12 Best Walking Sandals for Women, Tested and Reviewed 2025

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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. (Sorry, flip-flops—you’re better suited for the pool.) It might sound surprising, but “rigidity and firmness” throughout the sole are key to lasting comfort.

Finding comfortable walking sandals that keep your feet supported and cushioned all day—especially if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis—can be a real challenge. That’s why we tested dozens of walking shoes to uncover the most reliable, breathable options that hold up to long hours exploring new cities (or your own), hiking trails, or standing for hours. From stylish picks for nights out to rugged sandals built for trekking, each pair has been thoroughly reviewed by Glamour editors and meets podiatrist recommendations. (TL;DR: Our faves are the under-$50 Teva Originals.)

For this update, we changed our picks for best travel shoes and best walking shoes for wide feet, and added options that are stylish and on-trend enough to wear to work or a wedding.

Our favorite walking sandals, at a glanceBest Overall: Teva Originals, $55 $41Best for Travel: Birkenstock Arizona Big-Buckle Slides, $170Best for Everyday: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sky Sandal, $80 $60Best for Wide Feet: Clarks Mira Bay, $75 $49Best for Arch Support: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals, $75Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Dansko Judith, $120Best for Hiking: Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro, $130Best for Office: Sorel Kinetic Impact Y-Strap High Sandals, $135Best Platform Sandals: Dr. Martens Voss Hydro, $93Best Slides: Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals, $60Most Stylish: Teva Voya Infinity, $42Best Trendy: Melissa Possession Jelly Sandal, $69What we looked for in walking sandals

To recommend the best walking sandals, we consulted podiatrists, outdoor enthusiasts, travel writers, and everyday walkers to gather a range of expert opinions. Our reviewers, representing different foot types and walking habits, evaluated sandals based on these key criteria:

Support: Sandals were assessed for arch support and foot stability, which is crucial during extended walks and for those prone to overpronation (when your feet roll inward during walking) or flat feet.Comfort: We prioritized cushioned footbeds that provide shock absorption, helping prevent fatigue over long distances.Design: Adjustable straps that offer a secure, customizable fit were essential, as was a sole design that promotes natural foot movement and grip. Heel and forefoot cushioning were also evaluated to ensure smooth, comfortable strides.Materials: We favored breathable, quick-drying fabrics for comfort in warm weather, while sturdier materials were chosen to withstand hikes, rough trails, and rocky terrain.Versatility: We looked for sandals that perform well across different environments—from cobblestones to light trails—while being stylish and practical enough for everyday wear.Durability: Traction and outsole resilience were key, especially for those walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. We sought sandals with tread patterns that provide reliable grip and hold up over time.How to choose a walking sandal

Start by understanding your foot type, especially the shape of your sole. A simple way to check is the “wet test”: Wet the bottom of your foot and step onto a surface where you can see your footprint (like a piece of paper). If you see only a small part of the middle of your foot (just the heel and ball connected by a thin strip), you likely have a high arch. If about half your foot shows in the print, your arch is neutral. If most of your sole leaves a print, you have low arches or flat feet. “The height of your arch influences how your foot moves— or ‘pronates’—as you walk,” explains Katrina Manos, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at Westside Podiatry Group in Rochester, New York.

Choosing the right sandal depends on this foot shape. “Walking sandals should support your foot’s natural movement and provide enough cushioning to absorb shock,” says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist.

If you have flat feet, you may tend to roll your ankles inward and will benefit from sandals with a firm structure that helps hold your foot in place. For neutral or higher arches, sandals with more flexibility can offer comfort without sacrificing support. Beyond support, look for adjustable straps to customize your fit, cushioned footbeds for shock absorption, and soles with good traction to keep you steady on different surfaces. Lightweight, breathable materials help keep feet comfortable during long walks, and if you plan to explore rougher terrain, sandals with toe protection offer an extra layer of safety.

Best Overall: Teva Original UniversalOriginal photo from Malia Griggs testing Teva Original Universal

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Teva Original Universal

What we love: Secure straps with Velcro; comfortable platform; no break-in period; affordable; many colors and patternsWhat could improve: Sizing can run a little small; no half sizingWith a forgiving footbed and durable, flexible rubber outsoles, the Teva Originals have a cushioned platform and an easy-to-adjust Velcro strap system. We also love the smooth strap lining that helps prevent hot spots. The midsole is made with a responsive ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and we appreciate that the strap options come in a variety of fun colors and are made with recycled materials.

What our reviewer says: I have been a die-hard Chaco fan for a decade, but these Teva Originals have taken the place of my daily walking-around sandals. They are comfortable and easy to adjust, and I love the textured foam footbed that feels both supportive and squishy. I have these in a fun ’80s-throwback strap pattern that adds a splash of color to my outfits. —Maggie Slepian, gear tester and Glamour contributor

Sizes: 5–13 | Colors: 19 options | Material: 100% recycled plastic straps, EVA insole, rubber outsole | Closure: Hook and loop