Not into ‘jazz shoes?’ Try these blister-free women’s sandal options this summer

1 hour ago 3

Get out the nail polish and put away your socks — it’s time to slip on your best sandals for women.

Don’t have a pair? We got you. In fact, we have more than a few styles worth checking out, so crack those fingers and prepare to start adding some cute, comfortable summer shoes to your cart.

Whether you need flip flops for the beach, Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge(we swear, they’re stylish), or walking sandals like this pair from Clark’s, we have you covered, from slides to strappy styles.

Scroll down for the best sandals for spring and summer that are comfortable, cute, and a perfect fit for any budget.

Best Overall: lululemon Restfeel Women’s Slide

a pair of red slideslululemon

Pros:

  • Two layers of foam for comfort and support
  • Heel-to-toe rubber traction
  • Stylish, minimalist design

Cons:

  • May run large for those with a narrow foot

Feel rested and comfortable with the help of lululemon. These slides are cushioned and cute, too, coming in an array of bright and neutral colors. Featuring dual-density cushioning and grips throughout the sole, they’re cozy without going into bedroom slipper territory. We like them for vacation, as well as for around the house or when we have to throw something on to go pick up the kids in.

Size options: 5-12 | Available in 7 colors


Best Comfortable: Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge

A single beige Crocs platform sandal with a backstrap and two straps across the front.Crocs

Pros:

  • LiteRide foam footbed
  • Easy to clean
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Upper isn’t stretchable

These sandals are sure to put some spring into your step, and summer, too.

Crocs line of sandals also includes flats and flip flops, but our favorite style is the Brooklyn Low Wedge. The on-trend wedges offer a bit of height to elevate any outfit (and yourself, quite literally) and they come in an array of basics and bright colors to choose from. Commerce Streaming Reporter Angela Tricarico is a proud owner of these and stands by them!

“I’ll defend the original Crocs clog ’til I die, but I recognize that perhaps they’re not for everyone. But do you know what is? Crocs’ Brooklyn Low Wedge platform sandals. Be honest — you don’t even think these look like Crocs, right? That’s the beauty of ‘em. You get all the comfort of Crocs, from the signature footbed to the springy and foamy Croslite material with a trendy sandal silhouette. They’re great for all-day wear, work perfectly from day to night, and clean so easily with a little bit of soap and water. I know I’ll be living in them all summer.”

Size options: 3-11 | Available in 4 colors


Best Arch Support: Aetrex Vania

A pair of black sandals.Zappos

Pros:

  • Arch support
  • Stylish jute midsole
  • Rounded toe

Cons:

  • The straps don’t have enough notches for adjustment

If you have chronic shin splints or pain in your lower back, you may be walking around with sandals that don’t offer enough support for your arches. We suggest giving the Aetrex Vania a go. They have Ultrasky cushioning microfiber insoles with built-in support. This means your entire foot will feel cradled as you move. The straps are adjustable (though not as much as we’d like) and you’ll appreciate the rubber bottoms when walking on a slippery floor! Best of all, orthopedic-friendly sandals are also one of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis or those who refuse to give up their sense of style in the name of comfort. Wear them with a maxi skirt or dress when you’re in the mood to be fancy. Prefer keeping things casual? They also look great with shorts or jeans.

Size options: 5-11 | Available in 4 colors (Aetrex)


Best Flat: Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle

A pair of Birkenstock sandals.Zappos

Pros:

  • Lots of arch support
  • Adjustable buckle

Cons:

  • Sandals need to be broken in

If you’re searching for a sandal that is easy on the eyes and feet, we direct your attention to the Madrid Big Buckle from Birkenstock. Commerce Writer Emma Sutton-Williams, once a heel fan, has become a flat convert and this pair has a lot to do with it.

“I swore off Birkenstocks until I saw the chicest stylist in New York pull them off on a fashion shoot. After that, I became a believer. The support in these shoes is unreal, and the gold buckle adds an extra touch of style. I actually wear these all year long—yep, even in the snow. It takes time to break in but once you do, they will mold to your feet.”

Size options: 5-11.5 | Available in 3 colors (at Nordstrom)


Most Comfortable Flip Flop: FitFlop IQUSHION Splash Sparkle T-Bar Sandals

A person wearing light blue sandals, with a pair of the same sandals shown separately.

