THERE'S no need to suffer sore feet when the weather heats up if you choose a pair of the best walking sandals for women.
The perfect pair of sandals can be hard to find, especially if you plan on wearing them for hours on end. It’s important that the shoes don’t rub in the heat and that they don’t cause blisters that will have you limping home.
They also need to cushion and support feet, especially if you suffer from plantar fasciitis; a painful foot condition that can be exacerbated by wearing flimsy shoes.
It’s worth considering when you’ll be wearing the sandals. Some have more rugged soles and are made of breathable material so are best suited to very long walks on uneven terrain, though you’d still be better off choosing a sturdier trainer or boot for more challenging hikes when ankle support is needed.
Others are more stylish and are better suited for everyday walking around cities or for days when you’ll be on your feet for hours but still want to look good.
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In every case, look for features including adjustable straps, footbeds with arch support and soles with a good grip. Then you can put your best foot forward for summer.
Best walking sandals for women at a glance:
- Best overall: Clarks ATL Trek Sport
- Best value: Mountain Warehouse Oia
- Best mid-range: Teva Women’s Tirra Leather
- Best premium: Merrell Kahuna III
- Best for rough terrain: Regatta Women’s Westhore II
- Best urban design: FitFlop Gracie Crystal
Clarks ATL Trek Sport
Clarks ATL Trek Sport, £85 from Clarks
Pros: Excellent grip, comfortable sole, water-resistant
Cons: Quite bulky for everyday wear
Rating: 5/5
While Clarks has long been a British high street stalwart, it might not be the first place you think of for a specialised walking sandal. Yet this year even some of their fashion-focused sandals have been tweaked to make them more comfortable with foam footbeds and adjustable straps on stylish pairs you could wear anywhere.
This pair was designed for serious walkers. They have high-traction soles to tackle bumpy ground and country paths with ease, bio-based EVA midsoles to absorb shock and textile lining for breathability. The adjustable straps round the ankles feel so secure, they even offer some welcome ankle support on uneven terrain unlike most other walking sandals.
Though they have quite a hefty sole, they also feel surprisingly lightweight on even in warmer weather. They are fairly bulky and the sole adds over an inch in height, so M&S Collection Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals may be better for smarter everyday wear. However, you’ll reach for these again and again if you like to get active once the sun’s out.
Size range: 3-9; Colours available: 2; Fabric: Textile upper and rubber sole
FitFlop Gracie Crystal Leather Strappy Back-Strap Sandals
FitFlop Gracie Crystal Leather, £100 from FitFlop
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Pros: Look attractive, great cushioning, supportive
Cons: Expensive, minimal grip
Rating: 5/5
I didn’t expect these sandals to be ideal for walking as the sole is extremely thin. In fact, on my first day trying them walking around London, I slipped another pair in my bag just in case.
However, I was stunned to discover wearing these feels like walking on clouds. The sandals have anatomically contoured footbeds that give amazing support and there’s high-rebound cushioning hidden in the flat soles. They’ve even been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Better still, they look great on and I’d happily wear them all day long in the office or sightseeing on holiday and then go straight to a restaurant without worrying if they were too casual. Though the sole is slip-resistant, they’re definitely better suited to pounding pavements than marching through fields, so if you need a pair with sturdier grip, try the Clarks ATL Trek Sport.
The black leather footbeds and straps are soft from the very first wear, while the shimmery crystal covered straps set them apart from most functional-but-no-fun walking sandals. I’ll be wearing them with everything from jeans to formal wear this summer.
Size range: 3-9; Colours available: 3; Fabric: Leather and microfibre
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Teva Women’s Tirra Leather Sandals
Teva Women’s Tirra Leather Sandals, £80 from Cotswold Outdoor
Pros: Waterproof, very good grip, good for hiking, excellent arch support
Cons: Back straps take some getting used to, visible loop for carrying
Rating: 4.5/5
Teva sandals have a devoted fanbase among hardcore hikers so it’s no surprise that I felt like I could walk miles in these shoes.
