10 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals for Travel

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Spring and summer trips can be great, with warm weather and lush scenery, and while everyone knows it’s important to have a quality pair of travel shoes, sometimes closed toed shoes aren’t ideal for warm weather travel. Having a solid pair of sandals will let your feet breathe while still offering comfort and support. The best travel sandals are lightweight, comfortable, and versatile so they can work well on whatever adventures you’re planning. This guide will make sure you add a quality pair of sandals to your travel gear collection by outlining what you should be looking for and listing the best options on the market today.

Quick Answer: Best Travel Sandals

Below is a list of the best walking sandals for travel:

What to Look for in a Good Sandals for Travel

The best travel sandals will depend on what you’ll be using them for. If you’re planning on visiting Europe’s cities and doing lots of street walking, then you’ll likely want sandals that combine style and comfort. If your sandals are for summertime hikes, then they should be all about support to help prevent you from slipping or twisting an ankle. If they’re mainly for beach use, then style is likely a priority along with water-resistance. Once you know what you’re buying sandals for, here are some other important things to think about.

1. Materials

There are a few materials you’ll see most sandals are made out of. Leather is the perfect material for longevity, but it’s not always the most comfortable, especially before being broken in. However, some leather sandals include cushion to improve comfort.

Rubber sandals are typically a good compromise between comfort and longevity. While they won’t last as long as leather, they’re usually more comfortable. One thing to keep in mind with rubber sandals is that they may not be as easy to dress up if you’re heading out to a fancy dinner.

Foam midsoles are usually the most comfortable of the three options. The only downside to foam is that it won’t last as long as leather or rubber. 

2. Comfort / Support

Be sure you know what the footbed is made of and how much cushion the sandals have. The amount of cushion will coincide with how long you can wear them and still be comfortable. This is especially important if you need arch or other support because of foot or back problems.

When it comes to support, be sure the sandals have a rubber outsole. This will give you much better traction so you’re able to grip well even if the ground is wet or uneven.

3. Weight

The weight of your luggage is always important, especially if you’ll be flying on budget airlines. Thankfully, most sandals aren’t very heavy. The thing you do need to consider though is that the more cushion and support a sandal has, the heavier it will be. It’s best to find a good balance so you can be comfortable while walking, but won’t add too much weight to your travel or hiking backpack when you’re on the move. 

4. Straps

While $5 flip flops are fine for some settings, they don’t have much support and don’t secure your feet very well. The more straps sandals have, the more control your feet will have as you walk. This is important if you’ll be doing lots of hiking or walking tours. Straps will also determine how quickly you can get the sandals on and off, something to consider if you are visiting Asia where you will need to take your shoes off each time you enter a temple.

Another thing to be mindful of is whether or not the straps are adjustable. Sandals with adjustable straps will give you a more secure and personalized fit. If you’re hiking or will be walking over uneven terrain, it’s probably best to make sure your sandals have adjustable straps, that will help prevent your feet from slipping. 

5. Water Resistance

If you have any interest in wearing your sandals to the beach or the pool, make sure they’re water resistant. Or if you plan to go hiking where you may get caught in the rain or have to wade through a creek, it’s probably a good idea to have water-resistant sandals. 
If you’re searching for the best beach sandals for women then you’ll probably only see water-resistant options. And the good news about beach sandals is they’re typically more fashionable and easier to dress up or down. Hiking sandals won’t usually give you that same versatility.

Best Travel Sandal Reviews

Now that you know what to look for, here are the most comfortable sandals on the market today.

KEEN Whisper Sandals (Women)

Alternative for Men: KEEN Newport H2 Sandals

KEEN Whisper Sandals

One of the most comfortable sandals for women, KEEN Whisper Sandals are lightweight performance sandals that offer great support on land or in water. They have an elastic cording that gives them a secure fit on your feet and the rubber outsoles provide excellent traction and durability. The EVA midsoles cushion your feet and help absorb shock, the toe guards protect your feet from bumps, and the polyester webbing uppers are washable and make for a comfortable fit. The KEEN Whisper Sandals are perfect for everything from wading through water on the beaches of your favorite islands to going inland for some hiking. For men who want a similar high-performance sandal, go with the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal.

See the KEEN Whisper (Women) See the KEEN Newport H2 (Men)

Teva Original Universal Sandals (Women/Men)

Teva Original Universal Sandals

The Teva Original Universal Sandals are beloved by both men and women. They have a universal strapping system as well as a hook-and-loop closure that helps perfect the fit and makes them easy to put on and take off. The EVA foam footbed cushion promotes comfort all day long and the rubber outsole helps with traction if you’re on unstable or uneven ground. The uppers are made from a quick-drying, water-ready polyester webbing that contributes to their durability. When on the hunt for the best sandals for walking long distances, be sure to check out the Teva Original Universal Sandals.

See the Teva Original Universal (Women) See the Teva Original Universal (Men)

Teva Olowahu Sandals (Women)

Alternative for Men: Teva Mush II Sandals

Teva Olowahu Sandals

Women everywhere rave about the Teva Olowahu Sandals, and the Teva Mush II Sandals have been named the best flip flops for men. These sandals offer superior comfort thanks to the Mush™ topsole which forms to your foot, and the shoes have a lightweight EVA-foam outsole. The Teva Olowahu Sandals have quick-drying uppers that are made from water-ready, earth-friendly Unifi® Repreve recycled polyester webbing. The Teva Mush II Sandals have a vegan construction and canvas / cotton webbing uppers. These sandals are ideal for casual walks or gatherings around the campfire.