Pros:

  • Anatomical arch support hugs the natural curves of your feet for superior stability
  • Even weight distribution prevents the standard foot ache usually caused by basic flip-flops

Cons:

  • Depending on your foot, the toe thong could potentially cause discomfort

These flip flops go beyond your average slip-on, with each step providing a heel-to-toe cushion with flexible air foam technology. These clever pillows act as built-in shock absorbers, spreading your weight evenly and completely preventing the dreaded foot ache usually caused by thin summer shoes. Plus, they come in three summer shades of sky blue, all black, and urban white.

Size options: 5-11 | Available in 3 colors


Best Slide: Le Seul Tallulah

A black leather slide sandal with a short heel.

Pros:

  • Excellent arch support
  • No break-in required
  • Designed to absorb shock in the footbed

Cons:

  • Price may be a barrier, but worth investing in as it works for every occasion and supports your feet

This shoe is beyond comfortable with excellent arch support. I wore them on a 3-day shopping trip around Paris and I never once had an issue on the cobblestone streets or feeling fatigued. I didn’t wear any other shoes on the trip as it went from Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré to sipping champagne at night by the Seine.

The footbed is designed to absorb shock while walking and features the same memory foam padding often found in high-performance sneakers. It is the perfect walking shoe to keep you looking ultra-chic. This shoe will last for seasons to come.

Size options: 35-41 | Available in 1 color


Best Waterproof: Birkenstock Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandal

A waterproof Birkenstock sandal in the color blue.Nordstrom

Pros:

  • Adjustable straps
  • Shock-absorbent footbed

Cons:

  • Material isn’t breathable

Did you know that Birkenstock makes waterproof sandals? They do, and we couldn’t think of anything better to bring with us to the pool. Featuring lots of cushion and a contoured footbed, they’re plush as they come. Better still, they’re shock absorbent, so even if you’re an aggressive walker, your feet should remain supported and oblivious to the ground beneath.

Size options: 5-10.5 | Available in 6 colors


Best Arch Support: UGG Women’s GoldenGaze Slide

Black UGG sandals with two adjustable straps.

Pros:

  • Slides on easily without laces or buckles to configure
  • Soft leather lining
  • Comfortable arch support

Cons:

  • Not the most elegant-looking shoe

There are no buckles to fumble with or laces to tie. The GoldenGaze is made for mindless convenience, allowing you to slide your feet in and out. The buttery leather lining feels soft against the pad of your foot and gives proper arch support so you don’t ache after a long day on your feet.

Size options: 5-12 | Available in 3 colors


Best Sneaker Sandal: Sofft Mackenna

A pair of hybrid sandalsZappos

Pros:

  • Designed with arch support
  • Extra cushioning in the footbed

Cons:

  • The leather upper can feel stiff, according to one reviewer on Zappos

Can’t decide between stylish sandals and comfy sneakers? These are for you! The Mackenna sandals from Sofft are as comfortable as can be and look cute with a summer dress, shorts, or even some stretchy black leggings. The thick footbed has built-in arch support, while the sole is flexible to match your feet’s movement. The shoes zip up in the back and cup the heel of the foot, plus the rounded open toe gives your piggies lots of wiggle room.

Size options: 6-11 | Available in 4 colors


Best Walking Sandal: Clarks Women’s Laurieann Kay Flat Sandal

A red sandal for women.Amazon

Pros:

  • Deep cushioning in the footbed
  • Adjustable
  • Size options in wide

Cons:

  • May feel too lightweight for some, and it takes time to break for the leather upper in.

Here’s the deal: You want a good-looking shoe that doesn’t make your feet feel wretched after an hour. If so, you want something from Clark’s. Specifically, this sandal, which has gorgeous leather chainlink detailing in the upper and ample support in the sole. Our Commerce Deputy Editor Holly J Coley loves the brand, and says every woman who struggles with foot pain should try this best walking sandal.

“Clarks don’t have the cache of Prada or Gucci, but they’re really comfortable and make quality shoes that are also nice looking. This pair has lots of cushion in the footbed, so it’s slipper-like soft while remaining easy to walk in. They’re light, have some grip on the bottom, which you’ll appreciate if you’re trip-happy like me, and the back is adjustable to make them as snug as needed.”

Size options: 5-12 | Available in 3 colors (at Amazon)


Best Nude: TKEES Nudes

A pair of nude flip flops TKEES

Pros:

  • Rubber sole
  • Made of genuine Brazilian leather

Cons:

  • If you’re half a size, the sandal may run small

Go nude this summer. Well, not really. The TKEES Nudes collection is perfect for spring and summer, matching any outfit and blending nicely with your seasonal tan. They’re made of real leather, so you know they won’t fall apart after a month. Another thing we like? They come in a variety of skin tone shades, so it’s easier to find the nude that complements you!

