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Friday, August 1, 2025

The 18 Greatest Strolling Sandals of 2025, Examined


Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal

Credit score: Amazon
Execs

  • Antimicrobial therapy

  • Padded, adjustable straps

  • Made with recycled supplies

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Closure: Adjustable straps | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Textile and recycled plastic higher, textile lining, foam footbed, recycled foam midsole, recycled foam and rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for these on the lookout for a lightweight climbing, journey, or all-day put on sandal.

Why We Love Them

Snug, supportive, and sturdy, Teva’s Zymic Sandal was a simple selection for our high decide for greatest total strolling sandals. With contoured arch help, a well-cushioned footbed, and a versatile sole, this pair was snug sufficient to put on all day lengthy. The footwear are additionally handled with an antimicrobial coating to maintain them odor-free. Plus, we like that they are made with recycled foam, plastic, and rubber, so you possibly can be ok with sporting a extra sustainable shoe.

On check walks, we seen that this sandal felt light-weight and soft underfoot, with glorious help and stability. The grippy rubber outsole stored us surefooted and regular on uneven terrain. We additionally like this sandal’s open-toe design and padded, adjustable straps, which stored our toes in place with out inflicting painful irritation or blisters. Trendy and simple to put on, this feature affords nice worth for an on a regular basis strolling sandal.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon and Teva.

Potential Flaws

  • Like different Teva sandals, the Zymic doesn’t are available in half sizes. But it surely’s value noting that we didn’t have any points with the match throughout testing.
  • On some walks, we seen sweat build up beneath the arches of our toes, indicating that the Zymic’s sole isn’t as breathable as others we examined. Nonetheless, this didn’t have an effect on the sandals’ total consolation.

Meet Our Testers

Each of our testers take pleasure in strolling for train. One tester goals for at the least 10,000 steps a day in between strolling her canine and working errands. Since she has wider toes, she prefers a extremely adjustable sandal so she will be able to discover the appropriate match. The opposite tester was already a fan of Tevas earlier than testing these out and was to see if the Zymic would meet her excessive expectations. Each testers love this sandal’s smooth foam footbed, stable help, and chunky sole, which exceed their expectations when it comes to consolation.

Merrell Women's Terran 4 Slide

Credit score: Amazon
Execs

  • Shock-absorbing sole

  • Strong odor management

  • Colourful accent design

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11 (medium, vast) | Closure: Hook-and-loop strap | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Leather-based and recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for people who spend their days on their toes and search fashionable, snug, and supportive strolling sandals.

Why We Love Them

Merrell’s Terran 4 Slide is a slip-on sandal that provides adjustability, consolation, and elegance, making it our best choice for girls’s strolling sandals. The shock-absorbing outsole makes it simple to put on all day with out inflicting foot fatigue. And the froth and microfiber insole is smooth and soft. We additionally respect the pure odor management therapy; we seen no odor in any respect throughout testing. These sandals can be found in 5 colours and in medium and vast widths so you may get the proper fi.

The sandals provide glorious shock absorption within the heel and simply the correct amount of curve within the outsole to create easy transitions with out being too bouncy. The arch help feels good, and the sandals match true to dimension—no digging or chafing wherever. The hook-and-loop strap throughout the highest permits an adjustable, safe match. We additionally love the colourful accent strap, which provides a contact of aptitude and elegance.

Potential Flaws

  • We discovered the match of those sandals to be excellent throughout our check; nonetheless, some wearers have famous that the hook-and-loop strap is just too excessive on the foot and causes their foot to slip out of the sandal.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is on their toes all day and enjoys strolling for train. She wears a number of types of footwear however would not have a favourite model. She selected to check these slides as a result of Merrell is a trusted model, and he or she appreciated the model of the sandals. These sandals actually didn’t disappoint and allowed her to simply put on all of them day, with no foot fatigue or irritation.

REI Merrell Men's Maipo Explorer Sieve Sandals

Credit score: REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Ladies’s 5-11 | Closure: Elastic bungee | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Mesh and suede higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for lively people who need a sandal-shoe hybrid that provides safety and flexibility.

Why We Love Them

Merrell’s Maipo Explorer Sieve Sandal combines the consolation and breathability of a light-weight sandal with the help and stability of a sturdy climbing shoe, incomes our high spot for greatest males’s strolling sandals. Once we examined this sporty pair, we discovered that its powerful rubber outsole with a grippy lug sample supplied distinctive traction on quite a lot of surfaces. The plush foam cushioning stored our toes comfortable and guarded, whether or not we had been strolling on sidewalks or gravel paths. The sandals additionally felt springy and responsive, propelling us to the subsequent step.

