We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. Sling sandals designed with soles made from yoga mats, so you know the comfort is next level. You can wear these to the pool, beach, or even just the grocery store (to pick up supplies for the pool and beach, of course).
Promising review: "I racked up a whopping 68 miles across six park days in Disney World wearing only these flip flops. My steps are often missed while I'm pushing the stroller so I'm sure there were even more miles than that. I always wear broken-in tennis shoes on big walking days and packed them with me just in case these flip flops didn't work out, but I never needed them! My feet normally get very hot and swell and I really hate wearing tennis shoes. I never wore these before our trip and was so happy there was no break in period at all. It even rained for hours on end one day and my feet were still comfortable in these. I just dried them with the hotel hairdryer that evening and wore them again the next day." —Jamie
Get it from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 11 colors).
2. A heeled sandal in a fun shade of green because summer is the absolute best time to wear colorful shoes. Pair these with jeans and a cute tank for dinner with friends one day and then with a dress for a wedding the next! The 2.5-inch chunky heel will ensure you can stay on your feet for hours.
Promising review: "These shoes are so comfortable and the perfect height to wear with jeans or a dress! I was worried the top might get a little uncomfortable after wearing a while, but it didn’t, and I received a lot of compliments. Highly recommend!" —Tammyoh
Get them from Nordstrom for $48.96+ (originally $69.95; available in sizes 5–12 and in three colors).
3. Tioseban sneakers with a mesh top that'll let your feet breathe, no matter the heat index outside.
Sizing up a half size if you have wide feet is recommended.
Promising review: "I like these shoes so much I bought two pairs. My feet are very narrow, and I have trouble finding shoes that fit without coming off my heels. These have the comfort band that makes them very comfortable." —Jane from MA
Get them from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in sizes 5–13, wide, and in 35 colors).
4. A pair of Toms cutout sandals one reviewer called the "most comfortable heel", which is one of the hardest titles to claim IMHO. There's cushioning in the footbed, which gives your feet some extra support as you go about your day.
Promising review: "WOW THESE shoes are SO comfy! They are really soft and flexible — reminds me of a dance shoe. I am not a heel person but this heel is the perfect height. The foot bed is cushiony and the suede is really soft. I usually don't spend this much on a pair of shoes that I wouldn't wear on a daily basis, but I'm so glad I did! They are my go-to shoe with a crop pant or dress now." —tara_fitandhappy
Get them from Amazon for $66.59+ (available in sizes 5–12 and nine colors).
5. A Steve Madden sandal you can ~slide~ right on when you told your friends you left 10 minutes ago, when, in fact, you were still doing your hair. These simple yet chic sandals will be the perfect finishing touch for whatever outfit you're wearing.
Promising review: "These were a steal for how many miles they’ve walked already this summer! They still look brand new! I adore these with almost everything in my closet!" —Taylor Petersen
Get it from Amazon for $64.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 15 colors).
6. J. Adams Corby platform sandals reviewers love because they're actually super comfortable while being cute, especially with dresses. You'll def reach for these when you're packing for your next vacation (and the vacation after that, and the vacation after that, too).
Promising review: "These shoes were the most comfortable platform sandals I’ve ever worn, straight out of the box. I was leaving a cold climate to vacation in a warm one, so hadn’t broken in these shoes at all and immediately was walking long distances over uneven streets with no problem. Feet never hurt. Sandals are sassy and look as good or better than advertised. Easy to dress up your outfit and remain comfortable." —frequentcustomer
Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and in four colors).
7. A pair of chunky platform sneakers if you're tired of your old boring (and probably worn-out tbh) tennis shoes and want an option that will put a ~spring~ in your step. and as an added bonus, look at how good they look while enjoying an ice cream cone. If that isn't peak summer, idk what is.
Some reviewers suggest sizing up if you're in between sizes!
