Last updated on April 7th, 2024 at 02:47 pm
In the quest to identify the best travel sandals, I reached out to men and women who have traveled extensively to understand what they value in an ideal travel sandal. Based on their feedback, I’ve compiled a set of criteria that are crucial when selecting the perfect pair:
Comfort
Look for sandals with good arch support and cushioning to provide comfort during long walks or sightseeing. This feature is essential for preventing foot fatigue and ensuring all-day wearability.
Durability
Opt for sandals made from high-quality materials that can withstand various terrains and weather conditions. Durability is key to ensuring your sandals can handle the rigors of travel without falling apart.
Versatility
Choose a style that can be dressed up or down, suitable for different activities and occasions during your travels. Versatile sandals can save you space in your luggage and keep you prepared for any situation.
Adjustability
Sandals with adjustable straps can provide a better fit and accommodate changes in foot size due to swelling or other factors. This adjustability ensures a secure and comfortable fit throughout your journey.
Breathability
Consider sandals with breathable materials to keep your feet cool and dry in warm climates. Breathable sandals can prevent discomfort and odor, making them ideal for hot destinations.
Traction
A good grip is essential, especially if you’ll be walking on slippery or uneven surfaces. Traction helps prevent slips and falls, ensuring your safety while exploring.
Water Resistance
If you plan to engage in water activities or visit wet environments, look for sandals that dry quickly or are water-resistant. This feature allows you to transition seamlessly between water and land activities.
Weight
Lightweight sandals are easier to pack and carry, reducing the strain on your feet and legs. They’re ideal for travelers who want to minimize their luggage weight.
Style
Choose a design that aligns with your personal style and can complement various outfits in your travel wardrobe. Having stylish sandals ensures you feel confident and put-together on your travels.
Ease of Cleaning
Sandals that are easy to clean and maintain will be more practical for travel. Easy-to-clean sandals can save you time and hassle, keeping your footwear in top condition throughout your trip.
The best travel sandals for men and women aren’t one-size-fits-all, as each gender has distinct needs.
For Men
Men’s travel sandals need to be versatile, offering the perfect balance between comfort, support, and durability. Feedback from male travelers highlights the importance of sandals that can withstand long walks, diverse terrains, and varying weather conditions while providing ample support to the foot’s natural structure. Look for sandals with sturdy soles, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and materials that are both breathable and quick-drying.
For Women
Women’s travel sandals should combine comfort, style, and functionality. Based on input from female travelers, it’s clear that women value sandals that offer good arch support, cushioning for all-day wear, and a design that complements various outfits. Women’s sandals often come in a wider range of styles, from sporty to elegant, so consider your travel activities and personal style when choosing the right pair. Breathable materials and adjustable straps are also key features to look for.
We will be exploring the top picks for men’s and women’s travel sandals, taking into account factors such as comfort, support, durability, and style. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a city explorer, or a beachgoer, we’ve got you covered with the best options to keep your feet happy on your travels, as recommended by fellow travelers.
Best Travel Sandals for Women
A fantastic choice for women travelers who value comfort, support, and style. Here’s why it stands out:
- Unmatched Comfort: The microfiber-wrapped EVA footbed is a game-changer, absorbing shock and reducing stress on the feet, ankles, and knees. This makes the Kirra sandal perfect for long days of exploration.
- Superior Arch Support: Women travelers love the exceptional arch support these sandals provide, offering more support than the average sandal. This feature is essential for maintaining foot health and comfort during travel.
- Stylish Design: The Kirra sandal combines subtlety and sophistication with its triangular thong leather upper and soft buckle detail. Available in a variety of colors, including Black Leather, Coral, and Periwinkle, it’s easy to find a pair that complements any travel outfit.
- Reliable Traction: The durable rubber outsole with a patterned tread ensures excellent traction on various surfaces, providing stability and safety during outdoor activities.
Versatile Wear: These sandals are not just for travel; their design is perfect for everyday wear, seamlessly transitioning from sightseeing to casual dinners.
While some travelers have mentioned issues with stability, and opinions on fit and value are mixed, the overall consensus is that the Vionic Women’s Kirra sandal is a top choice for women seeking comfortable, supportive, and stylish footwear for their adventures.