Throughout check walks, our toes stayed in place, due to the bungee lace system with toggles and adjustable heel strap. We additionally appreciated that the closed-toe design stored out rocks and particles when strolling on rougher terrain. The sturdy sandals additionally felt surprisingly gentle and well-ventilated, given their ample cushioning and safety.

Additionally accessible in girls’s sizes at Amazon, Merrell, Zappos, and REI.

Potential Flaws

  • Though we discovered the match to be snug and safe, we thought the rear strap could possibly be a bit tighter.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks about 11,000 steps every single day, largely for train. He selected the Maipo Explorer Sieve Sandals for his or her full toe protection and slip-on design. He likes that they’re very snug to put on and didn’t slide off, even on rougher, uneven terrains.

Nordstrom Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals

Credit score: Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-13, Males’s 7-15 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Agency | Supplies: Recycled plastic higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for budget-conscious vacationers on the lookout for light-weight strolling sandals to tackle the go.

Why We Love Them

For an adjustable, sturdy sandal at a budget-friendly worth, we advocate Teva’s Authentic Common Sandal. Weighing simply 6 ounces, this is likely one of the lightest sandals on our record, which means it gained’t weigh you down on lengthy walks. Plus, the footwear are simple to stash in a backpack or tote bag, making this pair one in every of our high picks for holidays or different journeys.

Throughout testing, we seen that the sandals’ three adjustable straps offered an ideal match. We additionally like that its easy, low-profile model pairs nicely with every part from yoga leggings to summer time clothes. With dozens of colours and patterns to select from, stocking up for the hotter months is simple. One other bonus? We discovered that these sandals are simple to scrub and dry rapidly, making them best for seashore exercises or most summer time sports activities.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.

Potential Flaws

  • The skinny midsole could not have sufficient stability or help in case you have flat toes or are strolling on tough terrain.
  • Throughout testing, we seen that the straps felt stiff and gave us a number of small blisters at first. However after a number of wears, the straps began to melt and really feel far more snug.

Meet Our Testers

Each of our testers stroll a number of miles a day round their neighborhood and whereas working errands. They have a tendency to gravitate towards sneakers in hotter climate, however needed to strive Teva’s Authentic Common Sandals after listening to rave opinions from family and friends. One tester has needed to cope with plantar fasciitis signs and was happy to seek out that these sandals didn’t worsen her heels or arches. Each testers agree that these sandals are light-weight, simple to scrub, and simple to pair with varied informal put on.

Rykä Blissful Strappy Sandal

Credit score: Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Woven straps, molded foam insole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who need a fashionable design with a number of stability that travels nicely.

Why We Love Them

Ryka’s Blissful Strappy Sandals have smooth straps, making them simple to pack, and are fashionable sufficient to go from sightseeing to an evening out. The higher straps are woven in a fisherman-style sample, and there are two hook-and-loop straps for most adjustability for an ideal match. The straps even offered loads of ankle help. And we additionally suppose the rose gold buckles are a classy accent.

We just like the platform sole for its stability and the deep ridges that created some good traction. We wore these sandals on different and uneven terrain, comparable to gravel and unfastened dust, and by no means felt unstable. They held our toes safe and regular. We expect they’re a fantastic worth for his or her steady and trendy design.

Potential Flaws

  • The deep ridges within the sole offered nice traction, however they collected small rocks and particles that we needed to clear out.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has flat toes with some hypermobility in her ankles. She walks 6 to 7 miles a day for train, strolling her canine, and on a strolling pad throughout work. She likes any sort of shoe with a platform sole for additional shock absorption and was excited to check these sandals for his or her shade and cute design. She loves that these sandals are extremely steady with stable traction and provide most adjustability for an ideal match.

Chaco Women's CushZ Toe-Loop Extra Cushioned Sandal

Credit score: Chaco

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12, Males’s 7-15 | Closure: Buckle strap | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Polyester straps, recycled foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers who need good arch help and agency cushioning for all-day put on.

Why We Love Them

Chaco’s CushZ Toe-Loop Sandals are extra-cushioned but present agency help for all-day put on, comparable to sightseeing or standing for lengthy durations at work. We love the extra-thick padding that helps forestall foot and leg fatigue. The ankle strap is padded for consolation, and the adjustable buckle strap permits for an ideal match and simple changes in case you want the sandals tighter or looser.

