The 16 Most Comfortable Sandals PureWow Editors Have Ever Worn, Starting at $49

This Hawaii-based brand is one of my absolute favorites for high-quality, waterproof shoes that are also stylish enough to wear out on the town. And the Kīpe‘a ‘Olu sandal is my current top pick for two main reasons: the simple yet elegant stitching on the straps and the extra comfy footbed. The sole on this style is thicker than others by the brand for better support and cushioning, and that bonus stitch detailing makes these sandals appear much more expensive than they really are. Oh, and there is virtually zero break-in time required. Seriously, I wore mine right out of the box for a full day of exploring NYC and didn’t experience any irritation. And they’ve aged beautifully—after two years of use, they still look fabulous and the footbed is even more comfortable now that it’s had time to conform to the shape of my feet. My only gripe is that I wish the straps were adjustable. P.S. Because these are only available in whole sizes, I recommend rounding down to the nearest whole number if you typically wear a half size.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12 (whole sizes only)
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: leather upper, microfiber lining
• Best Suited For: running errands, beach days, nights out

"I can't help but think of my dad when I think of Teva's, but the man was onto something because these are so comfortable," raves PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay. "I recently picked up a pair for a family trip to Hawaii and I'm so glad I did. They're way more comfortable and supportive than my usual flip flops, and now that I have to run after a feisty toddler, I need something that will reliably stay on my feet. Waterproof and quick drying with outsole traction and a reasonable price tag? Sold."

The sandals, which come in under $70, are available in a rainbow of colors (including hot pink and tangerine). They're secured by slim, quick-drying straps with tons of adjustable points that you can customize to your feet. The rubber and recycled plastic materials make them perfect for tromping after kids on the beach, when the last thing you want to worry about is losing a flip flop while trying to make sure everyone stays safe.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: REPREVE recycled plastic, EVA, rubber
• Best Suited For: busy moms running after kids

My feet are notoriously prone to blisters and cuts. Every summer feels like I'm breaking in sandals for the first time all over again, and my feet are basically covered in bandages from March through May. These Sam Edelman slides are some of the only shoes I’ve ever bought that I could actually wear right out of the box with zero break-in time necessary. They also last so long—I’ve had the same gold pair for about four years now, and they’re only just starting to come apart, even though I wear them almost every day in the summer. I will admit, they don’t have a ton of arch support, so if you have sensitive feet I’d suggest going with a pair from Vionic or Sorel instead. But for a casual, easy sandal you can depend on day in and day out, it doesn’t get better than these, folks. And it doesn't hurt that they evoke the much more expensive Hermès Orion sandal, either.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 4 to 14
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: leather
• Best Suited For: everyday wear, casual events

Finding chic shoes when you have bunions is a real challenge. All too often I find that straps rub my feet, feel too tight or make it seem like my feet are falling off the edge of the soles. But none of those things are true for these incredibly comfortable slides. I was skeptical of the stretchy uppers when I first took them out of the box, and will admit it took me a few minutes to get used to walking in them. At first, I kept worrying they would slip off, but they actually didn’t budge. But that knit upper is wildly comfortable, wrapping around my feet without showing off every lump and bump, and even offers a slight compression to ensure I am well supported as I walk.

Yohay is also a fan. “I love how compressive the strap is! I feel like my foot is secure and supported, not flopping around or slipping off like other flimsy slides. The cork base is sturdy with the slightest give and mimics the natural curve of my foot.”

Better yet, they look surprisingly chic once on, especially in this crème brûlée hue (though they also come in black, tangerine and citron green). You can also toss them in the washing machine on a gentle setting with cold water should they get dirty. Just be sure to lay them out to dry, and skip the heat of the dryer.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: EU 36 to 46
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: cork footbed, knit upper
• Best Suited For: wide feet with bunions that need extra space

SEO Editor Marissa Wu adores pretty much all of Margaux’s French woman-inspired shoes, but it’s the Cleo sandals that impressed her most. “Margaux has always made reliable, walkable heeled sandals," she says. "My first pair was the now-defunct City sandal; the Cleo is its style evolution. The 2.5-inch heel is the definition of walkable—I've logged miles in these, and keep in mind, I have wide feet with bunions. My arches aren’t screaming at the end of the day, and I love that, with an outfit change, I can go from casual in jeans and a button-down to heading to a museum garden party. They are genuinely comfy for all-day wear.”

