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berlin, germany august 18: lea naumann wearing white cecilie bahnsen long dress, yellow chanel vintage top, white birkenstock sandals and taillee mini bag on august 18, 2021 in berlin, germany. (photo by jeremy moeller/getty images)pinterest
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Yes, Your Sandals Can Be Chic and Comfortable

These styles are proof.

By Noelia Rojas-West and

Sandal season is nearly here—well, at least for anyone who hasn’t already (read: boldly) started re-incorporating them back into their wardrobes. And while some of the best sandals on the market may look cute, not every option is meant for day-long wear. This year, keep the ointment and Band-Aids at home and opt for a style that’ll keep you on your toes, the good way. The most comfortable sandals for women feature quality materials, arch support, occasionally ankle support, and cushioning that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking on a cloud—not just the pavement beneath your feet.

By now, you already know prioritizing comfort doesn’t have to equate to sacrificing style. To reinforce the sentiment, we’ve found the chicest summer sandals that won’t have you aching in pain at the end of the day. So, throw on your best looks, accessorize your everyday bag (don’t forget a cute bag charm), and finish your ensembles with the sandals below. Your hot girl walk game has just been leveled up.

Cushioned Sole

KuaiLu Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Sandals

On Sale
Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Sandals

Pros

  • Bestseller with great reviews
  • Good arch support
  • Affordable
  • Versatile

Cons

    That feeling when your flip-flops feel like your yoga mat...oh, you can’t relate? Weird.

    Sizes: 35-42

    Color: 7 options

    Materials: Rubber, fabric, memory foam

    Customer review: “So comfortable! They have nice arch support and they’re super cushioned. The top straps are very soft, so no blisters. I will be ordering more colors.”

    Perfect Platform

    Teva Flatform Sandal Slim Sport

    Flatform Sandal Slim Sport

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Good color-ways

    Cons

    • Might have a break-in period

    Tevas are a game changer–and this style happens to be one of the ELLE team’s favorite. They’re waterproof, durable, and comfortable enough to wear all day. Whether you’re headed to the beach, going on a long walk, or just running errands, these sandals are the perfect spring and summer go-to.

    Sizes: 5-12

    Colors: Black, Bright Teal/Black, Caribou, Lilas/Black, Coconut

    Materials: Polyester, rubber

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    Amazon Pick

    CUSHIONAIRE Luna Low Heel Slide Sandals

    On Sale
    Luna Low Heel Slide Sandals

    Pros

    • Suitable for wide feet
    • Genuine suede
    • Durable

    Cons

    • Not water resistant
    • Faux leather

    As always, we’ve sorted through pages of Amazon reviews to present the latest and greatest. Technically speaking, you’ll be the 55,811th satisfied consumer for this cork-bed classic.

    Sizes: 5-12

    Color: 21 options

    Materials: Faux leather

    Customer review: “These are my go-to sandal now. Super comfortable, not too heavy, and my feet don’t hurt after wearing them for long stretches of time. True to size. There was also no break in needed, they were great from the first day. Definitely would buy again!”

    Chic Gladiator

    A. Emery Jalen Sandal

    Jalen Sandal

    Pros

    • Contoured footbed
    • Stylish

    Cons

    • Suede is difficult to clean

    There isn’t a single pair of A. Emery sandals that we’re not drawn to. When we first discovered the brand, we figured they couldn’t possibly be adorable and comfortable. Fortunately, we stand corrected; second pair, here we come!

    Sizes: 35-41

    Colors: Storm

    Materials: Suede, rubber

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    Beloved Brand

    Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Birkenstock

    Madrid Big Buckle Birkenstock

    Pros

    • Heritage brand
    • Versatile
    • Very supportive

    Cons

    • Might have a break-in period

    When crafting this story, Birkenstock was one of the no-brainer brands that we just knew we had to include. With over 250 years in the industry, the brand strives for long-term comfort. While you may have a pair of the iconic Bostons or Arizonas, why not branch out with the Madrid sandal? It was the brand’s first shoe ever sold!

    Sizes: 35-42

    Colors: 8 options

    Materials: EVA, leather, suede

    Customer review: “You can’t go wrong with Birkenstocks, EVER!! When I received them, I put them on and within an hour, they fit the shape of my foot. They’re so comfortable and CUTE and it will work with many of my outfits.”

