Best walking sandals in 2026, tested over long hikes and city strolls

Looking for the best walking sandals that won't leave you with regrets (or blisters) after an hour? Same. Finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming when you're faced with hundreds of options all promising cloud-like comfort and all-day support . But here's the thing about walking sandals: what gets you through a quick coffee run won't cut it on an all-day city tour, and it definitely won't hold up on a rocky, slippery trail.

Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Mikel Daniels , DPM, says he sees the same mistakes over and over in people who wear walking sandals regularly: "Buying for looks first, then trying to make it work for walking later. Treating basic flip-flops like everyday shoes rather than short-term tools. Not considering their usual walking environment."

Our product testing team spent months testing popular sandals in real-world conditions, tailored to each type of shoe. Hiking sandals were put through at least five miles of trail; more casual options were worn almost daily for weeks, through everything from household chores to hours of city walking. Using a detailed evaluation process, we rated each pair on function, comfort, support and price — and only the sandals that scored highest across every category made our final list.

Ready to get walking? Here are our top picks, backed by rigorous testing and a board-certified podiatrist's expertise.

Best overall walking sandals

More walking sandals we like for 2026

What to know before buying walking sandals

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying walking sandals is "buying for looks first, then trying to 'make it work' for walking later," says Daniels.

Instead, make an informed decision based on the structure of the shoe, your foot anatomy and the activity you're participating in. Doing so can "enhance your posture and body alignment, which is important for avoiding joint issues and back pain," says exercise physiologist Bryan Whatley, founder and CEO of NexGen Fitness. Plus, choosing the best walking sandal for you can help prevent injury and improve your performance.

It's also important to consider whether you need stability features to help with overpronation or flat feet. To determine if stability shoes would benefit you, April Medrano, a certified personal trainer and head of programming for STRIDE Fitness, suggests visiting a specialty store where a walking-shoe specialist can analyze your foot strike and make personalized recommendations.

Key factors to consider when shopping for walking sandals

The most important qualities in walking sandals include:

• Arch support:For a sandal you plan on putting serious mileage on, Daniels says one of the most important factors is choosing one with true arch support, meaning a "footbed that actually carries some of the load. This keeps your plantar fascia and small foot muscles from having to handle the entire load of your body. That support should feel like the arch is lifted and cradled, not poked by a bump or totally ignored by a flat surface," he explains.

• Heel cup:Daniels says another factor he looks for is a shaped footbed with a heel cup, not a flat plank. While not every sandal will have a deep heel cup — and that's fine for neutral feet — for plantar fasciitis , it's a non-negotiable. "A deeper heel cup helps center the heel and reduce strain where the plantar fascia attaches. It also improves shock absorption under that tender area," he says.

• Secure fit:This may sound obvious, but a good walking sandal should feel secure, not like you're constantly slipping or having to grip with your toes to keep it on. Daniels recommends looking for a back strap or a secure multi-strap system, since a sandal that only stays on through toe-gripping will fatigue your feet faster over a long walk.

• Stable sole:The sole shouldn't be so soft that your foot wobbles or your arch collapses with each step, but it shouldn't be rock-hard either. Daniels suggests two quick in-store checks: try to bend the sandal in half — it should flex near the ball of the foot but resist folding — then try twisting it like a towel. "If it twists easily through the middle, it's probably too flexible for real walking," he says.

• Outsole:Look for a durable rubber outsole with real tread, not a thin, smooth layer. According to Daniels, an "ultra-thin rubber sole with minimal tread and no real shock absorption" is one of his biggest red flags, since it offers little protection or grip on uneven or slick surfaces.

• Heel-to-toe drop:This refers to the height difference between the heel and forefoot. Daniels notes that a slight heel elevation — rather than a completely flat sole — can help reduce pull on a tight Achilles tendon, which often shares strain with the plantar fascia.

• Sandal type:Not all sandals are created for the same job. Matching the sandal type to your actual activity — city walking, hiking or all-day standing — matters as much as any single feature.

• Materials:Your feet sweat when you're walking, so the best walking sandals feature materials that wick away moisture. If they don't, you risk blistering.