The Cleo is available in four neutral colors and three widths; Wu has the ivory iteration. She likes the silhouette of the sandal, which reminds her of a celeb-favorite brand known for its unassuming strappy heels (that are also double the price). If you go for the ivory sandals, just be warned that they scuff and, due to the light color, will need spot treatment.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 3 to 14
• Width Options: medium, narrow or wide
• Materials: leather, foam padding
• Best Suited For: day-to-night wear, formal events, office

For those who prefer a more fashion-forward silhouette with all the signature comfort of classic Birkenstock sandals, try the Mayari. It has a chic three-strap silhouette that feels dressier than the OG Arizonas, but is made with a super-supportive, podiatrist-approved cork and EVA footbed. “I actually need to get a new pair of these because I’ve worn my old ones down to the sole,” says Rachel Gulmi, former operations director of branded content for PureWow. (She owned her first pair for about four years, wearing them nearly every day for the first two summers.) “I have wide feet, so strappy sandals are usually not my friend, but these are the best! The adjustable straps let me customize the fit to each foot and can be tightened if or when the leather stretches. I also love that they’re dressier than classic Birks, but still casual enough to throw on when running out somewhere quick.”

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 4-4.5 to 12-12.5
• Width Options: regular/wide and medium/narrow
• Materials: cork, leather, Birko-Flor upper, EVA sole
• Best Suited For: wide feet, all-day walking

PureWow freelance editor Natalie LaBarbera highly recommends these cult-favorite slides both for post-workout recovery and for casual athleisure strolls. “If you want a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals, these are perfect,” she raves. “I love wearing these after a workout or for just walking up the street to grab a coffee.” She notes that the footbed is supremely cushy and that the sleek, minimalist design looks far more elevated than similar sporty slides, making these easier to mix and match with more than just your workout wardrobe. They’re made of a dual-density foam that balances cushion with bounce to keep your arches feeling supported, and are reportedly easy to wipe clean should you find them getting dirty. Because they are available only in whole sizes, the brand recommends those who typically wear a half size round down to the nearest whole number for the best fit.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: foam, rubber
• Best Suited For: house shoes, running errands, gym

Another hot recommendation from LaBarbera is this simple leather design from Beek. “I wore the Beek Gallito sandals for tons of different activities ranging in length of time and levels of exertion for about two months,” she tells me. “They feel cushiony-yet-supportive thanks to the molded arch support, and my incredibly flat feet—which my mom swears are the result of years of pounding into the floor doing gymnastics—are very grateful for that. As for the memory foam footbed? I'd compare it to walking on a cloud. I also love the simple, chic slide style that really can go with anything. I've already worn the sandals with everything from sundresses to sweat shorts, and I know their versatility will come in handy when I'm trying to pack (read: not overpack) for an upcoming weekend getaway.” Because these are available only in whole sizes, the brand recommends rounding down to the nearest whole number if you typically wear a half size.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: leather upper, memory foam
• Best Suited For: those in need of arch support

Gillen also highly recommends these supportive, strappy sandals by Teva. “The footbed is really cushy and has good arch support, and the straps don’t rub or cause blisters. Plus, all three straps are adjustable for a custom fit.” And while they were originally designed for outdoor exploration—they’re waterproof and have a rubber lug sole for excellent traction—once on they don’t scream water shoe and can easily be styled with jeans or even a sundress for a stroll in the city. This Teva style is also 100 percent vegan as an added animal-friendly bonus. The footbed is made from a lightweight EVA foam that strikes an ideal balance between being soft and supportive.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 14
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: REPREVE recycled plastic, EVA, nylon, Spider Rubber
• Best Suited For: outdoor activities/hikes, feet that fall outside the norm

When Wu wants a real party shoe, she turns to Inez and the brand's reliably comfortable heels. "Whereas Margaux is more classic/officewear, Inez has slowly evolved into designs that are more party-ready," she notes. "When I first saw the Camilla platforms in summery seasonal raffia, I knew I had to have them. The towering 3.9-inch heels feel like I'm walking in a 2-inch heel, thanks to the balancing 1.2-inch platform that makes everything surprisingly stable. I've added a lot of summery maxi dresses to my closet that even my 5'6'' frame cannot surmount, and so a comfortable pair of platforms are essential for keeping the skirts from puddling on the ground." Her only caution is that the raffia is a tad rough and may need breaking in. That said, if woven material isn't your style, there are five other colors to choose from.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 5 to 10.5
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: raffia upper, leather lining and sole, rubber
• Best Suited For: formal events

“I love my Alohas Nico sandals for a sleek look as the weather warms up,” says former PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. “I can’t stand super flat or unsupportive sandals, but these have a bit of lift and a cushiony footbed. They are a bit heavy, which doesn’t bother me, but may be too much for someone looking for something lightweight.” The thick sole adds about 1.5 inches to your height and is made from incredibly soft, sustainably-sourced leather over a cushioned foam footbed. The adjustable back strap also helps to secure your foot and customize the fit as needed.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: leather, rubber
• Best Suited For: everyday wear, those who want some support

While Wu wanted a comfortable platform party sandal, PureWow’s former wellness director, Sarah Stiefvater, wanted something practical for everyday wear. With more than 4,500 reviews at Nordstrom and a 4.7-star rating, it should come as no surprise that she, along with multiple PureWow editors and friends, recommended these sandals for their comfort.

