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The 19 most comfortable sandals for women to shop for 2024 — from Birkenstock to Vionic
Everyone knows that the right pair of shoes can make or break your day. With the temperature having started to inch up, you’ve likely already found a go-to pair of comfortable walking sneakers, but if you’re looking to let your feet breathe this summer, finding the best sandals is key. While there are thousands of sandals in stores that claim to be comfortable, you’ve probably found out the hard way that most are more painful than they look, whether you have narrow feet, wide feet or high arches.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
Most comfortable sandal overall
Vionic Amber Adjustable Sandal
Most comfortable podiatrist-design sandal
Teva Sport Sandal
Most comfortable sporty sandal
Vionic Marvina Sandal
Most comfortable leather sandal
Dream Pairs Open Toe Elastic Ankle Strap Sandal
Most comfortable affordable sandal
Sperry Windward Float Slide
Most comfortable waterproof sandal
FitFlop Iqushion Flip-Flops
Most comfortable flip-flop
Oofos Ooahh Slide
Most comfortable slide
Munro Pisces
Most comfortable sandal for work
Chaco Women's Z2 Classic Sandal
Most comfortable sandal for walking
Kork Ease Myrna 2.0 Sandal
Most comfortable wedge sandal
Skechers On-the-go 600 Brilliancy Sport Sandal
Most comfortable sandal for long distances
Madewell The Charley Double-Strap Slide Sandal
Most comfortable stylish sandal
PowerStep Arch Supporting Thong Sandal
Most comfortable sandal with arch support
Reef Water Vista Higher
Most comfortable flatform sandal
Keen Whisper Closed Toe Sport Sandals
Most comfortable sandal for hiking
Oofos Oolala Luxe Sandal
Most comfortable sandal for all day support
Teva Tirra Sandal
Most comfortable sandal with good traction
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3
Most comfortable sandal for recovery
Instead of wasting money on options that give you blisters, pinched toes and achy feet, we turned to podiatrists to find out exactly how to shop for the perfect pair of comfy sandals. With their tips in mind, we scoured the internet and polled our own team of shopping experts to find the most comfortable sandals for women available, across multiple categories to avoid foot pain for all-day comfort. Whether you’re looking for supportive slides or hiking sandals with good traction, there's an option on this list for just about everyone. Read on to find the pair that's best for you.
Sizes: 4 to 15
Colors: 55 options
Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates gives Birkenstocks the thumbs up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers and four of our very own editors! Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza wears them so often she said "They've become almost a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home'." Birkenstock Arizona's have been known as one of the most comfortable sandals around for decades. The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you grip so your feet aren’t sliding around. Even better, there are two adjustable straps, so you can find a custom supportive fit. Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards says they are so comfy, stylish and supportive, that she wears them in everyday life and on European vacations that are full of walking. "I LIVE in these sandals because they're so comfortable," she raved.
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Durable
- Arch Support
- Expensive
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 2 options
Every pair of shoes from the brand has been specially designed by a team of podiatrists to provide you with the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM at NYC Private Medical is a big fan of the brand because they are “the most supportive out of a variety of sandals and they have good arch support.” This cute pair is one of Vionic’s most popular sandals and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they have a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, but they have also been biomechanically designed “to hug your arches and support your feet in comfort,” The sandals have a built-in orthotic that is effective in helping to treat heel pain like plantar fasciitis) and its flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock and reduces stress on your feet, ankles, and knees. Plus, shoppers love how versatile they are. “I wore the sandals out of the box walking 12,000+ steps a day and all over Old San Juan during a vacation without a single problem! They look great as well with both pants and skirts,” wrote one.
- Cushioned
- Supportive
- Adjustable straps
- Podiatrist-designed
- Only two colors
Sizes: 5 to 13
Colors: 64 options
I wear these comfy sandals anytime I know I’m going to be walking a lot. I first bought the Teva Sport Sandals for a trip to Morocco and they have since became my go-to sandals. Not only do they provide me with pain-free wear but the sleek, minimalist design allows me to pair them with everything from cute dresses to flowy linen pants. The cute kicks feature polyester straps with Velcro, including a backstrap, that are super soft against the skin and didn't dig in or give me blisters once, even when I was walking around for 20,000+ steps a day sightseeing. The sandals are fully adjustable thanks to the hook-and-loop straps, so I was able to find my perfect fit and not worry about them slipping or sliding. They also have a contoured footbed for comfort, a durable rubber sole and they are quick-drying so I was able to wear them to the beach and pool without worrying about getting them wet.
