Finding good hiking sandals can be a difficult task. But when you’re on the trail or walking for long periods of time, you need a pair of sandals that are up to the job. I’ve rated and reviewed the best walking sandals for women for 2023.
Whether you’re on the trail or walking for long periods of time, you need a pair of sandals that are up to the job. And luckily, there are a few brands out there that do just that – creating comfortable sandals for women that feel like you’re walking on a cloud.
The Best Walking Sandals for Women: At a Glance
Short on time and in quick need of a good walking sandal? Here are a few of my top picks. You’ll find in-depth reviews for each sandal in the next section.
| Best Women’s Walking Sandal For… | Product |
| Keen Women’s Clearwater Leather CNX Sandals | Best Overall Walking Sandal |
| Teva Terra Fi Lite Sandals | Best Travel Sandal |
| Merrell Women’s Siren Strap Sandals | Most Comfortable Walking Sandal |
| Fitflop Lulu Flip Flops | Best Flip Flops for Walking |
| Birkenstock Arizona Sandals | Most Stylish Walking Sandal |
10 Best Ladies Walking Sandals
Looking for good sandals for walking long distances? Let’s take a deep dive into each of the best sandals on the market.
Keen Women’s Clearwater Leather CNX Sandals – Best Overall Walking Sandals for Women
The Clearwaters are the perfect overall walking sandals for women. They’re comfortable enough that you can wear them all day without thinking about them. They’re also durable enough to wear while hiking. The closed toes help to prevent any stubbed digits while you are on the trail.
Underfoot support comes in the form of contoured arches and a stability shank. Even so, the Clearwaters are still incredibly light. The grippy soles help you stay steady on slippery surfaces too.
On the top, the waterproof leather upper is adjustable by way of a bungee cord lace system, so you can customise it to fit your feet. This ensures a consistently snug fit without any chafing or rubbing.
Price: (£££)
Pros
- Light and comfortable
- Highly supportive
- Fully adjustable
- Washable
Cons
- Sizing can come up on the small side.
Teva Terra Fi Lite Sandals – Lightweight Walking Sandals for Travel
The Teva Terra Fi Lite sandals are so light, flexible and comfortable that you might forget you have walking sandals on at all. For this reason, it is one of the best walking sandals for travel.
But don’t let the comfort fool you. These travel sandals are some of the toughest out there – with the additional benefits of great foot support with shock-absorbing soles.
The polyester webbing straps have the dual benefits of being lightweight and drying quickly if you get them wet. They’re also easy to slip on and off but hold the sandals in place with their customisable fit, so there is no slippage and chafing. Plus, the fully-synthetic upper means that these are vegan walking sandals.
The rubber sole grips well. This is due to the Teva’s Spider Original rubber, which guarantees superior grip and traction.
The Microban antimicrobial technology is a big plus – helping to stop the shoes from getting smelly if you get them wet.
Price: £
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight – perfect if you are travelling light or walking long distances.
- Good in water
Cons
- Open toe box – easier to stub toes if you are hiking on the trail.
- Can begin to smell
Ecco Women’s Off Road Athletic Sandals – Best Sandals for Walking Long Distances
Ecco excels at making comfortable and supportive footwear that is good for your feet. So if you’re looking for good sandals for walking long distances, then this offering is among the best options on the market today.
What’s so special? The Ecco Women’s Offroad is extremely well made. Mine isn’t showing any signs of wear or tear even after extensive time on the trail.
They offer great foot support – one of the key considerations if you are planning on wearing sandals while on the trail. What’s more, they have great grip and traction on pretty much every surface I’ve tried them out on.
The RECEPTOR technology provides all-round stability and support. The sole’s soft microfibre cover is extremely comfortable underfoot but doesn’t rub, even when it’s wet.
Overall, if you prefer a more robust walking sandal for long-distance hikes without sacrificing any of the comforts, the Women’s Offroad is a great choice.
Price: (££)
Pros
- Microfibre coating underfoot – very comfortable
- Sturdy design
- Suitable for hiking
Cons
- Quite a narrow fit – can be difficult if you have wide feet
- Buckle isn’t very durable
Merrell Women’s Siren Strap Sandals – Most Comfortable Walking Sandals
Comfort is one of the main reasons to wear walking sandals rather than boots. It was a tough call choosing the most comfortable women’s walking sandals, but the Merrell Women’s Siren Strap Sandals pipped the others to the post.
