Most Comfortable Women’s Sandals That Walk The Walk

The quickest way to a bad day? Uncomfortable shoes. And while your strappy stilettos and clompy clogs may talk the sartorial talk, if they can’t walk the comfortable walk, they’re a faux pas in our eyes. Cue: our most comfortable sandals for women.

Some strictly casual, we’ve got your day-to-day covered. Some more dressy, these sandals make a confident entrance. And some more sporty, they prove sneakers aren’t the only athletic shoe.

But regardless of style, these sandals all have one thing in common: they’re undeniably comfortable. From contoured, cushioned footbeds and featherlight soles to ample arch support and breathable materials, these superlative sandals are all about that barefoot summer feel.

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Like our most comfortable sandals for women, we don’t just talk the talk. We walk the walk. How? We tested dozens of sandals against our strict comfort criteria, and for those we couldn’t test, we thoroughly researched, paying careful attention to unbiased customer reviews.

See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our sandal’s buying guide to learn more about our methodology to pick the best ones

Our comfort criteria: How we evaluated each sandal

Besides assessing how easy they were to walk in, we evaluated each sandal according to Luxe Digital’s criteria for comfort:

1. Arch Support: One of the main issues you’ll find with buying sandals is the lack of arch support which, in turn, can make a relatively comfy-seeming pair quickly go downhill. Preventing plantar fasciitis is always a priority.
2. Footbed: Does it contour to your feet? Does it provide ample cushioning?
3. Straps: We took note of straps that were adjustable and padded.
4. Closure: Could we conveniently slip it on or velcro up in a snap? Or did it require the extra effort of buckling or lacing up.
5. Sole: Memory foam or other cushioning can make or break a sandal so, where possible, choose a pair that shows off about its thick sole. Elements such as shock absorption technologies and non-slip grips earned our sandals extra comfort points.
6. Toe room width: We don’t want to float around or feel squished, the fit has to be right.
7. Materials: A high-quality material like leather or suede will last infinitely longer than artificial materials. It’ll also ensure your sandals are comfier and less likely to rub against your toes. We prioritized materials that were soft, breathable, and light to wear.

The 20 most comfortable sandals for women

1. Birkenstock Arizona: Overall most comfortable sandals for women
2. Gucci Lug Sole: Best luxury comfortable sandals for women
3. Cushionaire: Best value women’s comfortable sandals
4. M.Gemi The Rosella: Best comfortable thong sandal for women
5. Oliver Cabell: Most comfortable slides for women
6. Emmy London May Tan: Most comfortable t-strap women’s sandal
7. Havaianas: Most comfortable women’s flip flops
8. Dr Martens Gryphon: Most comfortable gladiator sandals for women
9. The Row: Most comfortable fisherman sandals for women
10. Castaner Bluma Wedge: Most comfortable espadrille sandal
11. St Agni: Most comfortable mule sandals for women
12. M.Gemi The Greta: Most comfortable clog sandals for women
13. Clarks Kyara Aster: Most comfortable wedge sandal
14. Koio Rose: Most comfortable block heel sandals
15. Isabel Marant: Most comfortable platform sandal for women
16. Sorel Cameron: Most comfortable flatform sandal for women
17. Gianvito Rossi Portofino: Most comfortable high-heel sandals
18. Teva Hurricane: Most comfortable sports sandal for women
19. Nike Air Max: Most comfortable heeled sports sandal
20. Koio Nomi: Most comfortable dad sandal for women

Birkenstock Arizona: Overall most comfortable sandals for women

If we could pack just one shoe to cover an entire summer of travel, the Birkenstock Arizona would be it. Designed to redefine what it means to be a comfortable sandal (that is also stylish), the high-performing shoe showcases the meticulous precision inherent to German engineering.

The contoured footbed is made from the brand’s signature cork and latex combination, designed to mold to your foot for a perfectly tailored fit. Just be aware that this takes a couple of days. And while we were wary after first fitting them on, we can confirm after those first formative days, these reliable Birkenstocks are by far the most comfortable sandals shoes we own.