- Tons of colors
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Some shoppers said they got blisters when breaking them in
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 4 options
These sleek leather sandals will elevate any warm-weather look. Another pair from the podiatrist-designed brand Vionic, these leather strap sandals feature a sturdy thong that helps your toes get a comfortable grip and a second thicker strap behind that for even more support. There is a heel height of 1.5 inches to give you a slight boost while still making them completely walkable and they boast the brand’s signature Vionic technology that helps support the natural alignment of your foot from the ground up. Even people with foot issues find them incredibly comfortable and supportive. “I own this sandal in every color! Extremely comfortable. I had a partially torn tibial tendon and I thought I could never wear flip-flops or sandals again until I tried these,” said one.
- Podiatrist-designed
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Expensive
Sizes: 5 to 11
Colors: 11 options
Our Senior Beauty Editor, Jennifer Romolini is on her second pair of I'm wildly comfortable, super affordable sandals from Amazon. "There's nothing particularly 'special' about the design, no bells or whistles, but they're well made and the slightly-padded platform makes them more cushion-y than the flat leather sandals. The sandals are easy to put on and take off — no zippers or buckles here — and they're mega-stretchy, too, so they won't dig into the sides of your feet. And did we mention how stylish the budget-friendly kicks are? "I get compliments on them all the time — once a woman actually stopped me on the street to find out the brand," said Romolini.
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Stretchy
- Stylish
- Supportive
- Not adjustable
Sizes: 7 to 14
Colors: 6 options
Another one of my favorite pairs of sandals this Sperry pair. Not only are they extremely comfortable but they're waterproof, too. Sperry has been producing high-quality footwear since its origination in 1935, and these waterproof slides are no different. I’ve had a pair for over a year now and wear them every time I hit the beach or pool. In addition to being incredibly cushioned and lightweight, they are made from a durable rubber material that molds to my feet. They are on the narrow side which helps keep them in place when I wear them both in and out of the water. Even better, they have a treaded sole that gives them top-notch traction on slippery surfaces.
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Supportive
- Cushioned
- Not the most stylish
Sizes: 5 to 11
Colors: 30 options
Another one of Dr. Brenner’s picks are these FitFlop flip-flops are made from 100% rubber and have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for footwear found to promote good foot health. “I like the FitFlop brand as the majority of their shoes have a rubber outsole (which helps with friction) and the arch is thick with a wide chunky heel giving extra support,” she said. The biomechanically-engineered sandals are slip-resistant and have a soft jelly upper micro-bubble foam ergonomic footbed that is ultra-comfortable and makes for the best flip-flop. One happy shopper wrote, “These flip flops are great! They have a nice arch and a cushioned heel. I can wear them all day they are that comfortable!”
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Slip-resistant
- Lots of colors
- Supportive
- A lot of color options
- Some shoppers said it ran big so check the size chart
Sizes: 5 to 15
Colors: 13 options
These Oofos sandals are as cute as they are comfortable. The sleek slides are odor-resistant and waterproof, and they feature extra cushioning, which helps reduce stress on your feet, knees and lower back. They are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and come in six easy-to-match colors. One Zappos customer wrote, “I cannot say enough about this shoe - best slide out there. I feel like I am walking on bouncy clouds. The only con is that it makes me hate all my other shoes.”
- Reduces stress
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Odor-resistant
- Not the most stylish
Sizes: 4 to 11
Colors: 16 options
If you’ve been on the hunt for a pair of sandals that are comfortable enough for all day wear and stylish enough to wear to work, look no further than this pair by Munro. The sandals’ suede-covered cork and latex footbed is super soft against your feet and provide ample cushioning, while the stretchy slingback ankle straps provide extra support around the ankle. They have a 1-inch heel height, but shoppers say they are still incredibly comfortable to walk in. “Stylish, very comfortable, and well-cushioned sandal that can be worn with capris as well as casual dresses,” wrote one. “This sandal is great for business travel as it packs well, is very comfortable and has the versatility of being dressed up or down. Loved this sandal so much that this is my second pair.”These supportive sandals are so sleek you can wear them anywhere — including the office.
