Buying women’s walking sandals is hard.
At A Glance: Our Top Women's Walking Sandals
They have to be comfortable, long-lasting, and look great. That is why in this review I have gone to great lengths to find the best women’s walking sandals I could find.
From simple and affordable to super-comfy and stylish, This walking sandal review just for women, has them all.
All you need to do is scroll down and check out the 8 sandals I found.
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Clarks makes a lot of walking sandals for women, so I had to show you at least one more pair. The flower details on these Leisas really make them stand out and give them a feminine touch.
You can them in 6 different colors, with either a metallic or a matte finish. In terms of sizing, they are available in half-sizes, as well as different widths so you can definitely choose the ones that will fit you best.
They have a rubber outsole that will give you good traction. However, the outsole is pretty smooth, apart from a few line-indents, so they might not be the best option for very slippery surfaces.
The heel strap is adjustable and has hook-and-loop closure with a Velcro strap. The other two straps are connected with the flowers, and they can’t be adjusted with belts or Velcro. But, they do have stretch-gore inserts that allow you to get a great fit.
These walking sandals are a great choice if you’re looking for something with plenty of support that you can wear on a day-to-day basis. The Ortholite footbed along with Clarks Cushion Soft technology makes them very comfortable, and the elegant design makes them suitable even for work (provided that your workplace dress code allows sandals).
These sandals from Teva actually made it into the top 3 of our list. In terms of design, there is a wide variety of colors that you can get them in. Some colors look better than others, and I’m sure you can find at least one design that you’ll like.
Both my sister and I agreed that we liked the North Atlantic best. However, they are also available in rose gold, and I hear that color’s all the rage right now. :>
In terms of their practicality, they have all the important features of the best sandals for walking long distances. That includes a rubber outsole with water-channeling lugs, coupled with a cushioning sponge EVA top-sole. In addition to that, the midsole is also EVA and it’s compression molded. With these features, you will stay comfortable regardless of the terrain you walk on.
The Teva walking sandals also have several adjustable straps with hook and loop closures, as well as Velcro closing, which will definitely keep your feet in place.
And finally, the nylon stability shank and the shock pad heel are features we found in some of the best working boots for both men and women, so you can also be sure that these walking sandals will keep you safe in your every step.
Versatile footwear is always a good choice because you can get more wear out of it. And that’s why I just love these sandals – not only do they look really cute with the patterned straps, but they are also very rugged and functional.
The uppers of the Samara sandals are made from elastic webbing, so you don’t have to worry about fit at all. The straps easily stretch, and they will always fit you right. What’s even better is that the webbing is quick-drying, and these sandals are perfectly suitable for walking in water.
These also feature a rugged rubber outsole with deep, multidirectional lugs, which will provide you with plenty of support on all terrain types. So, whether you’re walking on city streets or hiking uphill for hours, the Samara sandals are up to the challenge.
In addition to that, they have a cushioned EVA foam midsole that feels very comfortable. It also provides you with plenty of arch support and stability.
And the footbed is not entirely smooth; it features shallow cuts throughout, which allow your feet to breathe a little, and which are a great non-slip feature. With the Samara sandals, you can easily step on rocks in the water and you won’t have to worry about slipping or twisting your ankle.
And these walking sandals are still really affordable – some colors are cheaper than others, but they are all reasonably priced, which is pretty great. Especially for a pair of comfy sandals that you can wear for almost every occasion this summer!
The Clarks Saffron is quite good-looking, especially in the Dark Blue Nubuck (in my opinion, at least). They are also available in several different colors – good news if you’re not a fan of the blue ones. They also come in plenty of different sizes, including half-sizes so everyone can get a perfect fit.
However, they are not as adjustable as they could be. There are 2 straps that go over the toes, and the upper one is adjustable but the bottom one isn’t. This will be a problem for you if you have wide feet, so keep that in mind. Other than that, the ankle strap is quite wide and adjustable, with hook-and-loop (and Velcro) closing.
