The best podiatrist-approved walking sandals to keep you comfortable all summer

Sandal season means trips to the beach, bright pedicures and more fun stuff. But, for many, wearing sandals also means blisters and soreness if you walk long distances in them.

“Thin, loose, or stretchy straps mean your foot has to ‘work’ just to keep the sandal on, so your toes grip, your gait gets shorter and more shuffling, and you start to feel fatigue not just in the foot but up into the knees, hips, and even the low back,” says Dr. Mikel Daniels, president and chief medical officer of We Treat Feet Podiatry.

Thankfully, there are sandals out there that are suitable for walking — you just have to know what to look for. To help you shop, I spoke with Daniels and other podiatrists on what to prioritize to ensure your sandals are comfortable for walking, and got their recommendations on sandals worth your consideration.

To compile this list of the best walking sandals, I gathered recommendations from experts and also used their guidance to find highly-rated options that are worth your consideration.

The Arizona is arguably Birkenstock’s most iconic sandal, but any sandal from the brand will give you solid arch support and a comfortable, durable footbed, says Dr. Tek Fish, podiatrist and owner of Clover Podiatry. I have been wearing these sandals for years. I have wide, flat feet and find that they accommodate larger feet without pinching and are supportive without being cumbersome.

The adjustable straps make it easy to get a customized fit and there is a raised toe bar on the footbed that gives your toes something to grip as you walk, which helps the shoe stay on, according to the brand.

Fish also recommends Oofos, saying they are great for recovering after a workout but can also provide all-day comfort. The unisex slide is highly cushioned to absorb impact as you walk and the contoured footbed provides arch support. The shoes are also easy to wipe down and can even be thrown in the washing machine — just don’t put them in the dryer. One thing to note: They do not come in half sizes. If you are a half size, Oofos recommends sizing up if you are a woman and down if you are a man.

“OluKai sandals are a strong choice if you want a cushioned feel and a shape that tends to work better for wider and flatter feet,” says Daniels. “They are comfortable and will help prevent pain in the Achilles area if worn all day.” These flip flops are lightweight, have arch support and a sole with treads for traction. They also have a quick-drying insole in case you get them wet. Though these are made for women, the brand also makes a version for men.

Experts I spoke with said part of what makes sandals uncomfortable for walking is that you have to clench your toes as you walk to keep them on your feet. Fish recommends these Tevas because they have a strap that runs over the toe area, as well as a strap that secures the sandal to your ankle. This means you don’t have to clench to keep them secure.

The sandals are available for both men and women and come in a variety of colors to suit your vibe. They can be worn in the water or on dry land and the straps are made from quick-drying nylon. The cushioned footbed is contoured to cradle your foot and provide support and the sole has deep treads for traction.

If you are looking for a slightly dressier (read: less sporty looking) sandal that is still comfortable to walk in, consider these from Naot, says Dr. Samantha Landau, a podiatrist and professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University. They have a slight wedge, but aren’t so high that your feet will get achy. They also have straps across the toes and midfoot, as well as an ankle strap to keep your foot secure.

The insole is cushioned and there is good arch support, according to the brand. The shoes also come in narrow, regular and wide width sizes.

Landau also recommends sandals from Clarks for how supportive and cushioned they are. These slides have a wide band that runs across the midsole, keeping the sandal secure on the foot. The upper is made from leather and the outsole is rubber to provide good traction. There is built-in arch support and the toe box is on the wider side to give feet plenty of room. The shoes are available in regular and wide widths.

To choose the most comfortable sandals for walking, I asked experts what to consider while shopping. Here are the things they suggest you prioritize:

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I am a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about wide toe box shoes, sandals with arch support and more. For this story, I spoke with podiatrists to find the best walking sandals to keep your feet comfortable.

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