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You are halfway through a day of sightseeing or running errands, and your feet are already screaming at you. Maybe it’s just a muffled yell in your arches, a sharp cry from a stubborn blister, or just the nagging groan where overall fatigue makes every step feel heavier than the last. Whether you're traveling, going on a long walk around the neighborhood, or just trying to make it through a busy day, the wrong shoes can turn a great experience into a painful one. You need to find the best sandals for walking.
When it comes to sandals for long walks, the choice can be difficult. Many look stylish but fall short on comfort when it counts. That’s where we come in.
With over 100 years of business, Tradehome Shoes is more than just a store — we’re real people who know footwear and prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for your next travel companion or something that can handle miles of daily wear, we’re here to help. In this guide, we will share expert tips on what to look for in a great walking shoe, highlight some of our favorite picks, and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
SUMMARY
- Walk-friendly sandals are made with high-quality materials, added arch-support, a contoured footbed, and adjustable features for optimal comfort.
When shopping for walking sandals, understanding your foot length, arch type, and width are essential to finding the right fit and support.
No one style fits all!
Our guide details the best walking sandals by foot type/need and gives you the top picks for all walking sandals available at Tradehome Shoes
Our trusted shoe experts at our 130+ Tradehome locations would be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect walking sandal to fit your personalized needs! Check out our store locator to find a location near you!
What Makes a Sandal Walk-Friendly?
Walking sandals are specifically designed to prioritize comfort and support during extended periods of walking, distinguishing them from casual or fashion sandals. Key features include enhanced cushioning to absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue, as well as built-in arch support that promotes proper alignment and prevents strain on the feet and legs. Excellent walking sandals should offer superior traction, which ensures stability on various surfaces. In contrast, casual or fashion sandals often prioritize style over function, typically lacking the support and grip needed for prolonged wear.
Another defining feature of walking sandals is their adjustability. Adjustable straps allow for a customized, secure fit that accommodates different foot shapes and swelling over the course of a day. Walk-friendly sandals are made with high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand repeated use and exposure to diverse conditions.
Signs Your Sandals Aren’t the Best Sandals For Walking
Anyone preparing for summer travel knows how quickly foot discomfort can ruin an otherwise amazing adventure fi you don't have the best sandals forwalking. Exploring a new city or trekking through a national park require supportive sandals to keep you moving comfortably. Without the right sandal, every step becomes a distraction from the adventure at hand.
WATCH OUT FOR:
- Straps digging or slipping
- Heels feel unsupported or tired
- Soles feel flat or thin
- Feet feel sore after minimal walking
- Arch pain or hot spots
Sore arches, aching ankles, or new blisters after being on a pair of sandals indicate they are not built for serious walking. These “day after” pains are common signs that your footwear lacks proper support, cushioning, or fit—especially if you’re relying on casual or fashion sandals. While they might look great, they can leave your feet feeling anything but.
Why the Right Sandal Fit Matters
Although it is imperative to avoid soreness, blisters, and discomfort, finding the right sandal is not simply about preventing short-term pain and discomfort.
- Reduces strain on arches and heels
- Supports natural gait and posture
- Prevents overuse injuries
- Improves travel and everyday mobility
The wrong sandals (and footwear in general) can lead to lasting issues like foot fatigue, joint misalignment, and poor posture. When sandals lack proper arch support or have uneven pressure points, your body compensates in unhealthy ways. This strain can travel upward, affecting knees, hips, and even your lower back, especially if you're spending hours on your feet.
The best sandals for walking supports more than your feet; it supports your entire body. Choosing the right pair of sandals is not just a comfort thing, it is an investment in your body’s well-being.
How to Find the Best Walking Sandals for Your Feet
Finding the best walking sandals begins with recognizing there is no one style fits all. Everyone’s feet are unique. Some benefit from increased arch support, others benefit from a wider toe box and extra cushioning. Your planned activities matter too; what works for a beach stroll may not be best on a day-long city tour or nature hike. Identifying your unique personal needs is the key to choosing sandals that offer the right mix of support, durability, and fit.
How to Measure for Walking Sandal Fit
You may be wondering: what if I don’t know my personal footwear needs? You are in the right place. When shopping for the best sandals for walking, understanding your foot length, arch type, and width are an essential component to finding the right fit and support.
- Foot length determines your sandal size, but brands may vary—so always check the sizing guide.
- Your arch type—whether high, neutral, or flat—affects how your foot absorbs impact; sandals with the right arch support can prevent strain and improve comfort.
