Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. Birkenstock ultra-lightweight EVA slidesΒ with same ~superior~ level of comfort as the brand's iconic leather options. They've been designing sandals since before America was even officially a thing (since 1774 !), so I think they've got things down...
2. Simple strappy sandals for those moments when you told your friend you were on your way 15 minutes ago but you had actually just gotten out of the shower and now you're running so behind that you don't have time to think about what you put on your feet.Β
Promising review: "Don't usually write reviews but these sandals are so amazing I had to! I was worried since buying shoes online can be tricky, but when I got them they were a perfect fit and they are true to your size. They do have cushion in them which makes the sandal that much better and more comfortable. Plus, they are super cute :)" βΒ Lee
Get them from Amazon forΒ $21.90 (available in sizes 5β13 and in five colors)
3. Lucky Brand heels that reviewers say are comfortable right out of the box! AKA they're a safe buy if you waited until the absolute last minute to pick up shoes for that wedding you're attending *this* weekend...
Promising review: "The fit is excellent. I like that I can adjust the straps. Classy and elegant sandals. I got the white to go with spring and summer dresses. For the price, this is an excellent buy. I'm looking into getting other colors." βAllisha
Get them from Amazon forΒ $30.39+ (available in sizes 5β12 and in seven colors/prints)
4. Lace-up ankle wrap sandals if your day-to-day style could be mistaken for a Megara cosplay.
Promising review: "Perfect every day sandal and adds nice warm style to any outfit. If youβre considering these, definitely buy them! Although, Iβm not sure about longevity, if these last me a year or two Iβd be just as happy for the price and buy another pair. Go for it!" β JD
Get them from Amazon forΒ $15.99+ (available in sizes 5β11 and in three colors)
5. Shiny gold flip-flops with a foam-cushioned footbed so it doesn't feel like your feet are directly slapping the pavement every step you take.Β
Very Lovely Soles is a Black woman-owned small shoe biz from Vanessa L. Seide. Her designs are sold online and in select boutiques in Westchester, NY.Β
Get them from Very Lovely Soles for $40 (available in sizes 6β10).
6. Heeled faux-croc or quilted mules if you've been watching a whole lot of SATC lately and you're really feeling Carrie Bradshaw's influence.Β
7. Jelly slidesΒ that'll take middle-of-the-pack millennials straightttttt back to the '90s when times were simpler and pre-teens wore nothing but these babies and Aeropostale monkey shirts.Β
8. Open-toe slides which are a staple if I do say so myself. If you're prone to tripping and even the ~slightest~ heel can do you in, give these babies a go.
Promising review: "LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes!!! They are exactly what I was looking for. Iβve tried a bunch of slides and these were the winner. The reason the were my favorite is because they actually look good on the foot. A lot of slides kind of look weird on." β Claire
Get them from Amazon forΒ $9.99+ (available in sizes 5-11 and in eight colors/prints)
9. Stretchy elastic flats so you don't ever have to bend over while in a dress or mini skirt and worry about mooning anyone whilst trying to adjust a more-demanding buckle or tie.Β
Promising review: "Very comfortable summer sandals for a reasonable price. I bought them before a music festival this April. The khaki color is neutral enough to go with any outfit and the elastic is very comfortable, allowing me to walk for miles in them without any kind of blisters or discomfort on my feet (I'm the kind of person who gets serious blisters between my toes when I wear flip flops, so that's saying something!) Soles are relatively thin but very flexible. I recommend these as a basic, walkable summer sandal that looks surprisingly stylish with any outfit." βLaura Beckman
Get them from Amazon for $9.79+ (available in sizes 5-11 and in 14 colors)
10. Sanuk slings with a cushioned footbed *literally* made from a yoga mat so your feet can practice savasana all day every day.Β
Promising review: "Iβm a hairdresser and few years ago a girl that I work with had these on β it was the first time I had ever seen them and I wanted a pair immediately. They came in a short while, I put them on and havenβt taken em off since! Well, obviously thatβs an exaggeration β I HAD to switch to warmer shoes come wintertime. But I swear β every day when Iβm getting ready for work, I look at all my other shoes, then I put these on. Some mornings Iβll actually put on a different pair of shoes, then Iβll take em off and put these on again. They are really THAT COMFORTABLE. I mean, yoga mat soles? What evil genius concocted THIS INVENTION? They are so fabulous! Yes, I think theyβre super awesomely adorbs, but since they are soooooo comfy, I mightβve broken down and bought 'em anyway even if I hated the way they looked! That says everything about how they feel on! I think I need to purchase a second (and then possibly a THIRD) pair! And yeah, it is ideal to wear shoes with support to ANY job, really, not just mine β I just canβt bear to wear anything but these! And I mean anywhere, not just to the salon- and I am so happy that my boss allows us to dress a lil more casual β I swear, Iβm in black PJs every day with these babies on my feet β lovin' life!!!!" βH. Hunter
Get them from Amazon forΒ $17.85+Β (available in sizes 5β11 and 21 colors and patterns).
