The Best Sandals for Women of 2024

They say you’d better not miss if you’re swinging for the king, and so far, it seems everyone has swung wide against the inimitable Birkenstocks. The suede and cork Arizona Sandals ($110) are near-standard issues across college campuses and campgrounds and look good with dang-near anything.

Laid up with a thin layer of leather over a generous hunk of cork, Arizona’s soles are iconic and designed to allow for a time-earned fit. Newcomers to the Birkenstock faith should know: There’s no half-in here, and some commitment will be required to get your Birks to break in totally.

Because the cork footbeds have a fairly neutral profile, you’ll have to do some heavy lifting to get them to wear into your foot profile. But, once they have — you’ll have a custom sandal for your feet.

We were also pleasantly surprised at how much traction these “looks-first” sandals provide. Their mildly-lugged EVA outsole does more work than we expected. Two synthetic leather straps fastened by brass-tone metal buckles adjust for the occasional sock and sandal look.

Available in a dizzying number of different variations, there are Arizonas with big buckles, all synthetic Arizonas made from EVA, and even sheepskin-lined and platform Arizonas. It’s tough to imagine another sandal brand with this many permutations. But rest assured that there’s a Birkenstock that’ll fit your vibe.

While these sandals can generally be paired with any style, they don’t play nice with water. The untreated suede lining and cork soles don’t take kindly to prolonged water exposure. So its safe to say that these are fair-weather sandals. For the price you’ll pay, you’ll want to take care of them.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. The Birkenstock Arizona Sandals are the perfect casual sandals in our opinion, and have garnered an international reputation for good reason.

The Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal ($40) is a versatile, comfortable footwear option for casual wear, camp shoes, or stand-up paddle-boarding adventures. Made using Crocs’ signature closed-cell resin materials, these sandals offer a lightweight, cushioned feel that keeps feet comfortable throughout the day. 

When testing footwear and clothing, Meg notes the products she gravitates toward for daily wear and specific activities. She wanted to wear these sandals most days for work around the garden, paddling, and even running errands. They’re an easy, convenient pair of shoes she could use nearly daily and lightweight enough to become a go-to camp shoe for backpacking. 

The straps on these sandals are soft yet secure enough for extended wear and mild outdoor activities. The small dotted texture is comfortable on bare feet and is likely what prevents your feet from slipping around when wet. She noticed her feet got sweaty in the sandals when walking around in warmer weather, but they didn’t slip around too badly.

For standup paddleboarding, these were quite convenient to slip on and off and dried quickly. They do collect dirt when getting out of the water, so if you’re using them for sports like paddling, be prepared for your feet to stay dirty for a while. The only real flaw she noticed with these sandals was that the materials of the sole were not thick enough to protect her from longer cactus fines or pokey sticks while walking around in the Arizona desert.

Even without adjustable straps, these sandals stayed in place nicely and offered enough security for carrying a paddle board down to the beach or walking around camp collecting firewood. The Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal is a comfortable, affordable daily-wear sandal that anyone can enjoy for casual, low-intensity activities.

The Keen Rose Sandals ($115) are durable and versatile enough for hiking, walking, and wearing around town. These sandals offer durability, performance, and comfort with Keen’s iconic closed-toe sandal design. With an EVA footbed and compression-molded EVA midsole, the Rose sandals offer superior cushioning and support for all-day comfort. At the same time, the rubber outsole’s multidirectional lug pattern provides reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces. 

After hiking in the other sandals, both testers agreed that Keen’s design performed the best. They felt highly secure when adjusted appropriately. When scrambling up and down rocky terrain, there was minimal foot movement, rubbing, or slipping inside the shoe.

The hydrophobic mesh lining wicks away moisture, keeping feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions, so even after walking through water or sweating on the hike, we didn’t notice chafing or rubbing. 

For a sandal, they provided a surprisingly high level of security. Meg felt comfortable enough to trust support and traction on slightly more vertical sections. On one hike in central Washington with stream crossings and rock scrambling, they gripped rocks well even with wet rubber. They shed mud quickly so they didn’t sacrifice traction in sketchier sections. 

These sandals are also ideal for traveling because they pair well with shorts, pants, or a dress. Throw just this one pair of shoes in your bag, and you’ve got your “quiver of one” — a pair of shoes that can move seamlessly from the trail to town. Explore a museum, wander the city all day, take a side trip on a boat or along a sandy beach — this shoe has you covered for it all. 

The closed-toe sandal design may not be for everyone. Still, the protection it delivers is unlike any other sandal option we tested, making it ideal for traveling, daily wear, and hiking. If you want the security of a more traditional shoe but still want the breathability and versatility of a sandal, the Keen Rose Sandal is the one for you. 

The Teva Tirra Sandals ($80) are for women looking for versatile and comfortable footwear designed for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. These sandals offer excellent value and are ideal for summer paddling adventures.