The molded arch help supported us and felt good after we needed to stand for a very long time. We discovered these sandals had the proper mixture of firmness, padding, and suppleness. Moist surfaces had been no match for them due to their stable traction. And when the sandals received moist, they did not chafe our pores and skin and dried rapidly. We expect these sandals are moderately priced for his or her worth and are nicely value it in case you’re in your toes for lengthy durations.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

  • These sandals aren’t accessible in half sizes, and the corporate recommends sizing up. Nevertheless, we sized down, and so they match completely, so getting the appropriate dimension may be difficult.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has flat, vast toes with some overpronation and repeatedly walks on a treadmill and outside in varied climate situations. She likes these sandals thick cushioning and that she will be able to put on them for prolonged durations with none foot or leg fatigue. She additionally likes their cushioned and molded help, and so they positively met her expectations for snug all-day put on.

Merrell Women's Fleur Fisherman Sandal

Credit score: Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11 | Closure: Pull tab, hook and loop strap | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Leather-based higher, cork insole, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for many who want glorious arch help to assist forestall a plantar fasciitis flare-up.

Why We Love Them

If in case you have a historical past of plantar fasciitis, contemplate a shoe with thick soles and arched or well-cushioned insoles, comparable to Merrell’s Fleur Fisherman Sandals. When testing this pair, our toes and joints felt well-supported and steady, whether or not we had been strolling on indoor or outside surfaces. We seen that the insoles delivered a good stability of cushion and firmness, offering help precisely the place we wanted it most.

We discovered that the thick, vast leather-based straps felt smooth and easy, stopping chafing or irritation. Moreover, we respect that the sturdy rubber outsole supplies grippy, dependable traction to maintain you regular in your toes. Effectively-made, light-weight, and trendy, these versatile sandals are excellent for lively holidays and may be simply dressed up or down.

Potential Flaws

  • Throughout testing, we discovered the match to be snug and safe, however we wished that we might pull the ankle strap a bit tighter.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks at the least three miles a day when commuting to work and working errands, and in addition does health walks of six to 10 miles a few occasions per week. She is aware of and trusts the Merrell model for its consolation, model, and help. She was happy that these sandals exceeded her expectations, providing glorious help for her plantar fasciitis, whether or not strolling quick or lengthy distances.

Vivaia Kiara Sport Sandals

Credit score: Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop strap | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Recycled plastic higher and outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for anybody who needs tremendous snug strolling sandals with agency help and loads of shade choices to select from.

Why We Love Them

Vivaia’s Kiara Sport Sandals proved smooth, supportive, and breathable after we examined them, making them our best choice for probably the most snug strolling sandals. We like that they really feel versatile with out dropping help, and so they’re simple to put on with any outfit due to their versatile design. The contoured sole has a slight curve, making the sandals really feel responsive, relatively than gradual or sluggish.

The moisture-wicking, anti-microbial insole stored our toes cool and dry by means of lengthy, sizzling days. We love that the heel shock absorption prevents any hip and knee ache and the contoured footbed reduces stress factors and fatigue. Plus, we like how high-quality and sturdy these sandals really feel. They’re accessible in 28 totally different shade combos, permitting you to choose the proper look.

Potential Flaws

  • Though we didn’t have any points with the shoe’s match, they don’t are available in vast sizes, which can be a difficulty for these with vast toes.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester repeatedly walks 3-5 miles a day for train, errands, and on a strolling pad throughout work. She has skilled blisters and chafing previously with hiking-style sandals. She likes these sandals for his or her versatile design and added help, permitting her to put on them comfortably with none ache or blisters, even on longer walks. These sandals met her expectations and carried out very nicely throughout testing, preserving her toes cool, dry, and really snug, even in sizzling climate.

Teva Women’s Tirra Hiking Sandal

Credit score: Teva
Execs

  • Adjustable, padded straps

  • Simple to scrub

  • Excellent stability and traction on uneven terrains

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Agency | Supplies: Recycled plastic higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers seeking to stroll on the seashore, tidepool, or just benefit from the comfort of a water-friendly sandal.

Why We Love Them

To get probably the most out of your seashore walks, we advocate Teva’s Tirra Sandal. Throughout testing, we seen that the contoured midsole offered snug arch help, even preserving our painful plantar fasciitis signs at bay. We additionally seen that the froth cushioning helped soak up shock with out feeling too squishy or compromising our stability.

The thick, sturdy rubber outsole delivers excellent stability, help, and traction for traversing uneven terrain and moist situations. We additionally love that the absolutely padded straps are extremely adjustable, due to handy hook-and-loop closures that preserve our toes steady and safe. Cleansing these footwear is simple—simply run them below water to take away any sand or dust. Even higher, this sandal has an antimicrobial therapy derived from peppermint that helps forestall odor-causing micro organism from rising.

