The 20 Most Comfortable Sandals of 2024 That Will Make You Ditch Your Sneakers

Best Overall

REEF Lofty Lux Hi

$85 $65 at Amazon View on Reef.com

We personally tested the Reef Lofty Lux Hi sandal and its sole-hugging fit provides instant comfort as you slip into it. Its durable leather material with an EVA insole also provides plenty of cushion and support. Albeit a taller style, the platform silhouette is a lot more comfortable than some flatter models, and it’s one of several Y2K trends making a comeback — but doesn’t feel too clunky, which we love. 

Like many of our favorite slip-on-shoes, these fit true to size. The fact they don’t require any break-in time makes them a great choice for occasions like weddings, parties, and even for office wear. While our tester experienced some tightness around their big toes, it didn’t cause irritation. The shoe felt secure when walking even sans ankle strap, and the foot straps remained comfortable even after many steps. 

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Leather, recycled metallic logos | Insole: EVA | Closure: None (slip-on) | Colors: 8

Best Everyday

Birkenstocks Arizona Big Buckle

$170 at Zappos $170 at Birkenstock.com $170 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Reese Witherspoon, and Katie Holmes are repeat wearers of the Birkenstock Arizonas — and we understand why.

These shoes provide superior arch and anatomical support with the contoured footbed (designed in a “healthy foot” shape, according to the brand) and EVA cushioning that works double-time to absorb shock while you walk. The sandals are also incredibly sturdy and durable, so they’re a pair you’ll keep in your wardrobe for a long time. The insole also has defined medial and metatarsal arches in order to support the rest of your foot, too, from the ball of your foot to the heel.

One of the best things about Birkenstock sandals — including these — is that, over time, they form to your feet for maximum comfort and arch support. However, this also means that it can take up to a month to break in a pair of fresh Birkenstocks. So, as much as we loved these sandals, we found that the break-in period was a tad lengthy and required some preventative measures to ward off blisters (psst: this tape works great).

Sizes: 5-11.5 | Material: Leather, cork, suede | Insole: EVA | Closure: Single strap, buckles | Colors: 15

Best Budget

Bronax Pillow Slippers

$36 $21 at Amazon

If you're looking for a comfy pair of slides, seeing as the word “pillow” is in the name, you can bet that these slides are some of the most cloud-like (and budget-friendly) sandals on the market right now. Complete with a featherweight sole and some serious cushion, these shoes provide great shock absorption and stability thanks to their EVA material.

Although they aren’t the most supportive sandals on our list, they’re a great choice for wearing to the pool, around the house, or to run errands. The sandals are also waterproof with lots of grip, so while we don’t recommend wearing slides in the rain, you won’t have to worry about ruining your shoes if you happen to get caught in a summer storm.

Sizes: 4-16 | Material: EVA | Insole: EVA | Closure: Single strap | Colors: 15

Best Flip Flops

Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop

$55 $32 at Amazon $55 at Walmart $33 at Zappos

Voted as our PEOPLE-approved best flip flops for women, these durable sandals are comfortable and supportive enough to get you through several seasons of wear at a relatively attractive price point. These thick-strapped flip flops feature an EVA midsole that absorbs shock and a specialty cushion on the insole that provides ample cushion for long days on your feet.

It’s finished with a high-traction bottom, so you can walk around the pool without fear of slipping, and an adjustable buckle on the straps that allows you to find the perfect fit for your individual foot shape. There's a reason our testers fell in love with these ultra-comfy sandals — and we expect you to, as well.

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Rubber, riptape | Insole: EVA | Closure: Straps | Colors: 19

Best Strappy

Teva Voya Infinity Sandal

$70 at Amazon View on Teva.com

It’s no secret that Tevas are some of the most comfortable sandals ever, but we put them to the test to make sure they’re actually worth the investment. We tried the Voya Infinity sandals — a stylish and strappy version of the classic Tevas — which have an ultra-cushioned Mush topsole and EVA insole for comfort, support, and shock absorption. Their stretchy elastic cording secures the shoe to your foot and prevents any awkward gripping. 

