When the climate is gentle, folks are inclined to ditch their socks and sneakers for sandals. “However one of many greatest issues of this transition is that many sandals do not provide the identical stage of assist that tennis footwear do, and individuals are left with foot ache,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist based mostly in Texas and skilled for Pedestrian Mission.
“It is typical to see sufferers after the summer season with foot ache and issues attributable to overuse of flip-flops and unstructured, unsupportive strolling sandals,” says Douglas Tumen, D.P.M., FACFAS, a podiatrist based mostly in New York and writer of Ask the Foot Physician.
To stop foot accidents, each Sharkey and Tumen suggest sneakers or trainers—even in the summertime—particularly if you’re exercising or strolling lengthy distances. Nevertheless, for common strolling and out of doors actions, a strolling sandal is a good wager. We spoke to podiatrists and even strapped a few of these on ourselves to search out out which of them stored us supported and comfy. (Spoiler: None are flip-flops.)
PHOTO: Chacos
What we like: These are tremendous snug, effectively made, and sturdy sufficient to final for years—no break-in interval required.
What to know: The heel could match a bit unfastened for some, and the strap leaves additional materials hanging as soon as tightened.
We have been impressed by the Chaco Mega Z/Basic Extensive-Strap Sandals’ ample arch assist and luxury that held up on lengthy walks and out of doors explorations. These Chacos have a stable, sturdy platform, so we did not discover an vitality return—however that additionally means you will not really feel particles underneath your toes when trekking over exhausting or rocky surfaces. The rubber outsole has nice traction and good grip, making these sandals supreme for taking off-road. You may stroll right into a rocky stream or put on them paddleboarding and never fear an excessive amount of about it.
The general building of this shoe has us assured that these will final for years to return. We additionally love that they’ve extra-wide straps you’ll be able to regulate for a very good match. Nevertheless, it is price noting that the straps take a little bit of getting used to. Pulling on one strap lets you regulate the match from the bottom of the toes to across the ankle, so we discovered that our heel shifted outward a bit—however not sufficient that these footwear really feel unstable.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12, males’s 7 to fifteen | Width choices: Medium | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Medium | Supplies: Polyester higher and rubber outsole | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Amazon
What we like: They’re straightforward to slide on and have nice shock absorption for lengthy walks.
What to know: We seen some minor toe friction after prolonged put on.
These strolling sandals from Oncai are as snug as some higher-end sandals, and so they are available underneath $50. When testing these, we beloved how their sole has a pleasant bounce to them, and their cushioning feels shock-absorbent however not overly pillowy. The width permits for pure, barefoot-type toe motion, making these sandals really feel very secure. We discovered them supreme for nature walks, mild hikes and lengthy canine walks.
A pleasant contact: The adjustable straps are padded for a cushty match. The one minor difficulty we seen was a little bit of friction on the sting of 1 strap after carrying these for hours, however readjusting the highest strap helped. Total, we have been pleasantly shocked by how snug and pure these sandals felt.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 6 to 12, males’s 7 to 14 | Width choices: Common | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Medium | Supplies: Cloth and vegan leather-based higher and rubber outsole | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Skechers
What we like: They boast loads of arch assist and cushioning for achy toes.
What to know: The straps might use extra padding as they felt a bit inflexible out of the field.
These Skechers Go Stroll sandals carry the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) seal of approval. It is sensible since these sandals present assist whereas hanging a stability between being very cushioned but secure. After we first stepped into these, we seen how there’s numerous give within the footbed. Nonetheless, our toes did not slide round, and we favored how our arch felt supported—particularly on the heel and the ball of the foot.
Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., board-certified foot surgeon and founding father of Gotham Footcare in New York Metropolis, shares that his father-in-law, who has plantar fasciitis, swears by these Skechers sandals. “The adjustable straps give him the right match regardless that he has a cumbersome foot, and he says the cushioning and arch assist have been a lifesaver, particularly since he suffers from plantar fasciitis,” Cunha says. “He likes the best way they appear, they’re snug and excellent for lengthy walks—he is by no means had a pair of sandals that checks all of the containers like these do.”
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 8 to 14, males’s 7 to 12 | Width choices: Medium | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Extremely | Supplies: Cloth higher, rubber outsole | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Zappos
What we like: These protected our toes from various kinds of terrain because of their traction and sturdiness.
What to know: When you’re in between sizes, contemplate sizing down, as these run barely large.
Teva is a model constructed for the nice open air, and the Hurricane Drifts are an all-around wonderful waterproof sandal. You will get them muddy or put on them in numerous situations with out fear: They’re made completely of molded EVA rubber, and the soles have wonderful traction. When testing these, we discovered they’re sturdy sufficient to stroll on gravel, in a rocky creek or path, and on moist grass with out slipping. There’s not a lot rebound with these, and you do not really feel an vitality return, however we beloved how they did not really feel clunky or weigh our toes down.
