The Best Sandals Elevate Your Summer Style: Top 9 Sandals for Ultimate Comfort and Chic
As the mercury rises, so does the need for stylish sandals that blend comfort with fashion. Unfortunately, a poor choice can lead to discomfort—envision toes in agony, straps giving way, and sore soles.
That’s why we’ve explored every sandy shore and bustling boardwalk to bring you nine standout sandals that promise coziness and style. From easy slip-ons perfect for a quick outing to durable designs ideal for adventurous trails, or even sophisticated selections that add a touch of class to your evening attire—these are the sandals you’ll love to live in all season long.
Unisex sandals
Chaco Lowdown Sandals – Women’s
These supportive and highly adjustable sandals are rugged enough for the great outdoors but still work for everyday wear.
Features
- Adjustable polyester jacquard webbing with injection-molded ladder lock buckles allow you to adjust your fit on the fly
- Women-specific LUVSEAT Care+ EVA footbeds provide plush cushioning; UpBound EVA midsoles provide more rebound and less compression
- Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsoles with 3mm lugs offer traction
- Antimicrobial materials inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria
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Chaco Lowdown Sandals – Men’s
These supportive and highly adjustable sandals are rugged enough for the great outdoors but still work for everyday wear.
Features
- Adjustable polyester jacquard webbing with injection-molded ladder lock buckles allow you to adjust your fit on the fly
- Men-specific LUVSEAT Care+ EVA footbeds provide plush cushioning; UpBound EVA midsoles provide more rebound and less compression
- Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsoles with 3mm lugs offer traction
- Antimicrobial materials inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria
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Discover the Versatility of Chaco Lowdown Sandals: Your Go-To for Trails to Lunch Dates
Chaco Lowdown Sandals, available in both women’s and men’s sizes, epitomize rugged elegance and versatility. Their lightweight, low-profile rubber soles paired with durable webbed polyester straps make them the perfect transition from an adventurous trail hike to a casual lunch date.
Utility and Style Combined: Wirecutter’s Anna Perling highlights that these sandals are the ultimate protectors against harsh terrains and uncomfortable surfaces, ensuring your feet stay shielded from jagged seashells to gritty floors. Their ability to pack flat also makes them an excellent travel companion, while their neutral and timeless design complements any casual ensemble without overshadowing it.
Comfort Meets Customization: The Chaco Lowdown Sandals boast plush, buoyant footbeds crafted from lightweight EVA, providing substantial arch support for prolonged activities. The single, adjustable polyester strap weaves through the entire sandal, allowing for a personalized fit that ensures security and comfort with every step.
Durability for the Long Haul: These sandals aren’t just about immediate comfort; they’re built to endure. With a lifetime warranty covering any manufacturing defects, Chaco promises a lasting investment (note: normal wear and tear are not covered under warranty).
Choose Your Fit: Catering to a wide range of preferences, the sandals come in sizes from women’s 5 to 12 and men’s 7 to 15, with options in medium and wide widths to suit different foot shapes.
Color Your Steps: With a selection of over a dozen colors, there’s a hue to match every outfit and occasion, ensuring your Chaco Lowdown Sandals are as unique as your adventures.
Seychelles Lighthearted Slide Sandal
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With supple leather and wide, crisscrossed straps, these slides are simultaneously elevated, comfy, and easy to throw on. But they do run a bit small, so consider sizing up.
Keep your steps light in this sporty slide sandal with a contoured footbed for support.
Step into Effortless Elegance with Seychelles Lighthearted Slide Sandals
The Seychelles Lighthearted Slide Sandal is the epitome of effortless chic, designed to slide on in seconds for those quick dashes out the door while still maintaining a stylish flair.
Casual Yet Sophisticated: With a design that stands out from the crowd, the Lighthearted Slide Sandal offers a more refined look than its counterparts, such as the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA. Its sleek silhouette, luxurious soft leather, and elegantly crisscrossed straps provide a sophisticated touch to the simple two-strap design.
Versatile Fashion: These sandals are the definition of versatile, ready to be paired with anything from laid-back shorts to a breezy skirt or smart linen trousers for a more dressed-up vibe.
Comfort in Every Step: Comfort doesn’t take a backseat with these sandals. They feature a contoured low-platform footbed and supple leather that conforms to your foot shape for immediate comfort. For those who find themselves between sizes, opting for the larger size is recommended, as these sandals tend to run a tad small.
Sizing and Color Options: Available in women’s sizes 6 to 14 and men’s sizes 8 to 12, these sandals cater to a wide audience. Although available in only two colors, they’re designed to complement a multitude of styles and preferences.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandal
The iconic Arizona sandals we know and love, but in a less expensive and more summer-ready material. Though they can take a little time to break in, the cushiony comfort is worth the wait.