- Width matters too: if your sandals are too narrow, they can cause blisters or crowd your toes; too wide, and your foot may slide around, reducing stability. Sandal adjustability plays a major role in ensuring this often-overlooked component of fit is covered.
Paying attention to these details helps ensure the sandals work with your natural foot structure, not against it. Measuring your foot at home can help to choose walking sandals that truly fit. Here is a step-by-step to get an accurate measurement of your feet right from the comfort of your own home!
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Trace your foot: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface. Stand on it with your full weight evenly distributed. Trace around your foot, keeping the pencil upright and close to your foot.
- Measure length: Use the ruler to measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure width: Measure across the widest part of your foot—usually across the ball of the foot.
- Compare to sizing charts: Use your length and width to compare against the brand’s sizing chart. If your feet differ in size, go with the larger measurement.
Measuring your feet can be difficult, especially with sizing differences between brands. It’s also hard to know if a sandal suits your needs when you have specifications like high/low arches, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or a history of foot surgery.
We highly recommend visiting us at one of our 130+ locations around the United States! Our trusted shoe experts would be more than happy to assist you in finding the your best sandals for walking to fit your personalized needs! The majority of our locations also include the Tradehome RealFit experience which develops free personalized scans of your feet in just minutes! Our team uses this information to quickly and accurately determine the best shoes for your feet.
Sandal Fit Tips from Shoe Experts
In case you can’t make it out to one of our in-person locations, here are some quick- tips
- Leave a bit of space at the toe and heel
Straps should secure but not pinch - Walk test: try different surfaces
- Break-in gently
Best Walking Sandals by Foot Type or Need
Now that you know the importance of choosing a shoe that fits your personalized needs, we have crafted a shortcut guide to match the proper sandal with the proper owner (you)!
Best For Long-Distance Walking or Travel Days
Women's Offroad Roam Air/Bright White
$119.99
Women's Offroad Roam - Air/Bright White Embrace the great outdoors with our ECCO OFFROAD ROAM sandals. Expertly designed for all the wanders life offers, these sandals provide an unparalleled balance of comfort and durability. Showcasing a modest, three-strap design, these… read more
Embrace the great outdoors with our ECCO OFFROAD ROAM sandals. Expertly designed for all the wanders life offers, these sandals provide an unparalleled balance of comfort and durability. Showcasing a modest, three-strap design, these are the perfect companions for your explorations, on or off the grid.
DETAILS:
- Cushioned microfibre footbed
- Premium ECCO leather with a secure heel strap
- Comfortable microfibre covered footbed
- Lightweight sole provides long-lasting cushioning and flexibility, using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology
- RECEPTOR® technology for excellent stability and dynamic support from ground impact to toe-off
- Durable rubber outsole for outstanding grip and traction on varied terrain
Best For Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, or Arch Pain
Women's Yucatan 2.0 Sandal White
$109.99
$139.99
Women's ECCO Yucatan 2.0 Sandal - White This ECCO OFFROAD Sandal features a clean-lined design that is crafted with subtle overlays and less stitching for an updated look and feel. The lower strap is wholly adjustable and can be fully… read more
Men's Yucatan Sandal Mocha/Mocha
$139.99
Men's Yucatan Sandal - Mocha/Mocha Lightweight and supportive sandal range offering superior everyday walking comfort on and off the trail. DETAILS: Crafted using premium ECCO leathers Designed with one side bar, 3-point adjustability and neoprene lining for a soft and… read more
Crafted for both rugged trails and urban adventures, the Ecco Yucatan pairs high-performance Comfort with everyday ease. The directinjected PU midsole—using ECCO’s Fluidform™ and Receptor® technology—delivers cushioning yet firm stability, guiding your stride from heel strike to toeoff. A contoured, microfiberlined EVA footbed hugs your arches and offers shock absorption with every step. The Yucatan combats plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and arch pain with powerful arch support, plush cushioning, and firm stability.
DETAILS:
- Cushioning midsole and supportive footbed minimize foot fatigue on long walks
- Three hookandloop straps offer easy customization and secure fit.