Plus, a waterproof version molded from ultra-lightweight EVA (read: kind of like the Crocs on style steroids) is available for those coastal getaways and poolside retreats.

Best for: Getting more use on holidays than your camera.

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Gucci Lug Sole: Best luxury comfortable sandals for women

Okay, so you don’t purchase a pair of Gucci sandals *just *because they’re comfortable. You purchase them for the luxury brand’s iconic historical significance, high-end allure, and, of course—their statement-making style. Like you, comfort wasn’t first on our agenda when we tried these Gucci lug soles. But after wearing them day and night—from the office to the bar and back again (on repeat)—we all agreed that they deserved a spot amongst our most comfortable sandals for women.

Adding height and elevating any ensemble without compromising comfort, the chunky lug sole block heel is as easy to walk in as it is to style. We love the subtle monogrammed canvas in black (or not-so-subtle monogrammed canvas in taupe) for a more glam take on comfortable sandals.

Best for: Dipping a toe (or ten) into designer sandals.

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Cushionaire: Best value women’s comfortable sandals

It’s no secret that we absolutely adore our Birkenstocks and would always advocate for getting the real deal, but if your budget doesn’t allow for such an investment, these affordable Birk alternatives are a close second. Almost as comfortable as the well-known German brand, these Cushionaire sandals also feature a contoured cork footbed to tailor fit your foot. The sole doesn’t offer quite the same arch support, but unless you have very high arches we doubt you’ll notice.

When it comes to design, the two brands are almost identical (most people we asked thought they were real Birks before seeing the label.) Just be warned that they probably won’t last as long and if you intend to wear them every day, you may need a second pair to back them up.

Best for: Happy-feet-happy-wallet sandals.

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M.Gemi The Rosella: Best comfortable thong sandal for women

The ultimate summer shoe, we can’t recommend the Rosella thongs enough. With an impossibly soft, padded footbed, they’re just as comfortable as your classic Havaianas. While the brand’s elevated Italian quality (read more about how much we love M.Gemi) adds a sophisticated edge to your most casual ensembles.

The patent leather finish and slightly square toe rock the modern minimalist style. And we love that the flatform sole is not only easy to walk in but is also unapologetically flattering. Yep, you can pair these M.Gemi sandals with your skinny jeans and still look fantastic. The only downfall that we could come up with is that if you aren’t used to wearing thongs, you may need to wear them in, but that’s a problem that only lasts a couple of days.

Best for: La Dolce Vita for your feet.

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Oliver Cabell: Most comfortable slides for women

The only thing we appreciate more than comfort in slides is sustainable, quality comfort. Enter: Oliver Cabell’s vegan renditions. Made from vegan-friendly fabrics and some of the most sustainable materials (including recycled rubber), these sumptuous sides are as light on the planet as they are on your feet.

The plant-based leather footbed features ample arch support and extra cushioning, while the padded upper only adds to the cloud-like feel of the everyday sandal. When it comes to style, you won’t be able to wear these Oliver Cabell slides to a cocktail event (as much as you may want to), but they’re certainly too cute to confine to the house.

Best for: Making a splash.

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Emmy London May Tan: Most comfortable t-strap women’s sandal

Dressy flats are a comfort lifesaver for garden parties and beach weddings—or for those who simply can’t walk in heels. These Emmy London sandals are case in point. Accented with the brand’s signature scintillating details, the embellished buckle adds an air of elegance, perfect for those more sophisticated soirees. While the natural tan hue and delicate t-strap are versatile and quintessentially elegant.

But the fact that they’re flat and easy to walk in isn’t the only reason these Emmy London t-straps made our list of most comfortable sandals. Handcrafted in Portugal, the durable-yet-dainty design is impossibly lightweight, giving off that much sought-after, barefoot Summer feel.

Best for: Getting that more formal dress code to a T.

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Havaianas: Most comfortable women’s flip flops

If you’re only packing hand luggage for your coastal weekender and every kilogram counts (doesn’t it always?), then a lightweight pair of Havaianas is a must. A tried and true classic, not only are they extremely packable, but they’re also the most comfortable flip flops we own, thanks to the cushioned rubber insole and slip-resistant traction.

