Many of us live in flip-flops — we wear them to run errands, enjoy the great outdoors and visit the beach. Guilty of this, Melissa Rivers, a TV personality and red carpet fashion expert, tells Shop TODAY: “I know they’re so bad for my feet.”
We hear you, Melissa — there are definitely times when all we need is a bit more support. In those moments, we tend to turn to walking sandals to help our feet feel free and secure. The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice style for support; comfortable sandals exist, and they're super cute.
These sandals officially made it onto our list of pairs to covet this season, and they're all on sale during Prime Day! Keep scrolling or use the links below to find out more.
Loved by podiatrists$30.56$80.00
What to look for in a walking sandal
Sure, you can walk in sandals for long distances, but they need the right features, according to Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a Boston-based board-certified podiatrist. Ideally, walking sandals should be flat and have straps, but also be flexible enough to bend with your foot, she says.
Here are the nonnegotiable features she recommends looking for when shopping for walking sandals:
- Sizing: Most of us wear the wrong size of shoes, Kuizinas says. When it comes to sandals, there should be a 0.5- to 1-centimeter space between the edge of the shoe and the top of your toes, she adds. If it’s a strappy sandal, you shouldn’t feel like your toes are jammed in awkward positions or that your bones are squishing.
- Straps: Kuizinas says adjustable straps are ideal, so the shoe stays securely in place without the need to grip with your toes. Otherwise, slightly wider straps are more comfortable, particularly if your feet tend to swell.
- Arch shape: Flat-soled shoes are the most adaptable to a foot’s movements. For arthritic feet, Kuizinas recommends choosing walking sandals with a supportive arch, a stiffer sole and a toe spring (a slight elevation of the shoe where the toes sit) for additional comfort and support.
- Sole shape and tread: Kuizinas says being low to the ground and feeling the surface you’re walking on is beneficial, although some people prefer more cushioning. When it comes to tread, the amount of traction needed varies by activity — for example, you’ll need high tread for hiking sandals. In general, avoid sandals with rigid soles, which might prevent proper foot movement.
Walking shoes to shop
Crocs are a top footwear choice for casual city explorers, celebrities, Gen Z’ers, even nurses and for good reason — they’re affordable, supportive, flexible, lightweight and easy to slip on. These stylish Tulums by the brand are no different (and some folks who are wary of the original’s unique style may look at these more favorably).
For starters, they’re made of a soft and flexible rubber material, including the Matlite straps, which come in two different colors. The buckle (made of metal) is adjustable, so you’ll be able to customize fit.
But best of all, the Tulums are a lot more versatile than the original Crocs; they can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
These platformed sandals are currently 54% off during Prime Day, making them less than $25 for a more cushioned, comfortable step.
For under $25, the price point of these sling sandals is unbeatable and a Shop TODAY contributor favorite. They’re designed with two-way stretch knit fabric straps that securely wrap around the lower ankle. So, unlike flip-flops, they shouldn’t easily slip off mid-stride or leave behind unsightly blisters. Imagine walking on a cushiony yoga mat with the perfect amount of grip, because the footbeds are made from padded yoga material, according to the brand.
This popular Steve Madden sandal boasts adjustable straps, allowing you to tighten or loosen them as needed for a preferred fit. Reviewers call these sandals “upscale,” affording them a luxury look at an inexpensive price. It’s now an impressive 45% off during Prime Day.
Your feet will have a soft spot to step into thanks to the suede fabric covering the sole of these sandals. They're currently 49% off, making them less than $30 during Prime Day.
With savings up to 54% off, these sandals become a no-brainer for the rest of the summer — thanks to their slip-on design and lightweight feel.
"I was very, very anti-Crocs until someone gifted me a pair a few years ago as a joke," says associate editor, Kamari Stewart. "I now absolutely love them. I throw them on for everything from running errands to wearing after a run/the gym. They’re much more comfy than I ever wanted to admit and are super easy to slip on and off. I also have a fleece-lined pair that are super warm but would definitely recommend sizing up for those."
A 2.5" platform paired with ankle straps help these sandals provide you with added height and stability, no matter if you're wearing them with a sundress or jeans.
Reviewers call them "perfect for summer," noting that they've worn them while running errands, at a jazz festival and everywhere in between.
