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The best walking sandals for women, tested by a panel of keen hikers
“It’s almost like wearing slippers!”
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
There’s nothing quite like heading out for a hike when the sun is shining – especially when it ends with a refreshing drink and a bowl of chips in a beer garden. But when it's sweaty outside, it's even more important to have the right shoes for the job; while you could lace up your old hiking boots or fling on some flip flops, we recommend investing in a quality pair of walking sandals.
Whether you're travelling, trekking or clocking up the kilometres at a festival this summer, the best walking sandals are designed to offer support, comfort and ventilation. They allow your feet to breathe - no need to worry about smelly, sweat-soaked socks – and help prevent blisters.
Plus, prioritising comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Practical women's walking sandals have become a fashionable footwear choice in recent years, and there are plenty of chic leather options that you could happily wear to the office or brunch.
What are the best walking sandals for women?
Itching to get outdoors? These are the sandals that won over our panel of hikers, with full reviews below.
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Read more Tried and Tested health and fitness reviews: Best walking boots | Best hiking poles | Best hiking rucksacks
How we test walking sandals
To find the best walking sandals for women, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts enlisted a panel of hiking enthusiasts to put a range of shoes from popular brands through their paces. Each pair was tested across a variety of terrains and distances by at least three people to see how they coped on a mix of casual strolls and tough treks.
Panellists were then asked to provide feedback on factors including overall design, comfort, stability and performance. They considered how well they fitted around the toes and heels, how much support they offered on challenging trails and whether they felt lightweight and provided enough flex.
Back at the GHI, our experts collated the feedback and awarded overall scores. Here are the sandals we would genuinely recommend.
Trespass Womens Leather Sandals Kimbra
Trespass Womens Leather Sandals Kimbra
Pros
- Durable and stylish leather design
- Extremely comfortable
- Good traction
Cons
- Testers would have liked more adjustable features
- Not for rugged hikes
Score: 93/100
If you’re on the hunt for some sandals that won’t look out of place when your hike conveniently leads you to the pub, then you can’t go wrong with these. Testers loved the design of the open-toe leather walking sandals, with one saying: “These look like normal sandals but are so much better to wear.”
Good looks aside, they were ultra lightweight and felt comfortable from the very first step, with no breaking in required. Thanks to the moulded, cushioned footbeds, they remained comfy for hours on end, while the thermoplastic rubber outsoles provided good grip on a range of surfaces. Adjustable ankle straps helped with control and balance, too.
Due to the strappy design, they're not for challenging treks on loose ground when your feet need extra protection. For city breaks, light hikes and ambling around town, though, they’re an absolute dream.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Leather |
| Sole material | TPR |
| Colours | Black, brown and sand |
Mountain Warehouse Wunderlust Womens Walking Sandals
Mountain Warehouse Wunderlust Womens Walking Sandals
Pros
- Good value for money
- Keep toes fully protected
- Neoprene lining good for wet conditions
Cons
- Not as attractive as other picks
- Some found them tricky to tighten
Score: 91/100
Okay, they might not look the chicest, but there’s plenty to shout about with these closed-toe hiking companions. Not only will they keep your toes protected on outdoorsy adventures, but they also boast a quick-drying neoprene lining – handy if you’re walking near water.
Our panel of varying foot shapes scored them highly for comfort, praising the lightweight construction and padded footbed. “It’s almost like wearing slippers!” said one satisfied tester. Like our Trespass winner, no painful breaking in was required and our testers came back from even the lengthiest of walks free from blisters. Hurrah!
Our hikers also noted that their feet didn’t overheat in the “airy” sandals and said stability was excellent on smooth paths and easy trails. They didn’t cope quite so well on rough, uneven terrain, though.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 4-8 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Neoprene Lining |
| Sole material | EVA Midsole |
| Colours | Pink |
Columbia Women's Peakfreak Rush™ Sandal LEA
Columbia Women's Peakfreak Rush™ Sandal LEA
Pros
- Good adjustable features
- Lightweight
- Durable leather design
Cons
- Narrow fit not suitable for everyone
Score: 91/100
Columbia knows a thing or two about great walking gear. Case in point: these sporty sandals, which are made from durable nubuck leather and feature the brand’s signature Techlite midsole for soft, springy cushioning.
Extremely light (a standard size 5 shoe weighs just over 250g), they’re perfect for day-long hikes or taking on holiday. Our testers appreciated the adjustable straps, which go over the front of the foot and around the ankles, for a snug, secure fit, and most said they were supremely comfortable, too.
In terms of grip, these sandals did a top-notch job on dry terrain, but some said they weren’t quite as stable on slippery surfaces. Also note, they may be a little narrow for those with wide feet or bunions.
| Sizes | 3-10 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Leather |
| Sole material | TECHLITE™ |
| Colours | Grey and dark stone |
adidas Terrex Hydroterra Sandals
adidas Terrex Hydroterra Sandals
Pros
- Closed-toe style offers protection
- Adjustable features for a secure fit
- Made from breathable, quick-drying materials
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Score: 89/100
Another pair of closed-toe sandals from the experts at adidas, these were a big hit with our panel, with one tester saying: “I can’t recommend them highly enough,” and another commenting: “I would give them more stars if I could.”
With a lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning, everyone agreed they were very comfortable – including one panellist who suffers with arthritis in their feet. The adjustable Velcro straps helped our hikers achieve a secure fit and kept them supported mile after mile, and the textile upper was breathable, too.
