It’s that time of the season when your favorite sandals look worn and you’re ready for a new everyday pair. But let’s face it, the shoe department can seem like a test of reasoning and decision-making. Not only are you juggling price and size, but also the style vs. comfort dilemma. Do you choose the trendy pair that will stay in your closet forever? Or the cozy pair you won’t be seen wearing outside the house?
When choosing a sandal, you want one that is both comfortable and fashionable. After all, no one wants to stress about sore feet, scrapes, or blisters. So we consulted fashion experts and podiatrists to find the best sandals for comfort and style lovers.
$139.95 at Naot
Who doesn’t love this classic double strap design? Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, who specializes in pediatric medicine, likes the adjustable straps, cushioned footbed, and especially the sole on this sandal. “The EVA sole is supportive and has an anatomical cork and latex bed,” she says. “This allows for arch support and shaping of the individual’s foot structure. EVA is an elastic material that is considered one of the best shock absorbing materials on the market today.” The brand also creates a style for men.
$139.95 at Naot
Get everything great about Santa Barbaras, but make them vegan! Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or not, these slides are stylish, comfortable and supportive. Daughtry recommends them for travel because they are lightweight and easily packable.
$55 and Hoka
As if the futuristic modern style wasn’t enough, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) actually gave this sandal their seal of approval. “In addition to a cushioned sole, the bottom of the sandal is shaped like the bottom of a boat,” says Dr. Sophia Solomon. “This allows your foot to swing from heel to toe in one smooth motion and minimizes impact on the knees and ankles.”
$130 in Birkenstock
When you think of comfortable and cute sandals, Birkenstocks probably immediately come to mind. But did you know that they are also good for your feet? According to Solomon, “Birkenstocks are still one of the best options out there due to several attributes. The deep cup and arch support stabilizes the heel, prevents excessive pronation, and spreads your weight over a larger surface area. The metatarsal cushion helps cushion of forefoot pain, or metatarsalgia, by shifting your weight further back on your foot.
$49.99 at Crocs
Oh, how we’ve loved the return of Croc! Jane Francis, a multidisciplinary designer with 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, vouches for them too. “Mixing high and low is always a winning formula in fashion,” she says. “I love how users of all ages and genders can customize their Crocs.” In case you need inspiration, Jane has her own Crocs embellished with chains, crystals and designer logos.
$59.95 at Oofos
These Oofos sandals have stuck around for good reason: for those with heel pain (and those without), the foam cushioning provides support and reduces shock. Plus, the Underscored editor’s favorite Ooriginal thong style is made with a non-slip footbed, making them suitable for wet conditions. Rain or shine, you don’t have to worry about sliding around.
150 dollars $69.95 at Cole Haan
If you walk a lot and don’t want to trade style for comfort, check out these Cole Haan sandals. Walking long distances on the New York City sidewalk is what led Carolina Obregón, a lecturer at the Parsons School of Design, to seek out these gems.
120 dollars $60 in Birkenstocks
We have another Birkenstock recommendation, this time for the secure fit Milano model, which comes in many bodies and styles. Stone Hubbard, footwear and accessory design technologist at the Fashion Institute of Technology, likes the suede cork base. “I like the Milano Birkenstock because they’re stylish like the classic Arizona model and have an orthopedic cork and jute footbed,” he says. “They provide great arch support and fit well with the back heel strap.”
$115 at Chaco
Have you heard the term ‘gorpcorp’? It’s a trend that focuses on utility and functionality. For fashion, leather and textile expert Tjacob Hooker, who has an MFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Chacos are the way to go. “I gravitate towards more ‘gorpcorp’ brands because of their respect for the human body,” he says. “Their design ethos is committed to ergonomics and continuous use.” Other brands he recommends include Birkenstock and Merrell.
150 dollars $112.98 at Sorel
How can something so fashionable be comfortable? These part-espadrille, part-wedge sandals are the lift you need to elevate any look. Obregón describes them as elegant enough for any occasion, but you can still walk for miles and miles.
$139.95 at Naot
If you’re looking for an easy-to-wear sandal, you’ll want to check out the Naot Kayla style. It has a small heel, but your feet will not hurt. The cork and latex footbed conforms to your foot while the deep heel cup adds stability. According to Dr. Timothy Oldani, a foot and ankle specialist, stability is really important when considering a sandal. “The more stable, the less movement, which means less pain and chance for blisters,” he says.
55 dollars From $38.99 at Merrell
This is considered a hiking shoe, but it’s just as stylish off the trail. Hooker likes the unibody style of this durable slide. For an environmentally conscious choice, there’s a vegan-friendly version called the Hydro Moc with Bloom.
130 dollars $97.98 at Sorel
For designer Alla Eizenberg, the standard gold sandal comes from Celine. She likes the Sorel Kinetic Wedge sandals for their neat look, reasonable price, and high quality. “I wore them on my last holiday in Italy and the South of France,” she says. “I walked widely and they endured the medieval cobbled streets with grace.” The neon accent colors and chunky platform style make for an incredible team. Her other recommendation? You guessed it: a Birkenstock in every style.
From $39 on Amazon
You can’t go wrong with this Nike staple. “The Jordan brand successfully straddles the line between fashion and function, beloved by athletes and the everyday consumer,” says Angela Finochio, a classroom assistant at the Fashion Institute of Technology. You’ll want to wear these sporty, lightweight sandals everywhere—if you haven’t already. “The rise of athleisure fashion increased the popularity of the slip silhouette, a casual style that is now found in many haute couture collections,” she says. “Wearing them with socks is completely acceptable and creates an opportunity to style one’s look depending on the color, pattern and length of the socks.”
