Sandals You Can Actually Walk In
It’s summertime, and that means sandal time. If you have foot issues like me, finding sandals you can actually walk in can be a problem. In my previous post on comfortable sandals, I talk about features to look for and brands that have worked well for me. This time, I’m sharing some current sandal styles that are foot friendly while still being on-trend. All of these sandals are ones you could wear trekking around all day on vacation, or to Target and the kids’ sporting events. Either way. π
The three types of comfy walking sandals I’ll be sharing with you today are cork footbed sandals, sporty dad sandals, and flip-flop and toe ring type sandals.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Shopping via these links means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own, and I only share products and brands that I love and think you will, too.
Cork Footbed Sandals (like Birkenstock)
Y’all, I have been wearing Birkenstocks since I was strolling around campus at the University of Illinois in the early 90’s. When they started coming back into style in the last 10 years or so, I jumped right back into them and remembered why they’re my all-time favorite comfort sandal. I wear them to teach, to do serious walking, and now that I have the waterproof pair below, to the beach and the pool. If I could only wear one type of sandal forever more, it would be Birks. There are a lot of other brands of cork footbed sandals, and they’re probably great to wear, too. I’m wearing Birks non-stop this (well, and every) summer.
The Look: Casual Everyday
This sandal style can be worn just about anywhere. They may not be dressy enough for a more formal wedding or event, but they’re probably fine for daytime events, casual date-nights, and to church or on errands.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
EVA Birkenstock Essentials Arizona Sandal
Birkenstock Papillio Arizona Sandal
Birkenstock Papillio Cora Chunky Slide
Sporty Dad Sandals
I’ve been wearing Tevas lately, and I am pleasantly surprised at the amount of arch support and comfort they provide for heavy duty walking. I guess they are sport sandals, which means they should be good for this, but you never know. You can go with the basic model or amp things up with fun colors, prints, and materials, and you even add a little height.
The Look: Athleisure or Trendy
When worn with joggers or more sporty outfits, these will take you in the athleisure direction. However, you can also wear them with a fun printed skirt, jumpsuit, or dress for a more trendy look.
Teva Midform Universal in Mesh
Teva Midform Universal in Leather
FitFlop Heda Slide
FitFlop Heda Backstrap Sandal
Separated Toe and Flip-Flop Sandals
Flip-flops are a perennial summer “do,” and they can be comfortable if you choose a pair with some support (not the thin, flat kind). Toe loop sandals are having a moment right now, too. They’r a riff on the flip-flop, but with a bit of a dressier vibe. The same rings true for these, though: choose a pair with some cushion and support if you plan on actually walking in them. Adding a backstrap is a great way to up the comfort factor as well.
The Look: Beachy-Casual or Classy Everyday
Flip flops dress up or down depending on what you’re wearing with them. I love the look of a jumpsuit or a midi or maxi skirt with flip flops. Toe loop sandals are really cute with shorter skirts, rompers or jumpsuits, and they also look great with summer jeans or wide-leg crops. Material makes a difference, too: leather sandals will look a little dressier than rubber or EVA ones.
FitFlop Tia Metallic Leather Back Strap Sandal
FitFlop iQuishion Ergonomic Flip-Flops
Vionic Kirra Backstrap Sandal
Vionic High Tide Platform Sandal
FitFlop Wave Pearlized Toe Loop Cross Slides
Birkenstock Mayari Sandal
Walk on, friends.
Any of these comfortable sandals are good options for walking. If you’d like more info on how to keep your feet happy and healthy, check out this guest post with foot health tips from a physical therapist.