Potential Flaws

  • These sandals really feel about as springy as many tennis footwear do. For a extra responsive sandal, it’s your decision a pair with softer cushioning. Nevertheless, for seashore strolling, we choose a extra steady possibility.

Meet Our Testers

One in every of our testers has excessive arches and wider toes, whereas the opposite is an underpronator with plantar fasciitis. The primary tester had points with footwear being too slender previously, so she appreciated that she might regulate these sandals for a greater match. The opposite tester appreciated that these are slimmer than her Teva Hurricane Sandals, with sufficient help and rigidity to fight her plantar fasciitis signs.

Amazon NAOT Kayla Sandal

Credit score: Amazon

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 4-12.5 (slender, medium, vast) | Closure: Adjustable strap | Cushioning: Agency | Supplies: Leather-based or suede higher, cork and latex footbed, foam midsole and outsole | Our General Score: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for these in want of arch help, on the lookout for a sandal that does not sacrifice model for consolation.

Why We Love Them

Do your excessive arches ache whenever you spend lengthy days in your toes? If that’s the case, we extremely advocate Naot’s Kayla Sandal. Throughout testing, the sandals’ cork and latex footbed felt agency however snug. The raised arch supplied help proper the place we wanted it probably the most, permitting us to stroll lengthy distances with ease. And in contrast to different sandals we examined, this pair has a foam outsole for a lighter really feel.

We love that this sandal is available in three widths and has an adjustable, hook-and-loop ankle strap—plus, its easy, fashionable design pairs nicely with most wardrobes. We love that the footwear really feel light-weight, stopping foot fatigue even whereas strolling on rocks and grass. However we aren’t the one followers of this sandal: This pair has additionally earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means a panel of podiatrists has decided that its design helps help good foot well being.

Potential Flaws

  • We like that the ankle strap is adjustable, however we expect we might get a good higher match if the opposite two straps throughout the forefoot may be adjusted.
  • Those that don’t want additional arch help may discover that these sandals really feel a bit too stiff or agency.

Meet Our Testers

Our testers rack up a number of miles day by day on common walks and whereas working errands. One tester underpronates, which means she wants a sandal with dependable arch help to align her toes and stop ache as she walks. The opposite tends to stay along with her favourite Asics sneakers as a result of she will be able to put on them for lengthy distances with out her toes feeling sore. Each testers selected to check this sandal for its glossy design, and so they had been pleasantly stunned by how snug it felt throughout testing, even when strolling lengthy distances on uneven terrains.

Nike Air Max Isla Sandals

Credit score: Nike
Execs

  • Tremendous smooth cushioning

  • Glorious help

  • Stylish design

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12, Males’s 4-11 | Closure: Elasticized slingback strap | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Artificial higher and lining, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for many who need a comfortable, supportive platform sandal with a classy aptitude.

Why We Love Them

Should you love the look and luxury of a platform sandal but in addition need dependable help, Nike’s Air Max Isla Sandal could also be your best shoe. With thick, velvety straps, tremendous smooth cushioning, and a chunky sole, this pair affords stylish model and plush consolation with out sacrificing stability. From the second we slipped into them, we felt like we had been strolling on air, due to the soft footbed.

Throughout check walks, the sandals had been surprisingly supportive, particularly given their excessive platform. We by no means wobbled, and the plush straps helped preserve our toes securely in place. Plus, the sandals’ sturdy rubber outsole affords nice traction and sturdiness.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

  • Whereas energy strolling on this pair, we discovered that the sandals’ again straps began to squeeze and rub our heels, so they could be extra suited to informal put on relatively than fast-paced strolling.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester likes sporting sandals for informal put on or strolling, however has problem discovering a pair that doesn’t trigger blisters. She selected to check this sandal as a result of she’s a fan of Nike sneakers, and this pair seemed very snug. General, she was impressed with the sandal’s pillow-like cushioning, plush straps, and stable help, in addition to its eye-catching model.

Amazon Reef Men's Cross-Shore Sandals

Credit score: Amazon
Execs

  • Soft footbed with good shock absorption

  • Supportive ergonomic design

  • Trendy, light-weight, and sensible

Key Specs

Sizes: Males’s 7-13, Ladies’s 5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Nylon and polyester higher, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for wearers on the lookout for a waterproof sandal for seashore days, water park journeys, or water sports activities.

Why We Love Them

Whether or not you’re kayaking, boating, or spending the day on the seashore, Reef’s Cross-Shore Sandals can deal with the surf and sand whereas preserving your toes comfortable and supported. Once we examined this pair, we discovered that its sturdy development and waterproof supplies had been best for water actions. The three adjustable straps allowed us to dial within the excellent match and held up nicely all through the testing.

