The 15 Best Walking Sandals of 2025, Tested

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11, men’s 7-14 | Closure: Adjustable straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Textile and recycled plastic upper, textile lining, foam footbed, recycled foam midsole, recycled foam and rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those looking for a light hiking, travel, or all-day wear sandal.

Why We Love Them

Comfortable, supportive, and durable, Teva’s Zymic Sandal was an easy choice for our top walking sandal pick. With contoured arch support, a well-cushioned footbed, and a flexible sole, this pair was comfortable enough to wear all day long during testing. The shoes are also treated with an antimicrobial coating to keep them odor-free. Plus, we like that they’re made with recycled foam, plastic, and rubber, so you can feel good about wearing a more sustainable shoe.

On test walks, we noticed that the Zymic Sandal felt lightweight and cushy underfoot, with excellent support and stability. The grippy rubber outsole kept us surefooted and steady on uneven terrain. We also like this sandal’s open-toe design and padded, adjustable straps, which kept our feet in place without causing painful irritation or blisters. Stylish and easy to wear, the Zymic is a great value for an everyday walking sandal.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Teva.

Potential Flaws

• Like other Teva sandals, the Zymic doesn’t come in half sizes. But it’s worth noting that we didn’t have any issues with the fit during testing.
• On some walks, we noticed some sweat building up underneath the arches of our feet, meaning the Zymic’s sole isn’t as breathable as others we tested. Still, this didn’t affect the sandals’ overall comfort.

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook and loop strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Leather and recycled textile upper, foam and microfiber insole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone who is on their feet all day and wants stylish, comfortable support for casual wear.

Why We Love Them

Merrell’s Terran 4 Slide is a slip-in sandal with adjustability, comfort, and style, making it our top walking sandal for women. The shock-absorbing outsole makes it easy to wear all day without causing foot fatigue. And the foam and microfiber insole is soft and cushy. We also appreciate the natural odor control treatment; we noticed no odor at all during testing. These sandals are available in five colors and medium and wide widths.

The sandals have great shock absorption in the heel, and just enough curve in the outsole to create smooth transitions without being too bouncy. The arch support feels good, and the sandals fit true to size—no digging or chafing anywhere. The hook-and-loop strap across the top allows an adjustable, secure fit. And we love the colorful accent strap that adds a bit of flair and style.

Potential Flaws

• We found the fit of these sandals to be perfect during our test, however, some wearers have noted the hook-and-loop strap is too high on the foot and causes their foot to slide out of the sandal.

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11 | Closure: Quick lace system | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Recycled knit upper with recycled mesh overlays, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber toe cap and outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for hitting the trails—the Hopara 2 is designed for off-roading on wet or uneven surfaces.

Why We Love Them

Hoka’s Hopara 2 Sandal combines the comfort and breathability of a lightweight sandal with the support and stability of a sturdy hiking shoe, earning our top men’s spot. When we tested the previous version of this sporty pair, we found that its tough rubber outsole had deep lugs for exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions. With a rubberized foam midsole, the first version of the Hopara also offered soft responsiveness that made walking in them feel effortless.

The latest iteration of the Hopara Sandal features a quick lace system with toggles and a rubber toe cap to keep rocks and debris out. There’s also more mesh in the water-repellent upper for better airflow and a new adjustable heel strap for a closer fit. Other nice-to-haves include heel tabs for slipping these sandals on and off and responsive, protective foam cushioning in the midsole.

Also available in women’s sizes at Hoka, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have found that these sandals run small and narrow. You may want to size up for the right fit.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-13, men’s 7-15 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for budget-conscious travelers looking for a lightweight walking sandals to take on the go.

Why We Love Them

For an adjustable, durable sandal at a budget-friendly price, we recommend Teva’s Original Universal Sandal. Weighing just 6 ounces, this is one of the lightest sandals on our list, meaning it won’t weigh you down on long walks. Plus, the shoes are easy to stash in a backpack or tote bag, making this pair one of our top picks for vacations or other trips.