The sole feels amazingly supportive from the very first wear. The sandals have a contoured footbed for arch support, adjustable straps and shock absorption technology so I really did feel like I could tackle anything wearing these.
They’re even waterproof so it won’t matter if you splash through puddles or even wear them during water sports. However, if you’re looking for something a little more fashion-forward to wear with summer dresses, you’d be better off opting for the Vionic Mar Strappy Platform Sandal.
I did find the straps took a little getting used to as they are quite low on the heel. When I first wore these on a walk around my neighbourhood, I felt sure they were slipping and kept stopping to adjust them.
Once I realised they were going nowhere, I completely forgot I was wearing them because they’re so comfortable and they’ve since become my go-to for warm weather hikes.
Size range: 4-9; Colours available: 3; Fabric: Waterproof nubuck leather and rubber sole
Sorel Viibe Sandal
Sorel Viibe Sandal, £110 from Sorel
Pros: Extremely comfortable from first wear, trendy design, good support
Cons: Expensive, run a little small
Rating: 4.5/5
These sandals make a real statement. They have puffy leather straps for a modern look, scalloped detail and a contrasting monochrome sole with the Sorel brand name printed in giant letters underneath the sandal.
They don’t prioritise style over substance though. I was surprised to discover just how comfortable they were straight from the box. The ankle strap is adjustable in two places and the contoured cushioned straps are a dream to fasten, plus the sole seemed to mould around my foot making them feel almost bouncy as I walked.
I wore them for long stretches walking between meetings and even to a concert when I was stood for hours and I had happy feet throughout, which is almost unheard of. If you’re planning something sportier, you may prefer the Columbia Women’s Globetrot Sandal though.
Just be aware that they do run a little small so it’s worth ordering half a size up, then you’ll be walking on air all summer.
Size range: 3-10; Colours available: 4; Fabric: Leather upper and moulded rubber sole
Merrell Kahuna III
Merrell Kahuna III, £100 from Merrell
Pros: Suit all terrain, hardwearing, excellent grip, comfortable
Cons: Expensive, a little bulky for some people
Rating: 4.5/5
Swerve weedy walking sandals if you’re planning on hiking up hills and trudging through streams.
These were the sturdiest pair of sandals I tested but also one of the most comfortable with a thick rubber sole and padded straps. They felt good from the first time I put them on once I’d adjusted the two straps to fit my feet.
They also had the best grip by far of all the sandals and are designed to stay firm even on steep riverbanks. I used them on a long trek through nearby countryside and they felt stable on mud and a bumpy trail covered with tree roots. However, I did find that the sandals’ extra coverage is great in these conditions, but could make them warm to wear in very hot climates.
If you’re not planning on walking further than the local pub, these sandals are probably overkill and you might want to choose the more attractive FitFlop Gracie Crystal Leather Strappy Back-Strap Sandals instead. But for serious summer walkers, there’s no better buy.
Size range: 3-9; Colours available: 3; Fabric: Suede upper and TC5+ rubber sole
Mountain Warehouse Oia Women’s Sandals
Mountain Warehouse Oia Women’s Sandals, £29.99
Pros: Very comfortable sole, adjustable straps, good price
Cons: Material is quite hard at first
Rating: 4/5
These sandals are a great compromise. They’re not so bulky that it will look like you’re about to head off on a half-day hike when you’re popping to the supermarket, yet they’re a cut above average fashion sandals.
The sole is fairly thin yet extremely supportive and I found them comfortable from the very first wear. They really felt as if they were moulded around my foot and gave great support to my arches. The adjustable straps work well to get the sandals fitting just right, though the material is a little hard so I did find one pinched a little on my left foot initially.
They also have a decent grip; I wore them on a walk through a muddy field and felt very stable, although if it’s very rough underfoot, you might be better with the Regatta Women’s Westhore II Walking Sandals.
They’re also very lightweight so would be easy to pack to take on holiday, and the flash of pink in the pair I tested adds a summery touch. The price gets a big thumbs-up too.
