Trip Planning Tech & Gear The 13 Best Women's Sandals of 2021 We rated the best sandals for hiking, strolling the city, or hitting the beach By Erika Owen Erika Owen Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Erika Owen is a self-proclaimed Professional Iceland Enthusiast, covering everything from boutique hotels to ATV tours. She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/30/21 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Rundown Best Overall: Teva Hurricane Verge at moosejaw.com "The quick-dry mesh and adjustable straps make this a great pick for hikers who want a touch of style." Best for Hiking: Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic at chacos.com "These are made with a contoured arch for added support and a completely adjustable strap system to help you get the perfect fit." Best Arch Support: Birkenstock Sibyl at zappos.com "No matter what you’re pairing them with, the supportive footbed will keep you comfortable no matter how far you’re exploring." Best Waterproof: Keen Women's UNEEK at keenfootwear.com "The extra-grabby sole offers great traction while traversing slippery river rocks." Best Wedge: Dansko Lacee Wedge Sandal at dsw.com "The wedge is just enough height to manage without changing your step, and the shoe is surprisingly light." Best Heel: Dansko Tamia Sandal at zappos.com "The cut-out heel in the Tamia sandals from Dansko adds an immediate dose of style without sacrificing comfort." Best for Traveling: Eileen Fisher Kash Tumbled Nubuck Leather Sneaker Sandal at eileenfisher.com "This sneaker-sandal hybrid can successfully fit into a handful of travel scenarios." Best for Wide Feet: Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor at zappos.com "The adjustable straps make these a great option for those with wide feet." Best Slide: Sam Edelman Gala Slide Sandal at samedelman.com "The two-strap leather sandal stays secure on your foot and the bottom provides supportive padding." Best Flat: Marc Fisher Pacca Studded Flat Sandal at bloomingdales.com "These flat, slide-on sandals are perfect for cut-off shorts and a white T-shirt or a summer dress!" You could spend an entire year of your life browsing sandal styles and still not see all of them. It’s an overwhelming space with a new color, design, and cutting-edge footbed popping up every other day. Task yourself with finding a pair that can fit all situations—strolling the beach, exploring a new city by sidewalk, hiking a steep trail, looking really cute at dinner—and things get tougher. But those unicorn sandals are out there, and we did some research to help you find the perfect pair. One thing to note is that athletic sandals are having a trendy moment in the sun. Brands like Teva, Keen, and Chaco—who were once only known by serious hikers—are catching the eyes of trendsetters who are pairing them with everyday outfits in unexpected ways. This is to say, put comfort at the top of your priority list—you don’t need to sacrifice style. The last thing you want is a pair of aching arches to put an early end to your vacation explorations. Also, keep in mind that sandal prices vary wildly, and you don’t necessarily need to drop a lot of money on a new pair. Lydia Mansel, the founder of Just Packed, puts it best: “When it comes to shoes to travel in, I normally splurge; quality is important if you’re going to be exploring a new place on foot. Sandals, however, are the exception to this rule. You still want quality and comfort, but due to the nature of the sockless style, you should expect that sandals won’t last forever.” Ahead, you’ll find the best women's sandals of all styles, from hiking and waterproof to clogs and flats. Best Overall: Teva Hurricane Verge Courtesy of Teva Buy on Moosejaw.com Buy on Teva.com What We Like Quick dry mesh Extra padded insole Adjustable straps for custom fit What We Don't Like Straps can loosen with serious hiking We live in a world where you’re just as likely to find a bold-hued pair of Tevas walking down a New York sidewalk as you would on a strenuous hike in Hawaii. The brand has mastered the transitional athletic sandal with the Hurricane Verge in that you can just as easily pair them with a pair of leggings and a half-zip as you can a pair of straight-leg jeans and a button-down. The quick-dry mesh and adjustable straps make this a great pick for hikers who want a touch of style. Best for Hiking: Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Courtesy of Chaco Buy on Chacos.com What We Like Contoured arch support Non-marking rubber outsole Vegan-friendly construction What We Don't Like Sizing can run narrow Chaco is another brand known for creating athletic sandals that have more recently become fashion statement pieces. The waterproof Z/1 Classic is simple in design but is made with a contoured arch for added support and a completely adjustable strap system to help you get the perfect fit. The heel-to-toe color drench is also minimalist (in a chic way)—especially if you opt for the bright blue. Best Arch Support: Birkenstock Sibyl Courtesy of Zappos Buy on Zappos What We