Best Travel Sandals: Being Comfortable on Your Adventures

There is no doubt that walking is one of the best ways to get around the wilderness or a new city. On foot, you’ll get to see details that will help bring a destination to life. With that said, there’s a few things better than walking with a really comfy pair of sandals. If you know your history, you’ll know that one of the oldest examples of functional footwear is the sandal.

Today, sandals are worn as a common fashion statement, but they also make an excellent travel companion as well. Sure, you can wear shoes but you know that there’s a certain charm to wearing sandals while traveling. With the best travel sandals, you’ll get that perfect balance of comfort and style while on-the-go.

If you’re looking for a great pair of sandals that you can use for your travels, then you’ve come looking in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide a number of guidelines that will help you choose the right travel sandals as well as highlight some top-rated products that are definitely worth checking out.

Reviewing the top-rated travel sandals

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. If you are open to recommendations, we highly suggest that you consider these top-rated travel sandals. You’re bound to find a pair that you will like. If not, at least you’ll have a better idea about which types of sandals you should go for.

Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article

FLY London Women’s Oney Wedge Pump

Dimensions: heel – 1.75 inch, platform – 0.5 inch

Specific features: Leather, Rubber sole, Flexible sole, Breathable sole

Best use: travel, fashion, walking

Description: When it comes to sandals, it’s generally a choice between comfort and style. If you want a good looking sandal, you usually need to forgo comfort in place of a stylish design. With the Fly London Oney Wedge Pump, there is no need to sacrifice one for the other.

Yes, the Oney looks like a certified fashion item but still manages to provide the right amount of comfort and stability. The heel measures almost 2 inches in height and provides ample arch support. The leather construction is simply on point and won’t cause any discomfort or chafing. The flexible, rubber sole adds another layer of support. In terms of comfort, the soles are breathable so your feet will be kept cool on a hot summer day.

You could wear them all day and you’ll practically have no problem in terms of comfort and support. Style and functionality in one package: it’s hard to beat that.

ECCO Women’s Flash Huarache Sandal

Weight: 2 lbs

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches

Specific features: Leather, Synthetic sole, Open, airy sandal in leather with buckle-adjusted ankle and perforated, contoured footbed

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll

Description: Huaraches in general are great sandals for walking and this one from ECCO is no exception. Let’s start with the leather construction which not only provides that sophisticated look but it also naturally wicks moisture.

At 2 pounds, the ECCO Women’s Flash Huarache Sandal is a lightweight pair that shouldn’t leave your feet tired at the end of the day. The EVA folded footbed provides that much-needed support which should come in handy for all-day walking. The one component PU outsole ensures stability by delivering great traction. The sandal are true to size so you should keep that in mind when considering this pair.

Customers are very happy as this pair manages to provide maximum comfort and adequate support. If you are in the market for a good huarache pair, the Flash sandal should be more than enough to meet your needs.

Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flop

Weight: 3 lbs

Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 3 inches

Specific features: Synthetic sole, Thong flip-flop featuring stretch fabric straps with wrapped toe post, Padded yoga-mat footbed, Happy U rubber sponge outsole

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll, beach, outdoors

Description: Sanuk has always been a brand associated with quality travel footwear. With the Yoga Sling 2, Sanuk’s dedication to quality and comfort is still pretty much apparent. For starters, the thong flip-flop design sure is an eye-catcher and you’ll bound to receive many compliments while wearing these sandals.

On top of that, the Yoga Sling 2 is actually available in more than 30 color variants, which is just insane. On the matter of comfort, the straps are made of cloth which means nothing is rubbing against your foot, or at least nothing that might cause discomfort.

True to its name, the sandal’s footbed is actually made of padded yoga mat which shoots the comfort level through the roof. You’ll be walking all day on this pair and your feet should be more than fine after.

Aerosoles Women’s Conchlusion Gladiator Sandal

Weight: 3 lbs

Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 5 inches

Specific features: Synthetic sole, Heel measures approximately 0.75″, Thong sandal, Double padded memory foam insole, Sueded sock insole, Diamond pattern sole, Elasticized, adjustable back strap

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll

Description: Seeing the Aerosoles Conchlusion Gladiator Sandal in person will likely make you say, “what a cute pair!” However, these chic sandals are not just all looks because this pair has plenty of features that should appeal to any self-respecting traveler. The memory foam footbed provides the best kind of comfort by absorbing impact and shock while walking.

