The best women's walking sandals for summer travel

Best overall: Vivaia Kiara Sport Sandals

They're built with spongy, quilted footbeds. My first few steps in the Vivaia Sport Sandals felt like walking on a cloud to due to their cushioned insole, and dual arch support. They're extremely comfortable and strike the perfect aesthetic balance for casual or dressy outfits.

I feel secure wearing these. Thanks to the durable, anti-slip outsole, these sandals feel ultra-stable on my feet regardless of what kind of terrain I'm covering on my travels.

They're super adjustable. What I really appreciate about these sandals most is that the criss-cross straps across the foot are extra stretchy. That means whether you have narrow or wide feet, these will git like a glove. Not only that, but the ankle strap has an adjustable buckle.

By the way — Vivaia has made our list of the best travel shoes, most comfortable heels, best flats, best loafers for women, best ankle boots, and best knee-high boots. Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best budget: Dr. Scholl's Island Glow

Dr. Scholl's is known for making shoes that prioritize comfort — after all, the brand was founded by a podiatrist back in 1906. The Island Glow Sandals in particular are a solid pick for warding off discomfort during your travels — not to mention, they're incredibly lightweight.

It's so easy to pull them on and off. The side buckles on these sandals confused me at first, but then I realized they were nonfunctional. Honestly, the faux buckle still looks nice and I actually prefer the Velcro strap closure, because they're much faster to put on and take off this way.

They're surprisingly cute. I got a few compliments when I was wearing these sandals to a casual family gathering. I wasn't surprised, either: They look like real leather, and the wood—like low wedge heel is a nice visual touch.

They're really versatile. These sandals go with literally everything, from jean shorts and flowy skirts to leggings and maxi dresses. They're versatile enough that I can wear them while sightseeing and then head straight to lunch at a nice restaurant with no footwear changes.

They're very supportive. Between the contoured footbed and cushioned insole with arch support, these sandals definitely prevented discomfort — even after standing and walking around in them for nearly six hours. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best flip flop: FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals

The recovery-style footbed feels supportive all day. The reason FitFlop's RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals feel so comfortable is that they have triple-density EVA midsoles, which cushion your heel, arch, and forefoot with different levels of firmness. This soft foam footbed molds to your feet over time, and the slight wedge helps take pressure off your lower back and arches. I wore them for full days of sightseeing in Spain and New York and was pleasantly surprised to find my feet, calves, and lower back stayed comfortable after eight hours of walking.

The roomy fit is ideal. Unlike most flip-flops that force your toes together, these have a roomy toe box that lets your feet splay naturally without feeling sloppy. I found the fit ideal for my average-to-slightly-wide feet, and the lightly textured straps kept my feet secure without making my toes grip with every step. The wedge also felt stable underfoot, with no sliding or ankle-rolling.

They're polished enough to replace multiple travel sandals. With their minimal branding and a sleek shape, I've packed these sandals ahead of several summer trips. The streamlined straps and subtle wedge look more elevated than a standard rubber flip-flop, without veering into orthopedic territory. The main drawback is that the thong strap can cause friction in hot, humid weather, so it's worth applying moleskin or a Band-Aid preventatively. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full FitFlop flip flop review.

Honorable mention: OluKai 'Ohana Flip Flop

Best waterproof: Bared Footwear Sanderlings Rubber Sandals

Bared Footwear stands out for several reasons — for one, it was founded by a podiatrist. The company also makes big sustainability efforts, and sources responsible materials. These 100% vegan sandals have a sleek look but are also thoughtfully designed to offer all-day support. They even come packaged in an adorable terrycloth carrying case, that I plan to use as a toiletry bag while traveling.

They're easy to clean. The Sanderling sandals are made from a natural rubber blend, and they couldn't possibly be easier to wipe down. When I got some dirt on them, I was able to wipe it away in seconds with a damp cloth.

They're adjustable all around. Both the buckle across the foot and the ankle strap are adjustable, allowing for a custom fit.

They're water-resistant. Because these won't get damaged from water exposure, I can wear them to water parks, beaches, and swimming pools. Plus, they're cute enough that I don't have to change my shoes when I want to head straight to drinks or lunch after.

