5 Most Comfortable Sandals for Women

We’ve all been there. You see a gorgeous pair of sandals at the store, and even though you know they’ll leave your feet in agony, you just can’t resist. After all, they go perfectly with the ensemble you’ve picked out for that all-day conference or girls’ get-together, so you take the plunge and purchase them. 

Yet, after a day in your new sandals, you find that the only thing you can think about is finally taking them off. 

Sandals offer benefits like no other shoe—from keeping our feet feeling free and breezy to letting us show off fresh pedicures. But acquiring that open-air style shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. 

So, how do you find sandals that are both comfortable and stylish? Check out our list of the five most comfortable sandals for women. 

#1 Choose Flat Strappy Sandals for Walking and Standing

Some things in life are a must—like stopping to snap pictures when you see a rainbow or petting that adorable puppy that’s always at your local coffee shop. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, having a pair of comfortable walking sandals is equally essential. 

Not all strappy sandals are made the same, though, so knowing what to look for is key to finding all-day comfort. Most importantly, you’ll want a pair of walking sandals that are flat, not heeled, to keep your feet and legs happy. The right pair of heeled sandals can still feel comfy (more on that later) but when you’re walking, your soles will thank you for keeping them grounded.

To achieve equal bliss in your soles and heels, also look for sandals that feature:

  • Arch support
  • Cushioned straps
  • An adjustable ankle strap that won’t rub

These features help ensure your feet will be supported throughout the day and not antagonized by unwanted friction. Strappy sandals are the best sandal for those with plantar fasciitis, as the added heel support means you won’t be gripping your toes which tightens the fascia ligament, contributing to plantar fasciitis.

How to Style Them

Hoping to strut through cobblestone streets and see the sights? Strappy sandals are some of the best sandals to wear with dresses for easy, breezy comfort. Try your strappy sandals with a linen shirt dress or a cotton sundress. If you’re counting up the miles at work, though, they’ll also fit right in. Pair them with some cute flared ankle pants and your favorite blouse or blazer. 

#2 Step Into Slides for Everyday Casual Comfort

Perhaps you want the option of going barefoot at a moment’s notice, or the ability to slip on a stylish sandal for even the most last-minute late-night taco run. Either way, the right pair of slide sandals can provide worlds of effortless comfort. 

Far from the woes that come with flip-flops, this type of sandal is a shoe with plenty of opportunities for comfort—but not just any pair will do. The most important element to look for in slides is a supportive insole that contours to the shape of your foot. Why?

  • They keep your foot more supported.
  • They help the sandals stay put on your foot—preventing them from slipping off or causing blisters.

Ideally, the uppers of your comfy slides should also come in a fabric that won’t feel rough on your skin. Bonus points if they’re equipped with extra padding. Slides are a great choice for those with wide feet, as the footbed tends to be a bit wider. Additionally, slides usually come with a thick rubber sole, making them a comfortable sandal option for those with a flat foot, too.

How to Style Them

Slides are one style that can look just as fitting with an oversized hoodie as they do with an elegant maxi dress. To highlight this versatility and get the best of both worlds, pair your slides with a black T-shirt dress for a chic yet comfy look.

#3 Dance the Night Away in Block Heel Sandals

Just like you reach for your sneakers when it’s time to hit the running trails, there are times when wearing heels just makes stylistic sense. But even as we get glammed up, putting on heels can sometimes feel like we’re letting our feet down (even as we’re lifting ourselves up).

Thanks to the block heel, however, you do have an option that’s much easier on your feet than most other styles.

Block heel sandals give you more stability than a stiletto heel and help distribute the pressure evenly across your soles. That stability also makes them ideal for outdoor events where the last thing you want is to have your heel sink into the ground and get stuck.

For ultimate comfort, look for block heels with a wider adjustable strap or even a cutout upper. These can help the shoe hug your foot more securely, preventing wobbles and ankle twists.

How to Style Them

To go out in style (and comfort) in your block heel sandals, pair them with an outfit that helps you feel equally confident and powerful. Rock them with a body-con dress for a night out, or opt for a jumpsuit when you want a little more coverage. 

