The 10 Best Sandals For Walking, Based On Podiatrist Guidelines
Your toes need to breathe!
Pros
Supportive heel strapAPMA-approvedTrue to sizeCons
Not slip resistantNot orthotic friendlySizes available: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Shoe width: Medium
Approved by the American Pediatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health, these sturdy sandals are the perfect balance of style and comfort for a busy day on your feet. Their three-strap design holds your foot securely in place, while the latex and cork footbed provides ample arch support. The hardest part will be deciding which of the 25 colorways to purchase first.
Pros
Easily adjustableArch supportAPMA-approvedCons
Must break-inRuns largeSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Shoe width: Wide, Medium
Feet often swell in the summer as the temperatures begin to rise. This is where an adjustable sandal—like the Vionic Amber—comes into play. The four adjustable straps can be adjusted throughout the day to customize the fit of your shoe with any fluctuations. Designed with shock-absorbing EVA midsole, the breathable design even has a microfiber footbed to catch sweat and prevent your foot from slipping around as you sweat.
Pros
Covered toe boxStrong gripCons
Not bunion-friendlyRuns smallSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
Shoe width: Medium
If you're especially active or plan on heading out for a hike or on wet pavement, this close-toed sandal design from Keen will be both practical and secure. You'll still get the breathability of a typical sandal without the fear of your foot slipping or sliding—and it's vegan. It's also a low-risk try on thanks to Amazon's Try Before You Buy feature, which lets you test items at home before committing.
Pros
SturdyAdjustableDurable tractionSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Shoe width: Medium
Prepare for any terrain with these comfortable, durable, and colorful sandals with adjustable toe and heel straps. The sturdy sandals opts for an EVA sole, neoprene upper, and sticky rubber outsole for a design that's equal parts functional and trendy. Whether you're going for a nature walk or hitting the pavement, you can rest assured you'll be well prepared to tackle any terrain.
Cons
Heel strap not adjustableNo half sizes availableSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Shoe width: Medium
Another APMA-accepted shoe, these Chaco are great for long days spent on your feet. Designed to feel as close to walking barefoot as possible, the strappy sandals have a slim profile and lightweight construction. The foam sole packs plenty of rebound, so it won't compress with regular wear—a given due to their versatility. Take them on a hike, wear them on your evening stroll, or even style them on a daytime excursion so you feel supported and secure without sacrificing style.
Pros
Quick dryingDurableGood tractionCons
Heel strap not adjustableSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Shoe width: Medium
Sometimes you might want to hit the trails in your sandals rather than hiking boots, and these are the perfect pair for doing just that. Made from recycled materials, they have a soft midsole for maximum comfort and a mega-grip outsole crafted for traction when trekking through any terrain. Bonus: You won't have to shy away from waterfalls or streams due to the sandals quick-drying design.
Pros
SturdyAdjustableMolds to feetSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5
Shoe width: Wide, Medium
The classic Birkenstock never goes out of style—but this upgraded option adds a heel strap to keep them in place. Made in Germany, the unisex style has a contoured footbed that molds to your foot over time for a supportive fit, as well as a raised toe bar to encourage your foot's natural gripping motion. Another perk? A deep heel cup that encourages a more even distribution of your bodyweight to prevent pain or discomfort even during all-day wear. Made with real leather and undeniably sturdy, these shoe are sure to last for years, making it worth the investment.
Pros
Cushioned footbedMoisture-wickingLightweightSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5
Shoe width: Wide, Medium
On the hottest summer days, the last thing you want is to feel like your foot is suffocating and slipping around in pool of sweat—but these strappy shoes guarantee you won't have to worry about either. Their microsuede lining absorbs sweat and prevents stench while adding underfoot traction. Secure and lightweight, they also feature a flexible outsole that expands and contracts as you walk, making every step feel more natural than the last. What's more, they provide ample cushioning to the soles of your feet, so you can run errands with the utmost comfort—even if that includes clocking a long walk.
Pros
Supportive heel design and cushionEnhanced tractionCons
Less arch supportStraps are not adjustableSizes available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
Shoe width: Medium
A good pair of shoes doesn't have to do away with style, and this sandal strikes the perfect balance between cute and functional. The stretchy leather upper looks chic yet straps the foot firmly against the foam footbed, which also features a cushioned heel for added comfort. Available in nine colorways, the strappy pick bridges the gap between day and night, making it the most comfortable (and obvious) choice.
Pros
Padded leather insoleLow carbon footprintAdjustable buckle strapCons
Not slip-resistant PriceySizes available: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Shoe width: Medium
With thin, comfortable straps and a padded leather insole, these lightweight sandals pair well with nearly any outfit (and won't cause foot pain as you go about your day). Handcrafted in the USA, they feature a padded leather insole, recycled rubber outsole, and nickel-free buckles. Not to mention, they boast a low carbon footprint—making them the ultimate sustainable pick.