The 12 Best Women’s Sandals of 2023

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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 the 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.

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.”

To make our list, we considered price, style, and fit. Your ideal pair should match your environment and lifestyle—potentially even replacing a hiking boot—and finding the right fit (adjustable straps, for example) is arguably the most important factor. And while the prices of sandals represent a broad range, investing a bit more typically translates to higher quality materials and more functional designs.

Best Overall

Teva Hurricane Verge

Teva Hurricane Verge

Amazon

What We Like
  • Breathable

  • Extra padded insole

  • 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 wear them with a pair of leggings and a half-zip as you can with straight-leg jeans and a button-down. The quick-dry mesh and adjustable straps make this an excellent pick for hikers who want a touch of style.

Price at time of publication: $80

Sizes: 5 to 14 | Materials: Nylon, rubber, EVA, recycled plastic | Sustainability: Vegan, recycled, and recyclable materials

Best for Hiking

Chacos Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals

Chacos Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals

Amazon

What We Like
  • Great support

  • Non-marking rubber outsole

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 has 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.

Price at time of publication: $100

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Polyester, polyurethane, rubber | Sustainability: Vegan-friendly construction

Best Arch Support

Birkenstock Women's Sibyl Wedge Sandal

Birkenstock Sibyl

Birkenstock

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 comfort in all its 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.

Price at time of publication: $150

Sizes: 5 to 12.5 | Materials: Leather, polyurethane, suede, cork | Sustainability: N/A

Best Waterproof

Keen Uneek Sandals

Keen Uneek Sandals

Zappos

What We Like
  • Cleansport NXT for natural odor control

  • Great arch and heel support

  • Grippy sole

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 excellent traction while traversing slippery river rocks.

Price at time of publication: $140

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Polyester, polyurethane, rubber, nylon | Sustainability: N/A

Best Wedge

Dansko Women's Lacee Wedge Sandal

Dansko Women's Lacee Wedge Sandal

Amazon

What We Like
  • Custom fit

  • 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.

Price at time of publication: $145

Sizes: 7.5 to 11 | Materials: Polyurethane, EVA, leather, rubber | Sustainability: N/A

Best Heel

Dansko Women's Tamia Wedge Sandal

Dansko Women's Tamia Wedge Sandal

Amazon

What We Like
  • Scotchgard treated leather uppers

  • Lightweight EVA outsoles

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 sizes 7.5 through 12.

Price at time of publication: $155

Sizes: 7.5 to 12 | Materials: Leather, EVA | Sustainability: N/A

Best for Traveling

Eileen Fisher Kash Tumbled Nubuck Leather Sneaker Sandal

Eileen Fisher Kash Tumbled Nubuck Leather Sneaker Sandal

Eileen Fisher

What We Like
  • Flexible ankle support

  • Tumbled nubuck leather upper

  • Grippy sole

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 five through 11.

Price at time of publication: $160

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Nubuck leather, rubber | Sustainability: Leather parts finished at LWG Gold-rated tannery

Best for Wide Feet

Birkenstock Arizona - Birko-Flor™

Birkenstock Arizona - Birko-Flor

zappos

What We Like
  • Custom straps

  • Promotes good walking structure

  • Available in several colors

What We Don't Like
  • Must break them in first

The Arizona sandal from Birkenstock is a classic for a reason. While they 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 tons of colors and sizes four through 12.5.

Price at time of publication: $110

Sizes: 4 to 12.5 | Materials: Birko-Flor, felt, EVA, cork, leather | Sustainability: N/A

Best Flat

Marc Fisher Pacca Studded Flat Sandal

Marc Fisher Pacca Studded Flat Sandal

Amazon

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!”

Price at time of publication: $99

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Leather, synthetic lining | Sustainability: N/A

Best Clog

Bryr Worker Clog

Bryr Worker Clog

Bryr

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.

Price at time of publication: $296

Sizes: 3.5 to 13 | Materials: Wood, natural leather | Sustainability: N/A

Best Flip-Flops

Havaianas Womens Slim Flip Flop Sandal

4.2
What We Like
  • Iconic sandals for the beach

  • Affordable

  • Available in several colors

What We Don't Like
  • No arch support

These are the flip-flops you will be so glad you packed. They take up very little space and 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.

Price at time of publication: $34

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: PVC, rubber | Sustainability: N/A

Best for Comfort

Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Sandals

REI

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.

Price at time of publication: $160

Sizes: 5 to 15.5 | Materials: Suede, EVA, cork, sheep/lamb fur | Sustainability: N/A

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 want to invest in a pair of sandals, 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 ensure the straps are adjustable, the sandal is waterproof or water-resistant, and 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 buying athletic sandals, the ability to adjust the fit makes all the difference. Your feet swell and shrink as you become dehydrated—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.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • 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. 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). 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. 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.

Article Sources
TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Cleveland Clinic. "Dehydration." Accessed Dec 22, 2022.

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