6 podiatrist-approved sandals to comfortably walk in all summer

FootwearThe best podiatrist-approved walking sandals to keep you comfortable all summerThese picks are as close as you can get to the comfort of sneakers.May 27, 2026, 3:10 PM EDTBethany HeitmanContributing EditorSkip to table of contentsAccording to podiatrists, the key to a comfy sandal is built-in arch support and thick, secure straps.AmazonSandal season means trips to the beach, bright pedicures and more fun stuff. But, for many, wearing sandals also means blisters and soreness if you walk long distances in them. “Thin, loose, or stretchy straps mean your foot has to ‘work’ just to keep the sandal on, so your toes grip, your gait gets shorter and more shuffling, and you start to feel fatigue not just in the foot but up into the knees, hips, and even the low back,” says Dr. Mikel Daniels, president and chief medical officer of We Treat Feet Podiatry.Thankfully, there are sandals out there that are suitable for walking — you just have to know what to look for. To help you shop, I spoke with Daniels and other podiatrists on what to prioritize to ensure your sandals are comfortable for walking, and got their recommendations on sandals worth your consideration. Selected.Our top picksBest overallBirkenstock Arizona Sandals$undefined$117.95ZapposLearn moreBest cushioningOofos Ooahh Recovery Slides$undefined$59.95AmazonLearn moreBest flip flopsOluKai Ohana Flip Flops$undefined$79.99AmazonLearn moreThe best walking sandals of 2026To compile this list of the best walking sandals, I gathered recommendations from experts and also used their guidance to find highly-rated options that are worth your consideration.Best overallBirkenstock Arizona Sandals$117.95Zappos$117.96DSW$117.95BirkenstockThe Arizona is arguably Birkenstock’s most iconic sandal, but any sandal from the brand will give you solid arch support and a comfortable, durable footbed, says Dr. Tek Fish, podiatrist and owner of Clover Podiatry. I have been wearing these sandals for years. I have wide, flat feet and...