They feature a water-ready synthetic and webbing upper, perfect for activities in and around water. The materials are quick-drying and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance. With a hook-and-loop closure system, the sandals offer a secure and adjustable fit. 

While the Tirra sandals feel snug and perform well while paddling and in the water, Meg found that when hiking, the sandals rub and can cause blisters in typical blister zones like the back of your feet and sides of your toes. She couldn’t fix this even with proper sizing and adjustments, and her secondary tester had the same issues. Even after continued testing and a full break-in period had passed, blister issues persisted, so they are not the first choice for hiking or activities that require a lot of walking. 

Equipped with a cushioned Shoc Pad in the heel, the Tirra Sandals provide enhanced shock absorption and are comfortable when scrambling around on rocks or standing for long periods. The contoured EVA foam midsole provides arch support and stability, promoting proper alignment and reducing fatigue. Despite the rubbing issues when hiking, these sandals were ideal and secure for activities like standup paddle boarding. 

The rubber outsole offers reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces, ensuring you stay sure-footed. Meg noticed the rubber’s security and grip when putting her paddle board into the water. Whether exploring coastal trails, navigating rocky terrain, or running errands around town, the Teva Tirra Sandals deliver the comfort, support, and versatility you need for multi-sport pursuits.

The HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides ($60) offer exceptional comfort and support, making them ideal for post-workout recovery or casual wear. These slides are somewhat high-priced but do offer adequate performance for casual wear and post-exercise activities. Featuring a plush EVA footbed with a sculpted arch for added support, these slides cradle your feet in comfort, promoting relaxation and recovery after intense activity.

Meg keeps these in her vehicle at the trailhead, in her gym bag, or next to the door to slip on post-cycling, and her feet thank her every single time she slides into them. While she prefers to walk barefoot, the cushioned support feels so nice after her feet are crammed into hiking boots or cycling shoes for a few hours. Meg also tested them outdoors but didn’t find them secure enough for strenuous walking. These would be suitable as camp shoes, poolside shoes, or general outdoor patio wear. 

During testing, Meg found that these were most comfortable when worn with socks. The materials don’t wick moisture very quickly and can become somewhat slippery without socks to absorb moisture. They also fit more securely when wearing socks, which worked best for a quick transition from trainers or hiking boots to the slides. 

The soft, quick-drying synthetic upper, padded jersey lining, and strategic cushioning relieve tired feet and help alleviate muscle fatigue. Whether you’re lounging at home, heading to the gym, or running errands around town, the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides deliver the support you need to recover and recharge. 

Out of the box, the Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals ($95) looked like awkward sandals trying to be wedges, and we weren’t sure if they would look good with anything or if they’d be very comfortable at all. After giving them a chance, we were pleasantly surprised to find these sandals are by far the most comfortable shoes on this list. They are comfortable to wear around town, stylish, and look good with casual wear. They can be dressed up for a summer patio party or a night out at a beach bar.

We primarily wore these in casual settings around town because the tread, straps, and general design of the shoes are not tailored to activities like hiking. They’re made with stretchy straps made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and although the straps are a plastic fabric, they’re soft, comfortable, and do not rub. Even after wearing them all day in the summer heat, we had no issues with blisters, hot spots, or odors.

The contoured fit follows the natural shape of your foot, offering a snug, comfortable feel that moves with you. A foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning, while the shock-absorbing insole with built-in arch support ensures all-day comfort, whether you’re strolling through town or spending hours on your feet.

The jute-infused outsole reduces rubber usage. The high-traction rubber outsole provides excellent grip, but even after only moderate wear, there was some noticeable tread degradation and durability may not be the best long-term.

We didn’t notice the shoes collecting much dirt or odor while wearing them, but having a stylish sandal that’s easy to clean is always nice. The only aspect of the shoe that we anticipate could bother some users is that they make the classic flip-flop noise as you walk. This didn’t bother us, especially because the shoes were so comfortable and cute.

Their stylish versatility allows them to transition from casual dresses to date-night shorts and everything in between. We see the Elle Backstraps being a favorite, especially among long-time Keen fans, because these sandals offer both comfort and compliments wherever you go.

Among the most stylish options we tested, the Olukai Tiare Strappy Sandals ($130) are an excellent choice if you want a comfortable yet easy sandal to dress up. These sandals are sturdy, durable, stylish, and made with 100% full-grain leather and rubber soles. We wore these shoes for daily activities around the house and around town as a dressier option.

They were a perfect classy alternative for date night and paired better with a sundress than Birkenstocks. But, they were also still functional enough to wear down to the beach.

Although the leather straps are not adjustable, they are quite secure. There is some elastic on the attachment point of the backstrap, making it a little easier to take on and off. They do not come in half sizes, which would be nice since they seem to run slightly small for the sizing. If you have narrower feet, these sandals will likely work better than if you have wide feet due to the sizing.