Regardless of their light-weight really feel, the sandals’ soft foam midsole supplied plush consolation and good shock absorption. We additionally discovered that the ergonomic design delivers optimum help, which helps to cut back foot fatigue throughout walks. And when you head dwelling from the seashore, the sandals are simple to rinse off and dry rapidly. We additionally love that the rugged, fashionable design and built-in bottle opener on the underside make them excellent for yard cookouts or journeys to a brewery.

Additionally accessible in girls’s sizes at Amazon and Reef.   

Potential Flaws

  • Though these sandals had been supportive and safe sufficient for informal strolling, they’re not appropriate for climbing on tough terrain.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks about two to 3 miles a day, largely whereas strolling his canine. He has beforehand worn Reef flip-flops and likes the model’s high quality, so he was wanting to strive their sandals. The Cross-Shore Sandals exceeded his expectations when it comes to consolation, model, and efficiency.

Amazon Taos Women's The Show Sandals

Credit score: Amazon
Execs

  • Excellent arch help

  • Tender footbed and straps

  • Cool and breathable

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 6-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Leather-based higher, microfiber lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for many who need a sturdy, snug dressy sandal with loads of help.

Why We Love Them

We advocate Taos’ The Present Sandal for its distinctive consolation and flexibility as an informal or dressy strolling sandal. Once we examined this pair, we had been impressed with its excellent arch help. The sandals offered the excellent stability of flexibility and sturdiness, and we seen that our toes had been well-supported however not too restricted.

These sandals are very responsive, so our stride felt springier and our toes had been extra energized, in comparison with after we put on different pairs. And the light-weight and breathable design stored our toes cool and cozy. Plus, the straps and footbed felt buttery smooth and didn’t trigger any chafing, making this pair simple to put on for prolonged durations.

Potential Flaws

  • When testing this pair, the strap was initially digging into our toes, however we had been in a position to repair it with some changes.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester has common to vast toes and walks wherever from 6,000 to 10,000 steps per day for errands and day by day actions. She needed to do that possibility for its versatility as each an informal and dressy strolling sandal. Up to now, she has struggled to seek out sandals with respectable arch help, however she was blown away by this pair’s glorious help and total consolation.

REI HOKA Women's Infini Hike TC Sandals

Credit score: REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-11, Males’s 7-14 | Closure: Buckle, hook and loop straps | Cushioning: Average | Supplies: Recycled polyester and nylon webbing, sugarcane foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for these on the lookout for sandal for climbing on gentle to average trails.

Why We Love Them

Want a sturdy, snug sandal with higher traction for climbing? Hoka’s Infini Hike TC Sandals are our high decide. With a deep heel cup and thick midsole, they’re designed to cushion your toes and supply good stability for hitting the paths. When testing these sporty sandals, they offered distinctive consolation and arch help, together with good affect safety. We discovered this pair to be best for touring, whether or not we had been traipsing by means of the airport or strolling on concrete, sand, gravel, or indoor surfaces.

We had been impressed by the sturdy rubber outsole, which supplied distinctive traction on different terrain. And the three smooth, adjustable straps stayed securely in place, due to the sturdy hook-and-loop closures. We had been additionally pleasantly stunned that the sandals felt light-weight and responsive, like a springy working shoe.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and REI.

Potential Flaws

  • Though we appreciated the sandals’ match, we want the strap over the toe field could possibly be made a bit tighter for these with slender toes.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester averages about 5,000 steps per day by means of health strolling and common day by day actions. She wears Hoka Clifton Sneakers for her day by day walks, so she was excited to strive one of many model’s sandals for warm-weather strolling. She likes that this pair has loads of help for her excessive arches and feels springy, like Hoka sneakers.

Vivobarefoot Men's Tracker Sandal

Credit score: Vivobarefoot
Execs

  • Grippy traction on dust, gravel, grass, and extra

  • Extremely sturdy and versatile

  • Extremely-packable and light-weight

Key Specs

Sizes: Males’s 7-15, Ladies’s 4.5-11 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Low | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for minimalist health walkers, hikers, or outside adventurers who need a barefoot strolling sandal.

Why We Love Them

Should you choose minimalist footwear that permit for pure foot motion, we advocate Vivobarefoot’s Tracker Sandal. Throughout testing, we discovered that they supplied an excellent grounded really feel whereas nonetheless offering good stability and safety for warm-weather adventures. This pair feels light-weight and versatile on our toes, permitting for simple, pure strides and fast transitions.