These Tevas characteristic two straps that cross your midfoot, so they do not rub up towards your toes. And whereas the straps aren’t padded, the rubbery materials did not irritate our pores and skin, even when the sandals obtained moist. It is price noting that these run large, so when you’re in between sizes, strive sizing down for a safer match.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 5 to 11, males’s 7 to 14 | Width choices: Medium | Match: Barely giant | Cushion stage: Medium | Supplies: EVA | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Sorel
What we like: They’re extra snug than different platform sandals and strike a stability between model and performance.
What to know: The highest strap is not adjustable and may really feel cosy on folks with excessive arches.
Model normally comes on the expense of consolation, however the Sorel Joanie IV Slingback Wedge strolling sandals are each cute and purposeful. When testing these, we beloved how they have been instantly snug on the primary put on and did not have to be damaged in. The heel on these is 3 inches excessive, and the platform is 1.5 inches, but we felt good and secure, additionally because of the three straps throughout the arch of those sandals that maintain your foot in place. That mentioned, the highest strap (proper above the braided strap) may be cosy for folks with excessive arches, so be sure to get your foot into the place you need it within the sandal earlier than you absolutely strap your self in.
These Sorel wedge sandals might simply be dressed up for dinner or an evening out or dressed right down to put on to the workplace or with a pair of shorts on the weekend. They don’t seem to be overly informal, although, so they may not work as effectively with athleisure put on.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Width choices: Common | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Common | Supplies: Artificial leather-based, rubber outsole | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Birkenstock
What we like: They’re extra snug than different Birkenstocks, that includes nice arch assist and padded straps.
What to know: The children’ variations lack coloration choices; we’d like to see extra selection.
Children donning the Birkenstock Mogamis will really feel comfortable and safe to discover, thanks to those sandals’ grippy design. The footbed has a textured floor that helps stop slipping, even when moist or sweaty. The sandal’s sole is rugged sufficient to deal with gravel or moist floor.
We additionally love that the sandal is barely versatile with out being inflexible, and the slight arch assist is snug with out feeling too noticeable or distracting. One other bonus: The straps do not rub the toes, however they’re additionally adjustable, which helps to customise the texture and match. Total, we discovered these to suit as anticipated and true to dimension each length- and width-wise.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 4 to 12.5, males’s 6 to 13.5, children 6 (toddler) to three | Width choices: Common/extensive | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Common | Supplies: Birko-Flor (an artificial materials unique to Birkenstock) higher, polyurethane footbed and insole | Adjustable: Sure
PHOTO: Zappos
What we like: They’re sturdy sufficient to deal with a path or water, but nonetheless tender and comfy.
What to know: They do not are available half sizes, and we discovered it finest to dimension up on this model when you’re in between.
Teva’s Hydratreks have a pleasant, tender footbed and a stable rubber outsole with good traction on completely different terrain. When testing these, we appreciated how responsive and versatile they felt because of the cushioning and foam-like insole. These have been snug proper off the bat, which suggests you’ll be able to be ok with packing them for a weekend away on the lake, path or seashore with out breaking them in.
These Teva strolling sandals have adjustable straps on the toes, heel and ankle. The back and front straps have padding, and we discovered that they lock our toes down fairly effectively. Nevertheless, they do not are available half sizes, however we have been glad we sized up for a bit of additional room. Additionally price noting: The arch is a bit flatter on these.
Accessible sizes: Girls’s 5 to 11, males’s 7 to 14 | Width choices: Common | Match: True to dimension | Cushion stage: Common | Supplies: Cloth higher, rubber outsole | Adjustable: Sure
The Backside Line: The Greatest Strolling Sandals
When you’re in search of an all-around nice strolling sandal, we’re large followers of the Chaco Mega Z/Basic Extensive-Strap Sandal (view at Amazon) as a result of they’re sturdy sufficient to final for years and have been snug from the second we strapped them on. We additionally love the Teva Hurricane Drift (view at Amazon) for his or her all-day consolation and grip that by no means allow us to down regardless of the terrain.
Selecting a Strolling Sandal
Arch Help and Sole Flexibility
The arches of your toes act as shock absorbers, supporting your physique’s weight and distributing stress evenly. So sandals (or any shoe) with poor arch assist can create issues equivalent to plantar fasciitis and ache in different elements of your physique like your knees, hips and again.
When purchasing for a strolling sandal, search for molded footbeds with seen arch assist on your foot. Do not be fast to shrink back from a stiff sole: “A sandal with a stiff sole is extra sturdy and gives shock absorption,” says Tumen. “Stiffer soles provide stability and assist; nevertheless, the soles should nonetheless be versatile sufficient to permit the toes to maneuver round for a extra pure stride, which feels extra snug when strolling,” Cunha says. When procuring, strive the “twist check” that will help you decide how a lot arch assist your sandal has. Maintain the sandal in each palms and twist your palms in reverse instructions—the tougher the sandal is to twist, the extra supportive it’s.
