9 best sandals for women that are chic, comfy and anything but frumpy

Sandals are the ultimate summer staple shoe. They're so versatile — some of the best sandals for women are designed for miles of walking or frolicking at the beach, while others shine brightest on dressy occasions. As shoe experts, we like to have a few of each to make sure we're always covered.

You may think that comfort and style are mutually exclusive — that you either get cute shoes that cause blisters or comfortable sandals that feel frumpy. But we put in the legwork to find the best sandals for women that actually feel as good as they look.

First, we spoke with podiatrists about what actually matters in a proper pair of women's sandals — strategic cushioning, molded footbeds, good traction and more. We then combined their guidance with firsthand recommendations from our team of knowledgeable style editors who have tested dozens of pairs themselves. When it comes to finding sandals that are both chic and comfortable, there's nothing more reliable than a pair tested and approved by our product experts.

• Related: Yahoo shopping editors reveal the comfy shoes they always wear on vacation

The best sandals for women in 2026

How we chose the best sandals for women

Finding the best sandals isn't exactly simple — there are hundreds (if not thousands) of options out there. To narrow it down, we researched dozens of top-rated pairs, pulling from everywhere from editor favorites to buzzy picks across the internet. We also surveyed our team of editors and product testers to identify the styles they've worn, loved and returned to year after year. A few unsurprising brands like Birkenstock rose to the top, alongside some under-the-radar standouts.

From there, we dug into product specs and customer reviews to compare features, flag common fit issues and spot any recurring trends. We also consulted podiatrists to understand what truly matters in a great sandal — from support and cushioning to fit and durability — and to help identify the best options for different needs and foot types.

What to look for when shopping for sandals

Whether you're wearing them every day or just once in a while, you want a pair of sandals that's both comfortable and supportive. To find the option that best suits your needs, there are several factors to consider:

Materials

• Leather and suede: For a soft feel, Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM, of Private Medical in New York City , recommends looking for options made from leather or a suede material that won't rub unnecessarily against your feet. Note that leather requires a short break-in period to soften up and mold to your feet, so if you're worried about rubbing or blistering during that time frame, try walking around the house in your sandals while wearing a pair of thicker socks and then eventually transition to wearing them without socks.

• Vegan/faux leather: Often made of polyurethane, vegan and faux leather sandals look like genuine leather at a fraction of the cost and contain no animal byproducts. "They're easy to wipe clean, generally, but the trade-off is that they tend to be less durable, less flexible and may not last as long as their leather counterparts," says Teich.

• Cork: Shoes that have a cork footbed are popular because the material molds to the shape of your foot over time. This creates a comfortable, perfectly customized fit that's "designed" just for you. The one downside is that if they get wet a lot, they can end up cracking over time.

• Rubber, latex, PVC: If you're headed to the beach or a pool, a waterproof rubber slide or flip-flop might be your best bet. Rubber and similar synthetic materials are lightweight and extremely easy to clean and rinse. It's also a great material for the outsole of hiking shoes because it provides grip on the trail and is easy to wipe dirt off. "A rubber insole is easy to clean, but can be slippery when wet," cautions Teich.

• EVAstands for ethylene-vinyl acetate, a foam-like material similar to rubber, known for its flexibility and softness. You'll usually see brands use this material in footbeds to help with shock absorption.

Straps

• Thickness: The strap style you choose is a matter of preference, since strap thickness heavily impacts the look of your shoe. But whether it's a flip-flop, slide or strappy sandal, keep in mind that in general, the thicker the straps, the more support the sandal will offer. Thinner straps tend to have a more elegant look but also have a higher likelihood of digging in or breaking.

• Placement:Brenner says, "make sure there aren't any straps going over bony prominences" to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing and blisters from forming. If you have bunions or wide feet, look for strap placement that provides plenty of space for your feet.

• Adjustability: If you tend to experience straps being too tight or too loose on your foot, try to find an option that offers adjustable straps (whether that's in Velcro, buckle or bungee cord form). That way, you can create a custom fit that prevents blistering, slipping and sliding in your shoe.

Support

Supportive shoes are essential for a day on your feet. Dr. Alan L. Bass, DPM, CPC, of Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care , recommends finding sandals that have "a deep heel cradle to provide stability." And of course, ample arch support is key because it distributes pressure evenly across your feet and maintains proper foot alignment.

You also want to make sure the bottoms of the sandals are sturdy, says Brenner. Flex the shoe in your hands; if it folds easily, it's an indicator that the shoe won't offer support or stability during all-day wear.

Cushioning

The right amount of cushioning can make sandals more comfortable to wear for long periods and help absorb impact. Cushioned shoes tend to reduce foot fatigue.

Look at the thickness of the sole, especially underneath the heel, where most people tend to strike with a lot of force when walking. You'll feel more supported with a durable, thick sole underneath you.

Traction

"The sole of the shoe should have some good traction, especially if planning to wear in a wet environment such as a gym shower or public pool," says Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS . Look for options that have deep grooves, lugs or 3D patterns etched into the bottom of the sole. Design features like those create extra grip and traction to keep you from sliding around.

Weight

The last thing you'll want to deal with while walking is a clunky shoe weighing you down. There are plenty of durable sandals with a lightweight, airy feel. Look for materials like EVA or foam to offer support and cushioning without adding extra ounces.

Best sandals for women FAQs

What sandals do podiatrists recommend?

The podiatrists we spoke to recommend looking for options that offer arch support, thick cushioning and good traction. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., says that if you can easily bend the base of a sandal — in terms of support — "it's almost like you're walking barefoot." Make sure your sandal has a bit more substance before wearing it.

Should you size up or down in sandals?

As with any shoe, the most important part of finding a comfortable sandal is finding one that fits right. "The sandal should support the entire foot. If too big, the foot will slide; if too small, the foot will hang off the sides or the back," says Bass. Generally speaking, your sandal size should match your shoe size, but always check the specific size chart for the sandal in question to ensure your feet won't hang off or slip out.

Update, Sep. 4, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best sandals for women remains unchanged.