“These Teva flatforms saw me through last summer and I can’t wait to break them out again this year. They're cushiony right off the bat, but get even more comfier as they mold to your feet the more you wear them," Stiefvater says. "My only complaint would be that the straps are a little bit long, but it's easy enough to get a better fit by securing the Velcro tighter.”

The supportive platform adds 1.5 inches to your height and the rugged sole provides excellent grip, even on dirt paths or trails. They’re also waterproof, so you can go exploring your local beach or nearby pond without stressing over getting your shoes wet.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 12
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: REPREVE recycled plastic, EVA, rubber
• Best Suited For: beach days, everyday wear, outdoor activities

"When it comes to controversial footwear, flip-flops are up there as one of the most debated styles," PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida writes in her TKEES review. "Questions arise over how you can style them, where you can wear them and, for me and my fellow New Yorkers, whether you can even wear them at all (blame the curbside mystery puddles). Personally—and pun not totally intended—I've always flip-flopped on the matter. But once again my tastes have shifted, and I have TKEES to thank. While perusing its website full of clean, timeless sandals in skin-tone neutrals, I fell in love with the Lily platforms and knew that these were no basic, beach-only shoes."

Maida praises the flip flops's sleek design, calling it "refined." She also loved that they perfectly fit her narrow feet, and that the toe thong was soft and flexible. (No chafing or blisters!) The leather construction also elevated them from blah beach slip-ons to something I have a hunch Carolyn Bessette would have approved of.

"The insole, meanwhile, is flat and smooth, free of any contouring. I, as someone with high-arches, was concerned about this at first," Maida adds. "But after getting some steps in, I felt plenty supported. The leather insole is firm and lightly padded, and the platform is dense and sturdy. Throw in their slight elevation, and I could confidently stride across even the dingiest NYC sidewalk in these with no fear of getting my feet dirty."

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 5 to 11
• Width Options: medium
• Materials: leather upper/insole, rubber
• Best Suited For: beach days, everyday wear

Candace Davison, VP of content at PureWow, originally bought these shoes to use them as water shoes at the beach, but now finds herself wearing them for her regular day to day as well. “I hate water shoes, but stingrays are a problem where I’m from, making them a necessity,” she explains. “Reef Vistas are cushy and waterproof, with thick straps that don’t dig into your skin.” Plus, they don’t look like traditional water shoes, so you really can get away with wearing them all over town. They come with a dual density EVA foam footbed for comfort and support and the back strap is adjustable with a small Velcro patch on the side. Reviews suggest they run true to size, and if you typically wear a half size the Reef website recommends rounding up to the next nearest whole size.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 5 to 11
• Width: medium
• Materials: man made/synthetic
• Best Suited For: water activities

My mom, Judith, has worn Birkenstock Arizona sandals for more than two decades now (not the same pair, but always the same style), including both before and after bunion surgery. “Before having my bunions removed, I really appreciated the fact that the straps are adjustable and so could accommodate the shape of my feet,” she says. “Plus, they really mold to your exact foot once they’ve worn in, making them even more comfortable. They’re also so easy to slip on and off so I don’t have to bend down to twist or tweak them at all—I can just slip ‘em on and go!” Pretty much all rave reviews of Birkenstock shoes mention its incredible footbed design with tons of thoughtful, supportive details like a deep heel cup for stability, arch supports along the sides and indentations at the toes to keep your foot properly aligned as you walk. P.S. They come in a wide range of colors and material options, including a lightweight EVA style for just $50.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 4-4.45 to 12-12.5
• Width: regular/wide and medium/narrow
• Materials: leather, cork, EVA
• Best Suited For: everyday wear

PureWow’s Editor in Chief, Jillian Quint, buys these shoes on repeat every one to two years. “Salt Water Sandals are the best summer shoes on the planet,” she raves. “They are so comfortable, waterproof and can be dressed up or down. And really inexpensive!” Indeed, these adorable, classic sandals come in a wide range of solid hues (including metallics) and those wide leather straps are comfortable enough for a full day of city exploration. They also come in kids sizes for an adorable mommy-and-me moment. Oh, and did I mention they’re also recyclable? These sandals check literally all the boxes.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 6 to 11
• Width: medium
• Materials: leather
• Best Suited For: everyday wear, water-based activities, kids