Finding Comfortable Sandals For Women

Summer vacation is right around the corner, which means you’re probably already planning to pack your favorite pairs of flip flops and wedges. But just because you’re wearing a more casual shoe doesn’t mean you can sacrifice comfort or quality when it comes to footwear. In fact, you can still enjoy a comfortable walking sandal that offers support and doesn’t hurt your feet when you’re on the move.

In addition to making sure the sandals you choose have enough arch support to cradle your foot without putting too much pressure on it, look for shoes with a shock-absorbing sole and a moderate heel-to-toe drop. According to New York City podiatrist and foot surgeon Jacqueline Sutera, these features help reduce stress on the ankles, knees, and hips when you walk long distances. Additionally, she recommends finding a pair with a cuffed or cupped heel to ensure the shoes don’t squeeze your heel. “This feature helps with the foot’s natural alignment and can prevent the stretching of the plantar fascia,” she says.

For additional support, it’s also a good idea to consider sandals with adjustable straps. This allows you to create a custom fit, so your shoes hug your foot and don’t slip. Additionally, you can tighten or loosen the straps depending on your activity level and foot shape to further customize the fit and prevent rubbing or blisters.

You can also make sure you’re selecting sandals made from high-quality materials. Leather is stylish, hardwearing, and easy to clean, while rubber and memory foam are lightweight, flexible, and can help repel moisture so your feet stay cool. Additionally, the sandals should have a wide toebox, so your toes can comfortably fit inside and be supported by the shoe’s material.

Finally, be sure to select a pair that’s comfortable for wide feet. While most sandals aren’t designed with wide feet in mind, you can find a few brands that specialize in these types of footwear for women. For instance, Munro’s cute sandals come in five different widths, from extra slim to extra wide, and they’re available in a variety of colors, including neutral beige, white, and gray to match any outfit.

With the best comfortable sandals for walking in mind, you can focus on relaxing, sightseeing, and busting a move at your cousin’s wedding — and your feet will thank you.

Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan has been testing products, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for over five years, across multiple publications, including WWD, Byrdie, and Footwear News. She’s a self-professed beauty product junkie and is always on the hunt for the next big thing.

For more of her recommendations, check out the latest in comfortable sneakers and a list of the best bras for every body type.

This article was updated in 2023 and includes the latest relevant launches. The previous version of this article was published in 2017 and may contain outdated links or information. comfortable sandals for women