• Weight:Look for lightweight walking sandals that won't tire your feet during extended walks, especially in warm weather. A lighter shoe typically allows for better mobility and more comfortable all-day wear.

• APMA Seal of Acceptance:According to the American Podiatric Medical Association , this seal is awarded to products that a panel of APMA-affiliated podiatrists has reviewed and found to promote foot health. It's a reasonable additional signal to look for, though it's not a requirement — plenty of well-constructed, supportive sandals in this guide don't carry it.

How we test walking sandals

Finding the best walking sandals is serious business. We interviewed three experts — a podiatrist, an exercise physiologist and a certified personal trainer — and put dozens of brands and styles through real-world testing. Throughout, we focused on what matters most: comfort and value. After all, even the fanciest walking sandal isn't worth much if it hurts your feet or breaks the bank.

Most sandals were tested for at least two weeks, and many had a year or more of real-world use behind them. Each pair was evaluated against the following criteria:

• Fit and comfort:Did it fit true to size? How comfortable was it right out of the box, and how rough was the break-in period? Did the straps feel secure, and could they be adjusted for a more customized fit?

• Support and cushioning:Did the sandal provide sufficient arch support? Does it have a heel cup to help keep the foot stable and properly positioned? Is the footbed soft and pillowy, bouncy and springy, or firmer underfoot? And how well did it absorb impact on hard surfaces?

• Walking performance:How did the sandal feel when worn over an extended period? Does it offer good traction, or is the grip lacking? Did feet stay dry and cool, or did the sandal trap heat and sweat?

• Quality and value:Do the materials feel high-quality, and is the sandal built to last? Overall, how satisfied were testers with the sandal, factoring in price?

Other walking sandals we tested

• Keen Hyperport H2 :Honestly, there's not much we didn't like here. The Hyperport H2 shares the Newport H2's design DNA, but comes in a few ounces lighter with a springier, more responsive midsole. We ultimately gave the edge to the Newport H2 for its more rugged build, better suited to heavy-duty use. But if you want a lighter, more agile alternative, the Hyperport H2 is an excellent pick.

• Hoka Hopara 2 :We tested the original Hopara and were thoroughly impressed. After putting them through everything from slippery trails and jagged rocks to desert sand, they easily earned our top spot for best hiking sandal. That version has since been replaced by the Hopara 2, which improves on drainage and ventilation — we haven't been able to test it yet, but it's worth watching if you're shopping this category.

• Birkenstock Sydney Slide :If you want a dressier take on the Arizona, the Sydney is worth a look. It scored well for arch and heel support, though — like the Arizona — our tester found the break-in period rough. Just be aware that the Sydney runs a bit narrow, so if you have even slightly wide feet, you'll want to try on the wide-width option before purchasing.

• Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal :If you have a wide foot and want a casual sandal for running errands or heading to a friend's BBQ, this one's worth considering. Our tester, who has wide feet, says: "These are SO breathable, comfortable and accommodating to a wider foot while still being very chic. They match lots of cute summer outfits and don't rub or cause blisters." That said, they're not designed to be particularly supportive — these aren't the ones you want for a marathon day of sightseeing.

• Skechers Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 Sandal :This flip-flop is lightweight, but our tester found it lacking in both cushioning and support. "Very basic," with "little to no padding," he said, comparing the feel to walking barefoot. Arch support was the biggest letdown, scoring the lowest of any sandal we tested. He'd reach for these at the pool or beach, but not for regular walking or everyday wear.

• Teva Hurricane XLT3 Closed-Toe :While the standard Hurricane XLT3 earned a nearly perfect score, the closed-toe version wasn't a slam dunk. Our tester appreciated the extra toe coverage and solid grip on dry terrain, but found the arch support lacking and the shoe slippery on wet rocks. The bigger issue was fit. The toe box and forefoot ran too narrow for him, and after about three hours of wear, the sandal became genuinely uncomfortable.

