Best Sandals for Women of 2024

Finding the perfect pair of sandals can enhance your warm-weather wardrobe, whether you’re seeking comfort for everyday wear, functionality for outdoor adventures, or style for special occasions. This guide explores many factors to consider when selecting the best sandals for women, including comfort, style, durability, support, and versatility.

We know there are a lot of women’s sandals on the market, and it can be tough to figure out which ones are best. Never fear! We understand that comfort is paramount, so we’ve meticulously tested seven different sandals to ensure they meet our standards for all-day wearability. Our lead tester, Meg Carney, is a self-proclaimed “sandal connoisseur” who frees her toes as soon as possible by trading her boots for sandals at the first sign of spring.

Meg and a friend with the same foot size spent weeks wandering through towns, paddleboarding, hiking, and straight-up lounging (we do have recovery sandals on this list after all!) to find the best women’s sandals for every need and budget. We did all the legwork (or footwork, as it may be) so you don’t have to.

Whether strolling along the beach, hitting the trails, or enjoying a night out on the town, scroll through our products below to find the ideal women’s sandals for your lifestyle and preferences. Our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and FAQs will help you learn more about each selection and considerations for choosing your perfect pair. 

The Best Sandals for Women of 2024

• Best Overall Sandals for Women: Birkenstock Arizona
• Best Budget Sandals for Women: Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal
• Best Trail-to-Town: Sandals for Women: Keen Rose Sandal
• Best Multi-Sport Sandals for Women: Teva Tirra Sandals
• Best Recovery Sandals for Women: HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides

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Sandals for Women Comparison Chart

Women’s Sandals	Price	Sizes	Style	Best For
Birkenstock Arizona	$140	4 – 12.5	Slip-on	Casual city cruising, tossing around the frisbee, or going out for drinks
Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal	$40	4 – 11	Slip-on	Casual wear, daily use, beach, flat water paddling
Keen W’s Rose Toe Sandals	$115	5 – 12	Closed-toed sandal	Daily wear, traveling, hiking
Teva Tirra Sandals	$80	6 – 11	Strapped sport sandals	multi-sport, watersports
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides	$60	6 – 15	Slip-on	Post-exercise, casual wear
OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals	$60	6 – 15	Slip-on	Post-exercise, casual wear
Chaco Women’s Lowdown Strappy Sandals	$80	6 – 12	Strapped sandal	Casual wear

Why You Should Trust Us

Sandals are Meg’s go-to footwear once it’s warm enough. While she prefers zero-drop or minimalist sandals, there are times when she needs something with a bit more support, adjustability, or even durability. She’s had some of the sandals in this line-up for several years, while others were new designs she had the opportunity to try out for the first time. 

Growing up in Minnesota, Meg spent as much time as she could each summer on a body of water (it’s the land of 10,000+ lakes after all). Since then, her love of watersports has only grown. She’s traveled and lived in various parts of the U.S., including Arizona, Utah, and Washington, and she gravitates to warm desert climates. Now, she lives in the high desert in central Washington where she can wear sandals more throughout the year. She also lives close to the Columbia River and countless alpine lakes, which means sandals are not only the perfect daily option most of the year, but a must-have as a backpack camping and all-day paddle shoe. 

How We Tested Sandals for Women

For this testing round, Meg enlisted a friend’s help. Over several weeks, they wore each sandal in various situations. They hit the pavement in towns like Wenatchee and Leavenworth, Washington. They strolled along creeks and wandered muddy trails. They went stand-up paddleboarding and strolled sandy beaches. They chilled in camp, scrambled on rock, and tackled a few water crossings. 

They swapped sandals back and forth, and then compared notes to see if their opinions and categories matched each design. Surprisingly, many of their thoughts were similar, including some aspects we felt could be improved. 

These adventures focused on assessing cushioning, arch support, durability, traction, performance when wet, and versatility to see how each pair of sandals stacked up. 