Promising review: "These are so great for the price! They are well constructed, very comfortable, and soft feeling but sturdy. I walked two miles in them one evening and another quick walk to brunch the other day. Size up if you’re in between sizes! They are so cute!" —J. Paulson
Get them from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and 11 colors).
8. A pair of cloud slides that may start out as your "I'm just running to get the mail" shoes, but as soon as you figure out how comfortable they are, you'll wear them everywhere. Plus, they have an anti-slip sole, which means you can totally wear these to the pool.
9. Sperry sneakers designed with elastic laces, so you get the look of a real sneaker while still being able to slide them on instantly when you realize that your fave local band starts playing at the street fair in approximately 20 minutes, and you need to leave ASAP.
Promising review: "I LOVE these adorable sneakers. I got three different pairs of sneakers to compare before settling on these. I decided on these because they felt sturdy and comfortable. I want to be able to wear these for a while, and I like that the sole of the shoe is substantial and the canvas on top is sturdy. The style is adorable. These go with anything and make even the most casual outfit feel a little more sophisticated. The insole is a dream. After wearing through two VERY walking-heavy trips, the insoles have held up great and have molded to my feet. They are so, so comfortable. I love the convenience of the slip-on styling. I've walked hundreds of miles in these babies, and they still look great. (They are in need of a wash — but have kept their shape and comfort)." —Lolo
Get them from Amazon for $35+ (available in sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and in 70+ colors and patterns).
10. Tkees flip flops for an elevated version of your fave summer shoes as a kid. Classic flip flops are always a great idea, and these are handcrafted from Brazilian leather with cushioned insoles for an extra element of comfort.
11. Dr. Marten gladiator sandals you won't have to ~fight~ over — as soon as you have them in your closet, you'll reach for them all the time. They're like the summer version of your favorite boots with a little edge. You'll break these out year after year after year.
Promising review: "Wore these out yesterday while walking downtown for about five hours and my feet never hurt once! These are very comfortable and felt secure. I have other Doc Marten sandals that are a different model and knew to go down an entire size." —Yoli Lo
Get them from Amazon for $88.04+ (available in sizes 5–11 and four colors).
12. A platform mule with a '70s feel because this summer is for sure going to be a ~groovy~ one. The added 1.5-inch platform makes these 3-inch heels comfortable enough for you to ~boogie~ the night away.
Promising review: "Love these shoes! I bought them for a cruise, and they went with every outfit from white flare jeans, to a flowy dress, to a dressy jumpsuit! They were so comfortable, but I still felt tall and dressed up. The platform style is so unique. They run true to size." —Susan G
Get them from Vince Camuto for $109.99 (originally $129; available in sizes 5–12 and in five colors).
13. Teva sandals that will essentially be a party on your feet every time you wear them. The shoes are made from quick-dry webbing out of recycled plastic, which means you can *totally* wear these into the water at the beach or during a hike and not have wet feet the rest of the day.
Promising review: "These are the comfiest shoes on the planet. I bought them for my trip to Thailand, which included a heavy amount of walking and hiking. I now wear them all the time, even for nonadventurous activities. They are so darn comfortable, and have great grip." —Caroline V.
Get it from Amazon for $35.45+ (available in sizes 5–14 and 34 colors).
14. Everlane crossover slides designed with a flexible footbed that gives with every step you take. The straps are also folded over for added comfort and less chafing. Once you put these on your feet, you may never want to take them off.
Promising review: "My first footwear purchase from Everlane, and I love them. The shoes well-made, comfortable, and surprisingly good to wear even for fairly long hours. I have sensitive skin, and the straps didn't irritate me. Good item!" —Charmaine
Get them from Everlane for $85 (available in sizes 5–11 and in five colors).
15. Classic Van slip-ons, featuring the fan-favorite checkered pattern in a fun teal color that basically screams, "SUMMER." You can wear these to everything from a music festival to a full day at an amusement park — essentially any day you know you're going to be walking a TON.