Though the sandal doesn’t have plush foam cushioning, it successfully absorbs affect, due to the thick rubber outsole. Moreover, this sturdy pair offered grippy traction, permitting us to really feel steady and assured on quite a lot of terrains, together with dust, grass, pavement, and gravel. We’re additionally followers of the closed-toe design, which shields our toes when strolling on tough terrain, with out squishing our toes or inflicting blisters. And these sandals journey remarkably nicely–we had been in a position to roll them up right into a small ball and simply tuck them right into a pack.

Additionally accessible in girls’s sizes at Vivobarefoot.

Potential Flaws

  • Throughout our first put on, we seen some slight rubbing beneath the highest strap. Nevertheless, it wasn’t too bothersome and went away as we continued to put on the sandals.
  • With a closed toe field, this pair just isn’t as well-ventilated and breathable as open-toe sandals, so our toes received heat and a bit sweaty in sizzling climate.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester enjoys strolling for day by day actions and health, notably as an lively restoration from working. He particularly seeks out zero drop footwear for strolling as a result of he likes the pure, close-to-ground really feel they provide. As he walked and hiked on this pair, he appreciated their ultra-minimalist design, sturdiness, and suppleness.

Frankie4 Women's Isla Slide

Credit score: Frankie4
Execs

  • Versatile design may be dressed up or down

  • Glorious traction on sand, concrete, gravel, and rocky paths

  • Excessive-quality waterproof leather-based

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 6-13 | Closure: None | Cushioning: Low | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 5/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for many who need a beautiful, fashionable strolling sandal that may deal with slick surfaces and moist terrain.

Why We Love Them

Light-weight and simple to pack, Frankie4’s Isla Slides characteristic an elegant model that may take them straight from the seashore to an evening out. Their glossy, low-profile design may be simply dressed up or down, making them a flexible possibility for journey. Throughout a warm-weather trip, we discovered them to be excellent as waterproof seashore footwear. In addition they felt supportive and cozy as we walked on quite a lot of surfaces, together with sand, concrete, gravel, and rocky paths.

The grippy rubber outsole stored us surefooted and regular on uneven terrain, steep hills, and slick concrete stairs throughout a tropical downpour. Moreover, the sandals felt ethereal and lightweight, permitting our toes to remain cool, even in extraordinarily sizzling and humid climate. We additionally love that the smooth, easy leather-based straps didn’t trigger any rubbing or chafing.

Potential Flaws

  • Not like another sandals we examined, this pair doesn’t have adjustable straps. Nevertheless, we had no points with the sandals’ match and located that they stayed securely in place throughout walks.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a runner who walks about 10,000 steps on most days as a part of her day by day routine and as a exercise calm down. She normally wears comfortable sneakers or sandals for strolling. She likes that these sandals are very fashionable, with out sacrificing sensible options such pretty much as good arch help and waterproofing. They exceeded her expectations when it comes to consolation and help, whether or not worn to the seashore or out to dinner.

Frankie4 Thompson Black

Credit score: Frankie4
Execs

  • Glorious arch and toe help

  • Three adjustable, padded straps

  • Very fashionable

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 6-13 | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Cushioning: Most | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for many who need a fashionable, versatile sandal that provides additional help and padding, particularly below the arch and forefoot.

Why We Love Them

Frankie4’s Thompson Sandals stand out for his or her plush consolation and absolutely adjustable design. Throughout check walks, the well-padded midsole and stable arch help stored our toes snug and guarded. We put these sandals by means of the ringer—strolling in sizzling, humid situations on concrete, gravel, and dust—and so they carried out spectacularly.  

Made with high-quality, sturdy supplies, this pair held as much as repeated use and all-day put on. We additionally like this sandal’s open-toe design and three padded, adjustable leather-based straps, which stored our toes in place with out inflicting painful irritation or blisters. Trendy and simple to put on, they’re excellent as an on a regular basis strolling sandal.

Potential Flaws

  • This pair felt a bit heavier in comparison with different sandals we’ve tried, however we expect the additional weight from the cushioning and buckle detailing is a good trade-off.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester walks two to 5 miles a day as a working calm down and through her day by day routine. She usually wears comfortable strolling or trainers. She was drawn to those sandals due to their model and promised consolation and help, and so they didn’t disappoint.

Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal

Credit score: Birkenstock
Execs

  • Glorious stability and arch help

  • Excessive-quality, sturdy design

  • Three adjustable straps that preserve toes securely in place

Key Specs

Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12.5 (medium, vast), Males’s 6-13.5 (medium, vast) | Closure: Adjustable straps with buckle | Cushioning: Agency | Supplies: Nubuck leather-based higher, cork-latex footbed, rubber outsole | Our General Score: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Greatest for these on the lookout for wide-feet-friendly sandals for long-distance walks, which might be additionally enticing for informal put on.

