The outsole has a rubber grip reliable enough to keep you from slipping on slimy river rocks or desert sand, so it will keep you safe anywhere you're walking. These shoes have an American Podiatric Medical Association-certified LUVSEAT™ footbed that provides arch and heel support, heel lift, and all-day comfort. The webbing straps are also breathable, so they don't rub or cause blisters. The straps are all one long piece of jacquard webbing, so you can adjust the tension on each section to fit your specific foot width and height, then tighten the sandal overall with the plastic buckle. The brand's foray into trendy colorways and cool partnerships with brands like Outdoor Afro has made the adventure shoe an all-the-time shoe.įor starters, it has straps holding down every part of your foot, including a heel strap to support and keep your foot in place. The classic outdoor shoe is crafted to be dependable and comfortable on long treks. But if you're looking for the best comfortable sandal for walking around town, we (and Dr. It's Worth Noting: The sporty style is very casual and the criss-crossing straps can lead to awkward tan lines if you aren't diligent with your sunscreen.īoth our experts agree sandals are not a good idea if you're walking a long distance, like when you travel. Why We Like Them: With a supportive podiatrist-backed footbed and straps that secure every part of your foot and are also entirely adjustable, Chaco's Z/1 Classics is the ideal sandal to support your feet walking distances. These sandals aren't cheap, but most Birkenstocks last for years, so they are a very sound investment for your foot health for many seasons to come. Parthasarathy recommends, the slide design means they're easy to pop on as you run out of the house but still more supportive than flip-flops. Although they don't have the bonus of an ankle strap, which Dr. Style-wise, Birks tend to go with everything. Birkenstock's regular sizing is wide enough for most feet, and they have the option for a narrower fit. The straps cover the entire forefoot to prevent your tendons from straining with every step, and the straps are leather, which Dr. The contoured footbed provides arch support, and the heel cup will mold to your foot's shape over time. These shoes hit every feature on both expert's must-have list: For starters, they're supportive and shock-absorbing, Dr. Parthasarathy adding that she pretty much lives in Birks for the summer. It's Worth Noting: The design lacks a heel or ankle strap, which our experts recommend.īirkenstock was the only brand recommended by both of the podiatrists we consulted, with Dr. Why We Like Them: Highly regarded by both our experts, Birkenstocks have a contoured footbed that delivers arch support and a heel cup, durable straps to cover the whole forefoot, and a timeless design that'll last you years. Best for Wide Feet: Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 Deja Vu.Best Budget Sandals: Birkenstock Gizeh EVA Sandals.
Best Dress Sandal: Jennifer Tattanelli Rate Platform Sandals.Best for High Arches: Aetrex Jillian Braided Quarter Strap.Best Overall: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal.Here are our top picks for the best comfortable sandals to support your feet. Parthasarathy and Suzanne Levine, DPM, aesthetic podiatrist, podiatric foot surgeon, and founder of Millennium Podiatry, about what to look for in the best comfortable sandals and what to avoid. The best comfortable sandals have straps covering the entire forefoot to prevent muscles from lifting and straining, a supportive footbed with arch and heel support, and a slight 1-2 inch heel to relieve the pressure from your Achilles and plantar fascia. Luckily, not all sandals are problematic. "Your muscles, tendons, and toes have to grip harder to stay stable in sandals, which can lead to overuse and strains, and even stress fractures." "Summer is usually when we are the most active and we all need shoes that can support us," she explains. Maryland-based podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), says she sees a spike in patients in late August and September.
So we conducted hours of research and interviewed experts to find the most comfortable sandals available online. We all love a cute summer sandal-but nobody wants to run the risk of a strained muscle or plantar fasciitis after months of walking miles with unsupportive shoes.