Best sandals for walking in summer

Whether you’re going abroad or your feet get too hot in your walking boots – walking sandals are the solution.

best sandals for walking

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

Walking sandals are a must-have for any avid rambler, so your feet can remain comfortable and cool even on the hottest days. But even if you aren't a seasoned stroller it is good to have good comfortable shoes. While they've had a bad rep in the past, walking sandals can be stylish these days. The best sandals for walking in summer will prevent sore feet and allow you to enjoy fun-filled activities in the sun.

Plus sandals are fabulous if you are jetting off abroad. They pack away easily and won't take up much room in your case. With comfort worth wearing all-day long, add these to your holiday shopping list!

What to consider when buying walking sandals

There is nothing worse than painful blisters. To avoid hurting your feet it’s important to choose your sandal wisely.

Things to consider:

• The material

• Arch support

• How the sandal fits your foot

• Strap placement

Bear in mind what shoes you like or dislike about any of your current footwear. Think about your ‘problem areas’ and any trouble you’ve had with your feet in the past.

With so many designs available, you’re sure to find a walking sandal that suits you.

Best sandals for walking

Best for arch support
Skechers Women's Ankle Strap Sandals

Rrp: $55.00

Price: $43.75

These sandals from Skechers feature high-rebound cushioning with responsive feedback that helps absorb impact to keep your arches and heel well supported, even on long walks. The sporty mesh fabric upper gives a casual look. It comes in a range of neutral colours as well as a floral pattern.

Review: "They are like walking on air. I hardly notice they're on. So comfortable and stylish, I get away with wearing these to go on days out not just for walking. They are great if you're travelling and 2 years later they're still going strong. I soak them in a light soap solution to clean and they come up like new."

Specs:

Inner Material: Textile

Sole: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Closure: Hook & Loop

Heel Height: 1.25 inches

Best for country trails

Available in two colours, sand and deep chocolate truffle, these comfortable sandals have good grip, so you can wear on summer walks along country trails, and even when crossing streams. As they're waterproof, they'll be able to withstand any flash rain showers.

Review: "I was torn between these and another sandal but eventually the thicker sole with better tread and much nicer deep burgandy/purple-ish colour won out. These are so comfortable. I like that you have complete control over how tight they go with two velcro straps which would help for wider fits. Worn on a number of walks and the tread and good depth of sole has been great on all types of terrain."

Specs:

Outer sole: 70% Rubber - Synthetic, 30% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Upper: 70% Polyurethane, 30% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Lining

Lining: 50% Polyester, 50% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Best for classic style

While they're at the pricier end of the spectrum, The Birkenstock name is worth it if you expect a high level of comfort from your footwear. The Sonora is the perfect sandal for all those who are on their feet all day. The sandal boasts a distinctive sole with an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed, which is reinforced in the heel area and combined with understated straps. The upper is made from skin-friendly, hard-wearing synthetic material. Birko-Flor Nubuck in a sophisticated nubuck look which boasts a texture and colour that could almost be mistaken for real leather.

Review: "If you thought Birkenstocks were just for old hippies think again! They're actually pretty cool now."

Specs:

Upper: Birko-Flor® nubuck

Footbed lining: suede

Sole: PU

Best for coastal excursions
Peter Storm Women's Lynmouth Sandal
Price: $19 (with GoOutdoors discount card)

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Offering maximum comfort and minimum fuss, the Lynmouth Sandal is a perfect cross-over sandal for the trail and the town. These open-toe sandals even hold their own in seawater thanks to their nubuck upper, so you can go for a paddle on the seafront and the let the water tickle your toes.

**Review: "**I love these sandals and have so far purchased 3 pairs. Super comfy and great for summer walking. Bought them in the sale so great price too."

Specs:

Durable nubuck upper

Adjustable Velcro straps

Grippy rubber sole - cushioned support

Suitable for water use

Best for city hopping

Similar to the Birkenstock but with a few more straps for extra foot support, these suede-lined sandals have a cushioned footbed which contours to your foot to make your steps feel natural. The lightweight cleated sole offers plenty of grip on uneven surfaces. Available in five wearable colours, our Skimmer Waxy flat sandals look at home with any outfit, so you can't put a foot wrong!

