The 15 most comfortable sandals for women to shop for 2025 — from Birkenstock to Vionic - chof 360 news

Everyone knows that the right pair of shoes can make or break your day. When the temperature eventually starts to inch up, you'll need a few go-to pairs of comfy footwear for getting outside. You probably already have a few pairs of comfortable walking sneakers, but if you’re looking to let your feet breathe, finding the best sandals is key. Now's a good time to begin your search. While there are thousands of sandals in stores that claim to be comfortable, you’ve probably found out the hard way that most are more painful than they look, whether you have narrow feet, wide feet or high arches.

Instead of wasting money on options that give you blisters, pinched toes and achy feet, we turned to podiatrists to find out exactly how to shop for the perfect pair of comfy sandals. With their tips in mind, we scoured the internet and polled our own team of shopping experts to find the most comfortable sandals for women available, across multiple categories to avoid foot pain for all-day comfort. Whether you’re looking for supportive slides or hiking sandals with good traction, there's an option on this list for just about everyone. Read on to find the pair that's best for you.

Quick Overview

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Update, Feb. 6, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the most comfortable sandals for women remains unchanged, but we did add the Vionic Carmela Sandal as best leather option.

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Birkenstock

Sizes: 4 to 15 | Colors: 55 options

Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates gives Birkenstocks the thumbs up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers and four of our very own editors! Our Executive Editor, Nicole Sforza wears them so often she said "They've become almost a part of me! They mold to your foot, so when you slip in your dogs, it's like they're coming 'home'." Birkenstock Arizona's 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. 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 raved. 

Pros Comfortable Supportive Durable Arch Support
$105 at Amazon
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Amazon

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 64 options

I wear 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 became 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. The cute kicks feature polyester straps with Velcro, including a backstrap, that are super soft against the skin and didn't dig in or give me blisters once, even when I was walking around 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 perfect fit and not worry about them slipping or sliding. They also have a contoured footbed for comfort, a durable rubber sole and they are quick-drying so I was able to wear them to the beach and pool without worrying about getting them wet.

Pros Tons of colors Waterproof Comfortable Supportive
Cons Some shoppers said they got blisters when breaking them in
$55 at Amazon
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Vionic

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 3 options

These sleek leather sandals will elevate any warm-weather look. From the podiatrist-designed brand Vionic, these leather strap sandals feature a sturdy toe-post loop that helps your toes get a comfortable grip and a second thicker strap behind that for even more support. There is a heel height of 1.5 inches to give you a slight boost while still making them completely walkable and they boast the brand’s signature Vionic technology that helps support the natural alignment of your foot from the ground up. Even people with foot issues find them incredibly comfortable and supportive. “My collapsed arches love these sandals,” said one reviewer. "These sandals are super supportive. So glad I tried them! I broke my ankle 3yrs ago and this is the first pair of open-toe sandals that actually look nice and contain all the support I need to walk pain-free."

Pros Podiatrist-designed Comfortable Stylish Versatile
$125 at Vionic
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DREAM PAIRS

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 11 options

Our Senior Beauty Editor, Jennifer Romolini is on her second pair of I'm wildly comfortable, super affordable sandals from Amazon. "There's nothing particularly 'special' about the design, no bells or whistles, but they're well made and the slightly-padded platform makes them more cushion-y than the flat leather sandals. The sandals are easy to put on and take off — no zippers or buckles here — and they're mega-stretchy, too, so they won't dig into the sides of your feet. And did we mention how stylish the budget-friendly kicks are? "I get compliments on them all the time — once a woman actually stopped me on the street to find out the brand," said Romolini.

Pros Affordable Comfortable Stretchy Stylish Supportive
Cons Not adjustable
$28 at Amazon
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FitFlop

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 30 options

Another one of Dr. Brenner’s picks are these FitFlop flip-flops are made from 100% rubber and have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for footwear found to promote good foot health. “I like the FitFlop brand as the majority of their shoes have a rubber outsole (which helps with friction) and the arch is thick with a wide chunky heel giving extra support,” she said. The biomechanically-engineered sandals are slip-resistant and have a soft jelly upper micro-bubble foam ergonomic footbed that is ultra-comfortable and makes for the best flip-flop. One happy shopper wrote, “These flip flops are great! They have a nice arch and a cushioned heel. I can wear them all day they are that comfortable!”

Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Slip-resistant Lots of colors Supportive A lot of color options
Cons Some shoppers said it ran big so check the size chart
$38 at Macy's
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OOFOS

Sizes: 5 to 15 | Colors: 13 options

These Oofos sandals are as cute as they are comfortable. The sleek slides are odor-resistant and waterproof, and they feature extra cushioning, which helps reduce stress on your feet, knees and lower back. They are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and come in six easy-to-match colors. One Zappos customer wrote, “I cannot say enough about this shoe - best slide out there. I feel like I am walking on bouncy clouds. The only con is that it makes me hate all my other shoes.”

Pros Reduces stress Comfortable Supportive Odor-resistant
Cons Not the most stylish
$60 at Amazon
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Chaco

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 14 options

Looking for comfortable walking sandals you can go for miles in? Thousands of shoppers recommend this option from Chaco. The criss-crossing straps and toe loop keep your foot in place, while the brand’s patented Luvseat technology provides “durability, daylong comfort, and arch support.” The ChacoGrip outsoles have 3.0 mm lug depth, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding and they have an adjustable lock buckle at ankle, so you can find your perfect fit. “Chacos never disappoint. Great sandals to wear all day. Sturdy shoes that are great for outdoor activities. Great to walk in all day,” one five-star reviewer noted. Bonus: There are 23 different styles to choose from!

Pros Supportive Adjustable straps Cushioned Arch support
$44 at Amazon
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Kork Ease

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 options

"I love a little lift to my sandals, but comfort is also key, and the Myrna 2.0 sandals by Korkease offer both," said Editor-in-Chief Laura Kenney. "The nude shade also helps visually lengthen your legs since it's pretty close to my skin color and just creates a nice line. Korkease makes these sandals in darker Golden Sand and Brown versions too, to sync with a range of skin tones." 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 some lift, they are still under 2 inches making them super easy to walk in. Kenney does note that they are so great and she wears them so often, that they can wear out easily so they might not be the most durable if you plan on wearing them every day for hours at a time. "I wear them so much that they just last me one summer and I can't carry them over to the next year."

Pros Cute Supportive Adjustable Strap Great traction
$140 at Kork Ease
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Skechers

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 10 options

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 loved how cushioned and supportive the double strapped sandals were and said they were so sturdy, "they never felt like they'd come flying off my feet even when hustling between our destinations."

Pros Comfortable Supportive Good traction Adjustable straps
Cons Sporty look might not be for everyone
$44 at Amazon
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Powerstep

Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 7 options

Dr. Bass is a consultant for the brand so you know it gives you the all-day support you need. These sleek sandals are his top pick because “They provide a contoured arch, with shock absorbing cushioning and they have a deep heel cradle to provide stability.” The orthotic sandals also have a non-slip grip on the bottoms and a soft thick thong strap that feels good against the foot. “These flip-flops felt perfect from the first moment I stepped into them. Good fit at the heel, great fit between the toes, and the arch support is wonderful,” said one customer. “ These flip flops allow your foot to remain relaxed while walking.”

Pros Arch support Comfortable Shock-absorbing Cushioned
Cons Not the most stylish
$68 at Amazon
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Reef

Sizes: 5 to 11

Colors: 6 options

If fashion-forward flatforms are more your style, our Contributing Writer, Libby Sentz recommends this cute pair from Reef. "I've finally landed on a dreamy, waterproof, lightweight, crazy-comfy vegan sandal for pool days ahead. At 2.5 inches, the new Reef Water Vista Higher is, indeed, higher than I'm used to (which is great for looking leggy in my swimsuit), but the platform is super-stable, supportive and feels like a recovery shoe. Trust, I do not do heels, but these are a breeze to wear," she said. The rugged lugs on the sole keep you from slipping and sliding around, while the molded EVA footbed is super comfortable for all-day wear. Bonus: these cute flatforms come in six stylish colors and there's also a lower version if you want less of a lift. 

