10 Best Walking Sandals for Comfort in 2021, According to Reviews

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There's nothing like blistered heels and sore arches to put a damper on an otherwise beautiful summer day. For particular active outings—whether that's a trip to a local park or a day at the museum—a good pair of shoes is crucial so that foot pain doesn't derail your plans. Sure, sneakers are a tried-and-true option, but when the forecast calls for sunny skies and high temperatures, sandals are hard to resist. Luckily, there are plenty of comfortable sandals that can hold up to long days on your feet.

Here are the best options, according to customer reviews:

Best Overall: Clarks Women's Arla Jacory Wedge Sandal
Best Podiatrist-Recommended: Vionic Women's Rest Bella II Sandal
Best Slide: Birkenstock Gizeh Eva Sandals
Best Color Options: Teva Verra Sandal
Best Wedge: Clarks Arla Shaylie Platform
Best Cushion: Crocs LiteRide Stretch Sandals
Best for Arch Support: Vionic Amber Sandal
Best Statement Shoe: Skechers D'Lites Fresh Catch Wedge Sandal
Best Dressy: Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal
Best Athletic: Ecco Yucatan Toggle Sandal

When shopping for supportive sandals, there are a few key features to look for. Podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare, recommends shoes with an arched footbed, a slight heel (about ¾ of an inch), and, ideally, an ankle strap. "Shoes with ankle straps help support the shoe on the foot and eliminate the need for your toes to hang onto the shoe, thus reducing the development of hammer toes," he explains. "And having a small heel is better than completely flat shoes because it takes the stress off the achilles, which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees and spine."

Flip-flops may be tempting, but according to Dr. Cunha, they just don't provide enough support. And flat sandals, he says, can contribute to pronation (or rolling in) and collapse of the arch, which can lead to shin splints and knee, heel, and back pain down the line.

The good news? There are plenty of sandals on the market that not only meet podiatrist guidelines, but also look stylish—trading in your worn-out shoes of summers past for something more supportive can actually be pretty exciting. Read on for the best walking sandals that fit Dr. Cunha's recommendations and earn high praise from Amazon shoppers.

Best Overall: Clarks Women's Arla Jacory Wedge Sandal

Amazon Comfortable Shoes for Women — Amazon

Buy It, from $40

This strappy style from Clarks has a modest 1.5-inch heel, which makes it easy to dress up or down. Stretchy straps and a rubber heel keep feet comfortable during long wears—no wonder some Amazon shoppers consider them the "comfiest shoes" they've ever worn. "They are so comfortable, like walking on pillows," one customer said. "There was no break-in period at all. I wore them for 5 days straight while on vacation and my feet felt great the whole time."

Best Podiatrist-Recommended: Vionic Women's Rest Bella II Sandal

Buy It, $75

Okay, you don't have to totally give up flip-flops—so long as you reach for this pair. Dr. Cunha specifically recommends the sandals because of their supportive footbed, "which absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles, and knees." They've also earned an Approved Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Over 4,600 Amazon shoppers give them a five-star rating, too. "I love walking around barefoot in the summer but these are even more comfortable than going barefoot," one wrote. "The top straps are snug and keep the sole close to your foot without being uncomfortably tight. I have high arches and believe good shoes are quite important. These 100% fit the bill."

Best Slide: Birkenstock Gizeh Eva Sandals

Buy It, from $45

Another slip on, slip off recommendation that gets Dr. Cunha's approval is Birkenstock's Gizeh Eva sandals. "Their footbed offers the same comfort and arch support you would expect from Birkenstock," he says. "These sandals are also ultra lightweight, highly flexible, shock-absorbent, waterproof, and skin-friendly." According to Amazon customers, they hold up to miles of wear, too. "First wear out of the box involved all day walking in hot and humid weather and I didn't experience any foot pain," a five-star reviewer wrote. "I wore these every single day for a month in southeast Asia, and they performed admirably (and still look great!) for miles of walking in both cities and rural areas as well as in repeated monsoon rains."

