Yes, sandals can be both stylish and comfortable. These picks from Birkenstocks, Clarks and other iconic brands prove it.
Wearing these airy shoes shouldn't mean you have to deal with sore, achy feet or painful blisters. That's why, when we searched for the best sandals for women, we chatted with a team of podiatrists to find out what to look for in the best sandals based on preferences such as style, health and fitness.
With the experts' tips in mind, we scoured the internet for the best sandals for women. Then, we checked in with our shopping experts to see what their favorites were, because there's nothing like a recommendation from someone who has bought, worn and loved a pair themselves.
From rugged hiking sandals to sturdy pool slides and fashion-forward leather options, keep reading to see all the best women's sandals for 2025. And if you want more sandal content, check out our guides to the most comfortable sandals and the best flip-flops.
Update, Dec. 18, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best sandals for women remains unchanged.
To figure out which sandals for women are the best of the best, we researched dozens of top-rated pairs, examining their product specifications and customer reviews. We also consulted a mix of podiatrists and our own shopping editors. They weighed in on what to look for when picking the right sandals for different needs and shared which options are their favorites.
Whether you're wearing them every day or just once in a while, you want to find a pair of sandals that are both comfortable and supportive. To find the option that best suits your needs, there are several factors to consider:
The podiatrists we spoke to say that, besides the styles listed above, they generally recommend looking for options that offer arch support, thick cushioning and good traction. You also want to make sure the sandals' bottoms are sturdy and won't "bend in half like a burrito," says Dr. Brenner, as that's an indicator that your shoe is not going to offer support or stability during all-day wear. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., tells us that if you can easily bend the base of a sandal -- in terms of support -- "it's almost like you're walking barefoot."
Should you size up or down in sandals?
As with any shoe, the most important part of finding a comfortable sandal is finding one that fits right. "The sandal should support the entire foot. If too big, the foot will slide; if too small, the foot will hang off the sides or the back," Dr. Bass tells us. Generally speaking, your sandal size should be the same as your shoe size, but always be sure to check the specific size chart for the sandal in question to make sure your feet won't hang off or slip out.