Best Comfortable Walking Sandals for Travel
So, you’ve booked that long-awaited European getaway for summer 2025—how fabulous! You’re probably already dreaming about cobblestone streets, alfresco dinners, and of course… what to pack.
You already know that walking around Europe (or any travel destination) in uncomfortable shoes is a big no-no. I’ve shared my favorite travel shoes before, but let’s talk sandals. Because when the temps rise and you’re racking up 20,000 steps a day, a comfortable walking sandal is a must.
But here’s the challenge: you want sandals that are comfortable, supportive, and travel-friendly—without looking frumpy. Yes, they exist! The trick is knowing what to look for so you can find the perfect pair for your feet!
Best Comfortable Walking Sandals for Travel
What to Look for When Shopping for a Walking Sandal
Not all sandals are created equal—especially when it comes to travel. The best walking sandals for women over 40 combine comfort, support, and style so you can explore all day and still look put-together for dinner. Before you pack your bags, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pair:
- Cushioned & Supportive – Your sandals should feel good from the first step. Look for a footbed that offers arch support and shock absorption—your feet will thank you by lunchtime.
- Lightweight & Breathable – Keep things airy so your feet don’t feel hot and tired by the end of the day.
- Water-Resistant – Whether you get caught in a summer storm or you’re strolling along a beach boardwalk, you don’t want soggy sandals ruining your plans.
- Neutral or Fun-Toned – Skip bright white (it won’t stay crisp after a day of sightseeing). Soft metallics, earthy neutrals, or even a pop of color can all be surprisingly versatile.
- Sturdy Soles – Europe is full of uneven terrain—from ancient ruins to cobblestone streets. Choose sandals with traction and a sole that can handle it all.
- Secure Fit – A sandal that hugs your foot (with an ankle strap or wide cross-band) offers more stability and helps prevent rolled ankles or blisters.
- Day-to-Night Versatility – Who wants to pack extra shoes for every outfit? Look for styles that can go from touring a museum to dinner by candlelight without missing a beat.
- Easy On and Off – Breeze through airport security with sandals you can slide off in seconds.
- Compact for Packing – Slim styles that lay flat in your suitcase save room for more exciting things—like that Italian leather handbag you’ve had your eye on.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Below, I’ve rounded up the most stylish, supportive walking sandals for travel this year—so you can hit the streets of Paris, Rome, or Santorini in comfort and style.
Best Comfortable Walking Sandals for Travel
Great Arch Support
If arch support is at the top of your wishlist, the Dansko Reece delivers. This sandal has that signature Dansko comfort in a slimmer, more feminine profile that’s easy to dress up or down. The molded footbed supports your stride all day long, whether you’re sightseeing or strolling through a museum.
Stylish and Supportive
It’s not always easy to find a sandal that feels like a dream, but still looks polished enough for dinner. The Söfft Nadia has soft leather straps and a cushioned footbed that makes walking a breeze. It’s the kind of shoe that works with everything from linen pants to sundresses!
Lightweight and Packable
Tevas have come a long way in the style department, and this slim version is a great example. They’re feather-light, dry quickly, and take up hardly any space in your suitcase. I love these for beach towns, coastal hikes, or anywhere on your itinerary includes sun and sand.
Best for Problem Feet
If you need a little extra structure or deal with foot issues like plantar fasciitis, the Vionic Cypress is a lifesaver. The contoured footbed is podiatrist-designed, and the straps keep your foot secure on uneven ground. And the sleek design? No one would guess these are orthotic-level shoes.
Sleek and Versatile
If you’re looking for a sandal that’s both stylish and supportive, this one’s a winner. The Naturalizer Brandy has a classic T-strap silhouette that flatters the foot and works beautifully with everything from midi dresses to cropped trousers. The contoured footbed and flexible sole make it easy to wear all day, while the polished look takes you seamlessly from day tours to dinner reservations. These would be great for Europe since they remind me of a Roman gladiator (LOL!).
European-Inspired Comfort
The NAOT Dorith is handcrafted with supple leather and features a cork footbed that molds to your foot over time. It’s minimalist without being boring, and perfect for days filled with walking and café stops.
Adventure Ready
For the woman who plans to do more than just window shop on her vacation, the KEEN Elle has you covered. These sandals are sporty without looking too rugged. The sole grips well on everything from cobblestones to trails, and the stretchy straps move with you so theres no rubbing or blisters!
Best for Wide Feet
If you need a little more room, the Easy Spirit Susana comes in wide widths and offers plenty of wiggle room without sacrificing style. The slight wedge gives a flattering lift, and the elasticized strap makes them a breeze to slip on and off—perfect for navigating airports or hotel lobbies in style. I love this woven look.
All-Day Comfort
This Skechers sandal is pure comfort. They mold to your feet, and the flexible straps hug without pinching. They’re sporty, but they work just as well with casual dresses as they do with cropped pants or shorts.
