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Our top picks are comfortable, supportive, and durable Knee Length Boots For Women
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
Many people consider sandals an essential part of their summer wardrobe. However, no one wants to risk blisters, injuries, or tired feet after months of walking in uncomfortable shoes. Luckily, many options on the market offer both comfort and style. The best comfortable sandals have straps that won’t dig in, a supportive footbed with heel and arch support, and a slight one- to two-inch heel to relieve pressure from your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, says Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
We spent over a month testing 32 pairs of highly-rated sandals from dozens of best-selling brands. Along with casual daily wear, we wore each pair of sandals for at least eight hours in a row to truly assess for long-lasting comfort. Each pair was evaluated for responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and durability. We also had a physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
Look for sandals with low wedges and adjustable straps that cover most of your forefoot and ankle. They should also have a supportive footbed with arch support and a heel cup.
Expert Tip: If shopping in person, try on shoes at the end of the day to get the most accurate fit since your feet swell as the day goes on.
Other important factors to consider are:
Per the APMA, the worst types of sandals for your feet are traditional flip-flops, which don't provide support or keep any part of your foot held down. Slides also can present a problem because they usually don't offer support or help the back of your foot stay locked down.
Teva’s Women’s Zymic Sandals impressed us across the board—they’re supportive, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable. Thanks to the adjustable heel and toe straps, we found the fit to be true to size and accommodating to all foot shapes (narrow, average, and wide). We also appreciated the supportive arch, which is great for high—and low-arched wearers.
Besides being versatile enough for just about anyone, this shoe offers solid stability and springy responsiveness. During test walks, we noticed a quick and effortless transition between strides. The sandals also have a padded, cushioned sole that offers comfort and support. They were so lightweight that we felt like we were walking on air. After the lengthy testing period, we were also pleasantly surprised by how well the sandals held up.
Although these sandals are well-made and durable, we noticed some normal wear signs after testing.
Not only do these shoes look unique, but they feel special, too. Skechers’ Go Walk Massage Fit Sandals feature a wave-shaped, cushioned midsole that aims to massage your feet with every step. During testing, we found these to be one of the most highly cushioned pairs of sandals on our list—making them a great choice if you prefer a bouncy, cushy feel.
The cushioned wave soles did take some getting used to mobility-wise but after a month of testing, we were quickly accustomed to the comfy cushion and pleasantly surprised by the shoe’s durability. The shoes fit true to size and have an adjustable Velcro heel strap. Overall, we found these Skechers sandals quite springy and responsive, with a quick and effortless transition into your next stride.
Since they’re not available in half sizes, we wish the toe strap was adjustable to accommodate more foot shapes.
Merrell’s Bravada Backstrap Sandals have an athletic style that offers maximum, all-day comfort. We would know—we wore this pair every single day for one week straight while on vacation, doing activities like sightseeing and going to the beach.
Despite the brand not offering half sizes, we were able to find a solid fit because of the padded and adjustable heel, ankle, and toe Velcro straps. Thanks to the slightly raised edge and lifted arch of the sandal, our feet, ankles, and knees felt supported and stable. We also appreciated the smooth, springy transitions that propel you to the next step.
The rubber outsole is slightly thinner than other picks on our list, so it’s not ideal for rugged terrains. But after one month of consistent wear, we did find that the outsole, insole, and upper held up surprisingly well.
If style is important to you, you’ll love these super sleek and trendy sandals. Sorel’s Women’s Viibe Sandals are new to the market and have quickly become a summer staple for fashionable wearers. And after one month of testing, they’ve become a staple in our footwear arsenal, too.
The sandals fit true to size and don’t require a break-in period. And thanks to the adjustable heel strap and roomy footbed, they fit equally well on both narrow and wide feet. During testing, the firm and sturdy construction helped to keep our feet, ankles, and knees safe and stable.
We found the somewhat rigid sandal to lack cushioning and responsiveness. While these sandals are a great choice for style, they’re not ideal for distance walks, hiking, or long hours of wear.
The Women’s Kinetic Impact Slingback Heel Sandals are a classic platform sandal that combines fashion and functionality. They kept our feet supported, comfortable, and looking good throughout the one-month testing period.
For how stylish they look, we were very impressed with how stable and supportive the shoes felt. During test walks, we appreciated the cushioned footbed and slightly raised arch that provided a smooth, rolling transition between strides. The sandals also fit true to size and have an adjustable heel strap that allows you to customize the fit. We were also impressed by how well the sandals help up—they look as good as new after dozens of wears. The well-made construction and durable design make this pair worth the high price.
Some may find the high platform style too clunky. If you don’t like the look of a chunky platform heel, check out some other low-profile options on our list (like Munro’s Corine Sandals).
We found the ECCO’s Women’s Flowt Sandals to be both functional and fashionable. Thanks to two velcro straps at the toe and heel and a flexible and stretchy strap at the midfoot, these shoes are a solid true-to-size fit for most foot shapes. Besides easy adjustability, during testing, we had no issues with stability and felt supported throughout the feet and entire legs.