• Gaatpot Shower Shoes :For $10, these are an easy addition to your sandal lineup, though they won't be the ones you walk miles in. Instead, they're best-suited as a recovery sandal for light walking. "I have about seven pairs of spendy recovery slides from much pricier brands (we're talking $100 sandals) — these are my favorite. They have these massaging little nubs inside that serve a dual purpose: They deliver cushioned comfort while also keeping them in place so you can even sprint after the garbage man in them," says Randazza.

• Nike Kepa Kai Sandals :Although the Nike Kepa Kai Sandals are comfy, gentle on the feet and score high in functionality, we found the support lacking.

• Crocs Classic Sandals :While great for a casual beach stroll or pool day, they didn't hold up well on longer walks, especially on rougher terrain.

• Reef Fanning Men's Sandals :Named after three-time world surf champion Mick Fanning, the Fanning walking sandals are quite stylish but are narrow toward the front, making them uncomfortable for all-day wear or long-distance walking.

• Oofos OOriginal Recovery Sandals and Oofos Oohahh Slide Slippers :While both of these sandals from Oofos are incredibly comfortable and excellent for throwing on after a workout, their springy foam soles and rocker bottoms are better suited for a spa day or running a few errands than serious mileage.

• Kuru Kala :Kuru Kalas are attractive, comfortable flip-flops that work well for running errands or doing lighter activity, but without adjustable straps or more features geared toward outdoor use (like water resistance or a slip-resistant sole), it's hard to suggest using them for longer, more challenging walks. 

• Keen Elle Mixed Strap Comfortable Casual Platform Sandals:This was our original top pick for city walking, but it's since been discontinued.

Related: Best shoes for arthritic feet

Walking sandals FAQs

Are walking sandals good for plantar fasciitis?

They can be, but finding the right fit matters. According to Daniels, the key things to look for are a deep heel cup, firm and defined arch support, secure straps, slight heel elevation and a stable, not squishy, sole.

"I've seen patients go from limping around the house to being able to make breakfast without pain just by switching from flat house slippers to supportive, recovery-type sandals ," Daniels says. "It sounds too simple when you say it out loud, but when the fascia is angry, the mechanics matter that much."

What is the difference between walking sandals and hiking sandals?

Walking sandals are designed to be lightweight, supportive and shock-absorbing on hard surfaces like city sidewalks. Hiking sandals differ in that they're built for better traction and greater durability — a good hiking sandal will have deep lugs and sticky rubber soles, similar to hiking shoes , to keep your feet secure on uneven terrain. The materials also tend to be more rugged and less prone to tearing.

Hiking sandals aren't always more rigid, but when they are, that firmness pairs with a more contoured footbed to hold your foot securely in place, so you're less likely to twist an ankle if you trip over an exposed root.

Are walking sandals good for wide feet?

Yes — as long as the fit is right. For wide feet, prioritize sandals with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps so you can dial in the fit. It's worth seeking out brands that offer wide-width options, like Keen or Clarks, or at least trying sandals on in person before buying.

How can you tell if a walking sandal has good arch support?

According to Daniels, one sign that arch support is purely cosmetic, rather than functional, is that it collapses quickly when you press your thumb firmly into the arch area of the footbed. Another test he recommends: "Put the sandal on and stand up. You should feel the arch under you, and it should not disappear when you shift your weight forward and back."

How often do you need to replace walking sandals?

"A solid walking sandal with good materials and structure should typically hold up for at least one or two active summers," says Daniels, though he notes this can vary depending on how many miles you put on it and your body weight.

According to Daniels, signs it may be time for a new pair include:

• "The tread on the bottom is smooth or unevenly worn, especially under the heel or along one edge. That uneven wear can feed into overpronation or supination."

• "The arch feels lower than it used to, or you notice more end-of-day fatigue and soreness in the same sandal that used to feel fine."

• "The straps have stretched so much that you can't get a snug fit even at their tightest setting."

• "The midsole feels 'mushy' where it once felt supportive, especially under the heel and arch."

Meet our experts

• Dr. Mikel D. Daniels , DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon and chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry

• April Medrano , CPT, certified personal trainer and head of programming for STRIDE Fitness

• Bryan Whatley , CPT, exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer and CEO of NexGen Fitness

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.