These are the most comfortable walking sandals for women in 2024

Sizes: 4 to 15 | Colors: 55 options | Materials: Foam, cork, suede, rubber

Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates, gives Birkenstocks the thumbs-up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers. Birkenstock Arizonas have been known as one of the most comfortable sandals around for decades. 

The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you grip so your feet aren’t sliding around.

Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza, wears them so often, she says, that these iconic shoes have "almost become a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home.'" Even better, there are two adjustable straps, so you can find a custom supportive fit. 

Commerce Director Jeanine Edwards says they are so comfy, stylish and supportive that she wears them in everyday life and on European vacations that are full of walking. "I LIVE in these sandals because they're so comfortable," she raves. "Another bonus? They are super durable. I’ve had my current pair for over five years now and they still look and feel amazing."

The only downside is they don't have a back strap. While I've never had any issues with my feet sliding around in these sandals while walking for miles, if you feel you would be more comfortable with a strap around the heel you should check out the brand's Milano sandal.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: Four options | Materials: Closed cell foam

You may think flip-flops won’t be good for your feet, but this pair from Oofos has an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality. They feature the brand’s signature Oofoam technology, which helps to cushion your feet while you walk and absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear foam.

These sandals have a deep heel cup that offers a cradling style of support that keeps your feet in a posture-friendly alignment — a feature that is particularly beneficial for people with ailments like plantar fasciitis. The geometry of the footbed also gives added support to arches, which helps reduce pronation and supports ankle health.

"These are my latest favorite," Dr. Lockwood tells us. "They last a long time and have a great footbed."

Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, agrees, adding, "They offer great shock absorption and cushioning [with] great arch support." 

One of the hundreds of five-star reviewers writes, "I have plantar fasciitis and thought my flip-flop days were over. [I] was so happy that these were comfortable and that I could wear them for extended periods."

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 64 options | Materials: Polyester, rubber

I reach for these comfy sandals anytime I know I’m going to be walking a lot. I first bought the Teva Sport Sandals for a trip to Morocco, and they have since become my go-to sandals. Not only do they provide me with pain-free wear, but the sleek, minimalist design allows me to pair them with everything from cute dresses to flowy linen pants (though if I were going to a fancy dinner or event, I’d probably leave them at home).

The cute kicks feature polyester straps with Velcro, including a backstrap, that are supersoft against the skin. They never dug in or gave me blisters, even when I was walking for 20,000+ steps a day sightseeing. The sandals are fully adjustable thanks to the hook-and-loop straps, so I was able to find my ideal fit and not worry about them slipping or sliding. They also have a contoured footbed for comfort, a durable rubber sole and are quick-drying, so I was able to wear them to the beach and pool without worrying about getting them wet. 

I will mention that there are no half sizes. I'm normally an 8.5 but sized down based on the sizing chart and they fit great. 

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 8 options | Materials: Synthetic, Rubber

Senior Deals Writer, Carrie McCabe wore these comfy Skechers sandals for up to 12 hours a day on a 10-day adventure through Italy and had no complaints! "The one thing I did not stress about were my feet, even after long, long l days of walking the streets of Rome, Florence and Milan. These Skechers sandals were perfect for staying cool and comfortable while pounding the pavement, and I definitely noticed the difference when I had to swap over to my other, closed-toed shoes." 

She loves how cushioned and supportive the double strapped sandals were and says they were so sturdy, "they never felt like they'd come flying off my feet even when hustling between our destinations." And she's not the only fan. Nearly 10,000 Amazon shoppers rave about how great the lightweight walking sandals are too. "These sandals are the best. Took them to Cancun where we walked at least 7 miles a day and I used them to swim in the rivers and cenotes. My feet never felt tired and I never got any blisters either," wrote one.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 36 options | Material: Rubber

With more than 6,500 customer reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating, these Olukai flip-flops are one of the most popular pairs of sandals on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Along with a non-slip EVA insole that’s cushioned for added comfort, the popular flip-flops also feature a water-resistant upper strap and a durable rubber sole. 

The footbed has a molded foot cup, which was one element Dr. Daughtry says to look for as a "heel cup allows for the heel to nestle in the shoe to avoid walking out of the shoe quite as easily." She also told us they are "perfect for the beach as they are made with cushioned, water-resistant material."

One happy shopper calls them "the best flip-flop the world has to offer," and adds "Once I tried them I couldn't believe how comfortable they were. They conform to your actual feet to provide support and relief from foot pain." These comfy flip-flops also topped our list of the Best Flip-Flops of the year. 

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 49 options | Materials: Synthetic Textile, Rubber

These rugged summer sandals are so popular, they have earned themselves more than 8,400 five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s easy to see why these waterproof sandals are so in demand. Not only do they feature a metatomical footbed that offers ample arch support, but they also boast a molded EVA midsole that customers say is as comfortable as their favorite pair of running shoes. The cushioned sandals also have a closed-toe design to protect your feet from the elements, a bungee lace capture system to help you create a custom fit and a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction, making them a sturdy option for a day on the trails.

Shoppers love the breathable mesh fabric straps that contour to their feet and the fact that the supportive sandals are machine-washable. Dr. Daughtry called them "perfect for summer hikes as these are waterproof and have a toe cap to protect your feet from the elements!"

Sizes: 4 to 13 | Colors: 23 options | Materials: Cork, leather, latex

Love a little lift to your sandals, but still want them to be comfortable? Randazza also recommends this pair from Naot. “The cork footbed is cushioning, shock-absorbing and supportive, even during long walks,” she says. And Dr. Daughtry agrees. "The Naot Kayla is by far my favorite sandal and offers the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. Comfortable and available in a myriad of colors, this is my staple dress sandal year-round," she says. 

Along with being comfortable and stylish, the classic sandals have a rubber outsole that offers excellent traction and an adjustable ankle strap for added support. While the wedge adds a small boost, they are still under 1.5 inches, making them super easy to walk in. Plus, they're highly versatile too. 

“These look good with jeans and a good pedicure, and look great with dresses and shorts,” Randazza adds. 

Sizes: 5 to 16 | Colors: 21 options | Materials: Rubber

Athletes and workout enthusiasts love these! These Hoka sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. Yahoo's Westry Green is a big fan of the unisex recovery slides. "I suffer from a bunion and extremely high arches that require orthotics," he says. "I hate wearing shoes at home, but walking barefoot isn't an option. Even on days when I wear my orthotics for every waking minute, my feet still ache in the place that squeezes my bunion. Enter the Hoka slides and ... bam! My feet feel so much better."

These sandals come in 21 colors and have airflow channels built into the strap for breathability. Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, a New York-based podiatrist, explains why these slides feel so great on your feet: "The sole has a rocker bottom, which is helpful for people who have metatarsalgia because it helps with propulsion. And the sole is also a good shock absorber."

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Leather, Rubber

Every pair of shoes from Vionic has been specially designed by a team of podiatrists to provide you with the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM, of NYC Private Medical, is a big fan of the brand because they are "the most supportive out of a variety of sandals and they have good arch support."

Dr. Daughtry agrees and is a fan of this pair in particular because they "Offer a casual leather design in a lightweight recovery sandal that features adjustable straps, a massaging footbed, and dual-density cushioning. The VIO MOTION technology footbed features contoured arch support with shock absorbing cushioning, a deep heel cup for added stability along with an ankle strap for additional support yet excellent forefoot flexibility."

Added bonus? They're also available in a wide width and the minimalist design is incredibly versatile.