In terms of traction and support, these walking sandals have rubber and flexible sole, which will not only give you plenty of traction but will also keep you really comfortable.
The insole of these walking sandals are lightly padded and is coupled with Clarks Unstructured technology. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about arch support either – the Clarks sandals will support you every step of the way.
Skechers is an affordable and worldwide available brand known for designing practical and comfortable footwear. These Reggae sandals are no different; the only issue with these is that only the heel strap is adjustable, and the other straps aren’t. Women with either slim or wide fit could struggle to get the perfect fit, so you’ll be better of if you try these on first.
The straps on these walking sandals are slimmer than usual, but it’s not a problem because there is a lot of them. I did say in the beginning that thin straps are not good for you, but that doesn’t really apply when there are 5 different straps on a sandal.
Because there are so many of them, they will do a great job at keeping your feet in place and supporting them. Additionally, the heel strap is secured with a Velcro closure and it can be completely removed from the sandal when you want to switch things up a bit.
These walking sandals have a contoured memory foam footbed, for added comfort and arch support. And for additional support, they are also equipped with a shock-absorbing midsole.
In terms of traction, they have a flexible rubber outsole, which means that you’ll have great grip even on slippery surfaces. And finally, in terms of variety, they come in several different designs – both solid colors and prints, so there is something for everyone.
These Vionic sandals are not just really cute, but also one of the most comfortable sandals in the review. There is a wide range of designs to choose from, and I’m sure you’ll find something you like. In terms of sizing, if you usually wear half-sizes, then you should order them in the smaller size – so if you wear let’s say 7.5, order them in a 7. At least, that is what Vionic suggests you do.
With 4 adjustable straps, you’ll be able to adjust every aspect of this sandal to perfectly fit you.
They also feature innovative Orthaheel technology, which is biomechanically designed to cup your arches so that it provides you with the maximum amount of support. This technology is also proven to be helpful for people who experience heel pain, so if you tend to suffer from plantar fasciitis you should definitely get these walking sandals.
The outsole of the Amber walking sandals is rubber, with a patterned tread that will give you traction on all kinds of surfaces. In terms of comfort and support, the EVA midsole is lightweight and flexible, as well as shock-absorbing.
When you combine that with the microfiber-covered footbed, you can see why I said that these are probably the comfiest sandals we looked at today. In any case, these are proof that you can find women’s walking sandals that are not just pretty, but also very functional and comfortable.
The Reef sandals are another great choice. They look pretty stunning, and actually resemble most sandals you’ll see in high-street shops these days. However, what sets them apart is the Swellular technology that provides superb support and comfort. They have a super-soft, contoured swellular footbed that will keep you comfortable no matter how much time you spend in these.
In addition to that, these walking sandals also have a high-density sawtooth swellular rubber outsole. The sawtooth actually means that the outsole is textured and not smooth, so you’ll have plenty of traction in the Rover sandals.
All in all, they are fashionable, comfortable sandals. So, traction, support, and comfort won’t be a problem in these; what else should you be concerned about?
Probably about getting the perfect fit. Well, these shoes are made of 50% leather and 50% elastic gore.
The two ankle straps are actually the ones made of elastic gore, and they will allow you to get the fit you need. However, they don’t come in half-sizes, so order them in the lower end of your size – they tend to run a little big.
The Terran Lattice Sandals are an excellent mixture of functionality and style. Their uppers are made from leather and recycled webbing, and they are rather simple. With several thin straps that hold your feet in place, these sandals would not look out of place with a dress or with shorts.
This means you can wear them for nights out as well as walks in nature. The versatility is also there when you look at their durable recycled TPR outsole, with reliable Merrel grip!
The sandals feature a hook and loop closure system with a plastic buckle, for quick and easy adjustability. And with the Merrell air cushion in the heel, you will have lots of stability and support in your every step.