- Nubuck leather, microfiber, neoprene/spandex lining—durable, breathable, and quickdrying
- Durable rubber outsole grips varied terrain with confidence
Best For Waterproof or Summer Adventures
Women's Ohana Toasted Swell/Hua
$79.99
Women's Ohana - Swell/Hua Translation: Family Enunciation: (oh-hah-na) In Hawai‘i, 'ohana means more than just immediate family. It represents a welcoming sanctuary of friends and family where you can truly be yourself. Aptly named, our best-selling 'Ohana beach sandal embodies… read more
Men's Ohana Black/Black
$79.99
Men's Olukai Ohana - Black/Black Translation: Family In Hawai‘i, ‘ohana isn’t just immediate family; an ‘ohana is a sanctuary of friends and family where you can just be yourself. With that in mind, we crafted the classic ‘Ohana, your go-to… read more
The OluKai Ohana stands out as the best summer adventure flip-flop with noteworthy arch support, water-resistant materials, and a smooth drop-in footbed for the perfect anatomical fit. The Ohana is built for summer adventures whether it is strolling through town or walking on the beach.
DETAILS:
- The compression-molded EVA midsole with a smooth drop-in ICEVA footbed provides a fit for all-day comfort.
- Ideal for prolonged outdoor activities, offering lightness and durability.
- Features water-friendly synthetic straps, making them ideal for beach and water activities.
Best For Fashion-Forward but Functional
Women's Jillian Gunmetal
$134.99
Women's Aetrex Jillian - Gunmetal Leather Jillian is recommended for those with plantar fasciitis or common foot pain. This fully adjustable quarter strap sandal has a padded heel for extra comfort and an ultra-light cork midsole making it easy to… read more
The Jillian is constructed with Aetrex Signature Arch Support that is strategically placed to align your body. This fully adjustable sandal features memory foam cushioning, strategically placed straps to help relieve bunion discomfort, a padded heel for extra comfort, and an ultra-light cork midsole to help make it much easier to walk around all day. The signature braided detailing makes the Jillian both comfortable and stylish for all your summer adventures.
DETAILS:
- Hook & loop closures for adjustability
- Genuine leather straps
- Memory foam and ultra-light cork midsole
- Soft microfiber footbed treated with antimicrobial technology to help fight every day odors
- Met bar pod to help relieve ball-of-foot discomfort
- Padded collar for extra cushioning
Top Picks: The Best Walking Sandals at Tradehome Shoes
The moment you have been waiting for… our TOP PICKS for walking sandals. These sandals are customer favorites that deliver walk-all-day comfort with trusted fit and style sourced from top brands around the world.
TOP OVERALL PICK – Style + Comfort: Men’s & Women’s Soft-Sole BIRKENSTOCK Arizona
Men's Arizona Soft Footbed Iron Oiled Leather
$154.99
Men's Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed - Iron The BIRKENSTOCK Arizona is a genuine classic. This individually adjustable unisex two- strap sandal is now available in a sturdy oiled nubuck leather with soft footbed. DETAILS: Original BIRKENSTOCK soft footbed; anatomically shaped… read more
Women's Arizona Soft Footbed Sandcastle Nubuck
$149.99
Women's Birkenstock Arizona SFB - Sandcastle Nubuck An icon of timeless design and legendary comfort, the Arizona sandal has been defining style since 1973. Nubuck leather elevates the classic, two-strap look with a soft yet durable feel. Featuring an additional foam… read more
Renowned for its innovative cork-latex footbed that molds to your foot, the BIRKENSTOCK Arizona combines comfort, support, and style in a truly unmatched fashion. Dakota Rusco who manages the Tradehome location in Waco, Texas and has spent over 4 years with Tradehome, indicates the overall top pick for walking sandals is the Soft-Sole BIRKENSTOCK Arizona.
DETAILS:
- Cushioned BIRKENSTOCK soft footbed creates custom support with wear
- Suede footbed lining helps keep you comfortable
- EVA sole is flexible and lightweight
- Quality adjustable straps for adaptability
Travel/All-Day
Men's Z/2 Classic Stepped Navy
$104.99
Men's Chaco Z/2 Classic - Stepped Navy Streamlined and dependable since 1989, our Classic series is comprised of only 8 component parts, making for the simple, timeless sandal design that made our name. Every pair comes standard with adjustable straps… read more
Adventure-ready and trail-tested, the Chaco Z/2 is your go-anywhere, do-anything sandal. —trail, river, campsite, and street, you name it. Plus, they are basically indestructible. I have had mine for years and they still look and feel like I bought them yesterday. With its signature zig-zag polyester webbing straps (including a toe loop), the Z/2 locks your foot in place for a secure, personalized fit.
