If your feet hurt just looking at someone wearing stilettos, you know you need comfortable walking sandals to survive this upcoming summer. From date nights to family barbecues, your tootsies deserve to look cute without sacrificing comfort.
Historically, sandals boasting arch support have gotten a bad rep in the style department. But gone are the days of sturdy shoes that look like they belong to your grandma. Comfortable sandals still need to have robust, rubberized soles, a cushioned footbed, soft uppers made of natural fabric or leather, and buckled ankle straps. Luckily, you don't need to sacrifice style to get all that.
Why do feet need arch support?
In a nutshell, the arches of your feet support your body weight while you stand. They also absorb shock every time your heels hit the ground and help propel you forward. So, it's safe to say they play a pretty important role in your life. Beyond your body's natural arches, arch supports are also devices placed into shoes to support the arch of your foot and reduce or eliminate foot pain, says podiatrist Anne Sharkey, MD.
And because we all have unique arches—with some higher or flatter than others—"each unique foot type can benefit from arch supports for different reasons," says Dr. Sharkey. "Those with flat feet will use arch supports for additional stability and support of joints as well as to alleviate muscle fatigue and stress that occurs. Those with high arches will experience achy feet due to poor shock absorption and can benefit significantly from arch support with cushioning."
What should I look for in sandals with arch support?
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which sandal features will benefit you best. But to start, comfort should always be your number one priority.
Some sandals have more of an arch than others, which may or may not complement your foot type, says Dr. Sondema Tarr, MD, a board-certified podiatrist. Additionally, you want to look for a sandal with a firm footbed, instead of something soft and malleable, like memory foam.
You also want a cushioned midsole for shock absorption. "A sandal should not be able to fold in half. If it can do that, put it back," says Dr. Sharkey. "A wider or deeper heel cup will also be beneficial as opposed to a hard and flat heel."
Ready to shop? These 13 best comfortable walking sandals will work for anyone and go with practically everything in your closet. All you need now is a fresh pedicure, and you're good to go.
1. Megnya Comfortable Walking Sandals
| Size range | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rubber, Nylon |
| Available widths | N/A |
These sandals serve up summer camp nostalgia but with an adult-style flair, thanks to its hand-woven nylon cord upper. Plus, the sole is made of high-quality rubber that'll make you feel like you're walking on air with built-in arch support. Oh, and I did I mention these babies are water resistant? Because they are—and come in 22 colors. (So, if you wanna get a pair for every day of the week... you totally can.)
2. MSTR Thicken Cushioned Flip Flops
| Size range | 5.5-12 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Ethylene vinyl |
| Available widths | 2.95 - 3.58 inches |
Nobody wants to be the person slip-sliding around in their flip-flops, which is what makes this option so appealing. With the anti-slip design, you can rest—and step!—easy knowing your feet will be gripped in and ready to take on all of your summer activities. Plus, the design balances pressure and reduces the stress on your feet.
3. Birkenstock Sydney Sandals
| Size range | 5-10.5 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Faux leather, Cork |
| Available widths | Medium |
These aren't your weird hippie uncle's Birkenstocks. The latest updates to this iconic shoe marry serious style with best-in-class comfort. While classic Birkenstocks usually take several weeks to break in, the Sydney Sandals feature the brand's signature Soft Footbed technology.
The perks: An extra layer of foam cushioning in between the cork and suede that provide immediate comfort, plus the contoured cork footbed supports all four arches of your foot and conforms to the exact shape of your foot over time. And did I mention it comes in three summer-ready colors?
4. Franco Chazz Platform Sandal
| Size range | 5-13 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyurethane, Faux leather |
| Available widths | N/A |
Don’t let the sleek design of these sandals fool you. This super chic heel—which comes in black, tan, and snakeskin—is perfect for a long day on your feet. The padded insole will make sure you stay comfy and out of pain all day long. And, you’ll look cute AF doing it.
5. Teva Midform Infinity Sandal
| Size range | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Materials | EVA midsole, rubber outsole |
| Available widths | N/A |
Gladiator-inspired design meets sporty-chic style in these sandals from beloved brand Teva. This pair comes in three neutral colors, features an open-toe style with adjustable bungee cords for optimal comfort, and even boasts a platform sole for added elevation.
6. DREAM PAIRS Two Strap Sandals
| Size range | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Latex |
| Available widths | N/A |
Have an upcoming wedding? These sandals are minimalist, while still supportive. (BTW, they come in black, nude, and clear too.) Best part: The thick latex insole, combined with their wear-anywhere style makes these sandals perfect for any occasion.
Watch a hot doc explain why your feet are peeling:
7. Lunna Platform Ankle Strap Sandal
| Size Range | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rubber, Synthetic rubber |
| Available width | 7cm |
This comfy-cute sandal comes in several colors with a sporty white platform. The padded footbed will be easy on your soles, so the only hard part is deciding which shade to get. (Might wanna get a few pairs, just to be safe...)
8. Steve Madden Bandi Wedge Sandal
| Size range | 4-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Cork |
| Available width | 7.9cm |
Platform sandals are a must-have for summer, and the designs available on these Steve Madden ones will help add a little ~flare~ to your warm weather wardrobe. Not to mention, the easy on-off straps and cushioned footbed will ensure that your feet won't be screaming at you by the end of the day.
9. Dr. Martens Blaire Sandal
| Size range | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Leather upper/synthetic and textile lining/synthetic sole |
| Available widths | N/A |
Dr. Martens don't just make your favorite pair of combat boots, they've got super cute sandals now, too. The chunky oversized shoe look is a huge summer trend, and the classic air-cushioned outsole offers serious comfort and durability.
10. FitFlop Lulu
| Size range | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Leather |
| Available widths | N/A |
Looking to upgrade your traditional summer flip flops? Try FitFlops. The slip-resistant rubber sole is perfect for rainy days, and a contoured footbed offers the arch support you need for a full day on your feet. Plus, this pair features "microwobbleboard technology," which the brand says reduces muscle activity so you can keep moving longer.
11. Vionic Rest Sarah Slide Sandal
| Size range | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyurethane sole, Neoprene |
| Width | N/A |
There's nothing better than an orthotic shoe fit for your grandmother that doesn’t look like it. And that is exactly what you are getting with these bad boys. Slip your toes into this podiatrist-designed footbed for ultimate comfort and style.
12. Viakix Acadia Hiking Sandal
| Size range | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Materials | PU Leather, EVA foam |
| Available widths | N/A |
The sandals are perfect for all the Sporty Spices out there ready to hit the hiking trails this summer. Just because you’re climbing mountains doesn’t mean you can’t look cute trekking to and from the lake. With lots of padding, straps to keep your feet locked in place, and six neutral color options, these are perfect for all your outdoor shenanigans.
13. Skechers On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal
| Size range | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rubber |
| Available widths | 15cm |
The Skechers brand is known for maximum comfort, and that's just what you'll get from this sandal's Goga Max high rebound insole. Plus, the sporty-chic design comes in nine colors, all of which will keep your toes in place while you’re on the move this summer.
Lindsay Geller is the lifestyle director at Women’s Health, where she oversees the Sex & Love, Relationships, and Life sections and manages Women’s Health+ content. She has 10 years of experience covering sex, relationships, health, fitness, and general lifestyle topics for print and digital publications. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and loves going on runs around her local park with her rescue dog.