Ok, so you may want to pack another pair if you’re planning to dine at high-end resorts and restaurants, but if you’re just planning to spend your days by the pool or by the beach, these Havaianas are all you need. We particularly love them in light gold for a slightly elevated, versatile look, although the brand’s signature range of vibrant hues and exotic prints is a fun way to spruce up your summer ensembles.

A classic summer style means you’ll instantly associate these with sunshine and blue skies, so don’t blame us if you buy a pair and immediately start booking your next trip. Or, for the meantime, sit outside in the sunshine with these on your feet for the next closest thing. Aloha, warm weather!

Best for: Holiday feeling for your feet.

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Dr Martens Gryphon: Most comfortable gladiator sandals for women

Few shoes have the ability to take you from suburban living to Greek goddess in a matter of mere seconds. We love Dr Martens’ signature take on the classic gladiator sandals. These sandals marry the brand’s instantly recognizable aesthetic (you know, the exposed stitching and pull-up tag) with more traditional elements of gladiators (straps on straps) and more modern details like buckled closures, thicker straps, and a platform sole.

They’re the kind of sandals that attract a lot of attention from fellow sartorialists, but they’re more than just a style statement. These Dr Martens sandals are also some of the best walking shoes for women. Perfect for wanderlusting through new cities or running to catch the last train, the ankle strap keeps your foot in place, while the air-cushioned sole provides a soft, slip-free landing.

Best for: Pretending you’re a Greek goddess in Santorini.

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The Row: Most comfortable fisherman sandals for women

As some of the most underrated and best summer shoes, we believe that every woman needs a pair of comfortable fisherman sandals in her rotation—and in particular, this pair by The Row. Handwoven in Italy from the highest grade leather, these fisherman sandals are our catch of the day—every day. And made to tackle a lifetime of adventure, we don’t see ours wearing out anytime soon.

The chunky sole speaks to a cushioned (but stylish) step. While the ankle strap and semi-open toe hold your foot in place, kind of like running around in a pair of breathable sneakers that are also sophisticated and elevated.

Best for: All comfort, no catch.

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Castaner Bluma Wedge: Most comfortable espadrille sandal

Following in the footsteps (pun intended) of Anne Hathaway, Cary Grant, and Paris Hilton (amongst the brand’s many celebrity fans), we thought we’d see whether these Castaner espadrilles lived up to the hype. The verdict? They exceeded our soaring expectations and standards—both in comfort and style.

Tying a raffia-woven knot between fashion and functionality, these Castaner espadrilles are easy to walk in and elegantly versatile. A couple of days into receiving them and we’d already paired these Castaner wedges with everything from paperbag shorts to midi cocktail dresses—almost forgetting what our legs looked like without the flattering and toning added height.

Best for: Tying the knot between comfort and style.

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St Agni: Most comfortable mule sandals for women

Usually when we look for comfortable sandals with a heel, we look for wedges, platforms or chunky block heels (basically, the bigger the surface area the better), which is kind of why we love these flat heels by St Agni. They defy the odds. They’re slender and elegant with a barely-there aesthetic, but at the same time, they’re surprisingly comfortable to walk in. And even though they’re mules (no backstraps), we didn’t feel like our feet were slipping out at all.

In fact, we kept these St Agni mules on for an entire workday and still didn’t feel the need to rip them off the moment we walked through the door (a rarity if you know some of us with heels.)

Best for: A minimalistic sole mate.

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M.Gemi The Greta: Most comfortable clog sandals for women

For us it was love at first sight. And once we unboxed them, we knew the affair would only continue. Like most creations by M.Gemi, these clog sandals showcase immaculate attention to detail—not just with the aesthetic but with the wearability and comfort too. Although they’re quintessentially clogs (with the chunky soles and stud accents to prove it), they’re incredibly lightweight to wear with extra padding for an extra soft landing. We also appreciate that the EVA sole results in silent steps. And we have a feeling your colleagues will, too, especially if like us you keep on getting up to drink more tea.

