The Search for Sandals That Don't Quit When Your Feet Do

I used to think foot pain was a necessary trade-off for summer style. My trusty flip-flops accompanied me from Croatian coastlines to Puerto Rican beaches, leaving a familiar trail of toe blisters and aching calves in their wake. The turning point came from an unlikely source: a forgotten pair of water shoes with a structured footbed. Slipping them on was a revelation. The support was immediate, the comfort, profound. It proved that open-toed freedom and proper support aren't mutually exclusive.

This discovery launched a mission to find sandals built for real movement. I enlisted fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors, pooling our collective mileage to identify pairs that truly endure. Our criteria were specific: a sole with serious architecture, not just a slab of foam; outsoles that grip; and straps you can adjust without feeling the pinch. We steered clear of completely flat styles and flimsy flip-flops, notorious for causing friction.

The result is a curated list of editor-tested winners, blending underfoot engineering with considered design. These are the sandals we actually pack, the ones we've worn through airport terminals, across cobblestone streets, and on long, meandering walks where comfort is non-negotiable. They're the difference between ending your day thinking about dinner, and ending it thinking about your feet. Below, our current selections, updated with the latest models and insights to keep your steps easy all season long.