I took my first solo trip in the United States. Galapagos IslandsI overpacked my bag with trepidation flip-flops, casual shoes, boots, and sneakers—and then my luggage Didn’t appear at the airport of Quito. In a panic, I ran into a sporting good store 15 minutes before closing time and bought a pair walking sandals to wear.
As it turned out, that one pair of velcro strap Merrell walking sandals got me through the entire trip—from strolls on the cobblestones of Quito to hikes up the mountains Isla Santa Cruz. I even swam with Galapagos tortoises. I was amazed at how versatile these shoes can be.
When the weather warms up, your feet will need more room to breathe. The activities you plan to do, the event, and your personal preferences will all influence the sandals that are right for you. Find your favorite pair of sandals by using the following tips. Condé Nast Traveler The editors share their picks for the best walking shoes to take on warm weather trips. They consider comfort, style, and support.
What we consider:
For travelers who spend long hours on their feet, we searched for sandals with a supportive, comfortable sole, good traction, and straps which are not too tight. (No thanks to vacation blisters!) We avoided shoes that have flat or minimal soles as well as flip-flops because they can cause irritation between toes.
The everyday sandal
Rothy’s The Weekend Slide
Behold, commerce editor Meaghan Kenny“s favorite summer sandal.” “Rothy’s Weekend Slides are comfy and go with everything. jeans You can also find out more about the following: linen pants You can also find out more about the following: sundresses You can also find out more about the following: maxi skirts,” says Kenny. The two cross-over knit straps create a chic, stylish look while also keeping your feet safe and making it easy to slip the sandal on and off. They are a great option for the office, lunch dates or standing courtside. The contoured, thick footbed provides good support. This neutral slide is also machine washable, and made of eight recycled plastic bottles.
Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor
My doctor recommended that I wear sturdy shoes when wearing unsupportive footwear on my no-arch foot caused me years of pain. arch support shoesYou can wear them around the house. Birkenstock’s Arizona Birko Flor sandals became my favorite for all occasions. I had a pair of black shoes for my house, a brown pair for my everyday sandals and even a gold pair as my special occasion shoes. The classic 1973 style is a throwback, and also a fashion statement. But more importantly, the contoured latex cork footbed will elevate your arches. And the EVA sole, which is lightweight and flexible, is going to keep you moving.
Vionic Walk Max Wanderer sandal
This label, which is approved by podiatrists, is known for its contoured shoebed that relieves foot pain. It’s the type of supportive footwear you need to go the distance. The hook-and loop straps are adjustable, and the midsole is infused with nitrogen to provide cushioning. The shoe is available in an array of colors – from bright and beachy, to gold and sleek.
Keen Footwear Elle Criss Cross Sandal
The Elle criss cross sandal is one of the most versatile walking sandals available. You can wear these sandals to a concert or stroll along the boardwalk. They are also great for sitting by the pool. These sandals have a foam insole that absorbs shock and is designed to conform to your foot shape for a comfortable, snug fit. The sandal has an adjustable heel strap and offers good arch support.
The hiking sandal
Teva Universal Sandal
Teva is a master at designing high-quality hiking sandals. A favorite of ours from the brand is its Universal Sandal: Simple and classic in design, these bestsellers are so versatile—making them a worthy packing essential. These sandals feature a contoured EVA midsole and footbed, adjustable straps and enough cushioning for a day of hiking.
Columbia Konos Globetrot sandal
The Columbia shoe is designed to accommodate different foot shapes. Its three adjustable straps allow you to find the right combination. Its outsole tread pattern and adaptive cushion help with stability. This shoe is available in black, as well as colorful versions of red, pink and orange. It lives up to its title, a true globetrotter.
Keen Hyperport H2 shoe
Sandals and hiking trails may not seem like the right combo—until you’ve met Keen’s Hyperport H2. The PFAS free shoe is still a slatted, covered sandal. The shoe is designed with a shock absorbing insole, and Aquagrip Rubbersole for extra grip.
Teva Grandview Max hiking sandal
Teva is the only company that makes performance hiking shoes with recycled materials while still being open-toed. The vegan sandals are part of its new Grandview Max line The shoes are equipped with a variety of features that make them stand out, including a Vibram MegaGrips Sole for traction and durability as well as achilles padding to provide cushioning and support. Its W strap system also ensures a snug fit to prevent slippage and blisters.
