The 10 Best Walking Sandals for Any Travel Activity

Leave it to the French to design a walking sandal that’s chic enough for the streets of Marais yet sturdy enough to handle the hills of Montmartre. The cushioned footbed makes pounding the pavement effortless, while the sweet ankle strap and cutouts keep it from feeling too utilitarian. Though you can never go wrong with basic black or tan, the red suede ones add a fun pop of color to any outfit.

The ’90s are back in a big way, so it makes sense that the iconic Teva sandal—beloved by hikers, campers, and outdoor-lovers—is, too. Virtually indestructible, they’re perfect for any trip that includes rugged terrain. Embrace the retro feel with this appropriately named colorway, which is reminiscent of some of the decade’s cool Memphis interiors.

Margaux’s cult-favorite ballet flats have been taking city streets by storm, but for a little extra height, we love the brand’s low-heel sandals. They’re made with similar ultra-soft materials and have serious cushioning where it counts. Pack the neutral metallic pair when you know you’ll have lots of evening events—your feet will feel as good as they look.

Slides are having a moment—and for good reason, they’re a great way to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. Everlane’s chic, minimalist style, in on-trend light pink, is made of Italian leather and has extra padding in the footbed to take you from brunch to vintage treasure hunt to apéro hour without missing a step.

Nothing says “casual glamor” like an espadrille. Whether paired with jeans, a linen sheath, or a playful jumpsuit, the shoes make any outfit feel Majorca ready. These are comfortable enough for a long day of walking (and shopping, and snacking, and snacking again), but the cute buckle and slight platform add a bit of flair. The light blue is especially perfect for transitioning from spring to summer.

For beach trips, you need sandals that can stand up to long walks along the shore but can just as easily duck into a sweet oceanfront cafe. That’s where these Crocs come in—the light, flexible material works indoors or out, and the open shape makes shaking out sand a breeze.

Those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort for fashion know Aerosoles is the way to go. This pair has the brand’s classic diamond flex soles, which absorb the shock of stepping on concrete. In other words, they’re the sandal to bring if you’re doing a walking tour (or just a lot of walking). A fun leopard print gives them a little something extra.

These sandals have a lot going for them: Not only are they backed by more than 1,300 glowing Amazon reviews, but at less than $20, they’re also incredibly affordable. The elastic straps make taking them on and off a cinch and come in handy when you don’t want to feel too constricted. We like them in versatile navy, but we wouldn’t blame you if you grab more than one.

A go-with-everything shade of brown? Check. A delicate ankle strap to keep feet in place? Check. The perfect-height wedge? Check. These platforms tick all the boxes. Even better: If you’re carrying on, they’ll take you through a full trip’s worth of outfits (with nary a blister in sight).

Gallery crawls, museum days, nonstop sightseeing followed by fancy dinners—they all require sandals that read as elegant but feel comfy. M.Gemi’s Mare fits the bill. The sandals have an on-trend ‘90s silhouette and are made of Italian leather, but the chunky heel is so stable and solid, it’ll hold up to hours of trekking. As one reviewer vowed, “I’ll be wearing these every day on my vacation.” All we can say is “same.”