Thanks to the TRAXION™ rubber outsole, they offered excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions. They’re quick to dry and can handle loose, rough terrain. Some testers would have preferred a more stylish design, but others said they liked wearing them with jeans and dresses.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 4-14 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Rubber |
| Sole material | EVA |
| Colours | Olive, black, beige and off white |
Keen Hypersport H2 Sandals
Keen Hypersport H2 Sandals
Pros
- High-quality, durable construction
- Good for beach walks and water sports
- Easy to put on and adjust
Cons
- Not suitable for those with narrow feet
Score: 88/100
Keen’s iconic ugly-cool hiking sandals won’t disappoint the next time you take to the trails – especially if you’re adventuring by the water.
Testers confirmed that the AquaGrip soles offer next-level grip on wet and muddy surfaces, with one saying: “They were very stable, no matter where I tried them.” The fabric lining is quick to dry and the mesh upper is treated with an anti-odour solution to prevent damp, smelly feet.
Most walkers found them comfortable from the very first wear, although some noted the insides were a little stiff. On the plus side, there’s no need to faff around with straps and buckles – simply slip your feet in and use the elasticated cinch drawstring to adjust.
Key specifications
| Sizes | 4-8 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Polyester |
| Sole material | Eva |
| Colours | Pink |
North Ridge Women’s Grace Sandals
North Ridge Women’s Grace Sandals
Pros
- Sturdy leather construction
- Extremely lightweight
- Good comfort and grip
Cons
- Testers would have liked more adjustable features
Score: 82/100
These strappy sandals may look delicate, but rest assured they’re made from water- and stain-proof pig skin leather and feature a grippy Vibram outsole to keep you grounded on all types of terrain.
Testers scored them highly for stability in wet and dry conditions, with one saying, “I didn’t feel like I was going to fall when I was on slippery surfaces.” Another panellist who wore them in dewy grass and muddy fields said they looked just as good as new after miles of stomping. Thanks to the contoured EVA midsole means, they were comfortable and lightweight, too.
The simple, classic design went down well with most, but testers would have preferred more adjustable features around the feet.
Specifications:
| Sizes | 6-8 |
|---|---|
| Outer material | Leather |
| Sole material | Rubber |
| Colours | Navy |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We've been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years. In that time, we've learnt a lot about what makes reliable activewear, from the best walking poles to the best yoga mats. We've also developed rigorous testing protocols to assess every product against its claims and rate it fairly against the competition.
Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, led our walking shoe review, trying each pair out herself and writing detailed questionnaires for our panel to find out exactly what they loved (and what they didn’t). She has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years and is a Level 4 qualified personal trainer.
All the data and feedback are then analysed and written up by Priyankaa Joshi, our sleep and wellness editor, who has reviewed hundreds of health and fitness products (which means she has very stringent demands when it comes to the kit she uses). Priyankaa is an avid gym-goer and runner and is currently undertaking her level 2 personal training qualification.
How to choose walking sandals
Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to choosing your perfect pair of walkers.
Purpose: Think about when and where you’ll be wearing your sandals before you shop. If you’re heading on a walking holiday, a lightweight, packable shoe is a good idea. Hardcore hikers, on the other hand, should consider closed-toe, durable designs for protection on tricky terrain. Fast-drying, waterproof fabrics are a good idea for beach walks.
Size and fit: As with any shoe, sizing varies from brand to brand. Use your regular shoe size as a starting point but keep in mind that you may need to size up or down. Your toes shouldn’t feel cramped and there shouldn’t be any tightness or pinching when the straps are done up. Your feet also shouldn’t slide around, and your heels shouldn’t lift as you walk. We recommend wearing them around the house a few times – for an hour at a time – before going out in them.
Adjustability: Given that your feet swell throughout the day (especially in hot weather), we recommend opting for sandals with adjustable straps so your feet remain comfortable and secure for the long haul.
Materials: Though pricey, leather is extremely durable and will stay in excellent shape, wear after wear. Lightweight, fast-drying synthetics like nylon and polyester are also a good choice for active styles, and mesh constructions are worth considering if breathability is top priority.
Support: Look for footbeds with arch support and cushioning materials like foam to prevent pain and injuries. Prioritise soles with good grip and traction (rubber is a reliable pick) – particularly if you’ll be walking on slippery, uneven surfaces.
What makes a sandal suitable for walking?
Comfort should be a key priority, especially if you’re heading out on a long walk. Look for women's walking sandals with contoured footbeds, adjustable straps and well-ventilated materials.
To prevent slipping, especially on wet surfaces, a good grip on the sandal’s outsole is also important. A well-gripped sole will be made of rubber and have a tread that appears as small raised circles or squiggly lines on the base of the shoe.
Are walking sandals better than trainers during hot weather?
Yes, because they can help keep your feet ventilated and minimise sweating, which can cause rubbing.
What type of sandals are best for walking?
If you’re strolling around a city, choose open-toed, comfortable sandals with adjustable straps. Closed-toe sandals with a secure fit around the ankle and a good grip are more suitable for longer walks or hikes, especially on rougher terrain.
The verdict on the best walking sandals for women
If you’re looking for sandals that are stylish enough for the city but still supportive, our overall winner, the open-toe leather Trespass Women's Leather Sandals Kimbra are lightweight and comfy.
The Mountain Warehouse Wunderlust Womens Walking Sandals came in a close second in our testing and are perfect for longer walks, thanks to their closed-toe design.
If trail walking takes you near water, or you need walking shoes that can cope with showers, the Keen Hypersport H2 Sandals are your best option. They have AquaGrip soles that offer good support on both wet and muddy surfaces.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