Promising review: "I recently purchased the Checkerboard Classic Slip-On shoes from Vans, and I'm really impressed with them. They are incredibly comfortable and have a great design that goes with almost any outfit. The best part is how easy they are to put on and take off — I'm now a huge fan of slip-ons, and these have quickly become a go-to pair in my collection." —Terryrh
Get them from Amazon for $75 (available in sizes 7.5–12.5 and in 20+ colors and styles), from Vans for $65 (available in sizes 5, 6–12.5 and in 18 colors and styles), or from Nordstrom for $39.95+ (available in sizes 5–10.5 and in four colors and styles).
16. Platform sandals meant to ~elevate~ your look without compromising your comfort levels. You can wear these with dresses, jeans, shorts, and basically anything else you've got in your wardrobe.
Promising review: "These shoes are a MUST-buy! I wanted a cute and versatile sandal for my vacation that was also comfortable to walk in all day, and let me tell you, they are very comfortable as well as versatile! You can wear them with anything, from jeans and shorts to skirts and dresses. These were my go-to shoes the entire vacation.
I will advise you to break them in first if you plan on walking in them all day, as they do rub against the back of your heels. I put bandaids on the back of my heels to help with the rubbing, and that helped a lot. Besides that, it’s a great shoe, and I loved them. Will buy more in different colors." —AKM
Get them from Amazon for $36.17+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and in 41 colors and styles).
17. A pair of woven mules that are totally appropriate for more professional settings but the woven top means that your feet won't totally overheat immediately and start sweating. Nobody wants that feeling, especially when they're in the middle of a big presentation. You got this!
Promising review: "These were totally professional for a work conference in South Texas. It was hot as heck walking over to the convention center from our hotel, and these sandals let enough breeze through to keep my toes comfortable. They looked really elegant, even as sandals, so I didn't feel like I was sacrificing professional dress for comfort. The weave is super comfortable and molds to my foot." —N
Get them from Target for $24.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and in three colors).
18. Some braided heel sandals or in other words, your new go-to shoes for every semi-formal event you've got coming up. We're talking weddings, bridal showers, engagement parties, and more. You'll be able to be on your feet the whole time and not have sore feet at the end of the night.
Promising review: "Reaching for these sandals more and more because they’re comfy, cute, and elevate my outfits! They didn’t require any breaking in and I’ve worn them for an entire day out and had no issues with long term wear. Fit was true to size. Going to get another color since I love them so much!" —Nidhi Patel
Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 28 colors and styles).
19. A pair of mesh sneakers reviewers say are comfy enough to run, walk, or even stand in all day long. The funky colors also mean you will for sure get compliments on them.
Promising review: "SOOOOO COMFORTABLE. I bought these because I saw a video posted on TikTok. Never did I imagine that they would be this comfortable. I have received so many compliments on these sneakers, and I'm actually looking to purchase another pair in lime green." —awesome game
Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and 19 colors).
20. A pair of espadrille platform sandals that have stretchy elastic straps and cushioned insoles for all-day comfort. That means if you wear them to Saturday brunch with your friends that ends up turning into a full-day epic adventure, your feet won't be dead when you finally make it home.
Promising review: "I was happily surprised with how comfortable these shoes are. They did not need any breaking in, and after wearing them and walking in them all day, they leave no blisters or irritation. The sole is cushioned, preventing your feet from hurting like other flat sandals often do. There is a slight learning curve if you’re not used to walking in platforms, but I love them! The beige/sand color goes with everything." —SK Thomson
Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 6–11, wide, and in five colors).
21. Birkenstock sandals designed with a contoured footbed to support your feet so you can walk miles and miles in them while still feeling super stylish. Plus, the gold color means you can totally dress them up with your fave dress for a nice dinner out.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Ciera Velarde says, "I am a hugeeee fan of Birkenstock, and this is my second pair I've owned. My first pair were basic black, and they still look good after about eight years of wear. I bought these was because I loved how the gold straps looked, and two years after buying them, they are without a doubt my most-worn shoe!! That's me on the left on my honeymoon — I wore them all throughout Italy, whether we were on the beach, on a boat tour, or walking around cities for miles on end. I love wearing them with dresses because the gold really *pops* and you end up feeling so comfortable, unlike when I wear less supportive sandals or heels. To make these last even longer, don't forget to use their shoe care kit to protect the cork and make the shoe waterproof!"