Their superior traction makes these shoes a great choice for all types of terrain. Plus, they’re treated with a natural anti-odor solution to keep them smelling fresh. We appreciated their lightweight construction, which only adds to the overall comfort. Since Tevas are more of a pull-on style, they require a little bit of work to get them on, but, once you slip your feet in and ensure all the straps are in place, they’re worth the extra effort. 

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Leather trim, elastic lacing, Mush topsole, EVA | Insole: EVA | Closure: Stretchy elastic cording | Colors: 3

Best Traction

Sorel ONA Streetworks Fisherman Sandal

$65 at Nordstrom $54 at Zappos View on Sorel.com

It’s hard to find an uncomfortable pair of Sorel shoes, so we weren’t surprised that these Ora sandals earned a perfect score. As a classic fisherman style, they come with excellent ankle support — something hard to find in sandals — and lots of traction, thanks to the lug sole design. 

The materials ensure lots of shock absorption and cushioned support. And, we were delighted that they didn’t require any break-in time. The sandals also have a slight platform, which elevates the shoe without sacrificing comfort; a style you can easily dress up (or down) while remaining comfy. They also have lots of cut-outs which aid breathability on a hot day. The Sorel sandals are also an excellent transition sandal: something you could easily wear into the fall (especially if you go with the classic black hue or autumn yellow). 

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Full grain leather, EVA, Feathertread™ rubber, PU | Insole: EVA | Closure: Adjustable strap with buckle | Colors: 4

Best Outdoor

Teva Flatform Universal Sport Sandals

$50 at Amazon $75 $42 at Nordstrom $75 at Zappos

The words “adventure” and “Teva” are synonymous to us when it comes to outdoor sandals. If you're looking for a great pair of Teva shoes, these sandals are built to give you support in tough terrains and comfort with their molded EVA midsole. And these sandals are not only the pinnacle of functionality, but they’re super cute, too. PEOPLE shopping director Laura Gurfein has worn these sandals for over three years and vouches for their durability outdoors, especially in wet climates.

These sandals have toe and ankle straps that will keep your foot comfortably in place (so you never have to worry about tripping), and they even have a supportive arch that will take the stress from your soles while you strut around town. (You can even get this pair in a thinner sole in case the flatform is too daunting). Whether you’re going from fauna to festivals, this strappy pair is your best accessory. 

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Recycled polyester, plastic, rubber | Insole: Vegan polyester | Closure: Velcro straps | Colors: 8

Best Kitten Heel

Vivaia Square-Toe Kitten Heel Sandals (Alina)

$125 at Amazon View on Vivaia.com

Heeled sandals are 50/50 when it comes to comfort, but these Vivaia kitten heels tick that box. The sustainable shoes are made with a knit fabric derived from recycled plastic water bottles and have benefits like moisture-wicking technology, enhanced arch support, and plenty of cushioning on the insole. 

While testing these heels, we were pleasantly surprised with the comfort when walking, ensured by the ComfortWalk insole. Our testers could also feel noticeable ankle support, an unexpected but welcome quality for kitten heels. Though they advertise an anti-slip outsole, we found the material to be a tad slippery, so we’d caution against wear when it’s raining.

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Knit fabric made from plastic water bottles | Insole: ComfortWalk Insole | Closure: None (slip-on) | Colors: 15

Best Dressy

Havaianas Twist Metal Sandal

View on Havaianas.com

For a dressier option, consider the Havaianas Twist Metal Sandal. This is a classic thong sandal with an adjustable ankle strap that keeps the shoe in place (no gripping needed). Since it’s a flip-flop style, the sandal doesn’t have arch support, but it is constructed with a rubber outsole, so it has more bounce to it, providing relief and shock absorption while walking. 

For such a stylish sandal, we found it surprisingly functional, too: The durable rubber and other high-quality materials held up well throughout the testing period. While it might not be a sandal for sightseeing or excessive walking, it’s definitely a good option for vacation dinners or as work-appropriate summer flats. 

Sizes: 6-12 | Material: Rubber, PVC, Zamac | Insole: Rubber | Closure: Adjustable backstraps | Colors: 2

Most Colors

Soda sandals

$38 at Amazon

For someone who likes options, look no further than these espadrilles from Soda — with a whopping 43 colors to choose from. The sandals are also quite comfortable, and were so right out of the box given their thick soles and cushioning.