Like Supple leather uppers Deep heel cup for natural padding Flexible and lightweight outsole What We Don't Like Cork can be damaged from concentrated heat Birkenstock has been applauded for its attention to ergonomics in all of the offered designs. We love the Sibyl sandals for their versatility. You can dress up these cork-wedge sandals in a flash or keep it casual in jeans in a t-shirt. No matter what you’re pairing them with, the supportive footbed will keep you comfortable no matter how far you’re exploring. The 9 Best Women's Travel Shoes of 2021 Best Waterproof: Keen Women's UNEEK Courtesy of Keen Buy on Keenfootwear.com What We Like Cleansport NXT for natural odor control Great arch and heel support Grippy sole for traction What We Don't Like Ultra-wide toe box may be too roomy These waterproof shoes will throw you back to the pairs you may have worn as a child (in the best way possible). Unbelievably fun and designed to give you more flexibility, the Uneek sandals have a two-cord construction that allows you to loosen or tighten at will. The extra-grabby sole offers great traction while traversing slippery river rocks. The 10 Best Women's Water Shoes of 2021 Best Wedge: Dansko Lacee Wedge Sandal Courtesy of DSW Buy on Dsw.com What We Like Adjustable Velcro strap Leather upper with cross-stitching Lightweight and shock-absorbing sole What We Don't Like Limited strap adjustability If you like the look of clogs and wooden heels, but you’re not in love with the loud step or heavy footbed, give these Dansko sandals a go. The wedge is just enough height to manage without changing your step, and the shoe is surprisingly light. An adjustable Velcro strap along the top of the sandal adds extra room for adjusting. Best Heel: Dansko Tamia Sandal Courtesy of Dansko Buy on Zappos What We Like Scotchgard treated leather uppers Lightweight EVA outsoles Available in several colors What We Don't Like Sizes run large The cut-out heel in the Tamia sandals from Dansko adds an immediate dose of style without sacrificing comfort. The wide heel adds stability to your step, and the EVA footbed has memory foam that molds to the shape of your foot. These sandals are available in three colors and in sizes 5.5 through 12. Best for Traveling: Eileen Fisher Kash Tumbled Nubuck Leather Sneaker Sandal Courtesy of Eileen Fisher Buy on Eileenfisher.com What We Like Flexible ankle support Tumbled nubuck leather upper Rubber treads for grip What We Don't Like Not very much arch support Finding a sandal that can successfully fit into a handful of travel scenarios is no easy task, but this sneaker-sandal hybrid from Eileen Fisher is a solid choice. We love this sandal because it takes the best elements of each style: the rubber tread of a sneaker, a stylish wedge, and textured mesh straps. This sandal is available in sizes 5 through 11. Best for Wide Feet: Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Courtesy of Nordstroms Buy on Zappos Buy on Dick's Buy on Nordstromrack.com What We Like Adjustable, felt-lined straps Promotes good walking structure Available in several colors What We Don't Like Requires some breaking in at first The Arizona sandal from Birkenstock is a classic for a reason. While they do require a bit of breaking in, the brand’s footbeds promote a good walking structure. Plus, the adjustable straps make these a great option for those with wide feet. The Arizona sandal comes in a ton of colors and sizes four through 12.5. Best Slide: Sam Edelman Gala Slide Sandal Courtesy of Sam Edelman Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Samedelman.com What We Like Minimalist design Affordable price point Available in several colors and finishes What We Don't Like Straps aren't adjustable “I swear by the Gala Slide Sandal from Sam Edelman,” says Lydia Mansel, Just Packed founder. “The two-strap leather sandal stays secure on your foot, and the bottom provides supportive padding, but the price tag won’t set you back too much. It’s also unrivaled in its versatility—casual enough to wear with shorts, but can seamlessly transition to dinner with a dress or slacks.” Best Flat: Marc Fisher Pacca Studded Flat Sandal Courtesy of Nordstrom Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Bloomingdales Buy on Marcfisherfootwear.com What We Like Eye-catching metal studs Available in several colors What We Don't Like Not much insole padding “A slide-on never lets me down, especially when they feature oversized studs like these,” says interior designer Eneia White. “The powder blue tone adds a soft feminine touch, perfect for cut-off shorts and a white T-shirt or a summer dress!” Best Clog: Bryr Worker Clog Courtesy of Bryr Buy on Bryrstudio.com What We Like Classic clog design Easy to walk in Excellent arch support What We Don't Like Only available in whole sizes A good pair of clogs is an investment, and you can’t find a better brand than San Francisco-based Bryr. The wooden heel is low, making these easy to walk in, and they come in a handful of rich colors. The best part of owning a pair of Bryr clogs may be the knowledge that each shoe