Buzz
Unless stated otherwise, all sizes mentioned in this article are for women's footwear.
1. Reef Flip-Flops outperform the typical rubber ones, offering your feet a comfortable cushion that prevents aches and blisters after a day of walking the boardwalk. Featuring nubuck leather straps, a cushioned EVA footbed, and a rubber sponge outsole, Reefs are built to endure season after season, and they truly do.
2. Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip-Flops feature a base resembling the material of your favorite yoga mat, ensuring they can withstand those hot, sweaty summer days. No slipping, no blisters—just enduring comfort for all-day wear.
3. Sanuk Yoga Slings are perfect for those who appreciate a bit more support in their sandals. Featuring the same yoga mat footbed, they also have stretchy knit straps that securely wrap around your heel and ankle, so you'll never have to worry about them slipping off your feet.
4. Bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers — as the name suggests, they truly feel like walking on clouds, with a sock-like fit that gently embraces your foot. Plus, the breathable mesh upper will keep you cool during those long, sunny walks on your tour.
5. Birkenstock Arizona sandals are a timeless classic, worth the investment if you're looking for long-lasting durability and comfort. With proper care, they can last for over a decade, and their contoured footbed will adapt to your feet over time.
6. Cushionaire sandals conform to your feet like a second skin, thanks to their flexible cork footbed and cushioned suede insole. With over 52,000 5-star ratings and more than 1,000 reviews, many users compare them to Birkenstocks, with numerous claims that they offer the same comfort at a much lower price.
7. Viakix walking sandals are water-resistant, feature adjustable straps, and provide arch support while relieving joint pressure, making them perfect for tackling wet and rocky terrains with confidence. They're ideal for hiking, camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities!
8. Sorel Kinetic Sandals combine the fun, sporty look of sneakers with the breathability and style of sandals, featuring a cushioned, bouncy footbed that ensures comfort throughout the day.
9. Jefferson Blooms are crafted from repurposed algae (!) and feature a distinctive perforated design that keeps them light and airy, offering the sensation of walking on clouds. The material is easy to clean by hand, ensuring your shoes look and feel brand new, even after a day in the sand or mud.
10. Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges offer the same comfort and durability the brand is known for, but with a chic, stylish wedge design that complements almost every piece in your summer wardrobe.
11. Teva Sandals are a dream come true for anyone seeking a durable and dependable pair of outdoor sandals. They're quick-drying with a sturdy sole, making them perfect for light hikes and water-based activities. Plus, they come in a variety of adorable designs!
12. Chaco Z2 Sandals need no introduction — they're famous for being among the most durable and comfortable sandals available (and for leaving those iconic tan lines). They offer fantastic arch support *and* come in a variety of fun, summer-ready designs.
13. Joules Wellibob Rain Boots are a perfect choice for rainy summer days, offering removable and washable faux fur insoles for extra comfort and support. These boots also feature a convenient pull tab at the back and side gussets, making them a breeze to slip on and off. Reviewers note that they are extremely sturdy and built to last through many rainy seasons.
14. Nisolo Huarache Sandals offer a perfect mix of lasting comfort and expert craftsmanship. The midsole features cushioned shock-absorbing foam, while the handwoven leather ensures breathability and water resistance. As with all Nisolo footwear, these huaraches are made to endure and only become more comfortable with time.
Highly rated review: "I used to buy a knockoff version of these sandals, but they barely lasted through one season. These sandals are definitely built to last! I got them in the brandy color and absolutely love this deep, rich brown! I'm sure I'll wear these all summer! They fit true to size, based on my experience." —Lauren M.
Available at Nisolo for $138 (sizes 5–11, with six color options).
15. Looking for an affordable option? Macarena Collection Huaraches might not come from a well-known brand like some of the others listed here, but reviewers rave about their quality and comfort. These handcrafted, 100% leather shoes stretch over time to perfectly mold to your feet, almost as if they were custom-made for you.
The seller suggests ordering your usual size if you're a whole size, or sizing down if you're a half-size, and most reviewers agree that's the best approach!
Macarena Collection is a small business based in Buena Park, California, offering a variety of huarache shoe styles along with hand-embroidered Mexican clothing and accessories.
Top reviews: "Gorgeous authentic huaraches! I had a pair years ago, and they’re the only shoes I've ever worn out! They're a snug fit — I wear a 7.5 and ordered a 7, and they’re already loosening up as I type! Will definitely buy from them again. The seller even included a cute leather flip-flop keychain. So sweet! Highly recommend." —Cheryl
"I adore these shoes; this is my second pair from this shop. They’re snug at first but stretch to perfectly fit your feet after a break-in period. And they’re super cute! Love them." —Bridget Handrahan
Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.35 (originally $61.99; available in sizes 7–10 and one color, although more colors and styles are available on their store page).
16. Allbirds Tree Runners are the warm-weather counterpart to the brand's popular wool runners, offering the same durability and comfort with a lightweight eucalyptus fiber material designed for maximum breathability. Their castor bean oil-based insole foam helps regulate temperature, wicks away moisture, and prevents odors to ensure your comfort, even after *years* of long, sweaty walks.
Allbirds are famous for their exceptional comfort, and the Tree Runners certainly live up to that reputation. Even the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles! When needed, these can be tossed in the washing machine and air-dried without losing their shape.
Review Highlight: "I absolutely love these shoes! They're ideal for the warmer months because they let your feet breathe and are perfect for walking. They're also cute enough to wear with dresses, so I've been wearing them everywhere!" —Margaret L.
Available from Allbirds for $98 (sizes 5–11 and 17 different styles available).
