8 Best Sandals for Walking + Travel
8 sandals THAT are cute, comfORTABLE + perfect for WHEREVER YOU’RE WALKING THIS SUMMER
SAY GOODBYE TO BLISTERS AND HELLO TO CUTE + COMFY SANDALS!
One thing about me is how much I genuinely love to walk everywhere. No, but literally though. I mean not to be dramatic but if I can’t walk somewhere, I don’t want to go (which has definitely become somewhat more challenging since I traded NYC for LA). So suffice it to say, if there’s one thing I know, it’s the best shoes, er sandals in today’s case, for walking in comfort AND style (we’re about comfort, not about sacrifice, so yes, style is very much an important part of the conversation here).
Now don’t get it twisted. We’re talking best sandals for walking, not to be confused with walking sandals (same but different, you know what I mean?). One (walking sandals) leans very heavily granola almond mom adjacent (no shade to sandal brands like Tevas, they’re great, they just don’t exactly scream “chic and stylish sandals that are perfect for walking around Europe and taking cute photos in” if you know what I mean), while another (best sandals for walking) gives the space for a bit more versatility and takes both looks AND comfort into consideration (Get you a sandal that can do both, you know what I’m saying?!). Most of the sandals that make the cut on the list below are tried and true favorites that have seen me through countless summers, many cities, multiple continents (Europe, Australia and, of course, North America), and a whole lot of miles. And unlike many sandals, you can actually walk a mile (and then some) in any of these shoes!
The best sandals for walking and travel
TKEES FLIP FLOPS
I know a lot of people have pretty strong feelings about flip flops and that they are either totally acceptable, for the beach only or complete trash that should never see the light of day. I used to fall somewhere between the camp of the latter two, albeit I was always a bit envious of the women that seemed to effortlessly style flip flops in such a chic way and somehow make them work for even the dressiest of outfits. Turns out, I just hadn’t been wearing the right flip flops. Enter TKEES. I swear by them when it comes to comfort and walkability and they’re the primary reason I went from almost never wearing flip flops to never wearing anything but flip flops. Sure for a flip flop they’re definitely pricey, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for. They’re made of leather (or vegan leather) so they look a little more elevated and chic, they come in tons of colors and they last for years unlike other flip flops that need to be replaced every season (I had my last pair of TKEES for 5+ years and wore them almost every day and honestly could have kept wearing them, but they were starting to look a tad too beat up so now I just keep them for when I’m out in the yard). I've walked countless cities around the world in my TKEES (and used to live in NYC) and they truly have never let me down, both in comfort and in style. As an FYI, TKEES does have some other cute styles of sandals. However, any that I have tried in the past I found to not be nearly as comfortable as their flip flops
CON (but not a dealbreaker)- A flip flop is still a flip flop no matter how well it is made so it might be a little too casual and not always be appropriate for every situation.
BIRKENSTOCKS
A tried and true classic for a reason; they’re just so comfortable, you can’t go wrong with them!
CON (but not a dealbreaker)- Depending on the outfit and situation they may look too casual and/or clunky.
JENNI KAYNE LEATHER KNOT SANDALS
For something more elevated, I love these leather knot sandals from Jenni Kayne. They come in several colors (I have the saddle ones) and they can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve had mine for 4+ years now and they’re definitely a staple in my summer wardrobe. In fact, I probably wear these second most to my TKEES flip flops. Usually I tend to reach for them when I want something a little more chic or to quickly dress up an outfit and take it from day (flip flops) to night but still be comfortable and easily able to walk around.
CON (but not a dealbreaker)- If it’s particularly hot and humid out the shoes can feel a bit heavy and sticky on your feet.
Here are few more Jenni Kayne Sandals that I love-
SEZANE LENNY LOW MULES
For something similar in design and comfort to a Birkenstock, but with a bit more of a put-together elevated look, I love these Lenny Low Mules from Sezane. They’re minimal, they’re chic, they’re timeless, they’re comfortable and they’re easy to wear for day or night. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and I still find myself reaching for them on repeat.
CON (but not a dealbreaker)- Sometimes the shoe can feel a bit clunky with the buckles and thicker straps.
ROTHY’S
I have a few pair of Rothy’s (both sandals and slip-ons) and they just never disappoint when it comes to comfort. The styles are also cute, easy to wear and can be dressed up or down. I also love that they’re easy to clean and, of course, the sustainable practices of the brand and their products is also a major selling point for me.
BEEK //
When you I tell you that Beek Sandals are literal clouds for your feet I’m not even kidding. Their shoes are specifically designed with comfort and travel in mind and many of them even have molded arches for extra support, along with things like memory foam insoles and buttery soft leather, so if you’re looking for a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your next trip, then look no further. They have so many cute designs and styles and the comfort is truly next level (but like, in a cute way, ya know, not like a granny shoe way). I also love that it’s a female founded and run business (based out of California) and all of their sandals are handmade in Brazil and Mexico. Also, each pair sold supports their mission to end childhood hunger in the US (I swear they didn't pay me to say any of this, truly just love their shoes, brand and mission!).
CON (but not a dealbreaker)- Some of the shoes may feel a little stiff at first and definitely need to be broken in, so I would not suggest getting a pair and then immediately walking 5 miles in them or taking them on a trip.
Here are a few of the Beek sandals that I love-
BYJAMES //
ByJames is another brand I am obsessed with for chic, comfortable and timeless sandals. The designs are more minimal and neutral and all of the sandals are handmade in Mexico. In full transparency, while the ByJames sandals I own are quite comfortable and I can easily walk around in them, I probably wouldn’t reach for them on a full on, all day, intense walking extravaganza.
INEZ //
Lastly, for a heeled sandal option, I adore Inez. Truly the comfiest heels I've ever worn thanks to the extra cushion support in the arch. I’ve even worn them around many cities, including NYC, vacations and resorts, with no issues. I especially love this style (I have them in multiple colors because I love them so much!) and bring a pair on almost any trip I go on because they just work so well with so many outfits and situations and the truly are just so comfortable. Here are a few of my favorite pairs of INEZ heels-