11. Teva ankle-strap sandalsΒ *so* dang comfortable and lightweight, reviewer's say they work beautifully for flat feet ~and~ super-high arches as well as swollen pregnant feet and even those withΒ tendinitis.Β
They're also great for water activities since they float!Β
Promising review:Β "I have searched endlessly for comfortable shoes to have adjusted for a leg length discrepancy. I have tennis shoes but wanted some sandals. The gal at West Coast Branch and Limb said these are fantastic orthotic sandals. They are super lightweight. There really isnβt anything to them but they are comfy and waterproof which is a plus. Most sandals have fabric foot beds that fade and get dirty over time. Not these! Oh, and I have a fused ankle (no motion) after a failed total ankle implant and sub-talar fusion. Iβve had eight surgeries total on my ankle and these feel comfortable. Granted, I use a mobility scooter when going 'long' distances, but they are great so far. Canβt wait to have them adjusted for my leg length discrepancy. Also, I normally wear an 8.5 to a 9 but an 8 fits perfectly, so Iβd recommend going with the lower size." βJennifer
Get them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes 5β13 and in 12 colors).
12. Strappy flip-flops for those ready to graduate from Old Navy $1 flip-flops and onto something bigger and better (read: more durable). Baby steps, grasshopper, baby steps.
Promising review: "First: I hate flip-flops... I always break them or twist them sideways somehow. These are not your typical flip-flops. These are the most comfortable flip-flop sandals Iβve ever owned. I love these shoes! The extra strap makes all the difference in added comfort. I ordered these to take on vacation for wearing to/from the pool. Ended up not even unpacking the other shoes I packed. These were so comfortable and versatile that not only were they pool shoes, but also walking on the beach shoes, and dinner shoes. I love them so much Iβll be ordering more in different colors." βIan R.
Get them from Amazon for $18.90+ (available in sizes 5β11 and in 14 colors/patterns).
13. Classic Sam Edelman thongs I'm certain you'll be wearing for years since they won't ever go out of style and β according to reviewers β they seemingly have the lifespan of a blue and yellow macaw. (That's ~100 years if you didn't get that fact on your last Snapple cap.)
Promising review: "These are my second pair. VeryΒ comfortable. Still wearing my first pair, have had them for a couple of years or more, have worn them in the rain many times and walking long distances and they have held up extremely well. One of the heels fell off recently, I glued it back on and wear these as everyday sandals and keep the new ones for dress. A very pretty durable sandal." βAmazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $39.69+ (available in sizes 4β12 and in five colors).
14. Colorful huaraches with embroidered flowers and a closed-toe design if your monthly pedicure has fallen off the cal lately.
Macarena Collection is a Buena Park, California-based small biz with all sorts of leather sandals, embroidered Huipil shirts, and home goods.
Promising review: "I LOVE these shoes! I was greeted by the smell of sweet leather. I immediately put them on and couldnβt believe how cute they were in person! Iβm normally a size 6.5 and have a wider foot across the toes. I ordered the size 6 and they fit perfectly. I wore them all day and no issues, no blisters, no 'new shoe' uncomfortableness. I would highly recommend!" βMemphis Market Co. David and Grace
Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $40.72 (originally $50.90; available in sizes 5β10).
15. Or handmade braided huaraches if you're prone to toe sweats and are looking for maximum breeze-age.
ArtesanΓas Camila is a Carthage, Texas-based shop from Blanca Olivera. All of their Mexican-inspired huaraches, bags, hats, and apparel are handmade.
Promising review: "These are not just gorgeous shoes β they are comfortable and supportive. I have trouble finding shoes that fit properly (I have a high arch) but these fit great! No blisters or scrapes, plus as soon as they arrived, I could walk over a mile without having to break them in. I get so many compliments on them, too! I highly recommend." βemnkugler
Get them from ArtesanΓas Camila on Etsy for $44.99 (originally $49.99; available in sizes
16. Reviewer-loved flatforms that are *so* comfortable and cute, people just keep returning to buy more colors. Luckily, there are 68 to choose from, so they won't soon run out.
Promising review: "I have been looking for some new spring/summer sandals and I just received these and they are so incredibly comfortable and super cute! I think I will order them in more colors. The width is perfect on me. I tend to have a wider foot, but not that wide and found they fit true to size. The color is fabulous too! I ordered gray." βMagical Everyday
Get them from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in sizes 5.5β11 and in 68 colors/prints).