Why We Love Them

For vast toes, we advocate Birkenstock’s Milano Massive Buckle Sandal. We love that the three adjustable straps ship a extremely customizable match to accommodate toes of all sizes and shapes. Throughout testing, the straps felt sturdy and prevented our toes from sliding round within the shoe. We additionally respect that the vast toe field supplies ample room on the entrance, permitting your toes to splay out with out falling off the sting of the footbed.

These sandals characteristic a contoured cork-latex footbed, which supplies distinctive arch help as we trekked round. Whereas the sandals’ cushioning isn’t thick or plush, it absorbs shock nicely (particularly within the heel). Plus, we seen that this pair felt extraordinarily well-made, with an attention grabbing design that garnered tons of compliments.

Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

  • Birkenstocks are likely to really feel stiff initially. However you possibly can comply with the producer’s simple directions for breaking them in so the footbed conforms to the form of your foot.
  • We love this sandal’s agency arch help, but it surely doesn’t really feel as responsive as different, softer sandals we examined.

Meet Our Testers

Each of our testers stroll lengthy distances whereas working errands and commuting to the workplace. They’re overpronators with excessive arches, in order that they want strolling sandals with loads of arch help. They selected to check this sandal as a result of they love strolling in Birkenstock’s Traditional Arizona Sandal. Each testers suppose the Milano and the Arizona really feel comparable, though they like the Milano’s stylish design.

Strolling Sandals We Additionally Examined

We spent over 4 months testing 53 strolling sandals, however solely 18 made it on our closing record of suggestions. Though these pairs have some options we like, they in the end didn’t meet our rigorous testing necessities.

  • We love the glossy, streamlined model and light-weight design of FitFlop’s F-MODE Go Webbing Sling Sandals. Nevertheless, we discovered the only to be too onerous for lengthy walks, and the webbing across the massive toe led to blisters and normal discomfort.
  • Reef’s Water Vista Sandals characteristic a classy design, comfortable cushioning, and nice grip and safety within the water. Nevertheless, we want that the straps had been padded, as they brought about irritation and chafing when worn in dry situations.

What We’ve Up to date

  • Since publishing our preliminary examined roundup of the very best strolling sandals, we’ve examined 11 new choices, bringing our whole to 53 pairs examined. We evaluated every pair for its match, design, stability, high quality, cushioning, responsiveness, and worth to seek out the highest sandals available on the market.
  • Primarily based on our long-term testing and new insights, we’ve changed our picks for 5 superlatives, together with Greatest for Plantar Fasciitis, Greatest for Mountaineering, and extra.
  • Primarily based on our testing insights, we’ve added three new superlatives: Greatest Barefoot, Most Trendy, and Greatest Cushioned.

Verywell Match


What to Search for When Purchasing for Snug Sandals

  • Help: Search for sandals with a steady design that retains your toes securely in place. In line with podiatric surgeon Damian Roussel, DPM, FACFAS, your sandals ought to have straps to carry your forefoot, heel, and ankle. He notes that slide-type sandals lack correct ankle stability as a result of your toes are likely to flop round whenever you put on them, thereby growing your threat of damage.
  • Safety: Some sandals depart your toes extra uncovered than others—the quantity of safety you want will depend on the place you’ll be sporting yours. For working errands, you don’t want to fret an excessive amount of about open-toe designs. However in case you’re climbing and strolling on unpaved trails, sandals with enclosed toes are a should.
  • Model: Perform and luxury are an important issues to contemplate when shopping for a pair of strolling sandals, however model may also be an enormous issue. Guarantee your sandals’ heel top and supplies are appropriate for the situation and length of wear and tear. 
  • Straps: The straps in your sandals ought to be comfortable and safe (however not too tight), permitting sufficient room to your toes to wiggle freely, in response to bodily therapist Brian Mills, PT, DPT. For a extra exact match, make sure the forefoot and ankle straps are adjustable—that is particularly essential in case you have vast toes, in response to bodily therapist Eric Bjorkman, PT, MPT, CO.
  • Soles: Good traction is essential for staying regular and sure-footed as you’re strolling on slick or uneven surfaces. Search for sandals with outsoles comprised of a sturdy, grippy materials, like rubber. For climbing, you’ll need soles with deep lugs that may deal with difficult terrain.