Best for Bunions
If you struggle to find sandals that don’t irritate bunions, these sandals from Aetrex were practically made for you. They have multiple hook-and-loop straps so you can fine-tune the fit across your toes, midfoot, and ankle. The arch support is fantastic, and they come in versatile, wear-with-everything neutrals!
Do you have a favorite walking sandal?
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where is the jumpsuit information?
thanks
Hi Donna, I don’t have the exact info for that jumpsuit as I didn’t take this photo but I found something very similar! Here you go. Cheers, Deb:https://rstyle.me/+gFw09kS8S4zcgaln1F0n7g
My very fashionable 22-year-old daughter wears tennis shoes a lot with all sorts of outfits. The shoes are often bulky, white with stripes. The first time I saw her in them while also sporting linen bell bottoms (pants were gorgeous…shoes awful) I was shocked. But she showed me a ton of “influencers” on Instagram that she follows…many gals from various European countries. They were all doing the same thing! They are all in their 20’s, slim, and gorgeous, just like my daughter. At 52, I don’t think I can carry that look, but more power to anyone that can!
Hi Kristin, I know the look, and let’s face it, you can pull anything off when you are young! (lol) I feel the same way. If I wear chunky runners with long, flowy bell-bottom pants, I will look wide and feel sloppy, but that’s me. For example, I bought these wide leg, white joggers last year and could have worn them with chunky runners, but I felt more “me” in these black sandals. See here: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-look-classy-in-white-wide-leg-pants/
However, I have tried wearing chunky sneakers with short, sporty cotton sundresses, and I like the look (although my chunky sneakers are probably not as chunky as your daughter’s) So, that’s one way I am tweaking my chic and adapting to new trends at 60+. It’s about taking a trend and changing it up just a bit, to make it your own. Cheers, Deb
Crocs and Mephistos are my favorite walking shoes.
I have very narrow feet. Does anyone know of a good shoe brand that comes in limited sizes?
Zappos has all sizes and widths of shoes.
I have to disagree respectively. Walking on uneven cobblestones with sandals is a recipe for sore feet and a sprained ankle, not to mention dirty feet. I travel a lot and wear either solid black or white sneakers to tours. They do not look out of place. It’s the brightly colored sneakers that stand out and scream Tourist.
Wear what is most comfortable on your feet, and your happy face will be open and welcoming.
White sneakers used to scream tourist when I went on my honeymoon 27 years ago in Paris. My feet get hot in the summer, so I only wear flat sandals. No sneakers for me unless I’m in a gym. Plus, they make legs look stumpy.
Recommend Bzees as a great, stylish, lightweight, and washable. Brandi travels a lot- sometimes as much as 30 days at a time and these are my must-travel shoes. They are available at many retailers, brick-and-mortar,r and online.
My issue in finding shoes is that I have a narrow feet. And if the shoe doesn’t fit, no matter how comfortable it is built to be, my feet will be in bad shape by the end of the day. I don’t know why it is so difficult to find shoes in a narrow size. I guess that I’m in the minority of the population. Van Eli is my best bet, but other suggestions would be helpful.
I have narrow feet and shop at Marmi shoes online. They carry Van Eli and Sesto Meucci brands. Also, I shop at Munro shoes online.
Naot tends to run narrow.
I also have a narrow foot and size 10. It’s a never-ending hunt to find shoes. I find a good selection on Nordstroms online. I order lots and generally end up returning most. NAOT sandals work because they have cute styles with adjustable straps and a lot of wedge styles. Good luck!
I just returned from 16 days in Italy, where we walked about 10 miles daily. I took all sorts of cute, comfortable sandals, even some from this article, and NOTHING worked. My feet were so painful, swollen, and blistered (yes, I broke them in. Even though it was hot, I had to buy a pair of white sneakers and socks which I wear with skirts, dresses, anything. I never, ever wear sneakers other than for working out. I thought it looked a little stupid, but at that point, I didn’t care. And you know what else? I saw many women doing the same thing, including young and old, and even Europeans on vacation. Italians are incredibly stylish, and there is no way to compete with that. I managed to look like a tourist as much as I tried not to.
My advice is to wear whatever is best for your feet because no one cares. Next time I go to Europe, it will be my white sneakers.
Some German and Austrian leather sandals are very well-made and comfortable by Haflinger and Giesswein.
You can order them online at http://www.german-slippers.com.
As a European (Danish) native, I would like to point out that Europe is not a country; it has many very different countries and cultures. Wearing comfy shoes definitely would not make you stand out in Northern Europe. Ecco is a Danish brand that produces high-quality, comfortable shoes.
If you are going to Rome or Paris, you might consider bringing stylish shoes and outfits. Just remember that any holiday in Europe involves LOTS of walking.