Cushionaire prides itself on providing wearers with comfortable, affordable versions of their favorite name brand shoes — and this pair is no different.
Reviewers say these are “worth the price,” as they’re easy to slip into for any activity and “ feels like you’re walking in an actual slipper.”
These chunky platforms give you a bit of added height while providing a Y2K touch to any outfit.
Reviewers love these sandals because of how they flatter their feet while providing a comfortable base for each step. Many reviewers say they are (or will be) repeat buyers of these sandals — especially since they’re currently less than $25.
Reviewers praise the amount of support these shoes give, with one reviewer noting that her doctor recommended them to assist with preventing further knee pain. They’re constructed with an EVA footbed, that reviewers “appreciate.”
"These sandals are really lightweight, easy to pack and comfortable," says former page, Laura Millar. These shoes feature the benefits Dr. Scholl's is known for — insole technology embedded within the footbed, non-restrictive straps to allow for flexibility — as well as a stylish silhouette that makes them easy to dress up.
This sandal has multiple straps that can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit, paired with a stylish silhouette that make them perfect for vacations, nice dinners and more.
Not only are these award-winning sandals super stylish, but our editors who tried them said that they’re comfortable, too.
“The first thing that made me love these sandals is the true foot support!” shares former intern Domonique Tolliver. “The platform bottoms make them easy to walk in and the arch support is incredible and supports my high arches.”
My favorite backless platforms are from Reef, but for longer walks I prefer — and Kuizinas recommends — footwear with straps to hold the foot in place, like these cork platforms with soft, 100% post-consumer straps and a comfy elastic backstrap.
Rivers says there’s definitely a trend in purchasing well-made pieces that are going to last, and making the purchase an eco-friendly one just makes sense. With sustainable shoes as comfortable as these, you’re going to want to walk everywhere in them. They’re designed with arch support, a cupped heel and a slight elevation at the toes.
“I don’t have the best luck with sandals since my toes are easily prone to irritation, but this is one of the few pairs where I haven’t experienced that kind of agony,” says senior editor Jess Bender. “I’ve worn these during a few weekend trips where I’m averaging over 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day and my arches weren’t throbbing or blistering by the time I made it back to the hotel. I also dig the additional height on it to make my calves look more flattering — a conceited look, but who doesn’t love a cute trip ‘fit?”
Shop top brands at a more affordable price this Prime Day, like up to 47% off these slip-in sandals from Cole Haan. They’re available in four different colors and a range of sizes and have a logo detailing that covers the entire front strap.
"To say these were lifesavers afterward is an understatement," praises Stewart. "The entire time during the race, I was thinking about how excited I was to put these on afterward. The relief is immediate and they're really a cut above the rest in terms of recovery footwear. I've worn Crocs after a race and the relief is nowhere near as good as when I wear these Oofos. They have really good arch support and have really balanced levels of cushion and firmness so that they're comfortable to walk in."
According to the brand, these walking sandals are perfect for uneven terrain. They feature quick-dry webbing, contoured EVA midsoles and shock-absorbing heels that keep your feet dry while adding maximum support. They’re also eco-friendly: They’re vegan, made of recycled materials and can be recycled through Teva’s in-house program.
Score top brands at steep discounts during Amazon's Prime Day this week, including these Doc Martens at over 40% off, making them less than $65.
Again, at less than $70, these name brand sandals will be hard to resist during Amazon's four-day sale. With velcro straps that allow you to adjust them how you please and a durable, rubber platform sole, you'll feel secure no matter how many miles you're walking.
"I started wearing Chacos when I was 14, because I had to at summer camp," says associate editor, Sierra Hoeger. "Now I wear them because I want to — after falling in love with how versatile they are. The straps can be adjusted for a preferred fit, if you like them looser or tighter around the ankles or toe loops. Plus, they’re waterproof, which makes them easy to slip on for any beach, pool, lake or boating day. The cushioned footbed helps them remain comfortable. I’ve worn these to national parks and on hikes, and they’ve remained one of my most reached for pairs in the summer."
If you need a closed toe option for adventuring or want to cover your feet when hiking, boating or exploring, these sandals feature a covering where your toes lie.
Plus, the ankle straps provide extra security and stability for said adventures, and can be adjusted to fit securely.
