The Best Walking Sandals For Women, Tested For Miles

Sizes: 5 to 14 | Colors: 43 total, including Basil and Vista Blue Indigo | Style: Three-strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: Teva’s Hurricane sandals are a hiking classic—and this new version is made from recycled materials and features a more supportive midsole.

What our tester says: “I felt a noticeable difference with these sandals versus everything else I tried—they were seriously comfortable right out of the box, with the right amount of cushy arch support and three places to adjust the straps (over the toes, foot and back of the heel), which was a feature many sandals lack,” says Molvar. “This creates a really customized fit. Once I put on the Hurricanes, I didn’t want to take off them off.”

Keep in mind: This style is on the wider side, but “it felt surprisingly sleek on my foot,” says Molvar.

Sizes: 4 to 17 | Colors: 24 total, including Blue Bolt and Digital Violet | Style: Slip-on slide | Adjustable: No

Why we tested it: Love or hate it, Crocs makes lightweight, comfortable and affordable footwear. These sandals are made from the brand’s Crosslite flexible foam cushion.

What our tester says: “I don’t consider myself a Crocs fan, so this slide-on sandal really had to win me over,” says Molvar. “The flexible footbed is nicely cushioned without being heavy and the upper is firm but never once caused chaffing or a blister. I can’t say enough good things about this pick—I’m now a Crocs convert.”

Keep in mind: There isn’t a back strap, which isn’t ideal if you need a very secure sandal.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 total, including Ivory and Undyed White | Style: Slip-on sneaker | Adjustable: No

Why we tested it: Swiss brand On has a cult-following for its comfortable footwear. This newest sneaker has a foldable back heel, so you can wear it like a sandal, and the closed toe is geared for all weather.

What our tester says: “I own Cloud sneakers so I’m a huge fan of this slip-on style that has a collapsible back heel,” says Molvar. “The design is incredibly featherlight yet sturdy, and they’re stylish enough to wear out to dinner. I also like having a closed-toe option for long distances, in case it rains, and for travel.”

Keep in mind: The Coasts only come in three colors.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Honey White | Style: Two-strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: For high-style yet supportive sandals, Sorel makes great options. Its newest Viibe puffy leather strap sandals brings an element of fun to super-functional sandals, and they’re also lightweight.

What our tester says: “I wanted a comfortable sandal that didn’t look orthopedic, and the Viibes definitely delivered,” says Molvar. “The straps are adjustable, which is important since the fit is a bit wide for my narrow foot, and padded for all-day wear.”

Keep in mind: The footbed is firm, so if you like a very cushioned inner sole, these might not be for you.

Sizes: 6 to 22 | Colors: 4 total, including Matte Black and Neptune Blue | Style: Slip-on slide | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: This deceptively simple slide has a footbed designed to reduce stress on knees and joints and cradle your arches.

What our tester says: “I like how the inner sole curves up in the middle of these sandals to give your arch a nice stretch,” says Molvar. “There isn’t a back heel strap but my foot stayed in place well, and the foam strap over the toes is adjustable and padded to prevent any rubbing.”

Keep in mind: Molvar felt this style ran wide, which might be a concern if you have a narrow foot.

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Colors: 9 total, including White and Mist Green | Style: Slip-on slide | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: The updated version of the bestselling Ora recovery sandal has two adjustable straps and all the comfort and support of the original.

What our tester says: “My feet take a lot of abuse from running, so these sandals felt great to slip on and walk in anytime, not just after a workout,” says Molvar. “Hoka is famously known for their curved and contoured rocker sole, which these sandals are outfitted with, and the fit includes plenty of space for toes to spread out.”

Keep in mind: There’s a built-in ridge at the base of the toes to keep your foot from sliding, which may not appeal to you if you prefer a smooth sole.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 21 total, including Light Earth Multi and Black | Style: Three-strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: The Tirra is a well-reviewed pick that always tops best-of lists. This version has a cushioned shock pad in the heel to absorb impact and is made with recycled materials in new colorways.

What our tester says: “First, I loved the velcro straps that can be adjusted multiple ways for the perfect fit, a crucial feature if you’re walking long distances. Second, the level of support was spot-on for cradling your foot and preventing pain mile after mile—I wasn’t even aware of these on my feet, which is the ultimate goal,” says Molvar.

Keep in mind: The newer (read: cooler) colors often sell out.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 83 total, including Camel and Gold Flash | Style: Toe-post strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: Mephistos are often considered the gold standard in comfortable, high-end leather sandals that are also sophisticated.

What our tester says: “I’ve heard all the hype about Mephistos—many say the contoured footbed is superior to Birkenstocks and the design is prettier,” says Molvar. “They’re made of a soft leather but I did find these required a bit of breaking in. They come in a range of colors, so they’re a versatile and stylish option for everyday and travel.”

Keep in mind: The footbed has a brushed suede-like feel, but it’s not as cushy as a foam sole.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 26 total, including Magnet and Bright Cobalt | Style: Closed-toe strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: Keen designed this water-resistant hiking sandal with a woman’s specific foot form and added arch support. It won’t win any style awards, but Keen’s self-described “ugly shoe” has its own normcore-cool factor.

What our tester says: “Wow. I felt like this sandal was custom-made for my foot, it just fit so well,” says Molvar. “It’s lightweight and has a closed-toe for situations when you want some protection but the rest of the design is open and airy for ventilation. I loved the bungee cord system for tightening and loosening the sandal so it’s easy to get on and off.”

Keep in mind: Because your foot sits low in this shoe, “I didn’t feel much shock absorption,” says Molvar.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 total | Style: Toe-post slip-on | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: Merrell knows how to create rugged outdoor shoes but this top-rated flip-flop style has a spa-like feel with a soft microfiber wrapped insole. Plus, it comes in medium and wide widths. (Note: Our tester tested the Merrell Terran 3 Post Sandal, which has similar features.)

What our tester says: “The insole of this sandal is like a cozy terry cloth towel—it felt so cushy and soft—and the upper leather adds durability,” says Molvar. “You can slip these on right out of the box, without any breaking in, and it feels like you’re walking on a cloud.”

Keep in mind: Not everyone loves a toe-post design, which holds your foot in place. But, says Molvar, “If you like flip flops this won’t be an issue.”

Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 4 total, including Peach and Denim | Style: Platform strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: For this list, we tested the Clarks Dashlite Wish, which currently has limited availability. The Drift Sun style featured above is very similar: a stylish, ergonomic sandal that provides extra cushioning to absorb impact.

What our tester says: “I could wear these sandals all day, for errands to dinner, since they’re chic and so well designed,” says Molvar. “They’re chunky but surprisingly lightweight and the ridged outsole provides nice traction. I also loved the adjustable suede strap—it really held my foot in place.”

Keep in mind: These are not water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for inclement weather.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 total | Style: Closed-toe strap sandal | Adjustable: Yes

Why we tested it: Hoka sneakers consistently offer exceptional cushion and comfort, and this neutral sandal hiker hybrid is both durable and versatile.

What our tester says: “I was immediately struck by how comfortable this pair is,” says Calhoun. “It has a cushiony foam EVA