Pros Cute Comfortable Adjustable strap Good traction
Cons Some shoppers say they run big
$75 at Reef
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KEEN

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 27 options

The rugged summer sandals are so popular, they have earned themselves over 10,000 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, 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. Shoppers also love the breathable mesh fabric straps that contour to their feet and the fact that the supportive sandals are machine-washable. “These are the best sandals I have ever bought anywhere. They can get wet and it's OK! They can go with slacks, jeans, dresses, hiking, to dinner, anywhere. And if you are a clutz like me you will NEVER stub your toe,” raved one.

Pros Comfortable Supportive Adjustable Great traction Water-resistant
$103 at Amazon
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OOFOS

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 options

These sturdy sandals have an APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality. This flip-flop features the brand’s signature Oofoam technology that helps cushion your foot while you walk. The brand's special tech also absorbs 37% more impact than regular footwear foam. A patented footbed cradles your arches to minimize stress on your feet, knees and back. "These are my latest favorite," Dr. Lockwood says. "They last a long time and have a great footbed." What’s more, the flip-flops are machine-washable for easy cleanup. 

Pros Reduces stress Cushioned Comfortable Supportive APMA Seal of Acceptance Machine-washable
$75 at Oofos
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Zappos

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 12 options

These Teva sandals offer so much comfort, support and traction, they also made Sentz's list. "This is the most comfortable run-around footwear in my shoe closet," she said. "I have painful nerve damage to my right foot (Morton's neuroma), but thanks to the excellent arch support, contoured footbed and fully adjustable width, these feel like an orthotic, yet they're cute. The top-notch traction means they're trail-ready. Even better, they are vegan and made from recyclable materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Pros Comfortable Supportive Adjustable straps Great traction
$85 at Zappos
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Zappos

Sizes: 5 to 16 | Colors: 21 options

Athletes and workout enthusiasts love these! These Hoka sandals were specially designed as a super comfortable shoe to wear after grueling workouts. They boast perforated detailing on the upper to increase airflow and keep feet cool, and they have a molded sugarcane EVA midsole that offers the perfect amount of bounce and cushioning. Even better, there are 21 stylish colorways to choose from. “I bought these as I had read that they are great for plantar fasciitis. Now I put these on when I get up and rarely take them off my feet. If I could only wear them to church!! LOVE LOVE LOVE these and will be purchasing in multiple colors,” raved one customer.

Pros Supportive Comfortable Great for after workouts Arch support
Cons Might be too clunky for every day
$60 at Zappos

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

How we chose the most comfortable sandals

We tapped a team of podiatrists to find out what to look for when shopping for a foot-friendly option. With their tips in mind, we scoured the internet and polled our own team of shopping experts to find the best options for women across multiple categories.

Factors to consider when choosing sandals

Fit: As with any shoe, the most important part of finding a comfortable sandal is finding one that fits just right. It should support your entire foot. If it's too big, your foot will slide; if too small, your foot will hang off the sides or the back. “Sandals should provide the proper support for your feet. I tell all patients to avoid the flat, inexpensive flip-flops” said Bass. Brenner agreed, saying you want to “make sure the width and the length of the sandal perfectly match your foot. For example, the sandal should be as wide as your foot to provide proper support.”

Support: You also want to make sure the sandal’s soles are sturdy and won’t “bend in half like a burrito,” said Brenner, as that can cause serious damage. Lockwood said that if you can easily bend the base of a sandal, it’s not giving you the support you need, and "it’s almost like you're walking barefoot.”

Upper material: For the upper, you’ll want to look for materials that are soft against the foot and won’t cause unwanted blisters. Brenner recommends looking for options made from vegan leather, soft leather or suede material and adds “make sure there aren't any straps going over bony prominences” to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing.

Sole material: For down under, the sole should be made from a durable rubber that provides traction on different types of surfaces. Added Brenne: “For the midsole, it's good to have a material called EVA, which helps with shock absorption or polyurethane, which is lightweight, resilient, flexible and helps with shock absorption.”

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