These also have a very comfortable, COMFORTBASE™ ACTIVE integrated contoured insole. It is incredibly soft, and it will cradle your foot and feel comfortable throughout the day. And since it is covered with microfiber, it will be able to breathe and wick away moisture. And let’s not forget the odor reducing material it is coated with!
The one thing these sandals are not appropriate for is water. It could damage the upper leather, and it would soak the textile cover of the footbed, which would take ages to dry.
The Verra sandals are a rare pair that is actually water-friendly. With textile and mesh uppers and rubber everywhere else, these are the perfect sandals if you want something that you can wear to the beach every day.
They are thick enough that you won’t feel the pebbles and rocks below your feet, and the contoured EVA footbed will provide you with lots of arch support. In addition to that, the footbed is also treated for odor-resistance and features shock-absorbing ShocPad technology.
The outsole of these sandals is made from spider rubber, and it is very flexible. It features deep lugs, which are very grippy and which will give you all the traction you need on different terrain types – even if you’re walking down steep slopes.
I know they are not the most stylish sandals you can buy, but they’re the right pick if you need something rugged and water-friendly. And they are available in loads of different colors – perhaps the black sandal would look just fine with some fancier clothes?
Anyway, these are not the sandals you will get if you’re looking for something to wear while exploring big cities, but rather something for active vacations on the seaside.
They are easily adjustable with the hook and loop closure, they offer plenty of support all around, and they dry off in a matter of minutes. The Verra sandal is definitely one of the best options if you’re looking for something functional with a reasonable price tag.
Ecco shoes are known for their quality and sturdiness, but also for their somewhat high price tag. However, these are designed so that everyone can get a perfect fit, with a wide stretchy top strap. And honestly, even I can see that these shoes are gorgeous! They come in 3 colors, and my sister fell in love with the Warm Grey ones.
The Damara walking sandals are made of leather and textile – the upper strap is made of textile, and the other two straps are leather. They feature a nylon shank as well as a polyurethane outsole that is both flexible and shock-absorbing, and which will give you more than enough grip on all kinds of surfaces.
As for the comfort and support of the Damara shoes, they have a vinyl acetate footbed that is covered in microfibers. Additionally, the footbed also has several little holes that allow the bottom of your feet to breathe, so that they won’t get sweaty.
Underneath the upper layer of Ecco leather on the foot sole, there is also a layer of moisture absorbent foam, which will keep you comfortable for hours on end.
If you want a pair of sandals that you can wear when you’re walking around the streets of busy cities, I think this pair of Clarks is a good option. They are a very beautiful shoe – the soft textile uppers look very elegant and can be paired with anything from dresses to jeans.
They feature hook and loop closure with a Velcro strap, for easy adjustability. And they are available in several different colors, but I think the black ones are by far the most elegant option.
Because they are something between a wedge and a flatform, they will make you look taller, and your legs longer and leaner. So, you can easily wear them if you’re going out at night – you will look exceptionally stylish and you will still be very comfortable.
The outsole of these sandals is made from rubber, and it will perform wonderfully on concrete. However, the lugs are not too deep, and I don’t really recommend these for rugged terrain – the sandals are rather thick and they are not too flexible, so you would not feel really stable on a hiking trail out in the woods. But they are more than suitable for walking around the town.
The footbed is very comfortable. It is equipped with Cushion Soft technology so that you are supported in your every step. And it is even perforated in some areas, which allows your feet to breathe and helps air out moisture.
If you need walking sandals to take on some rather difficult terrain, you want something closed-toed. They will protect you even if you bump your foot on a nasty rock, which will save you from writhing in agony for a couple of minutes.
The Rose sandals by KEEN are perfect for that purpose; they have quite a rugged outsole that will provide you with lots of grip and traction on all terrain types. The rubber outsole with a multidirectional lug pattern is great for walking around campgrounds or stony beaches.
