The 18 Best Sandals For Women That Are Stylish and Functional (2024)

Thanks to their comfort, durability, support, and long-lasting design, we're big fans of Birkenstock's Arizona sandals, especially their EVA pair. They are made entirely out of molded EVA (or in full, ethylene vinyl acetate) — which is a type of foam known for being soft, yet as tough as rubber — making them the most cushioned pair of sandals we own. Samantha Sutton, former InStyle senior fashion editor, put us onto the this pair, telling us that she owns more than her fair share of sandals, but she considers these Birkenstocks her "go-to" because "they're just so easy to slip on in a flash." And if you're not sure how to style them, don't worry, because Sutton thinks they actually pair well with everything, adding, "They keep even the most floral, ruffled sundresses from feeling too sweet, which is a plus for me." While the price is a little high for the material, it's still a great price point for the Birkenstock Arizona style, as they typically run upwards of $110.

Size: 4-12.5 | Colors: ​​5 | Materials: Molded EVA

For a style that resembles more expensive pairs, this shoe gives you the square toe seen on sandals from brands like Bottega Veneta, but you only need to spend $40 to achieve the high-end look. Tied into a knot on the band, the vegan leather upper acts as a sleek and minimalist addition to any outfit. We know the single strap might not sound like a lot of support — and the relatively thin sole might worry you, too — but we promise these shoes do take comfort into consideration; the insole features a 4 mm Tru Comfort Foam, which feels just as comfortable as thicker soles without looking bulky. You could easily slip into these slides whenever you want to add a touch of grace to your outfit, and no one will be any wiser that you spent less than $50 on them.

Size: 6 - 12 | Colors: 4​​ | Materials: Vegan leather, Tru Comfort Foam

Anyone looking for a one-shoe-for-all kind of sandal need not look further than the Madewell boardwalk slides. Similar to the Journee slide, this minimalist sandal, which comes in three neutral leathers, only features a thick band on the upper, but to ensure your foot won’t wiggle around too much, the opening has a dedicated slot for your big toe. The comfortable padding on the insole and leather makeup ensures it's comfortable and sturdy enough for daily wear. Stylist Ashleigh Ashton loves “a good slide sandal for hot summer days” and finds herself reaching for hers daily. That being said, this pair doesn’t have any arch support, so if you have a sensitive sole then perhaps skip to the next selection.

Size: 5-11 | Colors: 3​​ | Materials: Leather

Let’s be real: there’s no sandal more famous (and sought-after) than the Hermès Oran Sandals. While they are a splurge — don’t get us wrong — you’ll have these for years to come, making them an investment that will only be appreciated more and more as time goes on. The Parisian brand uses quality materials like genuine Italian calfskin leather to craft the upper and the sole. You’ll find extra cushioning around the heel for step support as well, so they’ll be more comfortable to wear than some of the less expensive slides we mention on this list. While there are 30 colors to choose from, take note that the pricing and fabric can vary, so double check this information before purchasing.

Size: 4-12 | Colors: 30​​ | Materials: Calfskin leather

For a similar style (but a very different price), consider these Carolina Slide Sandals. With the same slim fit around the foot, these sandals look sleek, minimal, and elegant. The interlocking vamp strap creates a unique visual appeal that’s equal parts stylish and supportive, hugging the foot with a leather embrace. A contemporary square toe not only looks modern, but allows wider feet to sit comfortably in the shoe as well. However, while the brand offers half sizes between 5 - 10, the sizes beyond that come as full sizes.

Size: 5-12 | Colors: 4​​ | Materials: Leather, rubber

With its polka-dotted satin exterior, the Pelle Moda Becall Slide adds a fun visual pop to your look. Writer Bianca Kratky tried this pair out after the brand kindly sent her a pair and loves how they stand out from the rest of her monochromatic closet. The semi-narrow band is finished with an endearing bow at the top and surprisingly feels quite comfortable on the foot (although full disclaimer, the winter weather has kept her from wearing it out for a long period of time). Because of the slide style, similar to the Journee shoe we mentioned previously, it doesn't have as much arch support as other sandals, so we don't recommend wearing this for long days of walking.