2. The Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal
A popular choice for women travelers due to its comfort, versatility, fit, and lightweight design. Here’s why it’s highly recommended:
- Comfort: The cushioned footbed provides a high level of comfort, making these sandals suitable for extended walks or adventures. The molded EVA midsole with heel cupping and arch support adds to the overall comfort, ensuring that you can wear them all day without discomfort.
- Versatility: These sandals are designed for all-day wear, festival wear, getting around town, and water activities. Their utilitarian style and durability make them suitable for a variety of settings, from urban exploration to outdoor adventures.
- Fit and Adjustability: The Universal Strapping System and multiple points of adjustability allow you to dial in the perfect fit, ensuring that the sandals stay securely on your feet. The easy hook-and-loop closure makes them quick to put on and take off.
- Lightweight: The sandals are lightweight, which is a significant advantage for travelers who need to pack light or who are on their feet for long periods.
- Appearance: Customers appreciate the appearance of the Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal, which combines a classic look with practicality.
- Sustainability: The quick-dry webbing is made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE polyester yarn by Unifi, making these sandals an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
While opinions on durability are mixed, the overall feedback suggests that the Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal is a great investment for women seeking comfortable, versatile, and stylish footwear for their travels.
3. The KEEN Women’s Rose Casual Closed Toe Sandals
Thes are a top choice for women travelers, offering a blend of comfort, support, and durability. Here’s why they are highly recommended:
- Arch Support: Many customers appreciate the excellent arch support provided by these sandals, which is essential for long walks and hikes, ensuring all-day comfort.
- Appearance: The sandals are praised for their cute and stylish design, available in a variety of colors like Brindle/Shitake, Black/Neutral Gray, and Navy Leather. This makes them versatile enough to pair with different outfits.
- Quality Construction: Customers are impressed with the overall quality of the sandals. They are well-made, with durable materials that withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor activities.
- Water-Resistant: The washable polyester webbing with quick dry lining makes these sandals suitable for active use in and out of the water, perfect for beach trips or river crossings.
- Custom Fit: The adjustable hook and loop ankle strap allows for a custom fit, ensuring the sandals stay securely on your feet during various activities.
- Comfort: The sandals are built on a women-specific foot form that is wider than the industry norm, providing improved fit and comfort. The non-removable footbed with added arch support and light flexible cushioning offers all-day comfort.
- Traction and Toe Protection: The wave grip pattern provides superior grip on slippery and wet terrains, while the high abrasion rubber tip adds durability and protection for your toes.
- Eco-Friendly: KEEN is committed to sustainability, using PFC-free water repellent and leather sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified tanneries.
While some customers have differing opinions on the strap and fit, the overall consensus is that the KEEN Women’s Rose Casual Closed Toe Sandals are an excellent investment for women seeking comfortable, supportive, and durable footwear for their travels and outdoor adventures.
4. The Chaco Women’s Zcloud Sport Sandal
A highly regarded choice for women travelers, offering a blend of comfort, support, and style. Here’s why it’s a great:
- Fit and Comfort: Customers rave about the fit and comfort of the Zcloud Sport Sandal. The sandals conform to the foot shape over time, providing a personalized fit. The cushioned comfort of the Chaco Z/Cloud sandal is often highlighted, with many appreciating the billowy, cushioned feel.
- Value: Many travelers feel that these sandals are worth the price, offering good value for their durability, comfort, and support.
- Appearance: The sandals come in various colors, including Solid Black and Tetra Sunset, and are praised for their stylish appearance, making them a fashionable choice for both outdoor adventures and casual outings.
- Quality and Durability: Customers are impressed with the quality and durability of the sandals. Chaco’s commitment to creating footwear that outlasts the competition is appreciated, as is their focus on repairability to reduce environmental impact.
- Arch Support: The Zcloud Sport Sandal provides excellent arch support, thanks to the podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU footbed. This support is crucial for all-day comfort and stability, especially when traversing uneven terrain.
- Adjustability: The sandals feature an adjustable strap system, allowing for a customized fit. However, some customers have mixed feelings about the adjustability, so it’s worth trying them on to ensure a good fit.
- Sustainability: Chaco’s commitment to sustainability is a significant draw for environmentally conscious travelers. The company donates 3% of after-tax profits to organizations dedicated to caring for people and the planet, and the sandals are 100% vegan-friendly.