    Strappy and Stylish

    HEREU Mantera sandals

    Mantera sandals

    Pros

    • Comfortable leather straps
    • Open design can be less prohibiting

    Cons

      “I find these to be a great staple sandal, especially with the summer months ahead. I love that the leather strings are adjustable so it helps a little with the fit and the open strings on the toe allow more airflow, so they don’t feel too constricting. I think it’s a great balance of comfort and chic.”—Carson Stannard, fashion editor

      Sizes: 35-41

      Colors: Ivory, Tan

      Materials: Leather, rubber

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      Tried and True

      Tony Bianco Ives Sandal

      Editor’s Choice
      Ives Sandal

      Pros

      • Foamy cushioning

      Cons

      • You’ll get way too many compliments

      One of our writers has had this pair for a couple of years now and can’t imagine spending a summer without them. Truly, these foam platforms will never let you down. Never again will you end your day early because you need to rest your feet.

      Sizes: 5-10

      Colors: Black Como

      Materials: Leather

      Customer review: “So good—a great option if you don’t want to invest in The Row sandals.”

      An Espadrille Classic

      Michael Kors Leighton Leather Wedge Sandal

      Leighton Leather Wedge Sandal

      Pros

      • Suitable for larger widths

      Cons

      • May run small for some

      Micheal Kors has created the perfect leather wedge this season. These sandals are perfect if you want to wear heels on a night out but don’t want to skimp on comfort. Dress this pair up with a drop-waist dress or down with a white tank and your favorite jorts.

      Sizes: 5-11

      Colors: Safari Green, Black, Luggage, Optic White, Smokey Rose, Orange Punch

      Materials: Polyurethane blend, jute, rubber

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      100% Vegan

      Message Gingham Shaw Slide

      Gingham Shaw Slide

      Pros

      • Machine Washable
      • 74 Five Star Reviews

      Cons

        Picture yourself on a tropical vacation–wearing your chicest pair of sunglasses, luxury swimwear, and of course, your new sustainable, waterproof, and blister-free slides. It can’t get much better than that.

        Sizes: 36-46

        Colors: Puffin, Peacock

        Materials: Recycled barecork, rubber

        Elevated Flat

        Emme Parsons Bari Sandal

        Bari Sandal

        Pros

        • Stylish
        • Sustainable genuine leather
        • Arch support

        Cons

          Padded soles and summer plans go together like peanut butter and jelly. These elevated yet minimalistic sandals will tie together any outfit.

          Sizes: 35-42

          Colors: 7 options

          Materials: Nappa leather

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          The Luxury Option

          Bottega Veneta Jack Slingback Sandal

          Jack Slingback Sandal

          Pros

          • Designer
          • Stylish

          Cons

            Bottega Veneta needs no introduction, and these braided sandals are one investment piece that should be on everyone’s wish list. Wear these every day over the next few summers, and they’ll practically pay for themselves.

            Sizes: 35-42

            Colors: 7 options

            Materials: Nappa leather

            Wild Card

            Dr. Martens Mattison Slide Black Athena

            Mattison Slide Black Athena
            Credit: Dr Martens (Airwair Internationa

            Pros

            • Affordable
            • Stylish

            Cons

            • Might have a break-in period
            • Not water resistant

            Cheetah and leopard prints have been making a roaring comeback (pun intended) this season and last. So go ahead—invest in your wardrobe and treat yourself to a pair of these fun and on-trend sandals.

            Sizes: 5-11

            Colors: Light Tan, Black

            Materials: Pony hair, leather, EVA.

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            For Every Occasion

            Free People Harbor Platform

            Harbor Platform

            Pros

            • Affordable
            • Good color options
            • Good for wide feet
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • Runs wide
            • Not intended for walking long distances

            A pair of platform, arch-supporting sandals are essential to every summer wardrobe. Whether you are walking on sandy beaches or bustling streets, your feet will thank you for this purchase.

            Sizes: 6.5-11

            Colors: 6 options

            Materials: Fabric, synthetic

            Customer review: “Love my new sandals. They’re cute, comfortable and stylish.”

            The Bestseller

            Tory Burch Turnlock Platform Sandal

            Turnlock Platform Sandal

            Pros

            • Cushioned leather footbed
            • Suitable for wide feet

            Cons

            • Not water resistant

            “Tory Burch’s black platforms are a classic staple. Sleek yet substantial, they’re perfect for any summer look or activity.”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

            Sizes: 5-12

            Colors: Perfect Black, Cantucci

            Materials: EVA, metal, leather

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            The Simple Sandal

            Aeyde Anna Leather Sandals

            Anna Leather Sandals

            Pros

            • Versatile
            • Family-run factories
            • Genuine leather

            Cons

            • Not ideal for long distances
            • May slip off your foot

            We stand by Aeyde as a complete crowd-pleaser. Every time one of us leaves our homes wearing the brand, we’re swarmed with questions and compliments regarding our shoes. This pair is sleek, simple, and the perfect summer sandal for daily wear. Plus, every pair of Aeyde shoes is produced in its family-run factories!

            Sizes: 36-42

            Colors: 8 options

            Materials: Nappa leather

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