Areas we focused on during testing included: 

• Comfort: We analyzed whether sandals had cushioned footbeds and soft materials that provide all-day comfort, reducing the risk of fatigue or discomfort and whether any areas caused hotspots or irritation with extended wear.
• Support: We evaluated the amount of arch support and cushioning that promotes proper alignment and reduces strain on the feet and ankles.
• Fit: We ensured the sandals fit well and offered enough room for your toes without being too loose or tight, preventing blisters or discomfort.
• Adjustability: We evaluated ease and security of fit by testing adjustable straps or closures (if that was an option)
• Traction: We compared the stability and grip of outsoles and traction patterns by walking on a variety of terrain.

We also incorporated our industry knowledge, previous experience with products, and additional research when reviewing these sandals. The seven sandals we tested here are more general in their intended purpose and use. Although there is some overlap and many sandals can do double duty for hiking, if you’re looking for hiking-specific options, check out our guide to the Best Hiking Sandals for Women. If you’d prefer hiking shoes, head over to our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes for Women.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Sandals for Women

To choose the best sandals for women, consider comfort, support, and versatility, ensuring they meet your specific needs and preferences. Since footwear is highly subjective, we did our best to include various sandal options in our review. While shopping for sandals, use the buyer’s guide below to help you identify which sandal options best fit your unique needs. 

Fit

Choosing the right fit for women’s sandals is crucial for comfort and life-long foot health. Start by accurately measuring your foot size, considering both length and width, as sizes may vary between brands. When trying on sandals, leave room for your toes to wiggle without feeling cramped, and avoid styles that pinch or rub against your skin. 

Additionally, pay attention to the placement of straps or closures to prevent any pressure points or discomfort. For instance, for Meg’s foot shape, the Chaco Women’s Lowdown Strappy sandal straps extend over all her toes except her big toe. Having something between her toes and then constricting them simultaneously became uncomfortable for longer walks but was okay for less strenuous activities. 

Consider the arch support and cushioning provided by the sandals’ footbeds, as these features can significantly impact comfort, especially if you have high arches or foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. With their cork footbed and neutral profile, the Birkenstock Arizona felt extremely comfortable after a break-in period. Walk around in the sandals to assess how they feel, noting any areas of rubbing or instability.

When selecting sandals with adjustable straps or closures, use them to customize the fit to your foot shape and preferences. Some sandals may require a break-in period — choose pairs that feel comfortable from the start and don’t cause immediate discomfort or pain.

Lastly, consider the specific activities or occasions you’ll be wearing the sandals for, as this can influence your choice of fit and features. Whether you need sandals for casual everyday wear or outdoor adventures, prioritize finding a fit that offers comfort and support to keep your feet happy and healthy.

Comfort and Support

Several features contribute to the comfort and support of women’s sandals, ensuring they provide an enjoyable and supportive wearing experience. As an example, cushioned footbeds help absorb shock and provide underfoot comfort. You may gravitate to sandals with ample padding and cushioning, particularly in the heel and arch areas, to reduce pressure on the feet and joints. Other wearers may prefer less cushion and a more minimalist feel to rely on foot muscles and provide a barefoot feel. 

You’ll want to consider arch support, especially for individuals with flat feet or high arches. Sandals with built-in arch support, like the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 or Teva Tirra Sandals, help promote proper alignment and reduce strain on the arches, alleviating discomfort and preventing foot fatigue. 

If you’re on your feet all day or are hiking in sandals, more arch support may be your preference. But for others, too much arch support can cause discomfort, so test out and see what works for you. And if you’re looking for a sandal to provide comfort and support after your adventures are over, pick an option like the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 or the OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals, which are designed with recovery in mind.  

Materials and Durability 

High-quality materials offer durability, resilience, and comfort, making them essential when selecting sandals.

Leather is popular for its durability, flexibility, and natural breathability. As seen in the Birkenstock Arizona, leather provides long-lasting comfort and a luxurious feel while their iconic cork footbed offers support. The Chaco Lowdown Strappy Sandals also feature durable leather straps and a sturdy yet stiff footbed for higher durability. 