Why? The waterproof nubuck uppers provide just the right balance between support and flexibility, while the dual-density midsole is exactly the kind your feet need to get them through a long day on the road or on the trail.
They’re complemented by air cushioning on the heel for shock absorption and stability, heel centring technology and maximum grip underfoot.
The arch support on the Siren Straps is good enough for most feet but not to the point that it feels uncomfortable. That said, you might want to look elsewhere if you’re flat-footed and need a lot of arch support.
Price: (££)
Pros
- Fully adjustable – good for narrow feet.
- Very lightweight.
- Good traction
Cons
- Sizes run on the large side
- Toe gripper ridges are slightly too prominent
Teva Women’s Tirra Sandals – Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Travel
Another good walking shoe for women by Teva, the Teva Tirra offers a beefier option than the Terra Fi Lite listed above. With more strap support, they’re a good choice for people who want a pair of walking sandals that can deal with long days on the road but are still quite sturdy.
You can tell that Teva sandals can handle a little wetness. This is particularly practical when you are travelling in hot climates. They’re also lightweight and breathable, dry fast and don’t rub underfoot. So if you’re looking to tackle some of the best hikes in Europe this summer, this is a good pick.
My only quibble with the Teva Tirra sandals is the ankle strap, which did start to rub after a long day on the trail. Others haven’t had this problem, though, and they’re still my sandal of choice for hikes through wetter terrain or for water use.
Price: (££)
Pros
- Dry fast and microbial technology stops them from smelling
- Available in a wide range of colours
- Shock-absorbing heel
Cons
- Ankle strap can rub after a long day
- Sizing is fairly small
Skechers Women’s Reggae Sandals – Best Leather Walking Sandals
If there is one word that describes Skechers’ shoes, it’s comfortable. Whether it be a pair of trainers or sandals, these shoes will be able to see you through the longest of walks. The same holds true for the Skechers Reggae Sandals.
The Reggae’s boast a simple strappy sandal design with smooth faux leather sides and heel and a lightly-textured, memory foam cushioned footbed. The simple, sleek design allows for a more lightweight feel — perfect for those lengthier walks.
The Skechers also feature a neat heel string strap. The adjustable hook and loop closure on the strap and soft, stretchy leather upper ensure a much easier fit.
While the sandal is great for everyday walks, travelling, and light trails, the lack of ankle support and coverage is not ideal for more intense hikes. Nonetheless, this is a good option for anyone seeking comfortable and light walking sandals.
Price: (£)
Pros
- Light and comfortable
- Shock-absorbing midsole
- Adjustable straps allow for a better fit
Cons
- Not the most durable option
- The sole is wide for a “slim” sandal
Fitflop Lulu – Best Flip Flops for Walking
First of all, you are not about to tackle any trail in the Fitflop Lulu sandals. These are walking flip flops made for long days in the city, not in the forest. But if you are looking for comfy flip flops for walking, the Fitflop Lulu is a good option.
The problem with most flip flops is that they don’t absorb shock and they rub the spot between your toes after more than about a minute’s wear. The Lulu does away with both of these problems with a cute but practical design and the famous microwobbleboard midsoles.
The midsoles are comfort redefined, while the leather uppers and lining help to stop your feet from sweating. The cushioning can take a bit of time to get used to. Once you do, you’ll start to wonder how you ever wore another pair of flip flops at all.
Price: (£)
Pros
- Stretchy construction
- Stylish design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Fabric on the underside is not comfortable
- Dye rubs off on your feet
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals – Comfortable Walking Sandals That Look Good
While they are practical and comfortable, most walking sandals are not that pretty. However, an exception to this is Birkenstock. The popular brand designs sandals that are nice to your feet and your eyes — and they’ve been doing so since 1744.
The Birkenstock Arizona is the brand’s most popular design – and for good reason. They’re stylish, comfortable and available in about a million colours, from shiny gold to understated black.
The adjustable straps help achieve a secure fit up top. The moldable sole and raised grip also combine to create a level of comfort you rarely find in everyday shoes.