During testing, we noticed that the Original Universal Sandal’s three adjustable straps provided a perfect fit. We also like that its simple, low-profile style pairs well with everything from flare yoga pants to summer dresses. With dozens of colors and patterns to choose from, stocking up for the warmer months is easy. Another bonus? We found that these sandals are easy to clean and dry quickly, making them ideal for beach workouts or most summer sports.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Potential Flaws

• The thin midsole may not have enough stability or support if you have flat feet or are walking on rough terrain.
• During testing, we noticed that the straps felt stiff and gave us a few small blisters at first. But after a few wears, the straps started to soften and feel much more comfortable.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6-11 | Closure: Adjustable strap with buckle | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, synthetic lining and insole, synthetic outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who need excellent arch support to help prevent a plantar fasciitis flare-up.

Why We Love Them

If you have a history of plantar fasciitis, you need a shoe with thick soles and arched or well-cushioned insoles, like Vionic’s Jamie Sandal. During testing, we noticed that its ergonomic insoles molded to our feet and hugged our arches, offering support right where we needed it the most. We also like how sturdy this pair is, with a platform that feels supportive and comfortable while walking across wood floors, grass, pavement, sidewalks, and even boardwalks. 

We found that the wide leather straps feel soft and smooth, preventing chafing or irritation. They’re also easy to adjust for a secure fit—our feet never slipped or slid around in these sandals while we walked. Plus, we like that the durable rubber outsole has grippy, reliable traction to keep you feeling steady on your feet.

Potential Flaws

• At 14 ounces, these are some of the heavier sandals on our list. The chunkier platform may make your feet and legs feel tired after a particularly long day on your feet.
• The limited size range cuts out the largest and smallest shoe sizes.

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Recycled plastic upper and outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone who needs firm support and wants plenty of color options to choose from.

Why We Like Them

Vivaia’s Kiara Sport Sandals proved soft, supportive, and breathable when we tested them, making them our top choice for the most comfortable sandals. We liked that they felt flexible without losing support, and they were easy to wear with any outfit because the neutral color we tested is so versatile. The contoured sole has a slight curve to it, so the sandals felt just a bit responsive, and not slow or sluggish.

The moisture-wicking, anti-microbial insole keeps your feet cool and dry through long, hot days. The heel shock absorption prevents any hip and knee pain. And the contoured footbed reduces pressure points and fatigue. We love how high-quality and durable these sandals feel. They’re available in 28 different color combinations, so you can get just the right look.

Potential Flaws

• It’s worth noting that the straps on these sandals are sparkly, which was not evident in the online photos. So, it’s something to be aware of when shopping.

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Woven straps, molded foam insole, rubber sole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who want a stylish design with lots of stability that travels well.

Why We Love Them

Ryka’s Blissful Strappy Sandals have soft straps, making them easy to pack, and are stylish enough to go from sightseeing to a night out. The upper straps are woven in a fisherman-style pattern, and there are two hook-and-loop straps for maximum adjustability for a perfect fit. The straps even provided plenty of ankle support. And we also think the rose gold buckles are a stylish accent.

We like the platform sole for its stability and the deep ridges that created some nice traction. We wore these sandals on varied and shifty terrain like gravel and loose dirt, and we never felt unstable. They held our feet secure and steady. We think they’re a great value for their stable and stylish design.

Potential Flaws

• The deep ridges in the sole provided great traction, but they collected small rocks and debris that we had to clean out.
• During testing, we noted that the footbeds get slick when our feet are sweaty, but the straps kept our feet in place.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12.5, men’s 6-13.5 | Closure: Adjustable straps with buckle | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, cork-latex footbed, leather lining, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those looking for a sandal for long-distance walks.

Why We Love Them

For wide feet, we recommend Birkenstock’s Milano Big Buckle Sandal. We love that the three adjustable straps deliver a highly customizable fit to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. During testing, the straps felt sturdy and prevented our feet from sliding around in the shoe. We also like that the wide toe box offers plenty of room up front, so your toes can splay out without falling off the edge of the footbed.