- Cute
- Stretchy
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Expensive
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 14 options
Looking for comfortable walking sandals you can go for miles in? Thousands of shoppers recommend this option from Chaco. The criss-crossing straps and toe loop keep your foot in place, while the brand’s patented Luvseat technology provides “durability, daylong comfort, and arch support.” The ChacoGrip outsoles have 3.0 mm lug depth, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding and they have an adjustable lock buckle at ankle, so you can find your perfect fit. “Chacos never disappoint. Great sandals to wear all day. Sturdy shoes that are great for outdoor activities. Great to walk in all day,” one five-star reviewer noted. Bonus: There are 23 different styles to choose from!
- Supportive
- Adjustable straps
- Cushioned
- Arch support
- Pricey
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 5 options
"I love a little lift to my sandals, but comfort is also key, and the Myrna 2.0 sandals by Korkease offer both," said Editor-in-Chief Laura Kenney. "The nude shade also helps visually lengthen your legs since it's pretty close to my skin color and just creates a nice line. Korkease makes these sandals in darker Golden Sand and Brown versions too, to sync with a range of skin tones." Along with being comfortable and stylish, the classic sandals have a rubber outsole that offers excellent traction and an adjustable ankle strap for added support. While the wedge adds some lift, they are still under 2 inches making them super easy to walk in. Kenney does note that they are so great and she wears them so often, that they can wear out easily so they might not be the most durable if you plan on wearing them every day for hours at a time. "I wear them so much that they just last me one summer and I can't carry them over to the next year."
- Cute
- Supportive
- Adjustable Strap
- Great traction
- Expensive
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 10 options
Senior Deals Writer, Carrie McCabe wore these comfy Skechers sandals for up to 12-hours a day on a 10-day adventure through Italy and had no complaints! "The one thing I did not stress about were my feet, even after long, long l days of walking the streets of Rome, Florence and Milan. These Skechers sandals were perfect for staying cool and comfortable while pounding the pavement, and I definitely noticed the difference when I had to swap over to my other, closed-toed shoes." She loved how cushioned and supportive the double strapped sandals were and said they were so sturdy, "they never felt like they'd come flying off my feet even when hustling between our destinations."
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Good traction
- Adjustable straps
- Sporty look might not be for everyone
Sizes: 5.5 to 10
Colors: 1 option
"These stylish, yet simplistic sandals from Madewell have some give along the sides and a special CloudLift sole for sufficient padding with every step, I bought them on a whim last season and they've become my go-to sandal since," said Senior Commerce Writer, Kristin Granero. "I get tons of compliments, and was happy to learn the leather is sourced from a tannery that has received high ratings for its sustainability practices, too." While they are super comfortable and supportive for normal wear, Granero did note like all leather shoes they can get a bit slippery when wet, so advises you keep them as dry as possible. And while they may seem pricey, she said you'll want to wear them so much they'll more than pay off in cost-per-wear.
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Supportive
- Leather
- One color
Sizes: 6 to 11
Colors: 7 options
Dr. Bass is a consultant for the brand so you know it gives you the all-day support you need. These sleek sandals are his top pick because “They provide a contoured arch, with shock absorbing cushioning and they have a deep heel cradle to provide stability.” The orthotic sandals also have a non-slip grip on the bottoms and a soft thick thong strap that feels good against the foot. “These flip-flops felt perfect from the first moment I stepped into them. Good fit at the heel, great fit between the toes, and the arch support is wonderful,” said one customer. “ These flip flops allow your foot to remain relaxed while walking.”
- Arch support
- Comfortable
- Shock-absorbing
- Cushioned
- Not the most stylish
Sizes: 5 to 11
Colors: 6 options
If fashion-forward flatforms are more your style, our Contributing Writer, Libby Sentz recommends this cute pair from Reef. "I've finally landed on a dreamy, waterproof, lightweight, crazy-comfy vegan sandal for pool days ahead. At 2.5 inches, the new Reef Water Vista Higher is, indeed, higher than I'm used to (which is great for looking leggy in my swimsuit), but the platform is super-stable, supportive and feels like a recovery shoe. Trust, I do not do heels, but these are a breeze to wear," she said. The rugged lugs on the sole keep you from slipping and sliding around, while the molded EVA footbed is super comfortable for all-day wear. Bonus: these cute flatforms come in six stylish colors and there's also a lower version if you want less of a lift.