The Recovery Sandal
Oofos Ooahh women’s slide sandal
Associate articles director Megan Spurrell The reviews are raves for these recovery slides, which are both ugly and perfect. These bad boys are her go-to for soothing tired feet after running a marathon. Spurrell wears her Oofos slides around the house to help with muscle recovery. But they are also perfect for a stroll around a cruise or to grab coffee in a nearby café. Do they have the most sexiest shoes on our list, or are there others? The comfiest shoe on our list? A new neon berry colorway Just added to the fun, this is a new addition.
Read the a full review This sandal is here.
Oliver Thomas Wingwoman Recovery Slide
Oliver Thomas Slides are the latest travel necessity for me. While I’ve always been a fan of Oofos which helped me get back on my feet following multiple marathons. It’s not surprising that the podiatrist designed footbed is specifically targeted at plantar fasciitis. The quilted cushion feels like walking on an airy cloud. The vegan slide can also be washed in the machine. It is lightweight and compact. The best part is that they are adorable compared to any other recovery slide!
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3.
The updated Ora slides from Hoka, another favorite of Spurrell, feature four air flow channel for maximum breathability, and are lighter. Soft footbed provides ample cushioning for your feet following an intense workout or a day hike. These futuristic slides are available in vacation-ready colors such as Pink Twilight and Shifting Sand as well as the classics white, black and gray.
The elevated sandal
Rothy The Buckle slide
Buckle slides from Rothy have adjustable straps and chic gold hardware. They’re a great alternative to the Weekender sandal. With a contoured footbed, and a thick sole that provides good support, you can wear these sandals all day long with a maxi or sundress. These sandals look more sophisticated than the average sandal but are still simple enough to go with a wide range of outfits.
Vionic Uptown Wedge sandal
Vionic’s sandals are the perfect way to walk around resorts with style. They feature cross straps of leather or nubuck, and a 2-inch heel. The shoe also features a supportive insole, which is used in all Vionic shoes. You can choose from tan or black leather to create a classic look or gold or gunmetal to add a little extra shine.
Charleston Shoe Co. Monterey new sandal
You might consider this lug-sole sandal if you are going to dinner in Florence or on a cruise where you will be walking cobblestones. These stylish strappy lace-up sandals have a two-inch heel and a platform of one inch. They are elegant enough to be worn with dresses but will not leave you with blisters. These sandals are a great alternative to block heels or wedges. They have a padded, elastic insole. Research director Alexandra Sanidad Every type of traveler swears by these for their comfort. Did we mention that they can be machine washed?
Reef Cushion Vista Hi-slip sandal
Cushion Vita Hi by Reef is one of the most popular shoes among customers. The brand’s cork-topped footbeds are well known for providing arch support and heel cupping. The shoe’s 1.75-inch sole also adds height. Its woven collection, with braided and vegan straps, gives it a beachy look.
The sandals are a great way to enjoy the pool.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva sandals
Associate commerce director Madison Flager Birkenstocks in EVA are water-friendly, and a great alternative to your regular shoes. Not only are they great for the pool and comfortable enough for casual all-day wear (think: mixed modes of transportation—for days of pure walking, she opts for Teva’s trail sandals They can also be used to add color to the most basic outfits, such as a shirt or a pair of jeans. plain white T-shirt Denim shorts. Black is the most versatile color.
OluKai Ohana flip flops
A comfortable upgrade to standard flip-flops worn to the pool—the Ohanas are the brand’s bestseller year-round for both men and women. It’s lightweight, soft and water-resistant with synthetic straps that are paired with a jersey knit lining. The rubber soles feature traction ridges modeled after coral reefs to prevent slipping. This sandal is also available in many fun summer colors such as coral, orchid pink, marine, blue and others.
Reef Water Vista Sandals
What about a sandal that is cute, comfortable, and water-friendly. The Reef Water Vista Sandal is the perfect pair for any trip. cruise You can also use a beach vacation. They are the favorite of commerce writers Paris Wilson—and it’s easy to see why. This pair has an adjustable Velcro back strap that keeps your foot in place, provides excellent support, and is much more stylish than the classic pool shoe. Choose from different colors such as hot pinks, blacks, browns, or blues.
The article has been updated since it was first published.