Get it from Birkenstock for $110 (available in sizes 4–11.5, narrow widths and in two colors).
22. Or a rubber version that look like the original style but are made with a lightweight waterproof material, so you still get the same comfort level with the added perk of wearing them in the water. Long gone are the days of having to wear ugly water shoes at the beach!
Promising review: "I just got back from a trip to Thailand in the rainy season, and these were the only shoes I wore the whole time. They're waterproof, ultra-comfortable, lightweight, and roomy enough for my wide feet. They complemented my outfits very well. 10/10 — one of my favorite pairs of shoes now." —KWillz
Get them from Nordstrom (available in sizes 5–10.5 and in six colors) or from Birkenstock (available in sizes 4–12.5 and in 11 colors) for $49.95.
23. Solana espadrilles I think are *almost* too beautiful to wear out. I say almost because you are def going to want to show these off to everyone because of how cool they are. And I know for sure they'll be the first pair of shoes you pack before you head out on your summer vacay.
Solana is a woman-owned small business that launched in 2020 creating sustainable footwear while also elevating human stories and principles of cultural and environmental sensitivity. The founder, Yasmine, is American, Lebanese, Saudi, and Syrian. This style is named after Borneo, one of Indonesia's largest islands, and is inspired by the people and culture there. The shoes are handcrafted using sustainable materials.
Promising review: "Such a unique gift! Got these from my boyfriend for Christmas and wore them on our trip to Mexico. They were the perfect shoes for the trip! They added just the right pop of color and were super fun to wear. Thanks Solana!" —Ashely K.
Get them from Solana for $285 (available in whole sizes 6-11).
24. A leather flatform sandal ready to go as soon as you take them out of the box — yes, that's right. These babies need no break-in period. Just put them on and head out the door.
Promising review: "Such a beautiful color, and I love the extra inch of height they give me! I wore them on vacation walking around Italy, and they might be my comfiest pair of shoes. 😍 The straps dug in a little the first time I wore them, but the leather does indeed stretch out for a perfect fit!" —Madyson B.
Get it from Nisolo for $138 (available in sizes 5–11 and in seven colors).
25. Or some Reef sandals with a similar look but that are actually made from a waterproof material. They're designed with a dual density footbed to support your feet, so you can wear them all day long and not worry if a rainstorm comes out of nowhere, even though the forecast was clear.
26. Floral cut-out ballet flats ideal for those hot hot days when you just don't feel like wearing sandals (or dress codes mean you can't) because the flowers are actually cut-outs, which means your feet will be able to breathe. Plus, they're durable, flexible, and oh-so cute!
Promising review: "These fit like a dream! So comfortable and stylish. Great shoe for the Spring/Summer. Love them and will probably by another pair in another color." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes 5–12 and in nine colors).
27. A pair of braided sandals more than 17,800 reviewers swear by for their water resistance, comfort, and cuteness. No need to wait for your summer Friday to roll around to wear these babies, they're good no matter the day of the week.
Promising review: "I have three pairs of these now! They feel great. The straps are comfy. When I bought my first pair, I worried the straps would make it difficult to get the shoes on and that they might be uncomfortable/chafing. But I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they really are!!! I alternate the colors and wear them nearly daily now (perfect summer shoes). We went on a beach vacation... We walked for hours at a time, and I never once got a blister or felt any discomfort. I didn't have any issues with feet sliding around uncomfortably when wet (whether from sweat or when it rained). They were great for walking on the beach, too!! These are seriously the best summer shoe!" —Stark
Get them from Amazon for $34.95 (available in whole sizes 5–11 and in 24 colors).