#4 Wear Cutout Sandals In Between Seasons

Supporting your soles is one thing, but changes in weather can also make finding comfortable sandals a challenge. One minute you’re enjoying the balmy weather with your friends at outdoor trivia night, and the next, your feet are freezing. So, how do you pull off sandal chic when temperature shifts are likely? 

Cutout sandals are the perfect choice. These shoes come with more coverage for your foot— about half the cover of an ankle boot—but their snazzy cutouts still leave plenty of room for air to flow. With these sandals, you can have it all.

To keep your feet as cozy as they are breezy, it’s important to look for cutout sandals that combine other features. These may include:

  • A block or wedge heel
  • A cushioned insole
  • A zippered side for easy on/off action

How to Style Them

Since we’re talking in-betweens, try your cutout sandals with an outfit that gives you just as much adaptability. Layer a maxi dress with an oversized sweater, or pair your cutouts sandals with jeans, a turtleneck, and a blazer for a dressier occasion.

#5 Try Platform Sandals for Height Without Compromise

Sometimes, you just need the confidence boost of added height, like when you’re going to see your ex or when you’re finally asking for that raise you deserve. But you also need to keep your head in the game and may prefer the feeling of your feet on solid ground. 

Fortunately, platform sandals are the key to feeling like you’re walking on clouds and giving you the stability to stand among them.

The most comfortable platform sandals come with the same feel-good qualities as a flat strappy, flat sandals—padded, frictionless straps and a supportive insole. One extra benefit platform sandals might offer, however, are some extra-spiky treads to keep you from slipping. 

How to Style Them

To pay homage to this sandal’s legendary lift at work, try them with a pair of wide-leg trousers and a tucked-in blouse. For a more casual occasion, pair their sporty playfulness with a graphic tee and high-waisted shorts.  

Tips to Ensure Sandal Comfort

Whatever sandals you choose to make your own, there are some tricks to ensuring their fit leaves your feet feeling wonderful—and not aching for relief. Here’s a guide to choosing the best sandal for any occasion:

  • Check your shoe size – Even if you’re pretty confident about your shoe size, it’s important to check your measurements every once in a while. Different shoe brands may also have slight variations in sizing, so it may help to check their size chart before making your choice. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society recommends choosing a size based on your largest foot. They also note that you should measure your feet at the end of the day, when your feet are their largest.
  • Look for arch support – Since you can’t always add shoe inserts to sandals, be sure to look for a pair that come with arch support and cushioned insoles already built in. The insoles of your shoes should align closely with your foot’s natural shape.
  • Watch out for the straps – Straps can make a major difference in the comfort of a sandal. In general, wider straps are a better bet than thin straps. Extra padding and cushioning within the straps are also especially helpful when you’ll be walking long distances in them. Meanwhile, an adjustable ankle strap can provide extra flexibility and help the sandal fit your foot better.

The good news is that there’s a huge number of different sandal options available, so you’re sure to find an option that feels right for your feet and your fashion.

Step Out In Style and Comfort with Toms

Sometimes, you may feel like finding comfortable sandals means leaving style behind. There may even be times when you end up choosing gym shoes over your favorite sandals just to prioritize comfort.

If this is true for you, then finding a pair of sandals that feel amazing and suit your personal style will feel like a dream. But how do you know where to find them?

That’s where TOMS comes in. With TOMS, finding the perfect pair of women’s sandals is as easy as stepping into a pair of slides. That’s because we design sandals that look and feel fantastic, with plenty of eye-catching styles and OrthoLite® insoles for breathable support.

Rather than settling for uncomfortable sandals, choose TOMS, and keep your feet fashionable and fancy-free.

Reviewed By Andrew David Stewart

Andrew David Stewart is the Manager of Digital Marketing at TOMS and has been working in the digital marketing and social media world for 6 years. Andrew is a lover of nature and the outdoors, and is passionate about telling stories through digital media.Sources: 

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. 10 Points of Proper Shoe Fit. https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/10-points-of-proper-shoe-fit 

Fairview Health. Choosing the Right Shoes for Comfort. https://www.fairview.org/Patient-Education/Articles/English/w/e/a/r/i/Choosing_the_Right_Shoes_for_Comfort_40049