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Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA: The Colorful, Waterproof Sandal with Timeless Appeal
The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA sandals are not just a purchase; they’re an investment in timeless style and practicality. They’re affordable, fully waterproof, and available in a delightful array of seasonal shades.
A Modern Take on a Classic: These sandals offer a fresh spin on the iconic two-strap Birkenstock Arizona design, which debuted in 1973 and has graced the feet of style icons like Kate Moss and Tracee Ellis Ross. While the original versions feature cork and latex footbeds with faux nubuck, leather, or suede straps, the EVA models are crafted from ethylene-vinyl acetate, making them ultra-lightweight at just 6 ounces and conveniently machine washable—perfect for any summer adventure.
Unmatched Arch Support: The renowned footbed design, complete with a deep heel cup, multidirectional arch support, and an indented toe grip, is celebrated by foot specialists for its contribution to maintaining a healthy posture and walking pattern.
Adjusting to Perfection: Transitioning to EVA sandals may require a brief adaptation period, but it’s significantly shorter than with traditional cork Birkenstocks. Despite the initial adjustment, your perseverance will be rewarded with a custom-like fit as the footbeds conform to your feet, and you’ll appreciate the German engineering that supports every step.
Available in sizes for women (4 to 12½) and men (6 to 13½), and in a palette of 10 vibrant colors, the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA sandals are designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and fit preferences. Whether you’re stepping out for a quick errand or embarking on a seaside escapade, these sandals are the perfect companion for your summer exploits.
Salt Water Sandal by Hoy Shoes
These waterproof leather sandals have stood the test of time—they’ve been around since 1944—and they come in adult and kids sizes, if you’re a family that enjoys matching. But the flat footbeds don’t offer much arch support.
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Embrace Timeless Charm with Hoy Salt Water Original Sandals
Hoy Salt Water Original sandals capture the essence of timeless summer fashion with their classic design that has remained endearingly unchanged since their debut nearly a century ago. These sandals boast ankle straps and robust woven leather set upon a round-toe, rubber-sole foundation, making them an enduring summer favorite.
A Summer Essential Across Generations: Born from the ingenuity of repurposing World War II boot leather, the Missouri-origin Hoy Shoe Company has cultivated a fiercely loyal fan base that spans generations. The Salt Water sandals’ size range includes unisex options for babies, toddlers, kids, and women, making them a versatile choice for the whole family.
Practical and Waterproof: The Salt Water Originals score high on practicality with their genuinely waterproof leather, ensuring both comfort and longevity. “They’re comfortable, durable, and maintain their good looks indefinitely,” notes Wirecutter senior editor Courtney Schley, a lifelong wearer of these sandals who now chooses them for her children.
Instant Comfort Without the Wait: These sandals are celebrated for their immediate comfort, thanks to the supple leather upper, shaped rubber sole, and adjustable ankle strap. While they may emit a playful squeak initially, they require no break-in period. However, it’s worth noting that the Salt Water Originals may not provide sufficient arch support for those with high arches, who might find them less comfortable after extended wear.
Sizing and Color Variety: The sandals are available in women’s sizes 6 to 11, alongside a comprehensive range of unisex sizes for babies, toddlers, and kids. With over a dozen colors to choose from, there’s a perfect pair for every style and occasion.
Women’s Sandals
Nisolo Women’s Huarache Sandals
These high-quality leather sandals are chic and provide great arch support. Plus, the closed-toe design keeps un-pedicured toes under wraps.
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Experience the luxurious touch of Nisolo’s handcrafted leather with the Women’s Huarache Sandals. Their soft, woven texture adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit, effortlessly enhancing your everyday look. Perfectly paired with relaxed track pants and a chic ballet studio top, these sandals offer an air of elegance that’s hard to miss.
Comfort Meets Style: Enjoy the perfect blend of support and style with the sandals’ cushioned midsoles, designed to pamper your feet, no matter the arch type. The supple leather uppers adapt to your feet’s contours, promising a personalized fit with every step.
Designed for Breathability: Embrace the summer with confidence in these closed-toe sandals that promise breathability. Ideal for keeping your feet cool while discreetly covering any foot imperfections, they offer comfort without compromise.
Ethical Elegance: Nisolo doesn’t just craft shoes; they’re committed to ethical fashion. As a proud B Corp-certified company, they ensure every pair of sandals comes with the promise of carbon neutrality and fair wages for their artisans. While they may be an investment, the unparalleled quality and timeless design of Nisolo sandals validate their value.
Available in sizes ranging from women’s 5 to 11 and in six versatile colors, these sandals are more than just footwear—they’re a statement of conscious style.