I don't have to compromise on comfort. The low wedge style on these sandals makes them one of the most versatile pairs I've ever tested. Like all of Bared Footwear's other shoes, these are designed with the brand's signature contoured and cushioned biomechanical footbed, which boasts an arch shape designed to minimize pressure on the heel, and a heel cup that offers unparalleled support. Typically, sandals with a strap across the toes tend to pinch since that's the widest part of my foot, but thankfully that was not the case with these sandals. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Honorable mention: Reef Water Vista Higher 2

Best leather: Frankie4 Hunter

They have the polish of leather without the break-in time. Okay, these aren't 100% leather, but that's actually part of what makes them great. Frankie4's Hunter Sandals are crafted with leather straps, so you get the timeless, elevated look that tends to age beautifully and stand up to years of travel better than synthetic sandals. But then it's paired with a highly comfortable and soft rice husk sole, which is going to be more forgiving out-of-the-box than an a 100% leather pair. I've found myself reaching for these whenever I want something that feels polished but can still handle long sightseeing days around Aspen and Virginia.

The footbed is much softer than it looks. The roomy rice husk footbeds are layered with cushioning that supports your arches and feels noticeably softer underfoot than traditional cork.

They've become my most versatile summer sandals. The clean leather straps and subtle platform create an elevated, minimalist look that works with everything from linen pants to work dresses. I especially appreciate that the adjustable strap sits at the heel rather than across the top of the foot, keeping the design sleek and secure. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

See more of our favorite Frankie4 styles in our guides to the most comfortable women's dress shoes and most comfortable heels.

Best lightweight: Teva Original Universal Slim Sandals

They're ridiculously lightweight. At just 5.5 ounces, these sandals are perfect for packing light. They feel like practically nothing every time you lift your foot, which is a real asset after hours of walking.

They're thin, but not flimsy. I try to wear shoes that ease my lower back pain, and while these aren't the most supportive pair on this list, I was surprised how comfortable they were after walking in them for over five hours. The EVA midsoles are pre-molded to support your arches and heel stability, and they'll further conform to your foot shape the longer you wear them.

The minimalist design makes them super versatile. The Teva Original Universal Slim Sandals have thin straps, but they're designed to securely cover your toes, ankle, and forefoot and have multiple points of adjustability. With slim straps and 10 different color offerings, these sandals do a pretty good job at looking inconspicuous with everything from a sundress to a hiking outfit. Especially if you're traveling, this kind of versatility will be highly valuable. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our comparison between Chaco vs Teva sandals.

Best for hiking: Hoka Infini Hike TC

The footbeds are cushy and supportive. The Infini Hike TC Sandals deliver Hoka's signature supportive cushioning for your knees and joints with their dual-density midsole, along with solid stability and a deep heel cup to absorb shock and keep your feet feeling fresh for miles. As someone who's tested and reported on supportive walking shoes for years, I've found this to be the perfect balance for keeping your lower body happy on long hikes or walks.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole holds firm on sandy, rocky, and slippery terrain. I wore these on a six-mile hike through the Colorado mountains, as well as many slimy-bottomed river adventures, and I was seriously impressed by their traction. The 3.5mm lugs felt reliably steady on all kinds of trails, both wet and dry.

The straps are comfortable even when wet, and the fit is highly customizable. These sandals have three points of adjustability — across the toe, across the forefoot, and behind the ankle, which covered all my bases for getting a personalized fit. I also love that the straps are webbed underneath for a more secure fit. The material was quick to dry and didn't create any uncomfortable rubbing or hot spots.

The buckles can be a little hard to snap sometimes. This wasn't a deal breaker for me, especially against the top-notch midsole support. If you have grip or dexterity issues, you'll be happier with the Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandal, which are similar in design and have an easy-access Velcro strap instead. After running in Hoka shoes for over ten years, I've compiled all the details on my favorite models in our guide to the best Hokas. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best arch support: UGG Goldenstar

They are so, so soft. It's hard for me to overstate how luxurious these feel on your feet. The velvety UGG suede is smooth on your skin underfoot and overtop from the straps. I was also surprised that my feet didn't get too sweaty or damp after wearing these in the sun for over six hours straight.