While they weren’t the most comfortable option on our list, these espadrille sandals have some fantastic features, too. The ankle strap provided extra support and kept the shoes on our feet during the test — and the traction was solid, as well. That said, the budget-friendly cost is telling when you compare the quality to other styles on our list. We loved the versatility though, and found they’re a great option for dressing up and down. 

Sizes: 5-12 (wide fits available) | Material: Imitation suede, vegan leather, nylon, synthetic rubber | Insole: Synthetic rubber | Closure: Adjustable ankle strap with buckle | Colors: 43

Best Slides

lululemon Restfeel Women's Slide

$58 at Lululemon

Lululemon ventured into the world of shoes with the Blissfeel running sneakers, but its sandals are the next big thing when it comes to rest and relaxation. These shoes are made for your “off” days — featuring dual-density cushioning, a foam-lined upper strap, and a traction-gripping rubber sole to ensure that you can walk from the pool to the couch with zero slippage. Better yet, you can nab these cushy slides in six earthy tones to match all of your loungewear outfits. Lululemon does it again.

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Foam, rubber | Insole: Foam | Closure: Single strap | Colors: 6

Best Casual

Ugg Goldenstar Strap

$108 at Amazon $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos

Ugg is well known for its superior comfort, and that statement still rings true when it comes to the Goldenstar Strap.

These suede, gladiator-like sandals are the perfect summer option for the comfort-loving minimalist who wants to step it up a notch. Its comfortable suede straps look and feel like a classic Ugg boot, just reworked for the warmer months — but what remains is incredible comfort, which is found in its contoured EVA insole and soft, suede upper.

We especially love that we can adjust these thick straps to perfectly fit the individual shapes of our feet to ensure maximum comfort and a lower chance of slipping. Think classic Ugg boots, but for the summer, and you get these ultra-comfy, strappy sandals.

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Suede, recycled polyester, EVA | Insole: EVA | Closure: Straps, hook-and-loop | Colors: 3

Best Lightweight

Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge

$55 at Amazon $50 at Zappos View on Dsw.com

Another one of Yau’s recommendations is the Brooklyn Low Wedges. “I adore these Crocs, with their elegant two straps, heel strap, and LiteRide foam footbed,” says Yau.

Though its design looks thickly-platformed, these sandals are featherweight on your feet thanks to the light materials that make up its cushy sole. Plus, the insole features deep heel cups for increased comfort and stability from the very first wear — no break-in period necessary. Substitute your old clog Crocs for this versatile sandal this season. 

Sizes: 4-11 | Material: Synthetic, thermoplastic rubber | Insole: Synthetic | Closure: Straps, metal rivets | Colors: 19

Best Platforms

Steve Madden Slinky30 Sandal

$90 $54 at Amazon $90 $54 at Zappos View on Stevemadden.com

Platform shoes are all the rage, but are they really comfortable? While not all of them may be, the Steve Madden Slinky sandals surely are. With a contoured synthetic sole, a noticeably padded insole, and a soft, fabric upper strap that keeps your foot firmly in place, it’s no wonder why these are one of the brand’s best-sellers.

This shoe provides just the right amount of lift with its 1.25-inch platform, being 2.25 inches in the heel, to give you some extra height while feeling like you still have your balance. The arched sole adds a little something extra to this nostalgic shoe, which tips its hat to the ‘90s styles that inspired its design.

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Vegan leather, synthetic lining | Insole: Synthetic | Closure: Fabric strap | Colors: 1, Black

Best for Recovery

Hoka Ora Recovery Flip

$60 $39 at Nordstrom $60 at Zappos View on Roadrunnersports.com

Hoka is known for its generously cushioned and carefully designed running shoes, and in looking at its sandals, it’s very apparent that the Recovery Flip was cut from the same cloth.

Complete with several layers of sole support, from a cushy EVA insole to a patented curved outsole, this sandal is made to make walking a breeze after a strenuous race or medical care.

Plus, it comes in a string of fun colors and even some mix-and-match shades for the sandal that fits your style. Recovery has never been easier (or more stylish). 