The diamond sole is about as flexible as it gets and should survive even the most intensive activities. The straps are placed behind the ankle which is great for preventing any sort of discomfort and chafing. For the arch support, there’s the 0.75-inch heel which should be enough for most people without being too high.

The fit is pretty good and it’s snug without feeling too tight. Overall, this pair delivers on all fronts especially when it comes to style, support and comfort.

Born Marcia

Weight:5 lbs

Dimensions:

Specific features: Heel measures approximately 0.75 inches, Full-grain or metallic leather, Vegetable leather lining, Rubber outsole, Opanka hand-crafted construction, Heel Height: 3/4 inch

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll, formal

Description: If you’re someone who’s looking for a good gladiator sandal, you should definitely check out Marcia by Born. If it’s of any interest, the entire construction of the sandals is all hand-crafted which means that it won’t be short on details.

At 1.5 pounds, the Marcia is one of the lightest pair that we will be featuring in this section. The comfort level is nothing to be worried as the straps are made of soft leather. For easy on and off, there’s a zipper at the back of the sandals which is great for convenience.

The footbed and sole feels like a dream and should serve you well even with an all-day walking. Pair this with your favorite shirt dress or cropped denim and you’ll have that classic and comfortable look.

Teva Women’s Olowahu Flip-Flop

Weight: 1 lbs

Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 3 inches

Specific features: Contoured Mush footbed, Synthetic sole, Cushy sandal featuring decorative thong strap and two securing cross straps, EVA outsole with Mush traction pattern

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll, beach, athletics, outdoor

Description: Arguably, the Olowahu is the most popular pair that we are highlighting in this review section. Teva is an active lifestyle brand that has made some of the best outdoor sandals that you can find in the market. Flip flops have always been best when it comes to short excursions to a beach or pool.

If you find yourself traveling near water, the Teva Women’s Olowahu Flip-Flop should definitely bring out the goods when it comes to good flip-flops. The crisscrossing strap design is not just a great, outgoing feminine look but it also provides a nice, secure fit. The lightweight tubular webbing won’t rub or chafe against your skin. For a flip-flop, the Olowahu features a pretty good arch support with its smooth EVA topsole.

The Olowahu is also available in more than 20 different colors. Whether you’re strolling on the beach or having a nice date under the summer sun, the Olowahu is a solid pair to have.

Avarca Pons Classic Style Strap

Weight:

Dimensions:

Specific features: Leather and rubber sole, Natural top quality leather sandals, Eco-friendly sole made with recycled tires, Sling back sandal, Made in Spain, Natural leather

Best use: travel, fashion, walking, casual stroll

Description: For a little bit of trivia, Avarcas are traditional leather footwear that are worn in Menorca, Spain. It’s design aims to make the Avarcas easy on the feet. The Pons Avarcas have this traditional look that you shouldn’t have any difficulty matching it with anything in your wardrobe.

The versatile slingback design allows for some really pleasant comfort levels despite the lack of arch support. The straps are made from high quality natural leather so you don’t have to worry about chafing. The Pons Avarcas are available in a wide range of colors so there should be something for everybody. If you’re planning to get these sandals, keep in mind that they run true to size which means that you should order the size that you normally wear in a casual or dress shoe.

Overall, we think that many ladies will appreciate the classic, low-profile look of this pair but that’s not all it has to offer as it’s a very functional travel footwear.

There you go! These are some of the best and top-rated sandals for your travels. We personally recommend these products so make sure that you check them out. As always, determine your needs and requirements first to make your shopping a lot easier.

Tips for choosing the best pair of travel sandals

There’s no better way to beat the heat than walking in a pair of comfortable sandals. They’re simply the go-to footwear for keeping the feet cool on a hot day. Unfortunately, not all sandals are created equal. You can’t just buy a pair and be done with it.

Otherwise, you’ll risk ending up with sandals that will leave your feet tired and aching. With the number of choices out there, shopping for a comfy travel sandals can be a daunting task.

Follow the tips below to find a pair that’s right for you.

Consider the activity

There are many different kinds of sandals in the market and they are usually designed depending on the activity. Will you be walking through an old city on a cobblestone street? Or perhaps you’ll be exploring a farmland or winery?

If you’re walking into the wilderness, you’ll need hiking sandals which feature rugged outsoles, sturdy toe boxes and stiff midsoles. If you are traveling near bodies of water like streams and rivers, lightweight and water-resistant sandals are more appropriate. Take into account the activities that you will be doing to ensure comfort and safety.

