Despite the fact that we’re traveling much less this summer, it’s still managed to feel like we’re walking more than ever. And, all of this bipedalism means that we are in dire need of some serious workhorse sandals to follow suit. No more strapping on those questionably supportive gladiators or flimsy flip-flops and Ubering our ways around town. Now that we’re using our own two feet to hoof it to a host of local destinations, our footwear will need to support us (literally) every step of the way.
We learned long ago that just because a shoe falls under the umbrella of “comfort” doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable, too. With utility and style overlapping now more than ever, there are a plethora of choices this season that will enhance your walkabout without subtracting a single style point. Whether it’s an unexpectedly cool cork slide, a recycled-rubber sandal adorned with dancing bears, or a leopard-print clog cousin, we’ve got you covered with summer-ready sandals that are both chic and sublimely comfy ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Worishofer 251 Cork Slide
This Shopping-team approved sandal is as chic as it is comfy. Manufactured in Europe for decades before it was embraced by the fashion community in the early 2000s, the granny-endorsed slide has a cushy cork sole for heel-to-toe arch support, along with a buckled leather upper that’s cuter than it needs to be.
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Worishofer 251 Sandal, $, available at Amazon
Born Chisana Slingback Slides
We’ve previously expressed our support for Born’s supportive (!) avarcas-style Trang sandals, but what caught our eye this season were the brand’s chic, minimal crossover slingbacks. With a cushioned leather footbed and premium handcrafted uppers, this substantial slide will keep you cool and comfortable wherever you traipse this summer.
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Born Chisana Slingback Sandal, $, available at Born
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Teva’s buoyant foam-rubber soles have been keeping outdoorsy types supported since 1984, and the fashion crowd is now fully on the bandwagon, too. The brand’s Hurricane sandal features padded fabric straps to keep the foot firmly in place, along with a bouncy molded footbed and extra outsole traction for a firm step.
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Teva Hurricane XLT2, $, available at Teva
Nike Asuna Slide
The sneaker auteurs at Nike hit the mark with this functional yet very of-the-moment slide. With a host of bells and whistles that keep the shoe comfy — a foam insole, grippy traction, and adjustable uppers — it also boasts that just-so “ugly” quality that fashion enthusiasts so cherish in a shoe.
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Nike Asuna Slide, $, available at Nike
Sanuk Yoga Sling Sandals
The Sling sandal is one of the most popular styles from this surfer-approved brand. With stretchy fabric uppers that conform to the foot and a footbed made from actual cushy yoga mats, these freewheelin’ sandals won’t box you in. The best-selling style is available in a host of colorways, but why not just go there and opt for their exclusive Grateful Dead collaboration? (Bonus: the outsoles are made from 47{a38ddb2ded6b05e28c8ae73a8db0e271c21f7193684bd9e4e28acae292f81d99} re-purposed EVA, a foam-rubber plastic that’s not easy to recycle. Bravo Sanuk!)
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Sanuk Yoga Sling Sandals, $, available at Zappos
Sofft Noele Sandal
The name says it all — Sofft is in the business of making extraordinarily comfy shoes. These chic, go-with-everything flat sandals boast a flexible TPR outsole with leather welt and stacked heel, along with a lug sole for maximum traction — they’ll have you practically skipping about your business all summer long.
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Sofft Noele Sandal, $, available at Sofft
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal
Chaco’s claim to fame is their signature LUVSEAT footbed, a molded polyurethane sole that provides contoured arch support. Their Z1 sandal is available in a rainbow of over 20 electrifying colors. The best part? Chaco has a comprehensive repair program called ReChaco, so you can have your sandals fixed up (instead of tossing them) when they start to wear.
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Chaco Z/1® Classic, $, available at Chaco
Danko Sophie Sandal
We don’t need to remind you about our Dansko fangirl status. While we’re thoroughly obsessed with the Professional clog, a commenter directed our attention to the equally cute and comfortable Sophie sandal. With a sublimely comfortable construction — one Dansko.com reviewer shed tears when she first tried the shoe — that includes an anatomically contoured sole, this jungle-inspired clog-slide hybrid is a great summer bet.
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Dansko Sophie Leopard Suede Slide, $, available at Dansko
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Sandal
We don’t need to remind you that Birkenstock is the original comfort shoe — so when it comes to choosing sandals for this roundup, it’s not a question of whether or not the 276-year-old German label will be included, but rather, which of their highly praised sandals will make the cut? Based on its seemingly unstoppable popularity, the Arizona Essential is our winner — with a bouncy EVA-rubber construction, the sandal lends itself to a cloudlike walking experience.
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Birkenstock Arizona Essentials, $, available at Zappos
Cole Haan Cloudfeel Espadrille Sandal
Cole Haan has a quiet legion of superfans who snatch up pieces like their Crosscourt Sneaker and Josie Sandal with a quickness. These espadrilles are equipped with a dual-density internal wedge to provide both stability and support, along with the brand’s signature “Cloudfeel” technology for a super-comfy footbed.
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Cole Haan Cloudfeel Espadrille Sandal, $, available at Cole Haan
REEF Cushion Vista Hi Sandal
These flatform slides have a host of comfy properties, including a cushy natural cork composition, an EVA outsole with super-grippy treads, a wide, anatomically-molded footbed that supports the arch and cradles the entire foot, and rebound technology for maximum buoyancy.
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Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandal, $, available at Reef
Marion Parke Hayley Sandal
Surprised to see a delicate, barely-there leather sandal in an otherwise clunky, chunky roundup? Former podiatrist Marion Parke manages to work comfortable footbeds into a very haute collection of high-end footwear. These flat leather sandals boast the designer’s signature contoured insole — sculpted to follow the natural contour of the bottom of the foot — and arch support that cups and stabilizes the foot.
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Marion Parke Hayley Sandal, $, available at Marion Parke
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