The uppers of these walking sandals are made from a mixture of leather and textile. Because of that, I would recommend that you don’t wear them in water – it could damage the leather easily, especially if we are talking about salty water.
The midsole and the footbed are both made from EVA, while the latter is also anatomical, for comfortable walks. These sandals also feature a nylon shank, which will provide you with all the support you could need in your adventures.
KEEN Rose sandals feature hook and loop closure, which is secured in place with a Velcro strap. This allows you to secure the sandals to your feet as tightly as you want, adjusting the amount of ankle support as you go.
Another thing worth noting about these comfortable walking sandals is that they are coated with antimicrobial agents, which control odors and bacteria. This will help your feet stay fresh and dry, even after walking around for hours in the scorching heat.
Birkenstock Mayari are some of the best walking sandals for travel you can get your hands on. They’re very versatile because of their simple and classic design, meaning you can wear them with pretty much anything.
Because of their anatomical and supportive footbed and EVA sole, you can also wear them almost anywhere, the key word being almost. They’re not a good option for hikes and nature walks because they lack proper ankle support, but they’re perfect for walks on the beach and on city streets.
The Mayari sandals have adjustable synthetic leather straps, so you can easily get them to fit you perfectly. They’ve also got a toe strap for a little extra support, as well as a textured outsole for excellent grip and traction on flat terrain.
Birkenstock sandals are classic, and they’re well-known for excellent comfort and support. But they’re more dress sandals than anything else, meaning you shouldn’t wear these in water, and you definitely shouldn’t attempt to climb any steep hills in them.
These were my first choice, and I still think it’s obvious why. For a fair price, you get sandals that are great for walking and hiking. KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandals are highly adjustable with elastic laces, and they are very comfortable because of the metatomical footbed design.
If you don’t care about looking great when wearingc these, then they are awesome. I even have my second pair right now, and use them all the time for hikes and traveling. But, for a lot of women, they are just too ugly. (Although on a side note, they come in loads of different colors). So, I left them out of my top list.
However, they are still a worthy buy!
These Steve Madden sandals look great, right?. While they might be great to pair with a dress on a night out, these are in no way suitable for walking for long periods of time. For one thing, the sole is synthetic and very slippery and won’t work well for long stints on your feet.
They also have very thin and stiff straps, so might be ok for an hour or so, but not much longer. I would classify them more as comfortable dress sandals than long distance walking sandals, but if you are looking for a compromise, they are a good idea.
As such, unlike the keens above, these look great but are horrible for your feet.
Most high-street or designer sandals for women these days will have heels or wedges, and I think it’s obvious that you can’t walk on all kinds of terrain in those. Even my sister, who is a flight attendant and could spend 15 consecutive hours in heels knew that they weren’t an option.
However, when the back part of a sandal is raised a little, it’s actually very good for your spine. Therefore, don’t be surprised that the majority of women’s walking sandals have a thicker sole in the back and a little bit of a heel. Additionally, they’ll also usually have a slim platform, because that makes walking on rocky and uneven terrains much easier.
Most of your high-street sandals have a really thin and flat sole. Now, just imagine stepping on a rock in that – you would regret wearing them immediately.
That is why your ideal pair of walking sandals need to have thick and very comfortable insoles – so that your feet don’t feel every little pebble you step on. Flat soles are very uncomfortable to walk in, and even if you are just running errands and walking on pavement, your feet will get uncomfortable very soon.
In addition to that, it is really important that you get walking sandals with a rubber outer sole. It will provide much more traction, and it’s much less likely that you’ll slip or twist your ankle hiking. In general, regular women’s sandals have really slippery outsoles, which really is not suitable for hiking. Have you ever tried driving in those? One of my rules for hiking shoes is, if you can’t drive in them, you can’t hike in them.
Ankle and arch support are also incredibly important. You need walking sandals with thick straps and belts, and several of them because they will surely keep your ankle in place. When you walk around a lot in sandals with thin straps, there is a bigger chance that you will slip or fall, because they don’t really give you any support.