Size: 5-11 | Colors: 1​​ | Materials: Synthetic, rubber

These pastel Coperni Wedge Sandals would complement any Y2K-inspired looks with their high, 3.75-inch wedge that slopes into a slight two-inch curve. It adjusts to the natural curve of the foot and will feel much more comfortable with each step. Not to mention, the padded straps add to its cushioned factor, so despite being very high off the ground, you will find these sandals to be (relatively) easy to walk in. Keep in mind however that this color will show dirt easily (and quickly), so make sure to take proper care of it with each wear.

Size: 6-11 | Colors: 1​​ | Materials: Rubber

For the adventurers and explorers who spend long hours on their feet, these Timberlands will let you walk for miles with plenty of style but none of the pain. The summer shoe maintains a good grip on your foot without rubbing or cutting into the skin. As a matter of fact, even those with wider feet reported the straps to be quite comfortable in the reviews. However, while you can adjust the straps around the ankle, those around the foot can’t be altered.

You’ll find an OrthoLite footbed cushioning the landing of each step, while lug soles breeze through harsh gravels and rough floorings. Despite the many straps and thicker soles, the sandal doesn’t look too chunky and remains quite lightweight, say some shoppers. You can easily wear it from the campsite with activewear to the streets with a flowy dress, making it a great companion for almost all your daily endeavors.

Size: 6-10 | Colors: ​​2 | Materials: Leather, synthetic lining

Kratky recently purchased these strappy heels – ready to sacrifice comfort for style – but was surprised to find that they didn’t hurt one bit. The deceivingly comfortable shoe has a short heel (2.75 inches) which makes them suitable for longer hours and casual outings. The straps are lightly padded and therefore don’t cut or rub painfully along the skin. They are, however, extremely long and require a few wrap-arounds around the ankle if you don’t wish them to dangle down to the floor. For a $70 shoe, they’re quite well constructed and will likely last for a good few years.

Size: 5-11 | Colors: ​​1 | Materials: Polyurethane

The widely popular Teva shoe has earned its title as one of the best hiking and beach sandals for several reasons. To begin, the straps on both the ankle and the toes are adjustable to fit your foot, and keep the shoe in place during tricky terrains. Second, there’s a gentle curve on the footbed for arch support, making it comfortable for long hours on your feet (although anyone with a flat foot might feel otherwise). Lastly, the minimalist design keeps the shoe sleek and suitable for more than one occasion.

The upper features a quick-drying web that will keep any bacteria from growing or causing discomfort after stepping through a body of water, while the rubber outsole adds traction and durability to the shoe. For your days out on the mountains, there’s truly no better sandal.

Size: 7-14 | Colors: ​​15 | Materials: Recycled plastic, polyester, rubber

Sandals might not be the first thing that pop to mind when you think of sporty shoes, but the Chacos Cloud 2 Sandals allow you to engage in rigorous outdoor activities with a breeze. That’s because it comes with a soft top strap that wraps around the top of your foot. Not only that, but there’s a toe-loop for added security. The strap itself is adjustable, which slightly makes up for the fact that the sandal does not come in half sizes. Otherwise, the soft and cushioned footbed gives you a cloud-like experience, which the shoe is then named after. The sole curves along your underfoot, which gives your feet all the love and support it needs.

Size: 5-12 | Colors: 7​​ | Materials: Polyester, rubber

The Abilene sandal offers that classic vintage leather look, made with extra buttery soft leather that wraps over your foot in two thick straps and a toe loop. With the exception of a minuscule heel, the sandal is near-flat (ideal for flat feet) and is lined with a gently cushioned footbed. You can easily slip in and out of these sandals, making them a lovely go-to pair for everyday activities.

As part of Free People’s Artisan Made collection, these sandals are made in small batches under ethical conditions with the craftful touch of an artisan. While you’ll find all the love and care of a small business poured into the shoe, it might become strenuous to walk in after a while as it provides no arch or back support.