Synthetic materials, such as EVA foam and neoprene, are lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for active or outdoor wear. Teva and Chaco are renowned for their sporty sandals featuring durable synthetic materials. The Teva Tirra Sandals are designed to withstand the stresses of watersports well. The chosen synthetic materials provide the necessary comfort and durability even when used in water for extended periods. 

Textile fabrics like nylon or polyester are breathable and quick-drying, making them suitable for warm weather or water activities. The Keen Rose Sandals have an enclosed toe box area, but the lightweight materials keep them breathable enough to withstand the summer heat and provide the necessary comfort with movement. 

Rubber is another durable and water-resistant material commonly used in sandal outsoles. It provides traction and stability on various surfaces. Crocs, known for their signature clog-style sandals, utilizes proprietary Croslite™ material, a lightweight and cushioning resin, for comfort and durability. The Crocs Swiftwater Sandals utilize the classic Crocs materials but in a most stylish and breathable sandal design. 

By choosing sandals from brands that prioritize high-quality materials in their designs, such as Birkenstock, Teva, Keen, and Crocs, you can ensure both durability and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your sandals for years.

Traction 

Adequate traction on women’s sandals provides stability and grip across activities and terrains. The design of the outsole, the pattern of the treads, and the materials used can all influence how traction performs. 

For outdoor activities like hiking, sandals with deep, multidirectional treads offer enhanced traction, preventing slips and falls on uneven surfaces. Brands like Teva and Keen are known for their outdoor sandals, featuring aggressive outsole designs with deep lugs for optimal traction on trails and rocky terrain. The Keen Rose Sandals also incorporate a protective toe cover for a more secure feel when hiking in areas with rocks or cacti. 

Water activities require sandals with water-specific traction features, like those featured on the Teva Tirra Sandals, such as siped outsoles or hydrophobic materials. These provide grip on wet surfaces and prevent slipping. Look for options that have exceptionally sticky rubber outsoles and water-draining channels for superior traction in aquatic environments.

For urban or casual wear, sandals with non-marking outsoles and moderate treads offer adequate traction on paved surfaces while providing a comfortable and stylish option for everyday use. Both the Birkenstock Arizona and the Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandals incorporate durable rubber outsoles with moderate traction patterns.

Water Resistance 

Not all sandals need water-resistant capabilities, but if versatility is a draw, then you may benefit from looking for some of the following design features: 

• Water-Resistant Materials: Synthetic materials like neoprene, EVA foam, or quick-drying nylon are used in water-resistant sandals. These materials repel water and dry quickly, preventing potential damage from prolonged moisture exposure.
• Seam Sealing: Seam-sealed construction prevents water from penetrating through seams or stitching, keeping the sandals’ interior dry even in wet conditions.
• Adjustable Straps: Sandals with adjustable straps or closures increase security, preventing slippage during water activities.
• Drainage System: Effective drainage systems, such as perforated footbeds or water-draining channels in the outsole, allow water to escape quickly, preventing water buildup and reducing the risk of slipping. This is more popular for enclosed water shoes since sandals rapidly release water from the open top. 
• Grippy Outsoles: Durable rubber outsoles with textured patterns provide traction and stability on wet surfaces, preventing slips and falls during water activities.
• Quick-Drying Properties: Quality water-resistant sandals dry quickly after exposure to water, minimizing discomfort and preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Features

Sandals offer a more simplistic design than other footwear options, but several features can enhance the wearer’s experience. So, while shopping for sandals, you may want to look for sandals with: 

• Adjustable straps or closures, enabling a personalized fit and preventing slippage
• Closed-toe boxes for added protection during activities like hiking
• Cushioned footbeds and supportive arches for comfort and foot health
• Traction-enhancing outsoles provide stability, especially for outdoor use
• Water-resistant features like sealed seams or drainage ports are great for water activities 

Versatile designs, like those in the Teva Tirra Sandals and the Birkenstock Arizona, allow sandals to transition seamlessly from one activity to another. Consider your budget and aim for a balance of affordability and quality. By focusing on these specific features and considerations, you can find women’s sandals that meet your comfort, support, durability, and style needs.

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