These sandals feature a contoured cork-latex footbed, which provided exceptional support as we trekked around. While the Milano’s cushioning isn’t thick or plush, it absorbs shock well (especially in the heel). Plus, we noticed that this pair felt extremely well-made, with an eye-catching design that garnered tons of compliments.

Potential Flaws

• We should note that if you’ve never worn Birkenstocks, they tend to feel stiff initially. But you can follow the manufacturer’s easy instructions for breaking them in so the footbed conforms to the shape of your foot.
• We love the Milano’s firm arch support, but it doesn’t feel as responsive as other, softer sandals we tested.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5 | Closure: Adjustable strap | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Leather or suede upper, cork and latex footbed, foam outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those in need of arch support looking for a sandal that doesn’t sacrifice style for comfort.

Why We Love Them

Do your high arches ache when you spend long days on your feet? If so, we highly recommend Naot’s Kayla Sandal. During testing, the sandals’ cork and latex footbed felt firm but comfortable. The raised arch offered support right where we needed it the most, allowing us to walk long distances with ease. And unlike other sandals we tested, this pair has a foam outsole for a lighter feel.

We love that the Kayla Sandal comes in three widths and has an adjustable, hook-and-loop ankle strap—plus, its simple, stylish design pairs well with most wardrobes. We noticed that the shoes feel lightweight, preventing foot fatigue even while walking on rocks and grass. But we aren’t the only fans of this sandal: This pair has also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that its design helps support good foot health.

Potential Flaws

• We like that the ankle strap is adjustable, but we think we could get an even better fit if the other two straps across the forefoot could also be adjusted.
• Those who don’t need extra arch support might find that these sandals feel a bit too stiff or firm.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Recycled plastic upper, foam midsole, nylon shank, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers looking to walk on the beach, tidepool, or simply enjoy the convenience of a water-friendly sandal.

Why We Love Them

To get the most out of your beach walks, we recommend Teva’s Tirra Sandal. During testing, we noticed that the contoured midsole provided comfortable arch support, even keeping our painful plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay. We also noticed that the foam cushioning helped absorb shock without feeling too squishy and compromising our balance.

The thick, durable rubber outsole delivers outstanding stability, support, and traction for traversing uneven terrain or wet conditions. We also love that the fully padded straps are highly adjustable, thanks to convenient hook-and-loop closures that keep our feet stable and secure. Cleaning these shoes is easy—just run them under water to remove any sand or dirt. Even better, the Tirra Sandal has an antimicrobial treatment derived from peppermint that helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.

Potential Flaws

• These sandals feel about as springy as most tennis shoes do. For a more responsive sandal, you may want a pair with softer cushioning.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5, men’s 6-15.5 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, foam footbed, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best those looking for a good sandal for hiking on light to moderate trails.

Why We Love Them

Need a durable, comfortable sandal with better traction for hiking? ECCO’s Yucatan Sandals are our top pick. With a contoured footbed, they’re designed to cushion your feet, absorb impact, and provide gentle support for hitting the trails. When testing these sporty sandals, they felt flexible in the right spots, but they were also rigid enough to offer good support and stability.

The Yucatan Sandal’s excellent ventilation also kept our feet cool and dry. We were impressed by its durable rubber outsole, which offered exceptional traction on varied terrain. The three hook-and-loop straps made adjusting them easy and helped us find a secure, comfortable fit. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom.

Potential Flaws

• Although the Yucatan Sandal’s soft leather upper isn’t fully waterproof, they can be worn in wet conditions, and they dry very quickly.
• We noticed that the leather and soft lining make these less breathable than some other walking sandals we’ve tested. Our feet tended to overheat a little on test walks, although we wouldn’t consider this a dealbreaker.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-11, men’s 7-14 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Recycled webbing upper, foam and recycled foam insole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers looking for a sandal for beach days, water park trips, or water sports.

