Summer is prime vacation season, whether that means heading into the wilds of America for a weeklong camping trip or traveling overseas for a fine dining-fueled trip through France and Spain. Either way, you’ll need a pair of the most comfortable walking sandals for logging the 10,000-plus steps you’ll be getting each day.
While statement heels are a fit for weddings or the office, if you’re planning to log any significant number of miles, the best sandals for walking are ones with lower heels (or none at all) and more support through the soles. “You want to pay attention to how cushioned the footbed is, as well as the flexibility and material of the upper,” Katie Moore, senior design director at Dr. Scholl's Shoes, says. As you can’t exactly spend a full day testing out a pair of sandals before you bring them home, doing a few laps around the store or your apartment can help to ensure the fit is right. Don’t forget: Some leather sandals may require a little breaking in before you’re guaranteed to be blister free.
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This season, fisherman sandals and chunky platforms are particularly on-trend options, while classic lace-ups and flip-flops are also great choices for dressing up or down. If you find yourself in a situation where heels can’t be avoided (say, an occasion where a wedding guest dress is also necessary), there is a hack to help keep you pain free. “If the pitch is too high, you could look to add a comfort pad to the front part of the sandal,” Moore suggests.
Ahead, find the 12 best comfortable walking sandals you’ll make moves in all summer long.
Function meets fashion with this lace-up sandal from Emme Parsons. A slight heel gives it a dressier feel without sacrificing comfort. Try styling it with a lightweight midi dress.
Product Specs
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The Row's minimalist Ginza sandal is not your just-off-the-beach flip-flop. Leather straps and a cushioned insole keep your foot supported and comfortable on the go. This style is also a favorite of Net-a-Porter market director Libby Page, and it appeared on last year's BAZAAR 100 (a list of our favorite things).
Product Specs
[["Colour","Black"],["Size","IT 35-42"],["Material","Leather and suede"]]
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If you're looking for a sandal to wear while you hike, Chaco's rubber-soled gem is rugged, comfortable, and waterproof. Adjustable nylon straps allow you to loosen the fit if your feet tend to swell when you're backpacking at a higher elevation.
Shopper review: "Great arch support for a sandal. Unlike most sandals can wear all day."
Product Specs
[["Colour","Black"],["Size","7-12"],["Material","Rubber"]]
Drawing on the classic fisherman silhouette, Marni’s silver sandals have a rubber sole to allow for extra support and comfort underfoot.
Product Specs
[["Colour","Silver"],["Size","4-12"],["Material","Leather"]]
Keep things simple with Ancient Greek Sandals' handmade design. Its braided straps are designed to keep your foot secure with minimal material. Gold has a slightly dressy touch that's ideal for wearing with summer dresses or jeans alike.
Product Specs
[["Colour","Gold"],["Size","IT 35-42"],["Material","Leather"]]
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Another unique take on the fisherman sandal, Vince’s Rava has a Velcro heel strap that will keep your foot comfortably secured in place. Also worth noting: the thick, cushiony caging.
Shopper review: “I’ve been wearing Vince sandals for several years and find the quality and the styles long-lasting. These fishermen-type sandals are very comfortable and I could wear them all day!”
[[”Colour”,”Tan”],[”Size”,”5-11”],[”Material”,”Leather”]]
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.