“Glamour” editors and travel writers tested shoes to find the best walking sandals for women from Birkenstock, Teva, Crocs, Chaco, Vionic, Keen, and more.
Leave blisters on read. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for style—especially when searching for the best walking sandals for women. If you want chic shoes that can handle thousands of steps, Chanel Perkins, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, recommends you “look for durability and avoid flexibility.
” Sandals with built-in arch support that don’t fold in half are the smartest choice, she says. It might sound counterintuitive, but “rigidity and firmness” in the sole are crucial to lasting comfort. Still, finding sandals that are both supportive and stylish—especially if you have bunions, flat feet, wide feet, or plantar fasciitis—can be surprisingly tough. That’s why we tested dozens of walking shoes to uncover the most reliable, breathable pairs that hold up to long days exploring new cities , hiking trails, or standing for hours. From dressy picks for nights out to rugged styles built for trekking, every sandal on this list was thoroughly tested by Glamour editors and meets podiatrist-backed criteria. Best Overall: Teva Original Universal, $55 $43 Best for Long Distance Walks: Birkenstock Arizona Slide Sandals, $175 Best for Travel: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sky Sandals, $64 Best for Dresses: Aerosole Dantay Slingback, $135 100 Best for Work: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandals, $135 Best for Arch Support: Vionic Walk Max, $150 Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Clarks Mira Bay, $75 $60 Best Overall: Teva Original Universal What we love: Secure straps with Velcro; comfortable sole absorbs shock; molded footbed is good for flat feet; affordable Worth noting: Ankle strap can drag on ground; too casual for work With a cushy yet supportive footbed and flexible rubber outsole, the Teva Originals stood out as one of the most consistently comfortable walking sandals we tested. They’re lightweight, easy to walk in for hours, and require little to no break-in—thanks in part to the smooth strap lining that helps prevent hot spots. The responsive EVA midsole absorbs impact without feeling bulky, and the adjustable straps make it easy to fine-tune the fit. We also like the range of color options and the approachable price point—these are among the most affordable sandals on our list, without feeling like it. Best Budget: Dream Pairs Fisherman Gladiator What we love: Surprisingly cushy footbed; trendy fisherman silhouette; under $25 Worth noting: Synthetic upper can feel a bit stiff at first; not water-resistant The Dream Pairs Fisherman Gladiator sandals hit that sweet spot between on-trend and practical. With a chunky sole and closed-toe silhouette, they nail the current fisherman look while still being surprisingly comfortable for long walks. At under $25, they look and feel far more polished than the price suggests—our tester was genuinely impressed by the quality and support. The faux-leather upper can be a little stiff at first, but it breaks in with wear. Best for Long Distances: Birkenstock Arizona Big-Buckle Slide Sandals What we love: Big buckle; adjustable straps; grippy outsoles; sole molds to foot over time Worth noting: Regular footbed might be too wide for some; pricey Birkenstock’s best-selling Arizona sandals get a modern update with big buckles across the adjustable straps—without losing any of the style’s original comfort. The durable, nonslip sole is a plus for biking or walking on damp grass in the park, and its buckles keep the shoe snugly on your foot. Reviewers and diehard Birk buyers swear by the brand’s cork-latex contoured footbeds, which soften over time. They stand up to hours of impact and have sculpted lift that provides good arch support. Best for Travel: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sky Sandals What we love: Slightly elevated heel; comfortable straps; versatile look; come in half sizes Worth noting: Might fit too loose Effortless to dress up or down, these strappy sandals have a slight wedge and gold buckle that make them stylish enough for the office but supportive enough for long days spent touristing on your feet. There’s plenty to love here—soft footbeds and high-traction soles stand out—but we’re especially impressed by the adjustable elastic backstrap, which looks great and offer a perfect fit. . Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle wore this pair on her recent trip to Paris where she logged about 10,000 steps a day, so they’re perfect for Euro summer travel. Best for Dresses: Aerosole Dantay Slingback What we love: Stable block heel; genuinely walkable; polished Worth noting: Fit may run slightly narrow for some These slingbacks might look like impractical going-out heels, but our tester managed to walk miles in them one evening without any soreness. The wide block heel feels stable underfoot, and the cushioned footbed offers real support for extended wear. This spring season, it's all about granny style sandals that can be dressed up. With clean lines and a sculptural buckle, they’re a great option when you want something slightly dressier that can still handle a night on your feet. Best for Work: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandals What we love: Platform design; supportive soles and midsoles; plenty of color options Worth noting: Might run too wide Sorel’s rubber-and-leather sandals don’t look like walking shoes, but they’re just as comfy and supportive as they are eye-catching. The shock-absorbing EVA midsoles are molded into a scalloped design, offering more traction than your average wedge sandals. Wearing them is like walking around in open-toe sneakers—in fact, they’re more supportive than most lifestyle sneakers. Plus, they’re dressy enough that you could wear them to most offices. Best for All-Day Wear: Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals What we love: Lightweight ; cushy; odor control; stylish Worth noting: May be too narrow for wide feet; straps are not adjustable The Keen Elle Wedge is an easy, all-day walking sandal that feels far lighter than it looks. The airy, cushioned sole has a springy feel from the first step—our tester said it almost felt like it was filled with air—and the lightweight design helps cut down on fatigue over long days out. They slip on quickly but stay secure while you’re moving, and the streamlined shape pairs well with shorts and dresses alike. After a few hours, our tester did notice some rubbing along the front strap on her wider foot, so this pair may not be the best option for wide feet. Best for Arch Support: Vionic Walk Max What we love: Available in sizing for wide feet; built-in orthotic arch support; super comfortable Worth noting: Tough to style; pricey Vionic is known for its built-in orthotic support, and the Walk Max sandal delivers. The contoured footbed provides noticeable arch lift, while a deep heel cup adds stability—making this a strong pick if flat sandals leave your feet aching. A modest platform gives you a little height without sacrificing comfort, and the slim leather straps adjust for a secure fit. They come in both medium and wide sizing. Our tester admits they read as comfort-first at a glance, but leaned into that contrast and found them surprisingly versatile—and now counts them among the most comfortable shoes she owns. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Clarks Mira Bay What we love: Extremely cushioned; half and wide sizes offered Worth noting: Not very stylish; colors are limited “These are basically your comfiest, podiatry-coded sneakers in sandal form. They’re perfect for hot weather without sacrificing comfort or foot health,” says Sinay of her Clarks, which have several layers of shock-absorbing foam and three Velcro straps that adjust the shoe’s fit to your foot. After a long day of standing in heels or flats, these are absolutely the shoe you’ll want to cradle your exhausted soles. They’re also a smart choice for anyone who needs a roomier toe box, as they have wide options . Best for Hiking: Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro What we love: Have APMA seal for foot health; adjustable straps; waterproof; shock-absorbing footbed Worth noting: Heavy; adjustable strap drags on ground If your day is shaping up to be too hot or wet for hiking boots, reach for Chacos instead. These best-selling Z-strap hiking sandals have some of the most durable outsoles we’ve encountered, offering plenty of traction on uneven terrain and sharp rocks during any adventure you find yourself on. The straps and sole are quick-drying, so don’t worry about stomping through puddles or creeks. Plus, these sandals carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they meet the American Podiatric Medical Association’s standards for promoting foot health—an extra vote of confidence for comfort and support.
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