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Every traveler headed to a warm-weather destination this summer needs a comfortable pair of walking sandals in their carry-on. Try as they might, those $4 flip-flops just aren’t going to cut it against a long day of sightseeing or an afternoon traipsing along muddy trails, and in hot weather, a sneakers-and-socks combo can feel stifling.
Enter the best walking sandals for women: Shoes with both supportive soles and thick straps are essential for avoiding blisters and aches. That said, comfort doesn't have to mean compromising style. From water-resistant slip-ons perfect for the pool to neutral sandals you can plan outfits around, we have you covered this summer with 15 of our favorite travel-friendly walking sandals. Whether you're headed on an early morning hike, a food tour, a stroll through the park, or a fancy lunch outdoors, there's a packable sandal on our list for you.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg and Lindsey Olander.
The everyday sandal
Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor
Mercedes Bleth, Condé Nast Traveler's global associate director of social, raves about these classic sandals for when you want to slide into something casual and breezy. The footbed is made of cork-latex and lined with suede. The upper portion is made of the durable material Birko-Flor that lends the sandal its name. If you're looking for a neutral, choose from the dark brown or black—or switch it up with a white pair that contrasts with the tan suede and cork.
A classic black sandal goes well with almost anything and this pair comes highly recommended by Condé Nast's VP of content strategy and growth, Millie Tran. This style with adjustable straps and buckle closures keep your feet secure for busy days on your feet. The nylon upper with rubber soles creates plenty of support and makes them a great option for days spent sightseeing.
When you want to embrace the platform sandal trend without sacrificing comfort, senior editor Megan Spurrell praises the Teva Midform Universal sandals. They're ideal for concerts, museum openings, or sporting events where you'll be on your feet all day but don't want to compromise style. These provide arch support and added traction, and are made from recycled materials.
An updated model to Hoka's original Ora slides, another favorite of Spurrell's, these recovery sandals feature four air flow channels for maximum breathability and are more lightweight. The soft foot bed provides plenty of cushion for your feet after an intense workout or day hike. These futuristic slides come in a variety of vacation-ready colors like Citrus Glow, Sherbet, Violet Bloom, Passion Fruit, and Vibrant Orange.
If you're looking for a pair of sandals you can actuallyhike comfortably in, Lara Kramer, Traveler's global director of audience development, analytics, and social, says these are for you. The cushioned padding absorbs shock impact and the contoured midsole gives you plenty of added arch support for walking on uneven terrain. These durable sandals, made from recycled materials, are designed to work in wet conditions, provide traction, and feature a hook-and-loop closure for easy adjusting.
Long walks along the most uneven terrain are no match for Teva’s trail sandals. The rugged outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip rubber (the same material used in heavy-duty hiking boots) for added traction while navigating rocky surfaces, while the water-resistant Repreve polyester upper material is both comfortable and quick to dry—a godsend when you come across a creek or get caught in an unexpected rain. The adjustable straps also allow you to tighten or loosen the fit as desired between demanding hikes and more casual hangouts by the campfire, and mean that the shoe works well for both wide and narrow feet.
Ideal for active days spent on walking trails or bike rides when you don't want to wear sneakers, the Bravada sandals from Merrell are lightweight and supportive. The ankle strap keeps your foot secure while the mesh upper offers plenty of breathability. The outsole is designed to give added grip and the hook and loop closure makes adjusting them to your exact fit a breeze.
If you prefer to have your toes covered when you hit the trails, Keen's Newport H2 sandals offer the breathability of a sandal and the protection of a sneaker, thanks to a durable toe bumper. The quick-dry linings of the shoe and grippy soles allow you to navigate through steams, puddles, and rain without a worry and the insoles give you the arch support you need for a full day of movement.
Behold, my go-to summer sandal. Rothy's new The Weekend Slides are comfortable and pair well with everything, from jeans and linen pants to sundresses and maxi skirts. The two knit crossing straps give it that effortless and chic look, while keeping your feet secure and making them easy to slip on and off. The thick, contoured footbed offers nice support, making them a solid option for office commutes, lunch dates, or standing courtside. More things I love about this neutral slide: It is machine washable and made from eight recycled plastic bottles.
I'm bringing this pair of lightweight raffia sandals with me on a trip to Tuscany this summer. I'm hoping these will help me avoid wearing heels much throughout the trip—they're elevated enough to wear with sundresses and skirts yet simple enough to toss on with a swimsuit cover-up or denim shorts. I'm already envisioning myself wearing these with a crisp white button-down and straw tote bag.
We all want the ease of throwing on a simple pair of flip flops or slides while headed to lunch or the pool on vacation. For a more elevated look than your classic slip-ons, these neutral, sporty slides from Tory Burch are worth a spot in your suitcase. The chic leather sandals feature Tory Burch's signature double-T logo and pair well with bathing suit cover-ups or casual dresses.
If you already have a go-to pair of neutral-toned walking sandals, senior commerce editor Madison Flager suggests a pair of colorful Birkenstocks to switch things up from your everyday shoe. Not only are they comfortable enough for all-day wear, but they add a pop of color to even the simplest outfits in your suitcase, like a plain white T-shirt and denim shorts. The classic double-strap sandals come in colors like lavender, coral, yellow, peach, and white; however, black is the easiest one to dress up.
A sandal that's cute, comfortable to walk in, and water-friendly? The Reef Water Vista sandal really does it all, making it an ideal pair to pack for a cruise or a beach vacation. I'm hesitant to wear a walking sandal all day for fear of falling or slipping out of them, but this pair with an adjustable velcro back strap keeps my foot secure. They're easy to clean and are available in colors like classic black, tan, pink, blue, and yellow.
A comfortable upgrade to standard flip-flops worn to the pool or beach, this soft, lightweight pair of sandals features water-resistant synthetic straps with a quick-drying jersey knit lining. The rubber outsoles have traction ridges inspired by a coral reef that give plenty of grip to avoid slipping. Plus, the sandal is available in plenty of fun summer colors like coral, orchid, pink, marine blue, and more.
Rounding out our list of the best walking sandals for women: another pair of Birks. If you already love your slip-ons, you'll want to get your hands on this sporty thong sandal for your next pool day. Waterproof and washable, these flexible sandals bring you all the comfort Birkenstocks promise in this lightweight, packable shoe perfect for summer. It features an anatomically shaped footbed that keeps your feet happy after hours of wear.