Like the Fitflop Lulu, these are firmly in the category of everyday sandals. You’ll need something more robust for the trail. They’re not waterproof either and tend to rub after being fully immersed in water for a couple of wears.
What they are is the most comfortable flip flops for walking you will find for city use. The Arizonas also get full bonus points for being pretty good looking to boot.
Price: (££)
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable construction
- Stylish design
Cons
- Not suitable for trails
- Uncomfortable when wet
Crocs Women’s Serena Flip Flop — Best Waterproof Walking Sandals
Heading to a beach? You’ll want a comfortable and stylish shoe. Especially if you’re hoping to do some sightseeing or walk along the shorefront. Fortunately, Crocs has a sandal that is both waterproof and suitable for everyday wear.
The Crocs Serena Flip Flop has a stylish T-strap Italian design and still provides the comfort that Crocs are popular for. Thanks to its unique design, you can wear it in water, on the beach, or at a nearby restaurant.
The sandal features the brand’s Croslite foam foundation. The benefits of this are that it is ultra-light, slip and UV-resistant, and does not develop any bad smells. This way, you can wear them for hours with little to no discomfort.
Price: (£)
Pros
- Anti-microbial
- Ergonomic design
- Recyclable
- Slip and UV-resistant
Cons
- Not suited to hiking trails
- Wide fit
Keen Women’s Rose Sandal – Best Ladies’ Hiking Sandal
When hitting the trails, a comfortable shoe that provides sufficient protection is a must. With a unique closed-toe design, the Keen Women’s Rose Sandal offers exactly that and more.
Also ensuring your safety while hiking is the sandal’s grippy sole. This is thanks to the multi-directional lugs, which provide good control and stability, even on wet surfaces. The toe bumper is also a great touch, so you’re almost guaranteed no injuries.
The Rose is also water-resistant due to the washable polyester webbing and quick-drying lining on the upper portion of the shoe. So if you need to cross a river or two while hiking, you’ll be well-prepared with this incredible hiking sandal.
Price: (££)
Pros
- Water-resistant upper
- Provides good traction
- Toe-bumper for added protection
- Suitable for hiking
Cons
- Sizing is small
- No arch support
Best Walking Sandals: Women’s Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking for the best travel sandals or something to wear on your next hike, there are a few factors worth keeping an eye out for. Here are some of the most important things to consider when searching for the perfect walking sandal.
Ventilation
Walking sandals offer more ventilation than hiking boots or hiking shoes, but the level of ventilation differs between models.
Weight
Walking sandals should be lightweight, which makes them the perfect shoes for travellers. Just make sure you’re not sacrificing comfort either.
Waterproof
There are a growing number of waterproof walking sandals on the market, which can be handy if you are unsure of the terrain or plan on walking in wetter areas. Check to see that the sandals come with antibacterial protection to help prevent them from getting smelly.
Support
How much underfoot support do the sandals provide? Walking sandals with arch support is pretty much standard across the board, but the level of support differs. Flat-footed people will want more foot support, while others might not require firm support.
Use
What do you want to use the sandals for? If you’re simply looking for a comfortable option for long days of walking around in town, you may find that a comfy pair of flip flops for walking will be adequate. If you’re planning on hitting the trail, you will certainly need a pair of proper walking sandals with more technical features to help provide support as you hike.
Note: Hiking sandals are not suitable for hillwalking as they don’t offer any ankle support.
Adjustability and Fit
No two feet are the same. The general rule of thumb is that the more adjustable a pair of walking sandals are, the more likely you can get a comfortable fit for your feet. Your feet should remain in place while you are walking, and straps shouldn’t rub or be too tight.
Cushioning
One of the biggest benefits of walking sandals over standard sandals or flip flops is an enhanced level of cushioning, helping to protect your joints from shock and providing you with stability as you hike.
Material
Uppers generally feature leather or synthetic materials. There are pros and cons to both. Synthetic materials perform better in wet conditions as they dry quickly and don’t tend to rub if wet. Leather can provide a more comfortable grip and is naturally quite breathable. Most leather walking sandals have a synthetic lining to help make them more water-resistant, but they’re still not as efficient in damper conditions as synthetic uppers.
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