Whether you are planning a hiking trip over difficult terrain in the summer, thinking of going to the beach or looking for casual footwear to keep your feet comfy and liberated, making the right choice can be tricky. Looking for the best walking sandals goes beyond selecting the top-rated shoe. Plus, there are numerous options, with each brand offering similar features, making it difficult for a buyer to get the right fit.
Style considerations aside, there are critical aspects to weigh before you make a purchase. So, feel free to check out how you can narrow down your choices and settle on the perfect shoe for your feet and intended uses. If you are looking for awesome recommendations for men, women and kids, we have you covered with our list of the best walking sandals.
5 Best Walking Sandals
1. KEEN Women's Rose Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT: Washable polyester webbing...
- SUPPORT: Adjustable hook and loop ankle strap for...
- FIT & COMFORT: Built on a women specific foot form...
- TRACTION & TOE PROTECTION: Wave grip pattern...
- CARE TIPS: KEEN water sandals are machine...
If you do not want to leave out style while hiking through difficult terrain, the KEEN Women's Rose Sandal is your best bet. This footwear gives your toes ample protection regardless of the walking conditions. Also, the outsole delivers sufficient traction thanks to the rubber material and multidirectional lug tread pattern that do not let you slip while wearing them.
This pair of sandals feature a durable mixture of textile and leather. The KEEN brand has designed a comfortable pair, thanks to the EVA foam midsole and the footbed. Plus, the footbed is lined with antimicrobial agents that prevent odors and bacteria that keep your feet remaining comfy.
2. Clarks Arla Primrose Sandal
- Heel Height 1.57 inches
- Cushion Soft technology
- EVA sole
The Clarks Arla Primrose Sandal is ideal for women who want to let their feet breathe but do not want to forgo wearing a cute outfit. This shoe is created to match your style from jeans to dresses while still ensuring you remain comfortable when you are out in the city. The soft upper is made from textile that gives this sandal a stylish look without compromising on durability.
The rubber sole provides enough grip for traversing the concrete jungle, while the adjustable Velcro ankle strap keeps ensures your heel does not slip from the sandal when you walk. In addition, the EVA sole is designed to offer stability, while the cushioning technology ensures your foot feels comfortable.
3. KEEN Unisex-Child Seacamp li CNX Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing...
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi-directional lugs help...
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system...
- FIT & INSOLE: Easy-on for them made with a wide,...
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN water sandals are machine...
If you want a reliable pair of walking sandals for your kid, the KEEN Unisex-Child Seacamp is a terrific choice. The water-resistant upper is made from synthetic polyester that has a quick-drying feature. Thus, this sandal will shed water to extend the usability and quality of the kid's experience.
The rubber material and lug multidirectional tread on the sole improve grip on wet surfaces and do not leave traces when indoors. In addition, these KEEN sandals have adjustable straps to offer superior support and comfort, thanks to the EVA Metatomical footbed that cradles and matches the contours in feet.
4. Teva Men's M Omnium 2 Sport Sandal
- Plastic buckle closure gets you in and out...
- A lightweight EVA-foam midsole adds extra...
- Rugged Spider Rubber outsole, designed to work in...
- Water-ready quick-drying synthetic upper for any...
- Best for: Day hikes
The Teva Men's M Omnium 2 Sport Sandal comes with a water-ready upper with a quick-drying quality, making them suitable for summer and wet weather conditions. In addition, its plastic buckle, elastic gore and hook and loop closure allow you to wear them quickly and easily.
The footbed in this walking sandal is made from the lightweight EVA foam that improves stability and comfort. Also, the nylon shank gives your foot more support and stability when maneuvering through an uneven landscape. Plus, you get enough traction from the Teva Sandal outsole regardless of wet weather.
5. Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona Sandal
- The legendary two-strap design from BIRKENSTOCK -...
- Anatomically shaped BIRKENSTOCK footbed made from...
- Upper/lining/sole: one piece molded EVA
- Details: two straps, each with an individually...
The Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona Sandals might feel like a flip flop because they lack straps for the ankles. However, these are some of the most durable options that can also cater to people with overpronation and plantar fasciitis. In addition, the sturdy arch support in these sandals helps to distribute your weight on the footbed evenly.
The adjustable straps will help you find the perfect fit for narrow or wide sizes. The upper has padded backing for keeping you comfy. Pick from a pool of different colors to accentuate the style you want to go for.
What to Look for in Walking Sandals
a). Open or Closed-Toe Designs
The two different variations of walking sandals are the closed-toe and open-toe designs. The names are self-explanatory, with one type offering protection for your toes while the other does not. Selecting between the two often boils down to personal preference and the terrain you want to use the sandal.