Why We Love Them

Whether you’re kayaking, boating, or spending the day at the beach, Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandal can handle the surf and sand while keeping your feet comfy and supported. When we tested this pair, we found that the durable, quick-drying materials were ideal for water activities. Despite their lightweight feel, the sandals’ springy foam midsole offered good arch support and plush comfort. We felt like we were walking on air, and we didn’t notice any pain or fatigue, even after wearing them all day long.

After several trips to the beach in these, the sand easily washed off, revealing spotless sandals. The three adjustable straps held up well and continued to fit well even after getting soaked multiple times. Plus, the grippy outsole kept us feeling steady and confident.

Potential Flaws

• It’s worth noting that this sandal doesn’t come in half sizes. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing down for the right fit.
• We found that the ankle strap is an odd length—the hook-and-loop part may be the wrong length if you have particularly narrow or wide ankles.

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, men’s 4-11 | Closure: Elasticized slingback strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Synthetic upper and lining, rubber sole | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a comfy, supportive sandal with a stylish flair.

Why We Love Them

If you love the look and comfort of a platform sandal but also need reliable support, Nike’s Air Max Isla Sandal may be your ideal shoe. With thick, velvety straps, super soft cushioning, and a chunky sole, this pair offers chic style and plush comfort without sacrificing stability. From the moment we slipped into them, we felt like we were walking on air, thanks to the cushy footbed.

During test walks, the sandals were surprisingly supportive, especially given their high platform. We never wobbled, and the plush straps helped keep our feet in place. Plus, the sandals’ durable rubber outsole offers great traction and durability.

Potential Flaws

• While power walking in this pair, we found that the sandals’ back straps started to squeeze and rub our heels, so they may be more suited to casual wear rather than fast walking.

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-10.5 | Closure: Elasticized slingback strap | Cushioning: Moderate | Materials: Leather upper, cork and foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a durable sandal with plenty of support that you can dress up or wear casually.

Why We Love Them

Warm weather calls for casual attire, but sometimes you still want to be a bit dressy. We recommend Birkenstock’s Glenda Platform Sandal because the soft leather straps and raised sole make them versatile enough for dressing up or down. The ankle strap is adjustable with a stylish buckle, and the cork construction makes these sandals super lightweight and easy to wear all day. Plus, the already soft straps will continue to soften with each wear.

We love how the suede-lined footbed molds to our foot, and the deep heel cup supports our ankle and distributes weight evenly. They even support a natural walking gait thanks to the toe bar that enhances the natural gripping motion of your foot. During our test, we found they fit true to size and stayed put even when we ran in them. The leather and cork construction makes them very durable. We like their high-quality feel and think they’re worth the investment.

Potential Flaws

• We noted that the quality of these sandals would be even better if the buckle was metal rather than plastic. However, metal would add weight, and we appreciate the very lightweight construction.
• Limited size range excludes the smallest and largest shoe sizes.

Key Specs:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, men’s 7-15 | Closure: Buckle strap | Cushioning: Maximum | Materials: Polyester straps, recycled foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for wearers who need good arch support and firm cushioning for all-day wear.

Why We Love Them

Chaco’s Women’s CushZ Toe-Loop Sandals are extra cushiony but still provide firm support for all-day wear, like sightseeing or standing for work. We loved the extra-thick padding that helped prevent foot and leg fatigue. The ankle strap is padded for comfort, and the adjustable buckle strap allows for a perfect fit and easy adjustments if you need the sandals tighter or looser.

The molded arch support in the insole supported us and felt nice when we had to stand for a long time. We found these sandals had the perfect combination of firmness, padding, and flexibility. Wet surfaces were no match for them thanks to their solid traction. And when the sandals got wet, they didn’t chafe and dried quickly. We think these sandals are reasonably priced for their value and are well worth it if you’re on your feet for long periods.

Potential Flaws

• These sandals are not available in half sizes, and the company recommends sizing up. However, we sized down, and they fit perfectly, so getting the right size might be challenging.