Size range: 4-8; Colours available: 4; Fabric: Polyester upper and phylon midsole
Vionic Mar Strappy Platform Sandal
Vionic Mar Strappy Platform Sandal, £130 from Vionic
Pros: Look very smart, fantastic arch support, surprisingly stable
Cons: Not suited to very wide feet, expensive
Rating: 4/5
I first heard about Vionic shoes when a friend said that she wore a pair all day in Disney World and found them blissfully comfortable. Given I could barely limp back to my hotel wearing trainers when I visited Orlando, I was excited to try them out for myself.
This pair certainly don’t look like a standard pair of walking sandals. They have a buckled ankle strap made of soft leather and the pair I tested came in tastefully neutral shades of gold, cream and camel that would go with almost anything.
Yet I was staggered by how much support the footbed gave, especially for a more formal pair of sandals. The shoes have contoured arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning and really felt like they hugged my feet. I wore them for a full day of meetings around London when I clocked up over 15,000 steps and didn’t suffer my usual heel pain by the end of the next day.
The only downside is that I have quite wide feet and I did find them a little tight width-wise, so it’s worth trying M&S Collection Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals if you need a wider alternative.
However, I was otherwise wowed by these smart but supportive sandals that are set to become my new summer staple.
Size range: 3-9; Colours available: 3; Fabric: Leather upper and EVA footbed
Trespass Women’s Walking Sandals Serac
Trespass Women’s Walking Sandals Serac, £29.99 from Trespass
Pros: No breaking in required, very comfortable sole, great price
Cons: Only one colour
Rating: 4/5
Call me fussy, but I rarely find a pair of shoes that don’t require considerable breaking in before I’m happy to wear them all day.
These walking sandals from Trespass are nothing short of miraculous. I could tell as soon as I put them on before a 5k walk that they wouldn’t cause blisters after ten minutes. They’re light as a feather to wear and I almost floated through my walk without any hint of dreaded rubbing.
Unusually, the straps can be adjusted in three different places which makes a big difference in getting the right fit; they’d be really useful on holiday if your feet tend to swell in the heat so you could tweak the straps to suit.
I especially liked how these were all padded and fully lined to stop them digging in. My only complaint is that, at the time of writing, they're only available in one colour – brown and duck egg blue - as the other two choices have recently sold out.
Size range: 37-41; Colours available: 1; Fabric: EVA footbed, others not specified
Columbia Women’s Globetrot Sandal
Columbia Women’s Globetrot Sandal, £55 from Columbia
Pros: Good grip, not too bulky so good in hot weather, lightweight
Cons: Brand name is very visible
Rating: 4/5
If you prefer to stay active on holiday rather than flop on a sunbed, these minimal but sporty sandals from Columbia are a great buy.
They’re extremely lightweight and won’t take up much room in your suitcase, yet they’re very comfy underfoot, with a flexible cushioned sole and excellent grip. They’re so springy, in fact, they almost feel like wearing trainers.
I especially liked the fact that they could be adjusted in three places (the back and front of the ankle and across the toes) to ensure they feel almost like custom-made shoes. The minimal design means they’d be perfect in hot weather, though I was less keen on the obvious branding across the top of the sandal.
Size range: 3-10; Colours available: 2; Fabric: 100% polyester upper and 100% rubber sole
M&S Collection Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals
M&S Collection Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals, £45 from Marks and Spencer
Pros: Goes with everything, soft leather, good arch support
Cons: Won’t work on rough terrain
Rating: 4/5
Another perfect pair for city walking, these leather sandals from M&S come in go-with-everything black or tan and are a great addition to any summer wardrobe.
They are regular fit but didn’t feel too narrow on my wider feet as many other sandals do. The leather is soft straight from the box as well so they didn’t take many wears before I felt confident about wearing them all day. I’ve since worn them on a (very) long day shopping with a teenager when my feet would normally be crying out for mercy, and I had no pain at all.
I also liked the fact that the leather is responsibly sourced and an antibacterial foam padding is used to minimise odour. Of course, the sole is too slim for hitting hiking trails and you’d be better of choosing Columbia Women’s Globetrot Sandals
for that, but these are the perfect everyday pair when the sun’s out.
