party. She was also pleasantly surprised by the Lane, which gives similar vibes and support for a fraction of the price.

The Mayori and Luna are an elegant twist on the corkbed slides, featuring a stable and classy toe loop. They still offer all-day comfort but are a little dressier and are a sexy look at dinner parties.

The Earth Runner Alpha and Luna Mono come in limited colors, but both are also decently light and fairly packable, making them good vacation companions. The Xero Z-Trail EV and Teva Original Universal have reasonably accommodating looks and the cross-sport versatility to earn high marks in this metric. The Z-Trail appearance was generally enjoyed more, but the Original Universal can be purchased in many different colors and patterns, as can the Ecco Yucatan and the Keen Newport H2.

How to Choose the Best Women's Sandals

Like any footwear, there are a lot of different kinds of sandals out there. Asking yourself some key questions can help to guide you to a pair that not only fits your style, but will support you wherever you plan to wear them.

Related: How to Choose Sandals for Women

What Type of Terrain Will I Be Exploring?

The sole of your sandal plays a crucial role in determining its performance and suitability for different activities. If you plan to hike and swim while wearing your sandals, it's important to choose a sole that provides rugged traction for better grip. Some sandals designed specifically for water activities come with features that enhance traction on slippery surfaces, such as submerged boulders, slick docks, and wet boat decks.

Additionally, consider the side-to-side stability of your sandals. If you'll be walking on inclines, uneven terrain, or in running water, look for a pair with straps positioned at key points—such as both sides of your forefoot and heel, and possibly a toe anchor. This will help ensure that your foot stays securely in place. Lastly, pay attention to the texture of the footbed, especially if you plan to use the sandals in water or if you tend to have sweaty feet.

What Kind of Support Do I Need?

Thicker soles don't always mean more support, though it can help. If you plan to spend long days on your feet or carrying heavy loads, look for sandals with plush midsole material. Depending on how much arch support you want, the shape of a sandal's footbed can make a big difference. You'll often have to try pairs to see how they feel on your foot shape. Also, note which sandals tend to run narrow or aren't offered in wide sizes, as that can cause rubbing against your toes and decrease overall support. There's no surefire way to know how supportive a sandal is, but reading user reviews (and articles like this one!) can help you understand which might offer the combination of traits you need. If you can get to a store to try some on, that's ideal. If not, try to order from an online source with a generous and straightforward return policy.

What's My Ideal Foot Feel?

Adequate, well-fitting straps can make or break a good sandal. Beyond just strap configuration, consider if you like to wear your sandals tight against your feet or loosely. If you prefer a looser fit, seek out sandals with high adjustability that will let you tailor them to your preference. For a more secure fit, look for a sandal that securely locks in your feet with flexible, soft straps that are less likely to rub when pulled tight. Padding, such as neoprene, can be beneficial in prone-to-rub spots — particularly if your sandals are wet or filled with sand. Casual sandals are often slides, but transcend flip-flops because they can offer orthopedic support and traction suitable for standing or walking all day.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect sandal to keep up with you all day without leaving your feet sore and blistered is challenging. We seek sandals that provide support for a healthy, natural orthopedic shape and stride, stability to navigate rough terrain, and overall comfort to ground us through life's wild unknowns. May our intensive testing and side-by-side comparisons help you determine the right pair of sandals for your lifestyle and happy feet. No matter what you decide to try, make sure you have a window to return them if they aren't quite right for your unique feet. And may your toes wiggle freely, your soles find perfect harmony, and every step feel like a connection to life from the ground up. Your feet carry stories—may they walk into your best path.

Want something a bit more casual and easier to slip on and off? See our favorite flip flops for women. Check out our review of water shoes for dedicated water sports. We've also tested other kinds of useful footwear, including women's hiking shoes and top trail running shoes for women, selecting our favorites along the way. When it's time to relax, see the top slippers from testing.