While some customers have mixed opinions on pain relief and adjustability, the overall consensus is that the Chaco Women’s Zcloud Sport Sandal is an excellent investment for women seeking comfortable, supportive, and stylish footwear for their travels.
Best Travel Sandals for Men
This is an excellent choice for men who love to explore the great outdoors. Here are some key features that make this sandal stand out:
- Water-Shedding Design: The sandal’s waxy leather upper is specifically crafted to shed water, making it perfect for crossing creeks or walking in wet conditions. This feature ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable during your hikes.
- Easy On and Off: The Lycra® neoprene stretch collar allows for easy slipping on and off of the sandal. This convenience is especially appreciated by travelers who are constantly on the move and need to quickly change footwear.
- Odor Reduction: The M Select™ FRESH antimicrobial agents integrated into the sandal help reduce shoe odor, keeping your feet fresh even after long days of hiking.
- Trail Connectivity and Protection: The UniFly™ midsole provides a unique connection to the trail while offering protection from rough terrain. This technology ensures a comfortable and secure walking experience, even on challenging trails.
- Excellent Traction: With a 3 mm lug depth and a TC5+Vibram® outsole, the sandal offers exceptional traction on various surfaces. This feature is crucial for maintaining stability and safety on slippery or uneven paths.
- Durability and Ruggedness: The sandal’s durable construction can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Its rugged design is specifically tailored to handle different terrains, making it a reliable companion for hikers and travelers.
- Lightweight Comfort: Despite its robust build, the sandal is lightweight, with a men’s weight of just 297g. This ensures that your feet won’t feel weighed down, allowing for more comfortable and longer explorations.
Overall, the Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Sandal is highly regarded by travelers for its combination of comfort, durability, and functionality. It’s an excellent choice for men seeking a reliable and comfortable sandal for their outdoor adventures.
A fantastic choice for men who are looking for a versatile, comfortable, and stylish sandal that can keep up with their active lifestyle. These are some reasons why this sandal stands out:
- Superior Comfort: Customers rave about the comfort of the ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal. The cushioned footbed provides excellent support and absorbs impact, ensuring a comfortable stride throughout the day. This is especially important for travelers who spend long hours on their feet exploring new places.
- Durable Construction: The sandals are praised for their durability, crafted with high-quality materials such as premium nubuck leather and textile uppers. This ensures they can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and last for many seasons.
- Adjustable Fit: The three adjustable straps with hook-and-loop closures allow for a customized fit, ensuring a secure and snug fit for maximum comfort and stability. This feature is appreciated by customers who value a personalized fit.
- Enhanced Traction: The rugged rubber outsole provides excellent grip and traction on various surfaces, making the sandals suitable for different outdoor activities. Whether walking on wet rocks or uneven trails, these sandals offer reliable traction for confident strides.
- Breathable and Quick-Drying: The sandals are designed with strategically placed perforations and breathable lining, keeping feet cool and dry even during hot summer days or water activities.
- Versatile Style: The sleek and sporty design of the ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal is well-liked by customers. It is suitable for various outdoor activities and complements casual outfits, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
- Supportive Arch: The molded EVA footbed with a supportive arch promotes proper foot alignment and provides additional comfort and stability, which is particularly beneficial for those with foot issues.
The ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal is highly recommended by travelers for its comfort, durability, adjustable fit, traction, breathability, style, and supportive arch. While opinions on value may be mixed, the overall feedback suggests that these sandals are a great investment for anyone seeking reliable and comfortable footwear for their outdoor adventures.
This sandal is a popular choice among travelers for its comfort, versatility, fit, appearance, and traction. Some reasons why this sandal is highly recommended include:
- Comfort: The sandal is praised for its comfort, with a molded PU midsole that cushions and supports the foot, even during long hikes or walks. This is especially appreciated by travelers who need comfortable footwear for extended periods.
- Versatility: Customers appreciate the versatility of the Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandal, which is suitable for various outdoor activities, from multi-day hikes to casual strolls. Its design balances the support of a shoe with the open-toe feel of flip-flops, making it a great all-around option.
- Fit: The easy hook-and-loop closure allows for quick adjustments and ensures a perfect fit. This feature is crucial for travelers who need reliable footwear that stays secure on their feet.
- Appearance: The sandal is available in multiple colors, including Flooded Dark Olive, Madang Blue, and Wavy Trail Black, among others. This variety allows travelers to choose a style that suits their personal taste.