Best Color Options: Teva Verra Sandal

Buy It, from $70

Teva is known for its comfortable sandals, and this strappy style is no exception, as Amazon reviewers attest. "These were the only pair of shoes that I took on a 3 week trip to Malaysia." said one. "I walked between 5 and 10 miles per day, but my feet were as comfortable as they would have been if I was wearing sneakers and the style of the sandal with my casual clothing was fashionable enough for a young adult." The heel of the sandal is just half an inch tall, perfect for those who perfect a flatter shoe, and its insole includes a shock pad in the heel for extra comfort. And, perhaps best of all, the shoe is available in an impressive 28 colors.

Best Wedge: Clarks Arla Shaylie Platform

Buy It, from $50

The cushioned sole of these sandals from Clarks makes them a great choice for long days, and the fabric straps "don't dig in," according to Amazon reviewers. They have a heel height a little over 1.5 inches—"not too elevated." If you're planning on an active day, they'll keep you comfortable: "I walked miles in them with no trouble over all types of terrain. In addition, the straps did not rub my feet or leave blisters," wrote an Amazon reviewer. "These sandals are very light and comfortable."

Best Cushion: Crocs LiteRide Stretch Sandals

Buy It, from $45

Like the brand's trademark clogs, Crocs sandals are made with soft yet supportive foam insoles. The secure fabric straps of this design makes it suitable for power walks and leisurely strolls alike. Plus, they're available in nine colors, including several bright pastels that are perfect for summer. According to one Amazon shopper, they're "incomparable" to any other comfy shoe option: "Recently went on vacation, walking every day ALL day through miles of theme parks. Day 1: Wore my Crocs with soft, stretchy bands. Day 2: wore something else….suffered all day and all night, finally breaking down and purchasing foam flip-flops from a gift shop to get some relief. Day 3-8: Back to Crocs. Needless to say, next time I won't pack anything except multiple Croc options."

Best for Arch Support: Vionic Amber Sandal

Buy It, from $49

If you prefer a sandal that looks and feels more like a true flat shoe but still has the arch support you need, then this design by Vionic is worth a try. It has an orthopedic foot bed, as well as hook and loop straps that keep it secure. It also received the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. According to people who have bought a pair, the sandals are great for active days. "I was in heaven from day one," wrote a five-star Amazon reviewer. "I received them the day before going to Disney World… No blisters or foot pain after walking in them. I have very high arches and plantar fasciitis (worse left than right foot) and the support was AMAZING!"

Best Statement Shoe: Skechers D'Lites Fresh Catch Wedge Sandal

Buy It, from $41

Great news: You can get in on the chunky sandal trend without sacrificing support. Skechers's Fresh Catch Wedge Sandals have a sporty look thanks to their hook and loop straps, and their foam insoles make them especially comfortable. Their 1.5-inch sole adds to their arch support. Some Amazon shoppers even wear them for exercising. "The Skecher D'Lite soles feel like the best sneaker sole I have ever worn, and my walking posture is VERY noticeably better in these shoes," wrote one. "My entire foot feels supported, and I now have a completely neutral pronation, which is going to be very helpful in keeping my knees from hurting so much… They are better than any running/walking shoe that I have ever used."

Best Dressy: Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal

Buy It, from $69

For many, summertime means endless sundresses, and Vionic's Kirra sandals are a supportive and stylish complement. Their sleek triangle straps, paired with delicate metallic hardware, make them dressy enough for fancier outfits, and their back straps and orthopedic soles make them supportive for long wear. As for comfort? An Amazon customer put it simply: "Over 8 miles of city walking in Morocco, without breaking them in at all, and not a single blister."

Best Athletic: Ecco Yucatan Toggle Sandal

Buy It, from $106

If you're planning a camping trip, kayaking outing, or other outdoorsy activities, you need a sandal that'll keep you supported and sturdy on a mix of terrain and hold up to the elements. With over 5,000 five-star Amazon reviews, these leather sandals from Ecco promise to do just that. "This pair stuck with me through hundreds of hikes and adventures, across various terrain (rocks, water, sand, and snow), trekking all over the world!" said one shopper. "It broke my heart when they finally split while white water rafting this year (6 years and at least a thousand miles later). So… I bought a new pair!"

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