For extended wear, the cushion on the sandals is comfortable, but the straps can become annoying, especially if you are walking for a ways. The back strap may irritate and cause blisters or hot spots on the back of your heel while walking, especially in warm weather when your feet sweat or if you are walking on sand.

We only tried these sandals on city streets and shorelines, not trails of any kind, but the traction of the soles was excellent and far more secure than a typical dress sandal. If you’re willing to invest, the Olukai Tiare Sandals are a great addition to a summer wardrobe whether you want to dress up your beachwear or need a casual but classy date night look.

The OOFOOS OOahh Slide Sandals ($60) are similar in design to our featured HOKA ORA slides but offer a lower profile. These provide ideal comfort if you want to invest in your foot health and overall well-being. An excellent lightweight option for post-run or hike foot recovery, they are compact enough to pack into a gym bag or backpack easily. 

Featuring OOfoam technology (a proprietary material blend), the cushioning and impact absorption makes them perfect for alleviating foot pain and fatigue after a long day or intense workouts. During testing, Meg noticed many similarities between these and the HOKA design but noted that the OOFOOS were less firm. They may be more comfortable for wearers who prefer a softer foot feel. 

The patented footbed design cradles the arches, promoting proper alignment and reducing strain on the feet, knees, and lower back. Meg also appreciated that the arch support — balanced by a soft cushioned design — felt just right. 

The lack of stiffness in the sole contributed to more foot movement while walking, so these were not her preference for outdoor wear. She found these better suited for recovery after hikes or indoor activities when they can be used specifically on flat, stable surfaces.

The soft materials of the OOFOOS contributed to a fairly fast wear down (within 2-3 months of intermittent wear), especially near the back of the footbed on the tread where the sandal is prone to dragging while you walk.

While these slip-on sandals are nothing revolutionary, they are an adequate option if you want a convenient and comfortable pair of shoes. The OOFOOS OOahh Slide Sandals are a cozy fit for post-exercise activities, casual daily wear, or as a lightweight camp shoe.

The Chaco Women’s Lowdown Strappy Sandals ($80) are stylish footwear with Chaco’s classic soles meant to last. While they are a unique style change from the original Chacos, these sandals are still durable enough for daily summer wear. 

Made with a dual-density PU (polyurethane) midsole, this sandal is designed to provide targeted support and promote proper alignment. Polyurethane is known for its shock-absorbing properties while still being relatively lightweight. The non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole offers reliable traction, making these sandals suitable for urban exploration and mild outdoor adventures on well-maintained trails. 

While the design is visually appealing, Meg found the toe strap and the overall fit of the sandal somewhat awkward. The leather straps take longer to break in than standard nylon, so there is a bit of stiffness that may be undesirable for some users. Walking long distances in these isn’t ideal, as the straps loosen quickly, and the toe strap changes your natural foot positioning. 

During testing, the sole rubber did a good job of gripping and retaining traction even on rocky surfaces, but when wet or walking in mud, the straps’ insecurity made it difficult to find stable footing. The sandals become more comfortable with wear, molding to the shape of the foot over time, so if you like the look, they may be worth the purchase. 

Despite the break-in period, these very stylish sandals also have a functional appeal for more active outdoor enthusiasts. The Chaco Women’s Lowdown Strappy Sandals are a solid option for daily wear and casual activities that look good enough to be dressed up for summer functions and festivals. 

The Teva Original Universal Slim ($55) is a cute summer sandal that feels about as comfortable as a flip-flop in the footbed. Wearing them around the beach, pool deck, or strolling around town is easy enough, but if you expect them to be live other Tevas you’ve known and loved, you’ll be disappointed. Knowing Teva as a brand, these sandals didn’t quite meet the expected quality, comfort, or durability level. However, as a casual piece of footwear, they did the job.

We tested these sandals for a few months over the summer, and new issues seemed to arise each time we wore them. The first and most noticeable was that the metal connector and straps were not very secure, and the placement of the top metal ring dug right into the pinky toe.

It was difficult to find any secure and comfortable adjustment in these sandals. If worn loosely, our feet slid around like crazy. The thin straps dug in and rubbed against our feet when cinched down. When wearing them on the beach, these issues were exacerbated by wet feet and sand.

The metal ring connectors collect heat when worn for activities like paddling. While paddling, we often take our sandals off and connect them to the top of the board. The metal becomes unbearably hot when they’re sitting in the 90-100+ degree sun. You can soak them in the water for a while to cool them off, but this is somewhat of a design flaw if they’re meant to be used during summer.

These sandals have tons of positive reviews, so they obviously work well for some feet. The cushion is comfortable, but the tread is nothing special, and these should be seen as casual wear, not adventure sandals. Ultimately, the Teva Original Universal Slim is a reasonably affordable summer sandal that works for casual wear and is easy to dress up or down.