- Traction: The rubber sole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, which is essential for outdoor adventures. Some customers specifically mention being happy with the traction, indicating that it offers confidence on uneven terrain.
- Sustainability: The quick-dry webbing is made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE polyester yarn by Unifi, and the lining is made with 60% recycled polyester mesh. This eco-friendly aspect is appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.
- Breathability: The lightweight, breathable mesh lining keeps feet cool and comfortable, which is particularly beneficial in warm climates or during strenuous activities.
While opinions on quality and weight are mixed, the overall feedback suggests that the Teva Men’s Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandal is a great investment for men seeking a comfortable, versatile, and stylish sandal for their travels and outdoor adventures.
This is a popular choice among travelers for several reasons:
- Lightweight and Flexible: The super lightweight EVA sole is flexible and offers traction, making it comfortable for walking and suitable for various terrains.
- Skin-Friendly Material: The Birko-Flor upper is a skin-friendly, tear-resistant faux leather material with a soft fleece layer underneath, providing comfort and durability.
- Supportive Footbed: The classic suede-lined cork and latex footbed features a deep heel cup, arch support, and a toe bar, which are designed to provide optimal support and comfort for the feet.
- True to Size: Customers appreciate that the sandals are true to size and fit nicely, which is crucial for ensuring comfort during long walks or hikes.
- Value for Money: Many customers feel that the sandals offer good value for money, considering their comfort, style, and support.
- Stylish Appearance: The sandals’ appearance is well-liked by customers, making them a fashionable choice for casual outings or travel.
However, there are some concerns regarding durability, as some customers have reported issues with the straps cracking and ripping. Additionally, opinions on the firmness of the footbed and the quality and adjustability of the sandals are mixed.
Overall, the Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Birko Flor Sandal is a great choice for men seeking comfortable, supportive, and stylish sandals for travel or everyday wear. While there are some concerns about durability, the positive aspects of fit, comfort, and value for money make them a popular choice among travelers.
If you’re like most people, you may have questions about which sandals are suitable for travel. Many struggle with determining if a particular style is right for them, among other concerns. Below are some frequently asked questions about sandals that should help clarify any doubts you might have.
Can you wear sandals with socks?
A: While traditionally considered a fashion faux pas, wearing sandals with socks has gained acceptance in recent years as a trendy and practical choice, especially for those seeking extra comfort or warmth. It’s all about personal style and preference.
Are flip-flops considered sandals?
A: Yes, flip-flops are a type of sandal characterized by their flat sole and a Y-shaped strap that goes between the toes. They are typically more casual and less supportive than other sandal styles.
Can you hike in sandals?
A: Yes, you can hike in sandals designed specifically for outdoor activities. These hiking sandals typically feature rugged soles, good traction, and secure straps for stability and comfort on uneven terrain.
How should sandals fit?
A: Sandals should fit snugly without being too tight. Your foot should not hang off the edge, and there should be a small gap between your toes and the front of the sandal. Adjustable straps can help ensure a proper fit.
How can you prevent blisters when wearing sandals?
A: To prevent blisters, choose sandals with soft, smooth materials and a comfortable fit. Breaking in your sandals gradually and using moleskin or blister pads on problem areas can also help.
Can sandals be formal?
A: Yes, there are sandals designed for formal occasions, often featuring elegant materials like leather, metallic finishes, and decorative embellishments. Pairing them with the right outfit can create a sophisticated look.
How do you clean sandals?
A: The cleaning method depends on the material of the sandals. For leather sandals, use a damp cloth and leather conditioner. For synthetic materials, mild soap and water usually suffice. Always air-dry your sandals away from direct heat.
Are sandals good for your feet?
A: Sandals can be good for your feet if they offer proper support and fit well. However, prolonged wear of flat, unsupportive sandals may lead to foot problems. Opt for sandals with arch support and cushioning for better foot health.
In conclusion, finding the best travel sandals requires considering a range of factors, including comfort, durability, versatility, adjustability, breathability, traction, water resistance, weight, style, and ease of cleaning. Based on the feedback from seasoned travelers, it’s clear that the ideal sandal varies between men and women, with each gender having specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best travel sandal is one that aligns with your specific travel activities, personal style, and comfort requirements.