Verywell Match


How We Examined the Strolling Sandals

To seek out the very best strolling sandals, we spent over 4 months testing 53 pairs of sandals, strolling in them for greater than 4,000 miles on varied terrains. Our testing course of is guided by suggestions from consultants and the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation. Once we check strolling sandals at dwelling, we price every pair primarily based on the next key attributes.

  • Match: Once we first strive them on, we word whether or not the sandals really feel comfortable round our heel and midfoot. Do our toes or heels stick out over the sting of the footbed? We use these observations to evaluate whether or not the sandals run small, giant, or true to dimension.
  • Design: We study the sandal’s design and total aesthetic. Is it versatile for various makes use of, comparable to health and informal put on? Does it have any distinctive options, comparable to buckles, cutouts, or a excessive heel top, that stand out? Is there something we might change in regards to the sandals’ look or design?
  • Stability: Throughout testing, we stroll on varied surfaces, together with wooden and tile flooring, sidewalks, pavement, dust trails, and grass, and reply the next questions: How do the sandals really feel when strolling on uneven floor, up and down hills, and on stairs? How safe are the straps? We additionally full the bend and twist exams: First, we bend the toe again in direction of the heel. Then, we twist the footbed. Ideally, the sandal bends solely below the toes (not on the arch) and is troublesome to twist—this implies it’s steady.
  • Responsiveness: Responsive footwear really feel springy underfoot and propel us to the subsequent step. Do the sandals present fast transitions between steps, or do they really feel heavy on our toes?
  • Cushioning: As we stroll, we word how the cushioning feels. Is it plush or agency? Does it really feel even all through the footbed, or is there additional padding in sure areas? We additionally examine to see if the straps are padded for consolation and safety in opposition to blisters.
  • High quality: Once we unbox the sandals, we examine them for any flaws, analyzing their supplies and development. We additionally proceed to examine the sandals for indicators of wear and tear and tear throughout and after the testing interval.
  • Consolation: Do the sandals nonetheless really feel snug after sporting them for hours? Are the supplies and straps smooth and breathable? We prioritize sandals that don’t create irritation, sizzling spots, or painful blisters.
  • Worth: To precisely assess every shoe’s worth, we don’t examine its worth till the tip of the testing interval, after we’ve rated it in all different key classes. Primarily based on our expertise, do we expect the sandal is priced pretty? Or would we solely purchase it if it went on sale? We additionally contemplate whether or not we’d advocate the sandals to a good friend or member of the family.

Verywell Match


Our Specialists

We consulted consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. Some, like Diana Valencia, DPM, helped us create and refine our testing course of. Others, like Mills, Roussel, and Bjorkman, helped us perceive what to search for when searching for strolling sandals and easy methods to inform if a sandal will really feel steady and supportive. We select merchandise independently, though enter from consultants helps information our choices.

  • Diana Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot and Ankle Middle
  • Brian Mills, PT, DPT, bodily therapist with Orthopedic and Sports activities Bodily Remedy in Louisville, Kentucky
  • Damian Roussel, DPM, FACFAS, board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgical procedure specialist in Frederick, Maryland
  • Eric Bjorkman, PT, MPT, CO, bodily therapist and proprietor of FYZICAL in Lincoln, Nebraska

Continuously Requested Questions

Are sandals okay for lengthy walks?

It is best to save lots of sure sandals for strolls or shorter excursions, comparable to walks after consuming, however with good traction and safe straps, you possibly can put on sandals when protecting longer distances. Nevertheless, in response to Roussel, it‘s a lot simpler to get blisters and twist an ankle strolling lengthy distances in sandals, particularly in the event that they don’t have straps to help your toes, heels, and ankles.

What sandals do podiatrists advocate?

Podiatrists advocate sandals with arch help, good cushioning, and safe straps, which all assist walkers preserve correct foot alignment and cut back pressure on the toes. They recommend sticking to high quality, well-known manufacturers like those featured right here, together with Birkenstock, Merrell, and Teva.

Which sandals are greatest for foot ache?

The most effective sandals for foot ache characteristic dependable arch help, agency but snug cushioning, and a contoured footbed that accommodates the pure form of your foot. Options comparable to adjustable straps and a deep heel cup assist to make sure correct match and alignment, which may alleviate ache and stop future flare-ups.

Why Belief Verywell Match

As a working coach, marathon runner, private coach, and Verywell Match author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending working and strolling footwear to shoppers and buddies. For this text, she evaluated every pair with the Verywell Match testing crew primarily based on components comparable to match, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, high quality, consolation, and worth. The Verywell Testing Lab used suggestions from our consultants and the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation to information their analysis. To stroll comfortably and cut back your threat of damage, Luff suggests getting correctly fitted to your strolling sandals and changing them repeatedly.

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