Seychelles Bits ’n Pieces
Polished huarache-style sandals that will keep your feet cool on a balmy night out. But they do run a little narrow.
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Step into the epitome of elegance with the Seychelles Bits ’n Pieces Sandal, where fashion meets functionality for your summer escapades. These sandals boast a refined huarache design, complete with an ankle strap that adds a dash of sophistication suitable for a romantic evening out, yet versatile enough to withstand the sizzle of July.
Adjustability & Airiness: Crafted with an open weave, the leather uppers ensure a breathable experience, keeping your feet cool and comfortable.
Secure Fit: The chic ankle strap is more than just a stylish feature; it’s adjustable to ensure your sandals stay firmly on your feet, giving you confidence as you stride through the city.
Tailored Comfort: With a few wears, these sandals will mold to the shape of your feet, offering a snug fit. Although designed with a slightly narrow sole, they aim to provide comfort for a variety of foot types.
Available in sizes from women’s 6 to 11 and in four fashionable colors, the Seychelles Bits ’n Pieces Sandal is the perfect blend of style and comfort for those seeking a sleek summer shoe.
Steve Madden Donddi
These minimalist, go-with-anything sandals have supple leather and adjustable ankle straps. But their thin footbeds make them better suited for shorter outings and seated affairs.
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Discover the timeless charm of Steve Madden’s Donddi sandals, a masterpiece of simplicity and adaptability. Their minimalist design, featuring a sleek leather toe and ankle strap, ensures they stay en vogue through every trend cycle.
Versatile Elegance: Whether you’re running errands in a casual short set or attending a sunlit garden party in a flowy tea dress, the Donddi sandals’ uncluttered silhouette complements every look with ease.
Crafted for Comfort: Made with the softest leather, these sandals are designed to prevent any discomfort, adapting to your feet without the risk of blisters, thanks to the flexible front straps.
Ideal for Casual Outings: Perfect for short walks or relaxed gatherings, the Donddi sandals offer a pleasant wearing experience, with adjustable ankle straps for a custom fit. While they may not be suited for extensive walking due to the lack of arch support, they are the go-to choice for stylish, laid-back occasions.
Available in sizes from women’s 5 to 11 and in a palette of 12 colors, the Steve Madden Donddi sandals are the epitome of chic versatility for the discerning fashionista.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Two-Strap Buckle Sandal
These simple yet stylish sandals look almost identical to shoes that cost twice as much. They’re not very supportive, but they feel OK as long as you’re not spending a lot of time on your feet.
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Elevate your wardrobe with the chic Amazon Essentials Women’s Two Strap Buckle Sandal, mirroring the esteemed design of the Steve Madden Donddi sandals at an unbeatable value. These sandals are a style twin to the Donddi, featuring similar stitching details around the sole’s edge, yet available at half the price.
Versatility at Its Best: Seamlessly blend these sandals with any ensemble. Their simple yet fashionable design ensures they complement every outfit with grace.
Unmatched Value: At first glance, these sandals exude a premium look that belies their affordable price tag. Crafted from durable synthetic materials, they offer the appearance of luxury without the hefty cost—perfect for fashion-forward individuals on a budget.
Secure and Comfortable: Designed with an adjustable ankle strap, these sandals promise a snug and secure fit for all your short-distance ventures. While they may not be designed for extensive walking due to the minimal arch support, their robust construction is sure to carry you through many sunny days ahead.
Offered in sizes from women’s 5 to 15 and in a selection of six stylish colors, these sandals are a smart choice for those seeking fashionable, budget-friendly footwear.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Flat Banded Sandal
These H-band sandals are unexpectedly good-looking in person, with synthetic leather uppers that could almost pass for real leather. Plus, they’re comfortable and slide on with ease.
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Slip into the effortless elegance of the Amazon Essentials Women’s Flat Banded Sandals for a touch of Grecian sophistication at an accessible price point. These sandals offer a faux leather finish that’s impressively close to the real thing, providing a high-end look from afar.
Authentic Appearance: The H-banded polyurethane uppers of these sandals present a convincing leather-like appearance, making them a smart choice for those who appreciate the leather look without the cost.
Comfortable Cushioning: Designed with foam-padded insoles, these sandals are the perfect pick for comfortable wear, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely day at the beach or running errands around town.
Perfect Fit: Enjoy a secure fit without the hassle. These sandals are designed to stay in place without causing discomfort, ensuring a snug fit that’s just right, without any unwanted movement or chafing.
Available in sizes ranging from women’s 5 to 15 and in eight versatile colors, these sandals are the ideal blend of comfort, style, and value. Perfect for those seeking a chic yet practical summer footwear option.