Size options: 5-11 | Available in 11 colors


Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandal

A pair of platform walking sandals for women in the color white.Amazon

Pros:

  • Provides height
  • Buoyant rubber bottom
  • Cork footbed to absorb shock

Cons:

  • Upper strap can feel stiff

Spare your ankles and calves without sacrificing height with these fun flip flops. The Reef Cushion Vista Sandal has a slight platform and a cushioned interior to provide some bounce to your step. It has a natural cork footbed (a material podiatrists like for its shock-absorbing properties), and a spongy rubber outer sole, blocking impact. It also has enhanced arch support, making this a top choice of sandal for plantar fasciitis, too!

Size options: 5-12 | Available in 18 styles (at Amazon)


Best Birkenstock Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona

Birkenstocks in dark brown with two straps Zappos

Pros:

  • Contoured footbed
  • Durable
  • Shock absorbing

Cons:

  • Heel tends to fray, according to one reviewer on Zappos

Did you really think the Birkenstocks wouldn’t make the list?

These sandals are classic and seem to be everywhere the second the sun starts to come out in the springtime. The dark brown color is a bestseller, but this Arizona style also comes in black should you want something new this year. They do fit in unisex sizing but are listed in both on the Zappos site, so don’t panic.

Size options: 4-12.5 | Available in 3 colors


What brand of sandals do podiatrists recommend?

There was a time when style took precedence over comfort. Fortunately, those days are over. Ask any podiatrist and they’ll tell you not to walk all over your foot health.

Along with an increased risk of falls, some gnarly things can happen to your feet if you choose the wrong sandal. They include:

  • Blisters, callouses, bunions, and hammertoes
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Foot, ankle, or knee pain

Because everyone’s foot shape is unique, what sandal works best for you may not work for the next person. However, there are a few brands that many podiatrists recommend looking into.

One such brand is Birkenstocks. Its sandals’ footbed is made of latex and cork, which is very shock-absorbing. The heel, which features a feel cup, not only helps with pronation but provides better stability. Finally, it has a raised toe bar, providing better positioning.

One Birkenstock model that we love is the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal ($140). It has all the ortho-friendly features mentioned above, plus they’re very stylish, thanks to their giant golden buckle.

Another Birkenstock worth checking out is the infamous Arizona Sandal ($125). It features a leather upper, two adjustable buckles, and is highly rated in quality, comfort, and fit by those who purchased on Amazon.

Podiatrists also recommend looking for sandals that have built-in arch support and even a slight heel. The latter can ease the tension of the plantar fascia. If you’re looking for a brand that tackles both, check out some of the styles from Vionic. You’ll be surprised by the fashion-forward designs, and the brand American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal approved.

Want more? Don’t forget to check out the sandals from Merrell, Clark, Hoka, and Keen . Each have cute and functional styles from brands recommended by foot specialists.

What brand of sandals are the most comfortable?

If a cushy walking sandal is what you seek, look to styles that offer arch support, a cushioned footbed, and a roomy toe box.

Sandal brands with cushioned footbeds:

Sandal brands with arch support:

And honestly, we’re only giving a few options. If you’re searching a retailer where you can have your pick from a multitude of these brands, we highly recommend visiting Amazon, Nordstrom or Zappos. You’ll be surprised by the amount of sandals that pop up if you search ‘arch support’ or ‘cushion.’

What are the best sandals for walking?

Sandals. They’re not just for sitting pretty. Whether you’re seeking a pair to carry you through the work day or need something for vacation, there are plenty of options.

Our favorite best walking sandal is the Keen Astoria West Closed Toe ($125). It has a compression molded EVA sole (very comfortable), plus slip-resistant Aquagrip rubber, which provides extra traction.

If you’re looking for a less sporty option, check out the Vionic Mar Strappy Platform Sandal ($135). It has alignment technology for added stability, and the cushioned footbed makes you feel like you’re walking on a puffball.

Finally, we recommend checking out the Birkenstock Milano (($180). It has three adjustable buckles (one is in the back to support the heel), plus the footbed molds to your feet the more you wear it. This provides a more customized and comfy fit over time.


Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.


Read Entire Article