We appreciated the solid shock absorption on all surfaces—pavement, grass, carpeting, and hardwood floors. The padded soles are thinnest at the toe, raise at the midfoot, and plateau to a slight platform at the heel—offering solid arch support. The durable leather straps and overall sturdy construction add to the sandals’ great value. After one month of wear testing, we were happy to report that the sandals look as good as new.
If you choose the lighter color, be wary of staining. We found that the light colorway stains on grass and dirty terrains.
Offering support, comfort, and durability, the Keen’s Women’s Elle Mixed Strap Sandal looks like an everyday shoe. During testing, we appreciated the cushy comfort, stable support, and great shock absorption that the stylish shoe provided. Our knees, ankles, and feet felt equally stable and supported even when worn on hiking trails. We also noticed a soft and springy responsiveness that provided smooth transitions between strides, helping us walk comfortably for miles. They fit true to size and have easy strap adjustability for all foot shapes and sizes. As an added bonus, the straps are padded around the heel, which helps to prevent blisters and adds comfort. Overall, Keen’s Elle Sandals are a lightweight, durable, and stylish option that can be worn all day for a variety of summer activities.
The super soft and squishy soles take some getting used to—we don’t recommend this pair if you prefer a firmer sole.
The Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandals not only look sleek and stylish, but they’re also functional and comfortable. These sandals come in nine sizes and two widths, and they have three adjustable straps at the toe, midfoot, and heel for a fully customizable fit. After the break-in period, we found that the shoes start to contour to the shape of your foot, providing the proper arch support and foot alignment.
While they are comfortable enough for daily wear, we do not recommend these sandals for long-distance walks, hikes, or other outdoor adventures. The shoe has a stiff, firm construction that’s not ideal for quick, responsive strides.
Chaco’s Women’s Townes Sandals combine comfort and style with a classic silhouette and contoured footbed. We love this pair for travel because they’re lightweight enough to stash in your luggage, streamlined and stylish to go with most outfits, and supportive enough for a long day of sightseeing. We also love that the leather strap is soft and doesn’t dig into the skin—which is important to avoid blisters and chafing during long days of adventure.
The sandals fit true to size, have an adjustable ankle strap, and feature a wide enough toe box for most foot shapes. During test walks, both long and short, we were impressed with the sandal’s stability, shock absorption, and solid arch support. Also, the durable sole is supportive and springy, keeping your feet extra comfortable between strides.
When we first tried them on, we noticed they felt rather clunky. This can take some getting used to.
We found Muro’s Corine Sandals to be really comfortable. They’re super stable and offer great arch support, and we appreciated the bounce back and energy return that propelled our strides.
Available in width sizes SS-WW, the sandals are made to fit all foot shapes and sizes. But after trying on our regular sizes, we recommend you go up in size and width because these sandals run small and narrow. Thankfully, the brand has a helpful size chart online.
The sole is firm and supportive rather than cushioned and springy.
The Teva Original Universal Women’s Sandal offers a roomy fit and long-lasting durability at a budget-friendly price.
We felt comfortable during short test walks on smooth surfaces thanks to the soft foam midsole that sits low to the ground. We love how lightweight the shoes feel, making them convenient for travel or on-the-go wear.
After the one-month testing period, we were surprised to see how well the sandals held up—especially because of their rather thin, everyday design. And if they got dirty, we found them very easy to clean.
While the straps are adjustable, we noticed they’re slightly abrasive, causing a blister on the top of one of our toes. Moreover, the shoe is not supportive or cushioned enough for walking long distances or on uneven terrains.
Vionic’s Reyna Flatform Sandals are a stylish and supportive choice for long-distance walking, commuting, brunching, and more.
Thanks to the thick and well-cushioned footbed, we felt equally stable and supported on our long and short test walks. Along the footbed, the sandals are thinnest at the toe, raise high at the arch, and drop slightly at the heel—offering maximum arch support. They fit true to size and have a buckle closure at the heel that adds adjustability and a fashionable flare. If you need added arch support and want a cute and comfy sandal for the summer, this pair may be for you.
If you have low arches, the support may be too much. We also found that while the raised platform style helps with shock absorption, it tends to slow you down.
To find the most comfortable sandals for every situation and stride, we tested 32 pairs of sandals for over 30 days. Our team of 38 editors each wore one or two pairs of sandals over the course of one month. After an initial 30-minute walk test, we wore the shoes for three- and eight-hour shifts of intermittent walking, standing, and other movements. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate the sandals during our tests.
We consulted with three podiatrists for safety guidelines and buying recommendations. Here is an overview of who provided their insight:
The most important factors to consider in comfortable sandals are straps, footbed, heel height, materials, and width.
If you have a unique foot structure or medical issues, look for unique attributes in your sandal—including:
Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, Michelle makes it her mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations.
Hunter Boots Women Sherri Gordon, CLC, covers health and social issues and has a passion for connecting people with the right products to address their health goals. As an avid walker, Sherri knows how important it is to have a comfortable pair of sandals when you are out and about. Her favorite sandals offer cushy support while being stylish.