Get the right fit

For pretty much every footwear, getting a good fit is always important. An ill-fitting pair could leave your feet aching and tired. When choosing travel sandals, make sure that your foot is smaller when compared to the sandal’s sole.

Be sure to check that the toebox is spacious enough to accommodate the widest part of your foot. The straps should be snug with no pinching or rubbing on the foot. If the fit is too loose, your feet will slide around which can lead to blisters. Ideally, you want to try the sandals in person to know if it’s a good fit or not.

Materials matter

Comfort is, of course, an important factor that should be prioritized when choosing a pair of travel sandals. In that regard, the material of the product is a major factor for providing comfort. When selecting a sandal for traveling, you want a pair that comes with materials like high quality cork and similar breathable components. Leather, suede and fabric are great for letting the feet breathe and prevent blisters.

Again, you will need to consider the activities that you’ll be doing when deciding the materials for the sandals. You don’t want to wear your expensive leather sandals for water activities. In general, the footbed should come in an absorbent, breathable material in order to minimize sweating and slipping.

Look for arch support

When you will be walking a lot, using truly flat shoes might prove to be painful mistake. You need a pair of sandals that have adequate arch support in order to prevent cramps, muscle fatigue and even back pain.

Ideally, sandals are not really for all-day walking as few of them offer the right level of arch support for extended wear. The arch aids in distributing the weight evenly and minimize the pressure generated by the joints and spinal column.

Ensure sufficient cushioning

For comfort that lasts all day, the sandal should provide adequate cushioning for both the heel and ball of the foot. Look for a pair that comes with midsoles that are made from high-quality, dense foam.

To check the cushioning, press your finger into the foam where the heel and the ball of the foot meet. If you find that there are areas with too much give in or none at all, the pair will likely not provide enough cushioning.

Check the placement and design of straps

Sandals with poor strap placement may cause blisters, irritation and even corns. For the most comfortable, secure fit, opt for a pair with back straps that hit just below the ankle. You want to stay away from straps that rub against the top part of the foot, around the ankle or between the toes. Straps that are made from suede or soft leather can prevent chafing. Be on the lookout for designs and seams that may rub into parts of your feet and cause discomfort.

Sandals have always been the fun, alternative way to explore to the heavy, protective shoes we all know and love. Even though they have this light, open design, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect essential factors like comfort and protection from your pair of travel sandals.

Travel sandals vary wildly when it comes to design and construction, so it’s important that you actually know what you’re looking for. With these tips provided, you should quickly and easily find a pair of comfortable sandals that meets your requirements.

And that’s a wrap…

Choosing the best sandals for your adventures means that you should do your homework and do extensive research. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a pair that will put you in a world of hurt, especially if the trip involves a lot of walking. An uncomfortable pair of sandals can easily ruin your trip.

Keep in mind the tips we have provided here and you should be fine. Any other pair of travel sandals that you think should have made this list? Let us know your favorite sandals in the comments. Finally, make sure to share this post with your friends and family.

6 thoughts on “Best Travel Sandals: Being Comfortable on Your Adventures”

  1. My wife has been peeking over my shoulder occasionally while I’ve been scrolling through this. I definitely heard a very excited squeal when she saw the Yoga Sling sandals. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see a pair or three showing up on the doorstep here in the next couple of days. Even to me they look extremely comfy.

    Reply
  2. Sanuk (the manufacturer) has always been a stellar brand and has a cult following. So, I’m not that all surprised that your wife has a strong liking for this sandals. This thong flip-flop also comes in 30 colors, so expect more than 3 pairs showing on your doorstep! 🙂

    Reply
  3. I would absolutely would purchase any of these sandals. It’s so hard to find something cute AND comfortable. I actually just bought a pair of slip on sandals with a small heel but they have memory foam soles and they are like heaven. I definitely recommend comfort and style. Super important.

    Reply
  4. I’m going to have to get my wife some of these. She is constantly complaining about blisters and how the sandals are slipping and her feet get sweaty. Don’t tell her I said that! You’ve given me some great gift ideas. I especially like the Yoga Slings. She will definitely like those! I might have to see if they have some for men, they look very comfortable.

    Reply
  5. Hi Michelle! Yes, there are a lot of attractive and comfortable sandals, too and all are from strong brands. My girlfriend swears by her Sanuk and I can’t blame her – they do look good.

    Reply
  6. The Sanuk is a stellar brand – they make those comfortable sandals for both men and women. My girlfriend is quite a fan of the brand and swears by them. I hope you find something that you like.

    Reply

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