It’s that time of the year when it’s time to swap your cozy winter boots for a pair of airy, warm-weather sandals. But let’s face it, the women’s shoe department can feel like a reasoning and decision-making exam. Not only are you juggling price and size but also the style-versus-comfort dilemma. Do you pick the fashionable pair that will reside in your closet forever? Or the comfortable pair you won’t be seen wearing outside the house?
The best-case scenario is that you get a pair that is both comfortable and fashionable. After all, nobody wants to stress about aching feet, chafing or blisters. So, we consulted with fashion experts and podiatrists to find the best sandals for comfort and style enthusiasts alike.
Best sandals for women on a budget
These are considered hiking shoes, but they’re just as stylish off the trail. Fashion, leather and textile expert Tjacob Hooker, who holds an MFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, loves the unibody style of these durable slip-ons.
Ah, how we’ve loved the return of Crocs! Jane Francis, a multidisciplinary designer with over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, vouches for them too. “The mix of high and low is always a winning formula in fashion,” she says. “I love how wearers of all ages and genders can personalize their Crocs.”
These Oofos sandals have stuck around for good reason: For those with heel pain (and those without), the foam cushions provide support and reduce shock. Plus, the Ooriginal thong style, which is an Underscored-editor favorite, is made with a nonslip footbed, making them suitable for both wet conditions and warm weather.
As if the modern futuristic style isn’t enough, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) actually gave these recovery sandals their own Seal of Acceptance. “Aside from a cushiony sole, the bottom of the sandal is shaped like the bottom of a boat,” Dr. Sophia Solomon says. “This allows your foot to rock from heel to toe in one smooth motion and minimizes shock on the knees and ankles.”
Best splurge-worthy sandals for women
How could something so fashionable be comfortable? These part-espadrille, part-wedge sandals are the lift you need to elevate any look. Carolina Obregón, an assistant professor in the School of Fashion at the Parsons School of Design, describes them as elegant enough for any occasion but you can still walk for miles and miles in them.
Who doesn’t love this classic double-strap design? Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, who specializes in podiatric medicine, loves the adjustable straps, cushioned suede footbed and especially the sole on these sandals. “The EVA sole is supportive and has an anatomic cork-and-latex footbed,” she says. “This allows for arch support and molding to the individual’s foot structure. EVA is an elastic material that is considered one of the best shock-absorbing materials on the market today.” The brand makes a style for men too.
Have you heard the term “gorpcore”? It’s a trend that focuses on utility and functionality. For Hooker, Chacos are the way to go. “I gravitate toward more ‘gorpcore’ brands because of their respect for the human body,” he says. “Their design ethos is committed to ergonomics and continual use.”
If you’re looking for cute sandals that can be easily dressed up, you’re going to want to check out the Naot Kayla style. They do have small heels, but your feet won’t be aching. The cork and latex footbeds conform to your feet while the deep heel cups add stability. According to Dr. Timothy Oldani, a foot and ankle specialist, stability is really important when considering sandals. “The more stable, the less movement, which means less pain and opportunity for blisters,” he says.
Fashion designer Alla Eizenberg loves the Sorel Kinetic Wedge Sandals for their neat look, reasonable price and high quality. “I wore them on my recent vacation to Italy and South France,” she says. “I walked around extensively, and they endured the medieval cobblestone streets with grace.” The neon accent colors and chunky platform style make a remarkable team.
We have a lot of Birkenstock recommendations on this list — and for good reason. This time it’s for the securely fitting Milano model, which comes in plenty of solids and patterns. Stone Hubbard, a part-time assistant professor at the Parsons School of Design, loves the suede cork base. “I like the Milano Birkenstock because they are stylish like the classic Arizona model and have an orthopedic cork-and-jute footbed,” he says. “They provide great arch support and fit securely with the back heel strap.”
Take everything great about the Santa Barbaras but make them vegan! Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or not, these slides are stylish, comfortable and supportive. Daughtry recommends them for travel because they’re light and easily packable.
According to Solomon, “Birkenstocks are still one of the best options out there due to a few attributes. The deep heel cup and arch support stabilizes the heel, prevents excess pronation and distributes your weight across a larger surface area. The metatarsal pad helps alleviate forefoot pain, or metatarsalgia, by shifting the weight farther back in your foot.”
The ’90s are back, Francis explains, which means toe sandals are chic again. In line with that trend, Francis recommends Birkenstock’s “underrated” Gizeh Flower sandals. Like most Birkenstocks, these come with the company’s contoured cork-latex footbed for all-day comfort.
Got some cash to spend? Bernardo’s Lizzie Sandal in Red is perfect for spring and summer, Obregon says. "The red color is fun and makes a statement while ensuring comfort throughout the day," she explains, adding that you can wear them for work or a night out.