is made with the most care and attention to detail—just give them a follow on Instagram if you’re looking for behind-the-scenes shots. These are clogs people will stop you on the street to ask about. Best Flip-Flops: Havaianas Slim Flip Flops Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos Buy on Havaianas.com What We Like Iconic sandals for the beach Affordable price point Available in several colors What We Don't Like No arch support These are the flip-flops you will be so glad you packed. Not only do they take up very little space, but they come in a wide range of colors and with a small price tag. The cushioned insoles on these flip flops add extreme comfort, and the soles offer serious tread, whether you’re crushing sand or sidewalk. The 14 Best Women's Flip-Flops of 2021, According to Avid Travelers Best for Comfort: Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Wool Courtesy of Birkenstock Buy on Birkenstock.com What We Like Adjustable straps for custom fit Shearling-lined footbed What We Don't Like Limited colors available When it comes to her sandal of choice, Gabriela Ulloa—freelance writer + host of @shouldwetalkaboutit on IGTV—surprised herself. “Never did I ever see the day that I'd be wearing Birkenstocks,” she says. “The shoes that I once described as ‘ugly canoes’ are now comfortably a staple in my wardrobe. Either way, these make me feel cozy and well put together all at the same time, two accomplishments I strive for on a daily basis.” So, if you’re looking for comfort, take a cue from Gabriela’s wardrobe. Final Verdict Packing one pair of shoes for a single trip may just be the best feeling in the world. To help you get there, we recommend the Teva Hurricane Verge sandals (view at Teva). Don’t let their sporty vibe turn you away—pairing these sandals with a flowy dress or pair of jeans is just as acceptable as a pair of hiking leggings. Plus, they come in some pretty fashion-forward colors. What to Look for When Buying Women's Sandals Price Sandals can vary widely in price. Consider the materials they’re made of—leather sandals will almost always cost more than a pair of rubber flip flops. If you’re looking to invest in a pair of sandals, make sure to research the arch support and footbed design. There are plenty of inexpensive options out there, but you’re often saving money because there isn’t much foot support built into the shoe. Style If you plan on hiking in your sandals, look strictly for athletic sandals from a brand like Chaco, Teva, or Keen. You want to make sure the straps are adjustable, the sandal is waterproof or water-resistant, and that they come with plenty of arch support. If you’re looking for a fashion-forward pair of sandals, you have many more options. There are wedges, flats, slides, sandals with ankle straps, espadrilles, clogs—the list goes on. Think about where you need the most physical support and go from there. Fit When you’re buying athletic sandals, the ability to adjust the fit makes all of the difference. Your feet swell and shrink as you become dehydrated or exercise harder—you don’t want to deal with overly swollen feet mid-hike. You really need to try sandals on to find the perfect fit, so consider buying various sizes, so you can try them on at home and return whatever doesn’t fit, or head to a store. FAQs How do I know if I have a wide foot? You can have someone measure your foot at a shoe store, but a good rule of thumb is to clock whether or not you frequently find the edges of your foot spilling over the side of your sandal. Or, if you’re wearing sneakers, ask yourself if your feet feel cramped and claustrophobic. If they do, there’s a good chance you’d be more comfortable with a wide shoe. What constitutes “good arch support”? You can also buy extra arch support in the form of insoles, so don’t throw out your favorite sandals just yet. When we say “arch support,” we are referring to a footbed that offers sturdy support to the shape of the inner part of your foot. Often, foot pain originates from this region—particularly a lack of support, causing the arch of your foot to flatten. Sturdy footbed materials like cork and memory foam are a good place to start, but a podiatrist can make recommendations specific to your foot. How should I care for my sandals? It depends on what they’re made of. Leather sandals will require the most maintenance, so make sure to buy a leather kit. Other common sandal materials are rubber (very easy to clean), suede (spot clean with a damp cloth), or wood (spot clean). Make sure to ask the brand or manufacturer how to care for your sandals for the best advice. Why Trust TripSavvy? Erika Owen is a summertime sandal fanatic with a deep knowledge of Dansko and Birkenstock styles past and present. She also spent four hours researching sandals to find the most comfortable, foot-inclusive, and stylish options while speaking with frequent travelers for their recommendations. The 9 Best Women’s Hiking Sandals of 2021 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 13 below. Continue to 9 of 13 below. Continue to 13 of 13 below.