I Walk 5 Miles a Day and These Are the Sandals I Love for Summer Strolls

First launched decades ago, these Birkenstock sandals have a loyal following that includes multiple GH staffers, some of whom have been buying pairs of these sandals for over 15 years.

The contoured footbed conforms to the shape of your foot as you wear it. Pourziaee, a podiatrist at Rodeo Drive Podiatry in Beverly Hills, California, is a fan too, saying they’re ideal for all-day walking and praising the personalized support.

TESTER NOTES: “They’re my go-to on travel days when I walk for miles as well as when I’m lounging at home or walking the dog,” said one tester. She especially loved how easy they were to slip on, but noted not to get them wet, as the leather can stain. Multiple testers told us they bought the waterproof version because they're lightweight and easy to rinse off, ideal for beach or pool days.

Additionally, our pros note that since these sandals lack a back strap, they aren’t well suited for longer walks or rougher terrain.

I have recently been won over by the Birkenstock Arizona style because I found a pair in patent leather with a big buckle. They look nice with a dress, even for work, but still have the comfort of the original style.

When Seymour wore these on a trip to Mexico, they were instantly comfy right out of the box. The EVA foam footbed and adjustable straps made them ideal for hiking or any sort of adventure. She found that the sandals were perfect to wear when walking around the resort or on a hike without getting uncomfortable.

The adjustable straps go over the front of the foot and around the ankle, making this a great option for people with wider or narrower feet. It's also easy to find a style you love since this pair is available in over 40 colors and patterns.

TESTER NOTES: “I love the cushioning,” shared one tester who especially liked its “squishy feel.” Another added, “I can't wait until the summer so I can wear these again!”

While many slides have a sporty look, these slides from REEF are chic, summery, and easy to slip on and off. When I tried these out, I noticed the cork footbed molds to your feet with continued use, and the platform design adds height without putting strain on your arches like a heel would. Note that because the only straps go over the top of the foot, they offer less ankle support and stability than sandals with a backstrap.

TESTER NOTES: One called them “lightweight but supportive,” and another said, “They are lightweight and are not wobbly.” Testers gave high marks for appearance but noted that the straps aren't adjustable, so some with wider feet found them a bit snug.

This pair of sandals has a sole made from the same material as yoga mats to provide extra cushioning, and the fabric straps comfortably keep your foot in place. “When I saw this pair in our Lab, I was immediately impressed with the comfy cushioning that supported my joints like my favorite exercise mat,” Seymour said. “The straps are very stretchy to accommodate different foot shapes. These are not orthotic sandals, so other picks may provide more arch support.”

If you’re heading to work or a party, this pair of strappy sandals from Toms is a mix of both comfort and style. While they don’t have the arch support of some others on this list, they’re a good bet for people without major foot issues who are walking shorter distances or around the office. The leather upper and the adjustable strap will snugly keep your foot in place.

Tester notes: “I walk to work daily, so I need sandals that can actually handle miles—not just look good and these delivered,” said Food Producer Tina Martinez, who owns these in two colors. “After a full summer and at least 50 miles, they were still comfortable, supportive, and stylish enough to wear with everything.”

Add a bit of height without risking discomfort with this pair of platform sandals from Teva. The elastic laces on these make them a standout compared to other styles on this list, since they have the comfy foam support, but without the chunky strap look.

Tester notes: “It has a slight platform and a gladiator lace-up style that's easy to wear with dresses for daytime, but also has the functionality of a typical Teva—a durable, plush sole, adjustable straps, and arch support,” said Commerce Editor Madison McGee. “I've worn them to music festivals and walking around the city all day and have no issues! The one con is that the strap can get a little tight around your toes, although that's easy to adjust.”

Expert hikers and everyday trailblazers love these durable sandals from Teva, which are especially great for uneven terrain and long walks. The contoured footbed supports your arch and provides cushioning to absorb impact.

We appreciate this pair's durable rubber outsole for extra grip and we like the adjustable Velcro straps that ensure a snug fit that keeps you supported mile after mile. Plus, the polyester webbing upper is designed to dry quickly. Just note that this pair has a more active design that's better suited for adventurous trips.

Tester notes: “Even on cobblestone streets, which can kill one's feet and ankles, they were super comfy the whole time,” said one tester who wore them on vacation.

Plantar fasciitis is a type of foot pain caused when the tissue connecting your heel and toes becomes inflamed. Our pros appreciate that these walking sandals by Dr. Scholl's feature a contoured midsole that keeps the pressure off your arches—a very important feature to look for in shoes for plantar fasciitis. The outsole is not as durable or grippy as other pairs, so we recommend wearing this pair on casual outings in good weather conditions.

Tester notes: One tester who wore them while commuting called them “super comfy.” Another tester especially liked the cushioned footbed saying, “It molded well to my feet and didn’t weigh me down.” She added that the elastic straps “stretched easily when I put on the shoes and bounced back to keep them in place.”

Spending your summer in a sundress? I love throwing on these cork sandals before heading out with friends because they look stylish without sacrificing comfort. The leather strap doesn’t feel too stiff, and the arch adds ample support. My favorite feature is that while this looks like a buckle sandal, it actually has a velcro strap, making them better for people with mobility issues.

I’ve worn these walking miles around New York, and I swear by them when my feet get swollen standing at events and bars. They’re my go-to event sandals because I know they’ll be comfortable enough to walk home afterwards. Just note that the arch support took me a few days to get used to, since it’s slightly further back on my foot than I expected.

The traditional Arizona sandal is by far the most popular Birkenstock model on the market, but this Gizeh style has devoted fans as well. Instead of the signature dual strap seen on other models, this thong-style shoe has more of a flip flop feel, but with the support of the cork footbed that molds to your feet over time. Just note that because this pair is a slide-style sandal, it's not necessarily suitable for longer distances or rougher terrain.

Tester notes: “I can walk for hours in these, I take them on every vacation, and when they eventually wear out, I immediately get another pair,” said Commerce Editor Jessica Dukes. “I've tried Birkenstock dupes and they just don't have the same footbed and support as the Gizeh.”

A lot of strappy sandal styles can be uncomfortable, but these are an exception. The inside of the straps and the footbed are both lined with a soft suede material for comfort. The EVA foam base has a slight wedge shape to give your heels a little bit of lift, but the cushioned sole makes this pair comfortable enough to get your steps in.

Tester notes: I’ve been wearing these to work a lot, including walking 2 miles to work and back without issue. I like that the back strap has a bit of stretch and elastic to make it fit more comfortably without causing blisters. I also have some dressier events coming up on the calendar, and I plan on wearing these.

From water parks to river exploring, these sandals are up for any water adventure. “I wear this pair whenever I'm worried about keeping my toes safe on uneven terrain, especially on hikes near water,” Seymour said. “The ‘Metatomical Footbed’ design provides arch support and comfy cushioning with an EVA midsole.”

The bungee lace detail ensures a snug fit, and the polyester upper is waterproof so these sandals won’t weigh you down if they get wet. I also use these as a go-to for hiking, active summer days, or camping, as they have more ventilation than sneakers or hiking boots.

Tester notes: One GH analyst who tests all types of hiking gear said, “I find that Keen sandals and shoes provide excellent stability compared to other hiking/sandal brands I’ve tried.” She especially liked that “you feel secure in the sandal without fear of slippage.”