"Usually, I don’t expect cute sandals to be super comfortable to walk around in all day long... but these proved me wrong," says former editor Amanda Fama. "Not only are they adorable (the pecan-brown straps go with so many outfits), but they’re also so cozy and don’t give me blisters. The insoles feel like clouds, and the outsoles have a nice grip."
Summer wedding season is in full swing, and if you need a new pair of wedges to complete any guest outfit, opt for these ones from Kate Spade that are currently 40% off.
Frequently asked questions
Plantar fasciitis is a type of injury that affects a long ligament in the bottom of your foot, causing pain in your heel, Kuizinas says. It happens when the ligament gets overworked because of weak foot muscles, poor foot movements or injury. To help with this condition, Kuizinas recommends sandals that are wide at the toes and foot-shaped, as well as have a flexible sole, straps that hold your feet securely, and moderate cushioning.
To prevent injury when transitioning from winter shoes to summer and spring sandals, Kuizinas recommends simple foot exercises:
Short foot. Short foot is a technique where you contract the bottom of your foot by reducing the arch's height. Place the ball of your foot on the ground and lift your toes. Then, gently press your toes back down while keeping them flat on the ground.
Rolling. To perform this exercise, you’ll need a small, firm ball like a tennis ball. Place the ball just in front of your heel and roll it back and forth along your arch using your body weight. Use as much pressure as you can handle comfortably, Kuizians explains. This technique helps to release tight muscles on the soles of your feet and improves your tissue tolerance.
Calf raises. According to Kuizians, calf raises are a great exercise for strengthening the foot and ankle muscles. “Perform them slowly, taking three seconds to lower yourself down, and make sure to keep the entire ball of your foot on the ground as you move up and down,” she says.
Toe-correcting sandals work by featuring a separate loop for the big toe, which can aid in straightening the toe in people with bunions , according to Kuizinas.
“This can be helpful to realign the joint and encourage better cartilage congruency at the big toe. However, many of these types of shoes are slides, so they do not fully attach to the foot and can cause gripping of the foot muscles,” she says.
Your toes curl when wearing a sandal because you’re attempting to grip the sandal with your toes to hold it in place. The solution is to choose sandals with straps that completely attach the shoe to the foot, Kuizinas says. If your toes curl or grip even in closed shoes, she advises using the above exercises to relax and straighten the toes.
You can walk in sandals for long distances as long as they have the right features. Kuizinas says walking sandals should have straps to hold your feet in place and should be flat, but also flexible enough to bend with your foot.
However, Kuizinas says it’s not ideal to walk long distances in heeled sandals all day because they put excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and keep the ankle in a flexed position.
“Over time, walking in heeled sandals can cause pain to the ball of the foot, muscle fatigue, imbalances in the muscles of the foot, and wear and tear on the joints. Not to mention the effect that it has on the entire body, including the hips, pelvis and lower back,” she says.
How we chose the best walking sandals
To choose our award-winning sandals, we sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. Then, our team of editors and writers signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City — and as far as Guatemala — to see how they held up. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
In order to identify more of the best walking sandals for almost any occasion, Shop TODAY connected with fashion experts to get the scoop on spring style trends. Then, we spoke to a board-certified podiatrist who gave us the ins and outs of what makes a shoe comfortable and why it’s so important to have good-fitting shoes.
With expert insights, we considered trending shoes made by trusted brands, evaluating each on the following criteria: affordability, style, quality, foot-friendly design and other helpful features — and we factored in verified customer reviews and average star ratings.
Meet our experts
- Chellie Carlson is a transformational wardrobe stylist based in Chicago. After 30 years in the fashion industry, Carlon launched Chellie Carlson Style, her personal brand, and The Method, her signature service, "to elevate the way you get dressed and show up for the rest of your life," according to her website.
- Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in Boston. She's a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and completed a Forefoot & Rearfoot Reconstructive Surgery residency at Hoboken University Medical Center. Kuizinas' specialty is in natural podiatry and footwear, which "takes into consideration the anatomic shape of the human foot, along with natural movement patterns," according to her website.
- Melissa Rivers is a TV personality, producer, actress and Red Carpet fashion expert. While she's best known for co-hosting the "Fashion Police" series on E!, Rivers is also a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in California.