Finally, you will have to make compromises on the aesthetics of the shoes. Obviously, the best walking sandals are meant to be comfortable and durable, above anything else. Some walking sandals in this review will be better looking than the others, but none of them will be as good-looking as your regular high-street or designer sandals.
And, while you might despise the idea of wearing not-so-good-looking sandals on a daily basis, your feet will be very thankful to you if you at least try. Therefore, pick up a pair of one of these shoes for everyday use, and save your Zara flat ones for a night out.
Those are some of the most important factors to look for in good walking and hiking sandals. Also, the best hiking sandals should be closed-toed, especially if you are going to take on particularly difficult terrains – that is why I suggested to my sister recently that she buys some Keens too. However, for walking or some light hiking in the summer, open-toed sandals will do just fine.
There are different kinds of walking sandals for different purposes. So, if you’re planning on walking around the busy streets of big cities, I’m sure you will want something comfortable but also stylish, which you can pair with cute outfits.
But if you’re going on a seaside vacation and want to go exploring nature or narrow cobblestone alleys, you should prioritize comfort and grip. Go with a pair of sandals that has a very grippy outsole, something that is slip-resistant and really rugged.
And if you’re going in the wilderness, check out some of the closed-toe sandals. These are a great option if you plan to do some light hiking, as they will protect your feet from any debris on the trail.And they will keep you from stubbing your toes, which is priceless.
If you are mostly planning on walking around beaches, you should go with a pair of water-friendly sandals. Avoid leather uppers and footbeds covered with textile – these sandals can get damaged, and they will take ages to dry out. Instead, look for something made from mostly synthetic and rubber; they will dry out quickly, and you will still have really good traction underwater.
Some sandals are good for long walks. If the sandals are comfortable for walking and they offer you enough support, then they’re great for long walks. But if they have soles that are thin, flat, and hard, the sandals will be comfortable only for sitting or taking photos.
Cheap sandals without proper footbeds and midsoles are extremely uncomfortable and bad for you. Quality sandals with supportive footbeds and thick midsoles, like the ones featured here, are very comfortable even on long walks.
Podiatrists recommend sandals with cushioned footbeds and rubber soles. From our list of the best walking sandals for women, Vionic and Merrell sandals are APMA-approved. You can easily find podiatrist-approved sandals if you look for products with the APMA Seal of Acceptance/Approval.
On a side note, Chaco sandals are highly recommended by podiatrists, and they’re another option seriously worth considering.
That depends on a few different factors. First, how much money are you willing to spend? Second, do you need sandals for everyday wear or sandals for a particular outdoor excursion?
The Clarks Leisa Claytin sandals are the best choice for daily use. They are very stylish, but also incredibly comfortable and well-made. In my opinion, the Ortholite footbed makes them a great choice for someone who usually spends a lot of time on their feet.
On the other hand, the almost-smooth outsole means that they are not really suitable for a more demanding type of terrain, and I would avoid these if you want something that you can also wear when walking on wet grass, for example.
Their price varies according to the color and size you choose, but the most expensive ones won’t set you back more than $90.
The Viakix Samara sandals are your best bet if you want versatile shoes. They are very stylish, so they are perfectly suitable for wearing with dresses and skirts, in addition to jeans and shorts. But they are also remarkably comfortable, thanks to the EVA foam midsole, and also really grippy, because of the rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs.
In addition to all that, the upper straps are stretchy and quick-drying, meaning that these shoes are water-friendly. And that they will adjust to your feet, no matter how wide (or narrow) they are!
And finally, for a combination of great walking sandals and looks – grab a pair of the Ecco Damara Gladiator sandals. They provide plenty of support on both flat ground and less even terrain too. They are also quite stylish, so much so that they may become your next favorite sandals.
If you want to get any of these women’s walking sandals, head over to Amazon and get yourself a great deal on them!
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