A closed-toe design resembles typical shoes, but these are much lighter and provide more freedom to the wearer. These walking sandals allow you to traverse difficult terrains as they protect some portions of your foot from damage, especially the toes. Additionally, you can wear socks with these kinds of shoes and use them during tricky weather conditions. Still, it would help if you allowed them to dry out well if you get rained on with them.
Open-toe walking sandals are lightweight and breathable footwear that fit a range of use cases. Admittedly, the kind of support and protection provided by these shoes is often lacking. Still, some exceptions exist in the sandals specifically designed to keep you comfy based on your foot. Consequently, you can buy a walking sandal that you can use as a daily driver instead of casual short walks.
b). Your Feet
Knowing the type of feet you have should be at the top of your considerations if you want the best walking sandals. Generally, the three kinds are differentiated by the height of their arch. The neutral, low arch and high arch determine how your foot meets the ground and how you generate the power to lift it along with your body weight when you walk.
1. Neutral Arch and Neutral Pronation
Neutral pronation means your underfoot does not roll too much inwardly or outwardly to cause problems like plantar fasciitis, shin splints or pain after a long day standing. If your shoes wear out evenly, it may be a sign that you do not need to look for specialized sandals to ensure you can always take a comfortable walk.
Nevertheless, stability in the walking sandal is a crucial factor to consider in your choices. Look for memory foam and more arch support on the footbed, which will help prevent pain after taking a long walk. Also, ensure the heel drop is not too deep so that you are comfortable and flexible.
2. Overpronation and Flatfeet
If your shoes wear out excessively on the inside of the heel, you may have a flat arch that may cause overpronation. Here, your heel hits the ground on its inner side, and your foot lifts off it by putting most of the pressure on your toes. Flat-footed individuals should consider a pair that offers the features required to prevent the onset of pain, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
A rigid outsole and sturdy midsole allow the footbed to provide more support to your feet. The best walking sandals for overpronation could include straps to keep your ankle in place. Alternatively, if the rigidity of the outsole and midsole is sufficient, you can remain comfortable without needing a strap. After all, the shoe should stop you from excessively rolling inward when you walk.
3. High Arch and Underpronation
Finding the right shoes for feet with high arches can be tricky. Underpronation causes your foot to roll outwards when you walk. As a result, wearing footwear with rigid support or extra stability might leave you feeling sore after a long day. Instead, try to find walking sandals with flexible, soft and comfortable footbeds.
Moreover, the pair should contour along with the shape of your feet. Still, a rubber sole and a soft midsole should be a priority since you need to give your feet the freedom to roll inward and correct the underpronation.
c). Build Quality and Intended Use
Although walking sandals are primarily designed to be comfortable, you should not overlook the durability aspect. Whether it is quality materials like leather or long-lasting memory foam, you should find a pair of sandals that will not disintegrate after a few days of use. On that note, you should think about where you intended to use the shoe.
If you are heading to the beach, you will require a different pair of sandals than ones made for hiking. For the latter case, it would help to look for a brand that creates footwear with heel protection and a narrow platform so that you can maneuver on the uneven ground easily. Also, try to find toe protection and a rugged sole that can handle rocky terrain and protect your feet from twigs and other things that might hurt you.
Moreover, focus on the kind of grip the sandals offer. A rubber sole provides more traction for hiking and even tricky weather conditions. Ankle straps are another key design feature of rugged walking sandals. These additions will ensure your foot does not slip from the shoe when traversing uneven terrain. Finally, think about whether the footwear you want has shock-absorbing qualities as this quality will make sure they remain comfortable after a long day.
When going to the beach or walking in the summer, getting the right sandals for the situation is vital. Lightweight, breathable and water-resistant footwear should suffice. Above all, you should be able to wear these types for long durations while keeping your feet comfy. Thus, cushioning and support features should rank higher than grip in your list of considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Walking Sandals
1. What are the most comfortable sandals for walking?
The KEEN Women's Rose Sandals are the most comfortable footwear for those who want to explore the rugged outdoors during the summer. This footwear is built to last and can handle difficult terrain while offering you flexibility, support and comfort for the long treks.
2. What are the best walking sandals with arch support?
The Birkenstock Essentials Arizona Sandals provide the most arch support in open-toed footwear. So if you plan to take long walks on the concrete or stand for long periods, this shoe will not disappoint. Plus, it is suitable for flat-footed people or those with plantar fasciitis.
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