Cushioning for Shock Absorption
“Cushioning is vital as a result of it absorbs the shock of impression, which reduces stress on the toes, joints and decrease again with each step,” Cunha says. When you’re purchasing for footwear in individual, Cunha recommends urgent the sandal’s insole to see if it feels tender and sturdy after which strolling round to examine consolation earlier than leaving the shop—your arches ought to really feel “comfortably cradled with cushioned assist,” he says.
When you’re procuring on-line, search for sandals with supplies like EVA or reminiscence foam, which give higher cushioning. In the end, “You will know if the sandal is cushioned sufficient in case your toes stay snug after prolonged put on,” Cunha says.
Adjustable Straps Will Enhance Consolation
When you typically take care of foot ache, skip the slides and search for a sandal with adjustable straps. “Sandals which have straps are going to supply extra assist,” says Sharkey. “The small intrinsic muscular tissues within the foot must work tougher to carry footwear [without straps] onto your toes whereas strolling.” Adjustable straps assist tailor the shoe to the foot, which additionally helps maintain foot ache away.
Different design parts to search for embrace a very good outsole with loads of cushioning and traction, and cork or different insole supplies that present assist and molding are nice too.
Traction for Added Security
“Traction is vital in a strolling sandal as a result of it gives grip and stability on numerous surfaces, particularly moist or slippery areas,” Cunha says. This offers you higher management and stability, decreasing the chance of falls and damage—particularly on uneven terrain. Search for a shoe with a rugged sole or one with a tread sample. Rubber soles are additionally nice as a result of they’ve anti-slip properties.
Our Strolling Sandal Checks
In looking for the perfect strolling sandals, we interviewed a number of podiatrists for his or her suggestions on particular sandal manufacturers and types, in addition to their experience on how to buy a strolling sandal. We then put the strolling sandals to the check, the place we integrated the strolling sandals into our day by day routine as a lot as attainable. We wore the sandals on a number of various kinds of surfaces, together with sidewalks, pavement, grass, gravel and trails (and, when wanted, we even enlisted our youngsters). Then, we evaluated every sandal’s match, consolation, cushioning, stability, high quality of supplies and general worth earlier than figuring out which sandals deserved a spot on our checklist.
We Additionally Thought-about
Vivaia Girls’s Kiara Sport Sandals ($119 at Amazon): We discovered these to be cute and comfy, and noticeably springy. This sandal is very nice for somebody who actually desires that shock-absorbing really feel, however when you worth extra stability, you may wish to skip this sandal for a much less springy decide.
Sorel Kinetic Influence Slingback Heel Girls’s Sandal ($144 at Amazon): These are extra responsive than we anticipated, and the scalloped sole and cushioned insole are snug. Model-wise, although, these make an announcement, so we would not essentially say they’re probably the most utilitarian choice.
MBT Girls’s Kisumu ($238 at Amazon): We favored how adjustable and supportive these sandals have been, however we couldn’t reconcile ourselves to the excessive worth.
Frequent Questions
Are strolling sandals good for lengthy distances?
Cunha typically does not suggest it as a result of most sandals don’t present sufficient cushioning and arch assist. “This may trigger foot fatigue and disrupt the pure mechanics of strolling and correct weight distribution, resulting in stress factors resulting in inefficient motion patterns, and an elevated danger of overuse accidents like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis in addition to bunions and hammertoes,” Cunha says. “Open-toed or backless sandals can even compromise stability, growing the chance of slips and falls,” he says.
What are the perfect strolling sandals for plantar fasciitis?
Individuals with plantar fasciitis want strolling sandals with particularly ample arch assist and cushioning. We just like the Skechers GO WALK Arch Match Mission II (view at Amazon) as a result of they characteristic plenty of cushioning to assist take in impression from the bottom and shield your toes along with having a very good quantity of arch assist.
Can I put on strolling sandals for mountaineering?
Mountaineering normally entails uneven terrain and rocky paths—and never carrying protecting footwear with good traction can enhance your danger of damage, particularly in moist or slippery situations. Strolling sandals may match when you’re planning a shorter hike on a well-maintained path or an extended stroll on metropolis streets. However longer or extra rugged excursions require sturdy mountaineering footwear designed to resist the terrain and supply optimum assist and safety on your toes.
Our Trusted Experience
April Benshosan has been reporting on well being and expert-recommended merchandise from the beginning of her journalism profession. She’s authored many articles on footwear for particular well being situations and has examined many alternative pairs of sneakers, sandals and different wholesome footwear to tell her experience. An earlier model of this text was written by Samantha Leal, a frequent contributor to EatingWell. A few of her insights and analysis are used on this replace.
As a part of our analysis, we additionally consulted the next specialists for his or her recommendation on secure, snug footwear:
This text was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and frequent shoe tester. She swears by her Teva Hurricane Drifts (and is at present on her second pair).