The arch support lasts all day. The contoured EVA footbed does an excellent job of cradling your arches without feeling overly rigid or corrective. I wore these standing in the summer heat all day at our neighborhood yard sale, and my feet stayed remarkably ache-free from start to finish. I also felt the footbed beginning to mold to my feet the more I wore them, making the support feel even more personalized to my unique foot shape over time.

They're surprisingly lightweight for a platform sandal. At just under 10 ounces each — about the weight of a typical running shoe — the UGG Goldenstar Sandals never felt heavy despite their chunky silhouette.

The adjustable fit works for a variety of foot shapes. Two hook-and-loop straps — one across the forefoot and one around the ankle — make it easy to dial in a secure fit without sacrificing the sandal's clean, minimalist look. I especially appreciate that I could independently adjust the toe and ankle, in case your feet swell or you want to style them with slouchy socks in cooler weather. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best slides: OluKai Kīpe'a 'Olu

They're super versatile for a travel wardrobe. I like to pack slides when I travel, since they're easy to slip on for coffee runs, pool days, or dinners after sightseeing. This leather pair comes in six richly-saturated finishes molded into a modern, laidback design.

The leather looks elevated without sacrificing comfort. I was surprised that, unlike many leather sandals that require a long break-in period, the Kīpe'a 'Olu slides are comfortable right away. The premium leather crisscross straps held my foot securely without feeling restrictive or creating any hot spots. I have a slightly wider-than-average forefoot and they fit great, though I wouldn't recommend them for extra wide feet.

The footbed feels supportive throughout hours of walking. I wore these leather slides for four hours while walking around a busy summer market and was surprised by how supportive they felt for such a simple slide. The footbed is firm enough to protect your arches, but cushioned enough to cradle your feet. There's also a toe ridge on the footbed that encourages your toes to spread naturally instead of claw-gripping to keep the sandals on, and a grippy rubber outsole to deliver traction on sidewalks and wet surfaces. — Rachael Schultz, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best for recovery: OOFOS Oomega Ooahh Sandal

Oofos makes post-workout recovery shoes — which are obviously popular among athletes, but also a great fit for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. In our Oofos review, Deputy Editor Les Shu said wearing their shoes feels like "walking on air." I have to agree. The Ooahh slides are a great pick for beach and resort getaways because they're waterproof. On the hunt for the best sandals for Disney World? Look no further.

The slip-on design is so convenient. I love a pair of slides while traveling because I can't be bothered taking extra time fasting or lacing up shoes when I have places to be. Because these slip on and off so easily — and are water-resistant — they're great for waterparks, or just hanging by the pool at your hotel.

They take a lot of pressure off my feet. Oofos shoes are designed to absorb 37% more impact than other shoes, taking stress off my joints while supporting the natural arch of my foot. The foam material feels bouncy but firm. I love that the footbed flares out at the widest part of my foot, and I swear my posture seems better when I'm walking in these. Did I mention these shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association?

There's literally no risk in trying them. I love that you can try Oofos sandals risk-free for 30 days. So, even if you bring them on a trip with you and wear them all day long, if you're not 100% satisfied with your experience, you can send them back for a refund at no cost. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Meet the experts behind this guide

The sandals you pack can mean the difference between a fun trip and a disastrous one — especially if you'll be walking, and especially in the summer. Most sandals are either unsupportive, blister-inducing, or downright unattractive. But whether you're sightseeing through a city, wandering the winding streets of a small town, hiking scenic trails, or tackling a trip that somehow includes all three, the right pair can save your feet — and your vacation.

As a travel writer who takes at least a half dozen round-trip flights a year, Rebecca Strong has learned through experience that the best travel shoes are the ones you barely have to think about. Rachael Schultz, a health, fitness, and style writer who regularly tests supportive walking shoes and sandals, has spent years reporting on what podiatrists recommend and whether those shoes actually hold up after hours on your feet.

Learn more about how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.