We got these M.Gemi clog sandals in black, but with the amount of wear they receive, we’re considering a second pair in a statement-making jewel green or cowgirl-inspired blue bell.

Best for: A twist on tradition.

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Clarks Kyara Aster: Most comfortable wedge sandal

We couldn’t write up a list of the most comfortable women’s sandals without including Clarks. And while the orthotic-friendly brand—renowned for its comfort-first designs—had many styles in the running, it was the Kyara Aster wedge that really stood out as an unrivaled shoe.

Featuring Clarks’ signature foam footbed, breathable lining and lightweight sole, you can walk miles in these comfortable sandals (despite the 75mm heel height.) Sure, the style is simple. And while they may not receive the accolades they deserve from passers-by, these Clarks wedges certainly won’t receive any negative attention (being appropriate for most semi-formal dress codes.) And most importantly, your feet will thank you when they still feel great after a full day of standing.

Best for: Elevated comfort.

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Koio Rose: Most comfortable block heel sandals

A capsule wardrobe staple, these understated block heels walk the walk (comfortably), while allowing the rest of your outfit to talk the talk. Sleek, slender and quintessentially elegant, they’re a wardrobe hero when it comes to styling wedding guest dresses and work party pantsuits. But best of all is the way they make your feet feel.

Handmade in Tuscany from A-grade (and sustainably sourced) leather, these Koio sandals showcase impeccable attention to detail. From cushioned insoles to adjustable straps, they’re designed for customized comfort. While the slim straps perfectly frame our feet, without us even knowing they’re there.

Best for: A one-way ticket to Italy for your feet.

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Isabel Marant: Most comfortable platform sandal for women

If you’re willing to splurge (or perhaps a better word is invest) in a designer pair of everyday sandals that promise to carry you through a lifetime of office commutes, city breaks and running to catch the last train, these Isabel Marant platforms are unparalleled—in fashion and functionality.

As our most comfortable platform sandals, the added height comes at no extra cost, while making your everyday ensembles that much more flattering. The impossibly soft calfskin leather is the sartorial equivalent of a foothug (that promises to last forever.) The contoured footbed molds to your foot for a perfectly tailored fit. The adjustable velcro straps strap up in a snap. And we simply adore the embossed Isabel Marant logo for that understated designer touch.

Best for: The ultimate designer dad sandal.

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Sorel Cameron: Most comfortable flatform sandal for women

Why we love them? It’s almost impossible to find a heightened sandal that is comfortable (and casual) enough for everyday wear. And these Sorels are exactly that. The platform sole adds on a good two inches, yet the easy-going, slightly sporty aesthetic means that you can wear them in the most relaxed settings without feeling like you’re trying too hard.

We’ve worn ours to backyard barbeques, park picnics and beach bars. And regardless of the terrain, they’ve stood up to the test. Featuring Sorel’s signature razor and scallop soles, these platform sandals are slip-resistant and ultra-durable. While the EVA foam footbed sort of feels like you’ve rebelliously left the house in slippers (minus the accompanying eyebrow raises.)

Best for: No pain, all gain lift.

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Gianvito Rossi Portofino: Most comfortable high-heel sandals

The quickest way to leave a party is a pair of shoes that you can’t dance in. And while we’re all for making an entrance in stilettos, they have to be comfortable enough to hit the dance floor. Enter: Gianvito Rossi’s Portofino high heels.

Proving that comfortable stilettos are not, in fact, an oxymoron, the Italian label lives up to its reputation for producing easy-to-wear high heels with these sumptuous suede iterations. Made in Italy, the 85mm heels feature cushioning lining, adjustable ankle straps and perfectly tailored proportions. We also love the brand’s signature round buckle for that finishing designer touch.

Best for: Making you (and your feet) feel on top of the world.

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Teva Hurricane: Most comfortable sports sandal for women

Pioneered in the Great Canyon in 1984, Teva is the original sandal designed specifically to assist your adventures. Positioned as a utilitarian shoe, the Teva sandals are engineered for optimum comfort. Featuring a stabilizing nylon shank, the silhouette is extremely supportive. The cushioned heel is incredibly soft. The recycled materials are sustainable, waterproof and quick-drying. And the rugged sole is grippable and slip-proof.