17. Aerothotic Flip-Flops show that flip-flops *can* offer both comfort and durability. Arch support? Check. Soft straps? Check. Cushioned gel insoles and sweat-resistant footbeds? Check and check. These are so comfortable and foot-friendly, you might wish summer lasted all year just to keep wearing them.
18. Ergonomic FitFlops could be the most innovative flip-flops you've ever come across, as they've been specifically designed for comfort — featuring air-foam cushioning and impact pillows in high-pressure areas so you can wear them for hours without the usual discomfort of cheaper alternatives.
19. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoes allow you to tackle the trails with confidence, featuring a high-traction rubber sole and a waterproof leather and suede upper that can endure countless hiking adventures (and other outdoor pursuits). And just because they’re hiking boots doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish — these come with bold red laces and other color combinations too!
20. Thesus Weekend Boots offer both comfort and support through summer and beyond, with a sleek design that won’t shout ‘hiker’ if you’re more into casual wear than the great outdoors (though they can handle the trails). You can easily pair these with a brunch outfit or a park stroll, all while knowing they’ll last for years to come.
These boots typically run true to size, but if you plan to wear thicker socks or are in between sizes, it's a good idea to go up a size.
Thesus is a purpose-driven small business based in Ontario, Canada, focused on creating eco-friendly footwear that’s easy on the eyes, your feet, and the planet! Made with over 95% natural and recycled materials, these boots are built to last.
Promising review: "I’m in love with these boots! The padding in the sole is fantastic, making them super comfortable for long wear. They fit true to size and I appreciate how sustainable they are — from the tread to the laces. They match with everything, and I’ve received tons of compliments. I chose the red laces, and they look amazing with the sage boots. You can tell just by looking at them that they’re well-made and will last for years. The packaging was lovely too, and the little notecards showed how much the brand values its customers. All in all, these boots are perfect for you and the planet. :)" —Claire
Available from Thesus for $139 (originally $198; available in EU sizes 36–42 and in 12 colors).
21. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars may be the most iconic sneakers out there, and anyone who’s owned a pair knows how they get better with age. Over the years, these sneakers come in more styles than ever, including some fun, summery designs that make them a wardrobe essential for just about any occasion.
Promising review: "I’ve been wearing these shoes for years, and I’ve owned at least a dozen pairs of the classic black Chuck Taylors. Each pair has held up just as well as the last. These shoes are reliable, long-lasting, and always stylish!" —Shawn K.
Get them from Converse for $65 (available in men’s sizes 3–16 and women’s sizes 5–18, with both standard and wide widths, in 19 colors, plus customization options). You can grab the floral embroidered style for $80 and explore other options here.
22. Sloggers Waterproof Garden Shoes keep your feet dry and clean during outdoor chores or summer tasks, all while offering plenty of room around your ankles. Available in a variety of adorable patterns, they’ll add some style to your yard work, even if it’s just the wildlife who notice it!
23. Dansko Britney Clogs combine both style and practicality, earning a loyal following thanks to their *exceptional* arch support and stability. These versatile summer clogs pair well with everything from dresses and jeans to professional attire, and they’re built to last for years—literally, a decade or more.
24. Rothy's Flats could very well end your search for the *ideal* flats. Once you make the switch to Rothy's, it’s hard to return to those inexpensive pairs that fall apart after just a few months. Simply toss them in the wash every couple of weeks (or whenever they start to smell), and they’ll be as good as new.
For this specific style, it's advised to size up half a size for narrow feet, and a full size for wider feet! I can confirm this — I own a pair of Rothy's flats, and although I typically wear size 8, I opted for an 8.5 and they fit perfectly. While I don't wear them constantly (since I work from home), I’ve used them for commuting several times with no issues. They’re incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and flexible! I have them in the neutral Ecru color, but they come in a wide range of stunning shades. If I were commuting to the office regularly, I’d be tempted to get them in multiple colors. Psst — take a look at my colleagues' full Rothy's flats review for more insights!
Promising review: "I love these shoes, and I'm slowly building a collection. Currently, I have black and navy. The black pair is over a year old (and has been washed more times than I can count), yet still in great condition, making them a solid investment. They are extremely comfortable. The only downside: After wearing them five to ten times, they do start to smell a bit, but a quick wash fixes that right up. It mainly happens when I wear them day after day during the summer months." —Karen W.
Get them from Rothy's for $129 (available in sizes 5–12.5 and 13 color options/patterns). Rothy’s flats come in various styles, and you can check them out here!
25. Skechers Boat Shoes will complete your nautical look if you're going for that Cape Cod vibe every summer. Many reviewers compare them to the classic Sperry boat shoes but at a fraction of the cost, all while providing the signature comfort Skechers is famous for.
26. Birdies Starling Flats offer a feel as luxurious as their appearance, and their seasonal woven design is *ideal* for pairing with sundresses and other warm-weather outfits. Unlike many flats, they don't require a break-in period (because who has the time?). With seven layers of cushioning, along with arch and heel support, these flats are the real deal if you're tired of enduring pain and premature wear in other flats.
Birdies is a woman-founded brand that initially designed a comfortable and chic slipper for wearing at home during parties. However, they quickly realized these slippers were too good to be kept indoors, so they developed a versatile flat that combines sneaker-like support with the comfort of a slipper.
Promising reviews: "So soft and cozy, easy to slip on and off when you're feeling fragile, and they made me feel like I was still wearing something beautiful and real. That matters. After two years of heavy use, I just bought a second pair. Thanks, Birdies, for an incredible product. —Mary N.
"The Starling has always been my favorite Birdies style, and the Lipstick color is absolutely lovely and perfect for spring and summer." —Erin P.
Get them from Birdies for $65+ (originally $150; available in sizes 5–12 and in 28 styles).