Size: 6-11 | Colors: 6​​ | Materials: Leather

Block heels are a wonderful way to casually add some height to your look without giving into discomfort. These ones come with a 1.6 inch heel height, which is tall enough to give you a little boost but short enough to wear all day. The Dolce Vita Ronin Sandals feature two intricately braided straps, made of a leather-alternative material, holding the cushioned sole in place. Ashton loves a chic short heel as it comes with the perk of being “business casual, easily going from day to night”. It’s a very minimalist style that looks equal parts elegant and easy going, giving you the option to dress them up with a skirt or down with some jeans.

A common sentiment across the reviews, however, is that the sizing can be a little confusing – some claiming that they run too large and others too snug. Luckily, the 30 day return policy will allow you to easily swap around should you get the wrong size.

Size: 5-13 | Colors: 10​​ | Materials: Recycled latex, leather alternative

Fishermans are like the sandal versions of loafers, giving you structure, security, and something to wear to the office. These options from Vagabond not only won our best overall spot on the Best Fisherman Sandal story, but the heart of senior commerce editor Chloe Anello as well. While sandals aren’t her preferred shoe in the summer, the support, comfort, and design of these swooped her off her sandal-aversion.

It’s easy to slip into the leather shoe thanks to the velcro closing, and once in, the wide toe leaves ample space for a comfortable fit. The near two inch heel feels moderate considering the slightly platformed front as well. Just be aware that if you wear the shoe near daily (like Chloe did), the velcro portion will begin to lose its grip.

Size: 6-11 | Colors: 2​​ | Materials: Leather, rubber

Huarache sandals feature a woven closed-toe that still allows for some breathability. These ones are made with a leather that’s been treated to be water-resistant, so you don’t have to wear them delicately.

Once you slip into the shoe, you are met with a soft interior leather lining and a cushioned midsole – there is a back support to keep the shoe in place as well. The entirety of the shoe is handmade by workers receiving a living wage, as Nisolo operates on an ethical and sustainable practice.

We recommend ordering your true size, although it might feel a little snug at first. Exercise some patience and you’ll find that the leather will stretch and fit you perfectly in no time.

Size: 5-11 | Colors: ​​8 | Materials: Leather, rubber

The jelly sandal was a big trend in the early 2000’s, and these Melissa platform flip flops bring back the popular aesthetic in bold colors. Featuring a thick cushioned strap and footbed, the shoe is delightfully comfortable and fun to walk around in. With an EVA sole that’s shock-absorbant and lightweight, you’ll feel like you’re walking on a nice pillow.

The shoe comes in four colors – a bright green, pink, black, and beige with a green sole. They’re a statement on their own, and will require some coordination with the rest of your closet, but we find that vibrant and exciting shoe is well worth the extra brain work. They do run a little large, according to the reviews, so it might be worth sizing down.

Size: 5-10 | Colors: ​​4 | Materials: Sugarcane

The platforms on these sandals maintain two inches from the heel to the toes, so you never have to worry about the ball of your foot hurting. You’ll still find a gentle arch on the footbed (that’s even cushioned), that comfortably curves into the sole of your foot.

With a criss-cross leather upper and a back strap with a buckled closing, they’re quite sturdy and supportive. You’ll notice that the rubber sole is slightly rugged, giving you better traction as you walk as well. You’ll likely find tons of wear out of these sleek sandals as they serve both function and fashion.

Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4​​ | Materials: Leather, rubber

The first thing you notice with these Sorel sandals are the big chunky soles, shaped into a wave-form. Aside from acting as a visual attraction, they also serve to withstand rough terrains and cushion harsh steps. Both the sole and the footbed feature EVA materials that are soft, flexible, and strong. The velcroed strap on the front can be adjusted in snugness and will wrap your foot in a comfortable embrace. These shoes do come with a bit of a platform – the heel portion is just over two inches high while the toe section is an inch shorter. This helps to balance the natural curve of each step, assisting your footwork on your march.

Visually, the shoe makes quite a statement, which might make it difficult to pair with other items in your closet. Simple leggings and monochrome outfits will give them the spotlight effect they deserve.

Size: 5-12 | Colors: ​​7 | Materials: Leather, EVA footbed, rubber