9 Best Walking Sandals For Women I’ve Tested in 2026

Walking sandal FAQs, answered:

“Not all sandals are designed for walking, and choosing the right pair can make a big difference to your comfort and foot health,” says Andrea Bianchi, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Private Clinic, who specialises in orthopaedics and traumatology. “A good walking sandal should offer proper support, much like a trainer.

“In short, a walking sandal should feel secure, supportive, and comfortable from the moment you put it on. If it feels unsupportive or flat, it’s probably not the right choice for longer walks.”

“When temperatures rise, many people swap their fashion trainers for sandals — and in many cases, that’s a smart move,” details Andrea. “Walking sandals allow your feet to breathe, helping to keep them cool and dry. This can reduce sweating and lower the risk of issues like athlete’s foot.

“For day-to-day activities, holidays, or shorter walks, a supportive walking sandal can be just as comfortable — if not more so — than a trainer in hot weather. They’re lighter, cooler, and often more practical in high temperatures.

“However, they’re not always the better option. Trainers still provide more overall support, protection, and stability. If you’re planning long walks, hiking, or have existing foot problems, a well-fitted trainer is usually the safer choice.”

“One of the key features to look for is a contoured footbed that supports the arch — this helps keep your foot aligned and reduces strain over time,” says Andrea. “But cushioning is also essential. When you’re walking, especially on hard surfaces, your feet absorb a lot of impact. A sandal with good shock absorption will help reduce stress on your joints and keep you comfortable for longer.”

“Fit is another important factor. Adjustable straps are ideal, as they allow you to secure the sandal around your foot. A back strap, in particular, helps keep your foot stable and prevents it from sliding around, which can lead to blisters.

“Grip shouldn’t be overlooked either. A sturdy, non-slip sole will give you better traction and confidence on different surfaces. Finally, breathable materials are a big plus — especially in warmer weather. They help keep your feet cool and reduce the risk of irritation.”

“Look for durability and avoid flexibility,” adds Chanel Perkins, a double board-certified podiatrist. “Any sandal with built-in arch support will be best for walking; sandals that can easily fold in half will prove problematic.”

Meet the experts:

How I test the best walking sandals:

I wish testing walking sandals involved booking a week-long holiday to the Dolomites, using each of the five days to wear in a pair of supportive flip flops or back-strap sandals, considering their comfort, fit and durability along the way. Instead, I spent two months wearing each pair as much as possible — for my morning commute, around the supermarket, and for Sunday walks around Wimbledon Common with my other half.

While wearing each pair, I considered them against the following criteria:

As you’d hope, only the walking sandals that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn’t meet my standards:

• Uniqlo’s Rope Sandals, £34.90 — While these Uniqlo sandals are really affordable, they’re only available in a limited size range (UK 3.5 — 6). I also didn’t find them that comfortable, the plastic sole sticking to the base of my foot in hot weather. Although I did like the fact that the rope was adjustable, meaning I could tailor my look each time.
• HOKA’s Hopara Hiking Sandals, £105 — While fitted with a super sturdy base, they aren’t the most aesthetic, even when you opt for the oyster mushroom colourway. I also found the high number of straps meant it wasn’t long before my feet began to overheat.

Why you can trust me:

I’ve been a journalist for 6 years and a shopping writer for just over three — that includes one year at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, followed by 19 months writing exclusively for Glamour. In that time, I’ve reviewed everything, from functional fashion staples with walking shoes and supportive sandals, to activewear, menstrual products like period pants, and new sexual wellness launches.

In terms of my working week, it tends to involve hours of personal testing, plenty of writing and countless press events, discovering the latest innovations in practical fashion and wellness. I also regularly chat one-on-one with fashion designers and health experts, including leading podiatrists, to ask for their insight, shopping tips and product recommendations.

In terms of my experience with walking sandals, I tend to say I have sensitive feet, prone to blisters and aching arches. Therefore, when shopping for fashion trainers or sandals, I tend to opt for pairs packed with extra cushioning and supportive soles. However, as part of my research for this piece, I tried a variety of styles, all in a UK 6 or 6.5, to see which were most comfortable, breathable and hard-wearing.

More walking sandals for women I am currently testing:

A version of this article originally appeared on Glamour US.