DETAILS:
- Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit
- Toe loop for secure fit
- Adjustable and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers
- Injection-molded ladder lock buckle
Supportive Arch - Men’s and Women’s TEVA Hurricane XLT2
Women's Hurricane XLT2 Archive Wings Blooming Dahlia
$79.99
Women's Hurricane XLT2 - Archive Wings Blooming Dahlia An infinitely versatile sandal, the Hurricane XLT2 is outfitted for grippy traction while keeping you comfortable. Employing 100% REPREVE® recycled polyester straps and supportive midsole, our iconic sport sandal is up for… read more
Men's Hurricane XLT2 Chara Dark Olive
$79.99
Men's Teva Hurricane XLT2 - Chara Dark Olive We gave the iconic Hurricane XLT a fresh comfort upgrade, outfitting it with soft heel-strap padding and a new, modern sole featuring even better traction than ever before. DETAILS: Best for: Day… read more
The TEVA Hurricane XLT2 is one of the most versatile sandals on the market. It is built for all-day, all-terrain wear. It features quick-dry REPREVE® recycled-polyester straps with three adjustable points—two across the forefoot and one at the heel—plus injection-molded strap tips for effortless grip and fit. The contoured EVA footbed, complete with premium arch support, cushioned heel cup, and a nylon shank, delivers stable comfort even on uneven trails.
DETAILS:
- Quick-drying materials
- Robust EVA footbed for enhanced comfort built for all-day wear
- Rugged Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole supplies grippy traction
- Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right, Injection-molded strap tips for quick and easy grip and adjustability
Waterproof Performance - Men’s & Women’s TEVA Hydratek
Women's Hydratrek Sandal Lunar Rock
$84.99
Women's Hydratek Sandal - Lunar Rock Designed to deliver water-ready traction, the new Hydratrek sandal features innovative technology geared for adventures in wet environments. Inspired by tree frog grip, the outsole features a unique design that maximizes surface area contact… read more
Men's Hydratrek Sandal Caviar/Larkspur
$84.99
Men's Hydratek Sandal - Caviar/Larkspur Designed to deliver water-ready traction, the new Hydratrek sandal features innovative technology geared for adventures in wet environments. Inspired by tree frog grip, the outsole features a unique design that maximizes surface area contact and… read more
Fun fact, hydras are a freshwater invertebrate known for their biological immortality. The TEVA Hydratek lives up to its name with high-quality materials, quick-dry comfort, and water ready traction. Its treefrog inspired Spider Rubber outsole and deeply textured footbed lock you in, even on slippery rocks or muddy trails, offering sure-footed confidence everywhere you go.
DETAILS:
- Quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi® supports your foot and stands up to abuse
- Easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right
- Textured grippy topsole for increased stability when wet
- 30% recycled EVA midsole provides maximum, lightweight comfort
Best Walking Sandals FAQs
Choosing the right walking sandals can feel overwhelming, especially with so many styles, features, and fit concerns to sort through. It’s easy to second-guess your decision—wondering if they’ll truly be comfortable, hold up over time, or work for your specific foot needs. Whether you're unsure about arch support, sizing, or how sandals perform on long walks, these common questions can often stall your search.
Which brand of sandals is most comfortable for walking?
- Brands such as BIRKENSTOCK, Chaco, Ecco, TEVA, and AETREX are generally considered some of the best for comfortable walking sandals. Each of these brands have strong reputations and are known for their long-term support and durability.
What type of sandals do podiatrists recommend?
- Podiatrists typically recommend sandals that offer strong arch support, a firm footbed, and a contoured footbed to promote natural alignment. Key features to watch for include a firm midsole, heel cup for stability, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and materials that reduce shock and pressure on joints.
Can sandals really work for walking all day?
Yes! If they meet certain support and fit criteria. Many entry level brands and styles do not meet these criteria and can easily cause doubt about this possibility.
What’s the best walking sandal for travel?
The best walking sandal for travel is one that combines durability, all-day comfort, and adaptability across different environments. Look for sandals with rugged outsoles for traction, cushioned footbeds for long wear, and supportive arch structures that reduce fatigue during extended walking. Our top picks are the Men’s Chaco Z2 and the Women’s Ecco Offroad Roam. Adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, while quick-drying or water-friendly materials are ideal if your travel plans include beach outings or unexpected weather. Brands like ECCO, Teva, and Chaco are popular for their versatile travel-ready designs.
Shop Online or Visit a Tradehome Store for Your Next Pair!
Ultimately, it is important to remember that a good pair of walking sandals means choosing the right shoe:
- Premium Comfort: High-quality materials, arch support, contoured footbed, and adjustable fit.
- Better Support: Supports your feet and your whole body.
- A Personalized Fit: Foot length, arch type, and width matter.
- Expert Help: Shop our top picks or visit 130+ Tradehome stores for personalized fitting.