Review: "Stylish and comfy but very sturdy. I looked for navy sandals last year without success so was delighted to find these. I will not hesitate to order from Moshulu again and will recommend the very fast delivery service to friends."

Specs:

Upper: Leather

Lining: Leather & Suede

Sole: EVA

Heel height: 2.5 cm

Best for hiking

These sporty women's adventure sandals in soft PU Nubuck and lightweight webbing are perfect for beachcombing or city exploring. Backed with soft and stretchy spandex for friction-free comfort and lightly padded around the ankle, sporty hook and loop fastenings give a secure fit while the water-friendly EVA midsole provides plenty of shock absorption.

Review: "I adore these for walking. I feel like my gait has improved and I can walk longer than usual. So incredibly comfortable, too!"

Specs:

Upper Material: Webbing (Polyester)

Lining Material: Unlined

Fastening: Adjustable Strap

Outsole: Slip-Resistant Rubber

Best walking flip flops
Merrell Siena, Women's Casual Sandals
Price: $84

Not a flip flop per se, but if you're most comfortable in a toe post sandal then these are the walking sandals for you. The supportive construction doesn't compromise on style, with some gorgeous colour options and plaited straps to add interest. We love the green and seagrass options.

Review: "This is the second pair that I have bought of these sandals. If it's not raining, they are on my feet! They are so comfortable that you can go anywhere, all day, and your feet will not ache. I would recommend these sandals to anyone as you can adjust the side and back straps to feet perfectly."

Specs:

Outer Material: Suede Leather

Nubuck leather upper

Heel Height: 2cm

Best waterproof walking sandal
Keen Womens Whisper Sandal
Price: $70
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Alternative retailers
Backcountry.com$59.98View offer
Walmart$85.63View offer
DICK'S Sporting Goods$114.99View offer
L.L. Bean$115.00View offer

If you love the freedom of splashing through streams, bounding across stepping stones in a river or dipping your feet in the lapping waves at the beach, you'll love the Women's Whisper Sandal from Keen. Pull the sandals on quickly and securely with an elastic cord lacing system to adjust the fit. Experience all day comfort with the moulded EVA footbed and protect your feet from scrapes and bangs with the secure strap design and in-built toe protection.

Review: "These sandals are great for running about on the beach with my dog. I usually have to wear an insert but they support my arch and are wide enough not to cramp my very wide feet. Love the closed in toe which saves them getting caught when walking over rocks."

Specs:

Upper: Washable polyester webbing

Midsole: Compression molded EVA

Outsole: Non-marking rubber

Recommended use: Land and water sports

Best men's sandals

This super comfy men's sandal is perfect for jetting off abroad. We love the splash of colour from the patterned stripe. Plus, they're super comfortable - the neoprene backed suede hugs the foot with three points of adjustment while moulded rubber stabilises and protects. EVA cushioning and a durable rubber outsole make sure you cruise through the day.

Review: "Perfect for what I need them for, I have poorly feet and toes and I have a lot of water retention, they're adjustable and a good fit, if my feet swell I can loosen them off. They're comfortable, good padding on the souls and the straps don't dig in."

Specs:

40% Polyester, 30% Polyurathane, 30% Rubber

Best walking sandal for men
Rieker Men's 25051-27
Price: $42.41+

These stylish dark brown walking sandals wouldn't look out of place on a city break, but are also perfectly capable of offering comfort and support for long walks in the great outdoors. Made with hook and loop straps that allow you to tailor the fit for more personalised comfort, while the soft padded linings and contoured insole will provide practical and cushioned support. Rieker are famed for their comfortable shoes and this pair make no exception thanks to the lightweight and shock-absorbing soles.

Review: "The Rieker sandals are not only extremely comfortable but offer superb arch support
All in all, a very good buy."

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