See the Teva Olowahu (Women) See the Teva Mush II (Men)

Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals (Women)

Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals

With super soft footbeds made from real yoga mat material, the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals are some of the most comfortable flip flops you’ll find. The straps are comfortable and cozy thanks to the stretch-knit material and the outsoles are made from Happy Ü rubber sponge. When they get dirty you can toss them in the washing machine and they’ll be good as new, just don’t put them in the dryer. These sandals have been deemed the “comfiest, most cushiony sling sandals ever made”, so if you’re looking for the best sandals to walk in all day, don’t miss the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals.

See the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2

Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandals (Unisex)

Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandals

Among the best walking sandals for travel, the Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandals are a classic. These two-strap sandals are adjustable with metal pin buckles. The super soft footbed is made of cork-latex and lined with suede. The insole is made of real leather, the outsole of EVA, and the upper is an oiled nubuck leather. All of these materials combine to make a super comfy sandal that’s been wildly popular since its release in 1973. The Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandal is a timeless icon that’s prepared for all of your adventures.

See the Birkenstock Arizona

Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandals (Women/Men)

Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandals

Not only are the Chaco ZX2s super comfortable sandals for walking, but they also have a vegan-friendly construction. They have a simple two-strap design along with toe loops for additional foot control. The upper is made from a polyester jacquard webbing that wraps around your foot and through the midsole to make sure your feet stay secure no matter where you’re walking. They also have an injection-molded ladder lock buckle and adjustable high-tensile webbing heel risers. These sandals have a LUVSEAT™ PU midsole and an outsole with 3mm lug depth. The Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandals provide amazing comfort and support on all types of terrain.

See the Chaco ZX2 Classic (Women) See the Chaco ZX2 Classic (Men)

Plaka Palm Leaf Flat Sandals (Women)

Plaka Palm Leaf Flat Sandals

If you want to walk around in style without sacrificing support, the Plaka Palm Leaf Flat Sandals are the best women’s sandals for walking. These elegant sandals have high-quality flat soles made from vegan-friendly rubber. The nylon straps stretch to enhance comfort and reduce rubbing and blisters. Each sandal is hand-woven and the slim design means they easily fit in your luggage and beach bag. The Plaka Palm Leaf Flat Sandals are ideal whether you’re heading to the beach or need to complete a summer outfit.

See the Plaka Palm Leaf

Crocs Capri V Flip Flops (Women)

Crocs Capri V Flip Flops

If you need the best sandals with support while you’re exploring new places, you can’t go wrong with the Crocs Capri V Flip Flops. These updated sandals have the same amazing fit as the old version while now having a sleeker profile and thinner straps. The straps are leather with a soft microfiber lining and the sleek profile offers a feminine look. These sandals have a super soft foam footbed, a deep heel cup to cradle your foot, and a Croslite™ foam outsole to make sure your foot’s cushioned with every step. Whether you’re on a relaxing vacation or are tackling Lisbon’s hilly streets, you’ll love the Crocs Capri V Flip Flops for their unbelievable comfort.

See the Crocs Capri V

Blowfish Malibu Granola Fisherman’s Sandals (Women)

Alternative for Men: Olukai Ohana Sandals

Blowfish Malibu Granola Fisherman's Sandals

Whether you love taking weekend beach trips or you’re preparing for a summer backpacking trip through Europe, be sure the Blowfish Malibu Granola Fisherman’s Sandals are in your carry-on luggage. These sandals are made from 100% faux leather and have a lightly cushioned faux cork sole. The strappy fisherman-inspired sandals have an adjustable closure and a textile lining and insole. The chic Blowfish Malibu Granola Fisherman’s Sandals have a flat toe separation post and a crisscross strap design which makes them easy to dress up or down. For the guys looking for a similar option, the Olukai Ohana Sandals have been named the best beach sandals for men. They have quick-drying, water-resistant uppers, an EVA midsole, and a rubber outsole with a coral reef lug design for added traction. If you’re heading out for a beach vacation, these are the sandals you should have with you.

See the Blowfish Malibu Granola (Women) See the Olukai Ohana (Men)

ECCO Yucatan Hiking Sandals (Women/Men)

ECCO Yucatan Hiking Sandals

The ECCO Yucatan Hiking Sandals are often rated the most comfortable sandals for travel. These sport sandals were designed for you to be comfortable while doing all sorts of outdoor adventures, from exploring Mayan ruins to hiking in Big Sur. The uppers are made from nubuck leather that’s comfortable and flexible and gives you more freedom of movement. There are hook-and-loop straps to ensure a personalized fit. The sandals are moisture-wicking and treated to help prevent odors. The rubber outsoles mean you’ll get solid traction whether the ground is wet or dry. Since a pair only weighs around two pounds, you can easily keep these stashed in your backpack until you’re ready to wear them. If you plan to hike or walk through some uneven terrain during your travels it would be ideal to bring along the ECCO Yucatan Hiking Sandals.

See the ECCO Yucatan (Women) See the ECCO Yucatan (Men)

While a good pair of travel sandals can be nearly impossible to find, hopefully this guide has pointed you in the right direction. No matter which of the sandals you choose, you know you’ll be stepping out on your next trip on the right foot.

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