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: EVA, jersey | Insole: EVA | Closure: Thong straps | Colors: 7

Best for Pain Relief

Kuru Breeze Sandal

View on Kurufootwear.com

If your usual sandals are leaving your arches sore and heels achy, then it’s high time to switch to a new, more comfortable shoe. And to Yau, this shoe is almost perfect — given the fact that it doesn’t have a slingback strap (though it’s fantastic for those wanting a slide). She calls out the luxury material, consisting of leather, pigskin, and sheepskin, and appreciates the fact that there’s four colors to give you some options.

“There's a built-in heel support, arch support, breathable leather, and cushioned outsole pods,” Yau describes. Its contoured footbed is made to mold to the shape of your anatomy so you can get the best heel, ankle, and arch support possible. “The Kuru Breeze is almost a podiatrist's dream," she adds.

Sizes: 6-12 | Material: Leather, pigskin, sheepskin | Insole: Sheepskin | Closure: Crossover straps | Colors: 3

Best Flats

Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal

$120 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom $90 at Zappos

The days of guessing which shoe can go with your summer outfits are over, because this Sam Edelman slide has arrived on the scene. Complete with a strappy cutout of the brand’s logo, plus a luxe crocodile insole, this sandal adds a touch of elegance to every outfit you pair it with.

And though its half-inch footbed looks quite thin, its insole is surprisingly cushioned, making it incredibly easy to wear all day or night. Plus it comes in 15 shades and a pretty diverse number of sizes (all the way from 4 to 13), so you can choose the color combo, size, and width that feels right for you.

Sizes: 4-13 | Material: Leather, synthetic | Insole: Synthetic | Closure: Cutout straps | Colors: 15

Best Wedges

Dolce Vita Lauryn Wedges

$105 at Amazon $106 at Zappos

What’s a beach vacation or summer outing without a raffia wedge? This woven espadrille not only looks like a perfect warm-weather sandal, but it has the comfort (and outsole) of a sneaker — so you won’t have to carry your shoes home by the end of the night.

Though this shoe touts the largest arch of all of the sandals thus far (a 3-inch heel), the flatform bottom provides extra stability when you walk and its EVA-lined sole will keep your feet comfortable despite hours of wear. Though the woven buckle is just there for show, its comfortable faux leather straps will keep your feet firmly in place all day and night. Your sandal collection just got an upgrade.

Sizes: 5-13 | Material: Raffia, EVA, synthetic lining | Insole: EVA | Closure: Straps | Colors: 2

Best Heels

Aerosoles Camera Platform Sandal

$135 $99 at Amazon $135 $99 at Nordstrom $99 at Zappos

Stiletto heels are notoriously uncomfortable, but block heels tend to be a safer bet — but never have you ever felt a heel as sneaker-like as these sandals from Aerosoles.

Though they have some height, these sandals do not have the steep arch of a traditional high heel, instead consisting of a “slight pitch,” as the description says, that wears more like a flatform than a heel. It also includes a surface-gripping diamond-shaped outsole for extra traction to keep you extra stable while you strut in these heels.

One thing to keep in mind is that they run a little narrow, so sizing up a half size (or going for the wide shoe option, if you have wider feet) is advised. Our only question: Where are you going once you strap on these sandals?

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Genuine leather | Insole: Leather | Closure: Straps, buckle | Colors: 24

Best Classic

Dr. Scholl’s Original Sandal

$130 $86 at Amazon $120 $90 at Nordstrom $120 $90 at Zappos

At first glance, these wooden slides may look hard and quite the opposite of the word “comfortable,” but this O.G. sandal from Dr. Scholl’s is a mainstay in so many shoppers’ closets for a reason.

With a contoured, beechwood footbed and shock-absorbing insole designed to release stress from your pressure points, these slip-ons are a surefire way to keep your feet feeling comfortable all day long.

Even Carrie Bradshaw swapped her signature Manolo Blahniks for these sandals during an episode of Sex and the City, which seems like enough persuasion for us to click “add to cart.”

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Beechwood, leather | Insole: Beechwood | Closure: Buckle toe strap | Colors: 4