15 Best Walking Sandals for Women (2023): Teva, Birkenstock, Rothy’s, & More

Mercedes Bleth, Condé Nast Traveler’s global associate director of social, raves about these classic sandals for when you want to slide into something casual and breezy. The footbed is made of cork-latex and lined with suede. The upper portion is made of the durable material Birko-Flor that lends the sandal its name. If you’re looking for a neutral, choose from the dark brown or black—or switch it up with a white pair that contrasts with the tan suede and cork.

A classic black sandal goes well with almost anything and this pair comes highly recommended by Condé Nast’s VP of content strategy and growth, Millie Tran. This style with adjustable straps and buckle closures keep your feet secure for busy days on your feet. The nylon upper with rubber soles creates plenty of support and makes them a great option for days spent sightseeing. 

When you want to embrace the platform sandal trend without sacrificing comfort, senior editor Megan Spurrell praises the Teva Midform Universal sandals. They’re ideal for concerts, museum openings, or sporting events where you’ll be on your feet all day but don’t want to compromise style. These provide arch support and added traction, and are made from recycled materials. 

An updated model to Hoka’s original Ora slides, another favorite of Spurrell’s, these recovery sandals feature four air flow channels for maximum breathability and are more lightweight. The soft foot bed provides plenty of cushion for your feet after an intense workout or day hike. These futuristic slides come in a variety of vacation-ready colors like Citrus Glow, Sherbet, Violet Bloom, Passion Fruit, and Vibrant Orange. 

If you’re looking for a pair of sandals you can actually hike comfortably in,  Lara Kramer, Traveler’s global director of audience development, analytics, and social, says these are for you. The cushioned padding absorbs shock impact and the contoured midsole gives you plenty of added arch support for walking on uneven terrain. These durable sandals, made from recycled materials, are designed to work in wet conditions, provide traction, and feature a hook-and-loop closure for easy adjusting. 

Long walks along the most uneven terrain are no match for Teva’s trail sandals. The rugged outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip rubber (the same material used in heavy-duty hiking boots) for added traction while navigating rocky surfaces, while the water-resistant Repreve polyester upper material is both comfortable and quick to dry—a godsend when you come across a creek or get caught in an unexpected rain. The adjustable straps also allow you to tighten or loosen the fit as desired between demanding hikes and more casual hangouts by the campfire, and mean that the shoe works well for both wide and narrow feet.

Ideal for active days spent on walking trails or bike rides when you don’t want to wear sneakers, the Bravada sandals from Merrell are lightweight and supportive. The ankle strap keeps your foot secure while the mesh upper offers plenty of breathability. The outsole is designed to give added grip and the hook and loop closure makes adjusting them to your exact fit a breeze. 

If you prefer to have your toes covered when you hit the trails, Keen’s Newport H2 sandals offer the breathability of a sandal and the protection of a sneaker, thanks to a durable toe bumper. The quick-dry linings of the shoe and grippy soles allow you to navigate through steams, puddles, and rain without a worry and the insoles give you the arch support you need for a full day of movement.