17. Studded Steve Madden gladiators if you're the type of person who believes one can *never* over-accessorize. And just to prove it, you'll pair these with an anklet, too. ππΌββοΈ
Promising review: "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 Iβm 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!" βTJ
Get them from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in sizes 5.5β11 and in 13 colors).
18. Strappy slides that look ~designer~ but don't come with the "oh my god, what did I just do??" price tag.
Promising review: "These sandals are so cute, affordable, and comfortable! These shoes were true to size, not too tight, and have good cushion! I have worn them so much already and they are still just as comfortable as the first day! Definitely worth the purchase!" βFor the Love
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes 5β13 regular and wide and in 30 colors/prints).
19. Funky cow-print espadrilles certain to have you breaking out into Monique Heart's debut single β "Brown Cow Stunning" β even if you aren't in the company of other RPDR fans.
20. H-shaped flat sandals so simple, you can wear them every day no matter what's on your itinerary, be it poolside margaritas or finally renewing your passport.
Promising review: "Honestly I had low expectations for these sandals since they were so inexpensive but I LOVE them!! They are cushioned, comfortable, and made with good quality materials! I plan to order a couple more colors and use these all summer long! They fit just as expected." βMichelle
Get them from Amazon for $19.10+ (available in sizes 5β13 and in four colors).
21. Heeled Toms sandals with the same comfort level as the brand's iconic canvas slip-ons. Don't ask me how that's possible because I'm no shoe scientist (or engineer? if that's more applicable?), but the reviewers have spoken.
Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this shoe! I love that it fits like a bootie. Adorable with skinny jeans/leggings, dresses, etc. Can be dressed up or down β I wore them to a wedding in Greece, and also out and about during the day in Spain. Very comfortable for walking, dancing, whatever! I typically wear between a 7.5 and an 8, and I tried on both sizes. Ultimately the 8 was more comfy." βjasmineflower
Get them from Amazon for $44.98+ (available in sizes 5.5β12 and in 12 colors/prints).
22. Buckled block heels that will have others saying "wow!" and your fantastically supported arches saying "oh, you BEST believe."
Promising review: "These are very pretty and comfortable shoes, I wore them right away to a party and they never pinched or slipped. They show just enough toe and the toe box is comfortable. My feet don't slip or slide. The buckle is darling. The black straps are velvety. They are true to size, and neither wide or narrow." βWoody
Get them from Amazon for $29.20+ (available in sizes 5β10 and in two colors).
23. Handwoven Plaka sandals with stretch-to-fit nylon straps sure to be your foot's BFF β not nemesis.
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 / cause chafing. I was pleasantly surprised at howΒ comfortableΒ they really are though!!! 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 my 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!" βStark
Get them from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in sizes 5β11 and in 24 colors).
24. Braided gladiators that are 100% adjustable so if your calves seemingly shape-shift throughout the day, you can loosen or tighten as necessary.
Promising review: "These are exactly what I was looking for. They're really cute,Β comfortable, and fit well. I prefer sandals to have some sort of ankle closure, so the soft straps on these are perfect. They can be tied in different ways, and won't slide off. I also love the color choices!" βJami H.
Get them from Amazon for $16.99 (available in sizes 5β11 and in three colors).
25. T-strap wedges with an itty bitty stacked heel that gives you *just* the right boost and no crippling arch pain.
Promising review: "SOOO comfy! These are CUTE! Made very well and has a cushion built in so they are very comfy to walk in and doesn't require 'breaking them in' before first time use. Love them...may get in another color. I have thin feet...from arch to top of foot and sandals are typically loose but these fit great. Not tight and not too loose." βStacey E. Engstrom
Get them from Amazon for $37.54+ (available in sizes 5β11 and in 17 colors).
26. Braided slides that are *the* en vogue spring and summer style if Gen Z TikTok influencers are to be trusted. (If they're not... can someone let me know because I'm falling into their trap.)
Promising review: "I bought the yellow and black pair because the gray ones I already have are just so comfortable. A must-have for spring and summer." βH&M Reviewer
Get them from H&M for $24.99 (available in sizes 4.5β10 and in two colors).
27. And elastic-strap low wedges with straps so soft and stretchy, reviewers say they're even comfortable if you have super arched feet and/or bunions.
Promising review: "Planned a last-minute international beach trip and assumed that my trip would be spent in flip-flops. Nope. These I purchased at the last minute as a back up and they worked miracles. They fit my wide feet (one is wider than the other and both fit with the stretchy straps), they were comfortable and I wore them seven times in seven days. Great arch support. Simply felt great. I will buy every other color and they will be my go-to all summer! Also, I stopped wearing heels a couple of years ago due to ankle challenges and the small heel on these is no problem." βLisa
Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 5β11 and in nine colors).