Size range: 3-8; Colours available: 2; Fabric: Responsibly sourc
Dr Martens Clarissa II Quad Milled Nappa Leather Platform Sandals
Dr Martens Clarissa II Quad Milled Nappa Leather Platform Sandals, £140 from Dr Martens
Pros: Very sturdy, air cushioned sole, softer leather than expected
Cons: Need wearing in, expensive, quite heavy
Rating: 3.5/5
Dr. Marten might be famous for its distinctive boots with visible yellow stitching but the iconic brand also makes sandals for stomping through summer.
This pair are in classic gladiator style but have that distinctive Dr. Marten flourish, with the grooved edges, stitching and branded heel loop. I’ve always found the company’s boots take a long time to wear in because the leather can be stiff, but these are made with milled Nappa, a softer, supple leather that really made a difference.
They still chafed the back of my heel during the first few weeks of wear so it’s well worth breaking them in to avoid major ouch factor. If you need sandals to wear immediately, consider opting for the Sorel Viibe Sandal.
Once they’ve softened, they feel great on, not least because the platforms add around an inch and a half to your height. I felt like I could take on anything wearing them as they’re so sturdy.
I didn’t even flinch encountering puddles and mud on a march through my local woods, though they are quite heavy to wear. I reckon the hard-wearing soles and stylish look would make them perfect for music festivals too.
Size range: 3-9; Colours available: 2; Fabric: 100% leather upper with 100% PVC sole
Regatta Women’s Westhore II Walking Sandals
Regatta Women’s Westhore II Walking Sandals, £31.95 from Regatta
Pros: Very sturdy, toe protection for serious walkers, excellent grip
Cons: Could be too warm in hot climates, not for everyday wear
Rating: 3.5/5
This pair of sandals mean business; they’re not flimsy fashion shoes to be worn with a sundress, but a pair purposely designed for outdoor adventures (and I don’t mean the annual battle not to burn the sausages on the barbeque).
They’re definitely the sturdiest pair I tried and were the best for long walks on bumpy ground, with a study grip, comfortable footbed and covered toes for extra protection. The adjustable cord and backstrap ensure the perfect fit and the open back gives extra breathability to stop sweaty feet when walking.
I did find they were a little on the small side for me and my toes felt a touch cramped so it might be worth upsizing or considering the wider-fit Trespass Women’s Walking Sandals Serac. Otherwise, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for something more hard-wearing than the average sandals.
Size range: 3-8; Colours available: 2; Fabric: 90% polyurethane, 10% polyester
How we tested these walking sandals for women
I put every pair of sandals through their paces by buckling up and getting outside wearing them.
For each pair, I walked on city streets and rougher terrain including grass and woodlands. For those designed for off-road adventure, I went on longer hikes and didn’t swerve muddy puddles on the way. I also wore them on days when I was on my feet standing a lot, such as on shopping trips and to concerts.
I considered how comfortable each pair was to wear straight from the box, whether any straps rubbed and how much support the soles gave me. I also judged what sort of outfits they’d suit and if they were more appropriate with summer clothes and workwear, or strictly for hiking and active holidays. I tested every pair without socks and noted whether the sizing was accurate (I’m a size 5) and if the shoes suited my relatively wide feet.
Where to buy walking sandals for women
It’s easy to pick up walking sandals as summer approaches both online and in dedicated shoe shops and specialist stores selling outdoor and sports gear. For the biggest choice, it’s worth buying earlier, rather than waiting for a heatwave as some will sell out once the temperature rises. Try one of these recommended sites for the best choice:
- Cotswold Outdoors
- Regatta
- Clarks
- Trespass
- FitFlop
- Mountain Warehouse
- Snow & Rock
- Vionic
- Merrell
How much does a pair of walking sandals for women cost?
Walking sandals cost a little more than the average pair of fashion sandals and it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable, supportive and have extras such as adjustable straps and a good grip.
A good pair from a reputable brand specialising in outdoor clothing should set you back around £30. Ones with more advanced technology to support arches, rugged soles to handle rough terrain or a more fashion-forward look can cost up to £100 or more.