With the rise of functional fashion, these practical sandals have also become somewhat of a fashion statement. And while we’re writing home about Teva’s unparalleled comfort and durability, it doesn’t hurt that Gen Z has signed off on the cult-favorite aesthetic (you’ll receive nothing but nods of approval.)

Best for: Finishing a day’s exploring without wanting to rip your toes off.

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Nike Air Max: Most comfortable heeled sports sandal

We’ll admit, we bought these sandals because we just couldn’t resist their cool factor. But the reason we can’t stop speaking about them is because of their unparalleled comfort. Marrying the best of the two most comfortable shoe groups—the sneaker and the sandal—these Nike sandals hit the elusive sweet spot between supportive and breathable.

Featuring an open toe, side cut outs and a back strap, the shoe resembles a sandal. While a speedy lace up system and chunky sole are reminiscent of Nike’s iconic sneakers. And the style? Well we can’t get enough of the oversized lug sole and relaxed upper. They’re the kind of sandals we can imagine Hailey Bieber pairing with a pair of biker shorts and oversized tee—effortless as always.

Best for: Sporting the perfect summer outfit.

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Koio Nomi: Most comfortable dad sandal for women

Like dad jeans, dad sandals take their cues from the quintessentially practical style of our fathers. And in an age where functionality is fashionable, they’re also making moves in sartorial circles. Looking to jump on board the “dad dressing” trend? These androgynous sandals are our most comfortable pick.

Hand-stitched from premium (and sustainably sourced) leather, the immaculate design explains why the “Made in Italy” cachet is so popular. The padded soles simultaneously add extra height and extra cushioning. While the adjustable velcro straps are super convenient and provide ample ankle support. Yep, you may be able to find a more affordable dad sandal, but we are yet to find one that is equally comfortable, durable and stylish.

Best for: Stepping up your footwear game. Pronto.

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Buying guide to comfortable sandals

How to find the right comfortable sandal style in three simple steps:

1. Determine formality/occasion

*Where *are you intending to wear your new pair of comfortable sandals? Casually around the house? To hit the dance floor at an upcoming wedding? To strut comfortably around the office? To replace your hiking shoes? To slip-on post yoga?

Before choosing a pair of comfortable sandals, make sure that they fit the dress code for which you intend to wear them and just how they fit in your capsule wardrobe. A business casual dress code often calls for a more professional and polished aesthetic, as does a smart casual dress code or cocktail dress code. While a casual dress code allows for a more relaxed look.

2. Heeled vs flat

Once you’ve determined what you’re buying a new pair of sandals for, it’s a lot easier to know whether to opt for heels or flats. Heels such as wedges, platforms, block heels and kitten heels are usually considered more appropriate for semi-formal affairs. Comfortable stilettos are perfect for formal occasions (see our full guide to different heel types to nail the brief.) and flats or flatforms are our everyday go-to.

But it’s not quite as simple as that. The dress code isn’t the only determining factor. You may want to opt for heels to add extra height, in which case we’ve found athletic platforms and chunky soles suitable for more relaxed environments. Or, you may want to wear flats to a formal event (perhaps your date isn’t as tall or you simply can’t walk in heels), in which case we’ve found embellished iterations and elegant silhouettes that effortlessly fit into any sophisticated soiree.

3. To strap or not to strap

The third step to finding the perfect pair is deciding whether to strap or slip-on. Of course, slip-ons are effortless to slide on and off (fantastic for around the house or running quick errands.) However, the lack of straps can make them less supportive for wearing all day.

On the other hand, strappy sandals require more effort to put on. But, you can usually adjust them to your foot width and once they’re on, they usually offer better foot support.

This is also the time to think about what kind of strap to go-for. Velcro straps conveniently fasten in a snap, but may be considered less professional for more formal settings. While buckles and lace-ups may take longer, but allow for a more elegant aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions about the most comfortable sandals for women