28. Rifle Paper Co. sandals about to be your new favorite because they take a classic style and make it even better by adding a floral design. The straps also have padding on them to ensure you won't get a blister from them rubbing on your skin as you walk.
I own last year's version of these sandals and love them so so much. They are super comfortable and cute. I love how they look like a classic sandal, but the floral pattern adds some extra-ness to them. I've worn them to baseball games, festivals, and just out and about all summer and have never found them to be uncomfortable. You won't regret adding these to your closet!
Get them from Rifle Paper Co. for $69.95 (available in sizes 5–11).
29. Some huarache woven sandals with an ankle strap and black and white graphic design. These beautiful shoes are handmade in Mexico and will actually mold to your feet the more you wear them.
Macarena Collection is a small biz based in Buena Park, California! All of the shoes are handmade by Mexican artisans. Since they only make whole sizes, they suggest sizing down if you're in between as the shoes will stretch and mold to your feet as you wear them.
Promising review: "Can I give these 1,000 stars? They are soooooo comfortable!!! I was afraid because my feet are on the wider side, but oh my do they fit absolutely amazingly well!! Don’t hesitate to buy them!! I love them! I love them! I Love them!!" —Jennifer Baez
Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.79 (originally $60.99; available in whole sizes 5–10).
30. Sorel flatform sandals that really only have a slight heel to them, so you'll be able to walk all day in while fielding all sorts of compliments on how cute they are.
Promising review: "So comfortable and cute! I started a new job that requires a lot more moving around, so I got these shoes to have something cute and comfortable. I have worn these literally all day, every day for the past few weeks. They have been just what I was hoping for! Easy to break in and so comfortable for all the walking I do at work." —Anna R
Get them from Sorel for $135 (available in sizes 5–12 and in four colors).
31. Adidas sneakers with more than 9,500 five-star ratings proving that these shoes are both comfortable *and* stylish. If you have a summer job where you're on your feet for hours at a time, these are a great option.
32. Studded Steve Madden gladiators that'll have you saying, "Tell me about it, Stud" because they're so cool and stylish. Get ready for some epic ~summer nights~ over the years in these babies.
Promising review: "I LOVE these sandals! So comfortable and stylish. I adore the Valentino Rockstud line, and these sandals offer a similar look for 1/10 of the price. I found them true to size (same as my other open-toe sandals) and comfortable right out of the box. I would note that the ankle straps may be small on some people. I have a petite ankle, and I’m using the middle hole to fasten the strap. They are also a bit slippery, but you can add non slip pads to the bottom. But seriously, they're so cute I may buy another pair!" —TJ
Get them from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 23 colors).
33. A pair of Rainbow wave sneakers your arches will be thanking you for purchasing because they are not only fun and add a pop of color to your outfit, but they also have Ortholite insoles.
Promising review: "Gorgeous leather, colorful and vibrant — an amazing shoe! Not super comfy right off, but with wear (thick socks at first) it will form to a custom fit. These shoes can be dressed down to sweats or dressed way up to dresses to stunning effect! Buy them, you won’t regret the purchase!" —HeatherS
Get them from Amazon for $132.05+ (available in sizes 5–9 and in white and blue).
34. A strappy sandal with the slightest heel for an ~elevated~ look without having to actually walk around in tall, tall heels. These are so sleek and sophisticated that you'll find yourself reaching for them all the time.
Zou Xou Shoes is a Black woman-owned business that has been creating handcrafted shoes by Argentinian shoemakers since 2015. The styles are easy and classic so they can be worn for years. These shoes are handmade to order in European sizes, and they suggest sizing up. So, if you wear a US 8, choose a 39.
Promising review: "High quality, gorgeous, comfortable shoe." —Brittany Grace Shiver
Get them from Zou Xou Shoes on Etsy for $181 (available in European sizes 36–42).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.