- Cute
- Comfortable
- Adjustable strap
- Good traction
- Some shoppers say they run big
Sizes: 5 to 12
Colors: 27 options
The rugged summer sandals are so popular, they have earned themselves over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s easy to see why these waterproof sandals are so in-demand. Not only do they feature a metatomical footbed that offers ample arch support, they also boast a molded EVA midsole that customers say is as comfortable as their favorite pair of running shoes. The cushioned sandals also have a closed-toe design to protect your feet from the elements, a bungee lace capture system to help you create a custom fit, and a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction. Shoppers also love the breathable mesh fabric straps that contour to their feet and the fact that the supportive sandals are machine-washable. “These are the best sandals I have ever bought anywhere. They can get wet and it's OK! They can go with slacks, jeans, dresses, hiking, to dinner, anywhere. And if you are a clutz like me you will NEVER stub your toe,” raved one.
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Adjustable
- Great traction
- Water-resistant
- Pricey
Sizes: 5 to 11
Colors: 4 options
These sturdy sandals have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality. This flip-flop features the brand’s signature Oofoam technology that helps cushion your foot while you walk. The brand's special tech also absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear foam. A patented footbed cradles your arches to minimize stress on your feet, knees and back. "These are my latest favorite," Dr. Lockwood says. "They last a long time and have a great footbed." What’s more, the flip-flops are machine-washable for easy cleanup.
- Reduces stress
- Cushioned
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Machine-washable
- Pricey
Sizes: 5 to 11
Colors: 12 options
These Teva sandals offer so much comfort, support and traction, they also made Sentz's list.
"This is the most comfortable run-around footwear in my shoe closet," she said. "I have painful nerve damage to my right foot (Morton's neuroma), but thanks to the excellent arch support, contoured footbed and fully adjustable width, these feel like an orthotic, yet they're cute. The top-notch traction means they're trail-ready. Even better, they are vegan and made from recyclable materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Adjustable straps
- Great traction
- Pricey
Sizes: 5 to 16
Colors: 21 options
Athletes and workout enthusiasts love these! These Hoka sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. They boast perforated detailing on the upper to increase airflow and keep feet cool, and they have a molded sugarcane EVA midsole that offers the perfect amount of bounce and cushioning. Even better, there are 21 stylish colorways to choose from. “I bought these as I had read that they are great for plantar fasciitis. Now I put these on when I get up and rarely take them off my feet. If I could only wear them to church!! LOVE LOVE LOVE these and will be purchasing in multiple colors,” raved one customer.
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Great for after workouts
- Arch support
- Might be too clunky for every day
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
How we chose the most comfortable sandals
We tapped a team of podiatrists to find out what to look for when shopping for a foot-friendly option. With their tips in mind, we scoured the internet and polled our own team of shopping experts to find the best options for women across multiple categories.
Frequently asked questions about shopping for sandals:
What should you look for when shopping for a comfortable sandal?
As with any shoe, the most important part of finding a comfortable sandal is finding one that fits just right. It should support your entire foot. If it's too big, your foot will slide; if too small, your foot will hang off the sides or the back. “Sandals should provide the proper support for your feet. I tell all patients to avoid the flat, inexpensive flip-flops” said Bass. Brenner agreed, saying you want to “make sure the width and the length of the sandal perfectly match your foot. For example, the sandal should be as wide as your foot to provide proper support.”
You also want to make sure the sandal’s soles are sturdy and won’t “bend in half like a burrito,” said Brenner, as that can cause serious damage. Lockwood said that if you can easily bend the base of a sandal, it’s not giving you the support you need, and "it’s almost like you're walking barefoot.”
Are there any features or materials to look for?
For the upper, you’ll want to look for materials that are soft against the foot and won’t cause unwanted blisters. Brenner recommends looking for options made from vegan leather, soft leather or suede material and adds “make sure there aren't any straps going over bony prominences” to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing.
For down under, the sole should be made from a durable rubber that provides traction on different types of surfaces. Added Brenne: “For the midsole, it's good to have a material called EVA, which helps with shock absorption or polyurethane, which is lightweight, resilient, flexible and helps with shock absorption.”
Our team of experts:
Dr. Alan L. Bass, DPM, CPC, of Central Jersey Foot & Ankle Care
Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM at Private Medical in New York City
Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.