Alegria makes sandals and other shoes that are stylish, supportive, and comfortable. They have multiple styles, closures, heel highs, and closed or open-toe boots. They also make shoes for men and nurses/doctors. http://www.alegriashoeshop.com/default.asp
Lesley, I agree! I just discovered this brand and am so in love with them. Bought the Vienna sandals. I was worried they’d make my feet look too big, but they don’t, and most importantly, I can walk miles in them (already have) with NO foot pain or tender spots. I already ordered a second pair. I haven’t tried the closed-toe yet, but I probably will after the great experience with the sandals. :0)
There is no such thing as a stylish walking shoe, and I promise, everything you showed will make you stick out like a sore thumb in Europe. I know, because I live in Paris. I work as an international flight attendant in New York and fly…Europe. I wear my awful aerosols, gram Central is the style, and I look like the Mary Janes you showed. Because I wear orthotics and have bunions, I couldn’t take the stares anymore with those shoes. I found Josef Seibel sneakers which seem to do the trick. Wear my designer bags, and statement faux jewelry, and I hope to offset the comfortable look. That is what the difference is in dress between Americans and Europeans.
Right. I don’t think it’s the shoes; I think it’s the clothes. Too many Americans wear casual, comfortable clothes: Yoga pants, short shorts, cargo shorts, and t-shirts. I was so impressed by the Italian style: the clothes, the accessories, and the creativity. I could only hope to dress like them and consider myself a good dresser.
You should see what women wear in my town! Sweats and baggy shirts. Talk about frumpy
Lynn is right. No such thing as a stylish walking shoe. I’ve made that complaint for years. Big, clumsy sneakers look awful on my small (size 5) foot but so do big, awkward sandals. Most of the shoes highlighted offer no support for feet and ankles. In addition, finding a shoe in my size is always a challenge. Most of these start with size 6!
If European footwear is so stylish, what do they wear when they come on vacation to the USA and walk miles a day?
I spend at least two months in Europe every spring and summer, and the best shoes are FitFlops. Perfect for cobblestones, hiking around the hills, and on the beach. So many styles to choose from so you can always be comfortable and stylish–and your feet will be so happy!
Kristi, I was so happy to see your review. I agree 100% with your endorsement of Fitflop’s brand of shoes. I wear them ALl the time. I have noarch in my foot; they wonder and have a widwideariety, so you always look fashionable.
I agree. I have a great pair I wear in the summer. My feet can swell and stay cool
At the same time.
So far, I have not found the ideal walking shoe. I need something deep enough for my serious orthotics – which eliminated most shoes I have seen. I have to have a tie shoe, as my heel is narrow, but my orthotics aren’t (I have very flat feet with plantar fascists and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Tie sho s must also have a stiff heel counter to hold my foot correctly on the orthotic. This means a severe athletic shoe is the only thing that will work. In Japan, we walked everywhere e, and my feet were miserable in all but one pair of shoes( Merrrills) – the ethers are OK for casual local walking but not for hiking. My feet were sore, and my ales swelled. For home use, I can get away with Orthaheels, but not for anything serious. I wouldn’t say I like the c choices in athletic shoes – I want solid black or tan – without dashes of color anywhere. They also should look reasonable with tights or stockings. Bare legs and short so ks may be acceptable in this country, but not in Japan. should also add t t Ido does not wear pants or knee-length skirts – mid-calf, is it ( there are elements of an overweight 60+-year-old body that are better left to the imagination.) I plan another trip to Japan, and I know shoes will be the issue again. (need I mention I love shoes, especially the pretty delicate ones, and am seriously frustrated that I can’t wear them)
Julie, I feel your pain. I have to wear orthotics in my shoes too. I have found the Skechers are ok for some walking (the sandals), and Teva adjustable sandals have arch support. I can wear them for a couple of hours. Okabashi makes a great flip-flop with good arch support, and I use them for the beach and as house slippers. You order them online. But for serious walking, we will have to stick with our trusty sneakers.
I just moved to London with my husband last fall. I have to say that all my regular shoes from Seattle didn’t work, except for one pair I got at Macy’s. They are ballet styled with an elastic crossing across the top of my foot, and the brand is Strictly Comfort. Because of the very uneven walking surfaces, your feet, and your legs, up through your hips and into your back, get jostled much more than they ever would in the states. I bought a pair of flat leather boots with thick soles that I lived in until very recently when the weather warmed. I honestly prefer boots, it stabilizes the foot a lot better. On every previous trip to Europe, I’ve brought my Dr. Martens loafers; on one trip to Israel, I wore Clarks Unstructured. I’d rather have Comfort over pretty, and I dress with more of an “edge,” so heavier-looking shoes balance things out nicely.
My favorite is Clarks.
I just got back from Europe last week, where we drove through 4 countries & 3 different climate zones. I primarily packed dresses & brought seven pairs of sandals. I used them all because I had them, but I only needed two teams: metallic sandals & black ballet. The metallic sandals & ballets were comfort shoe brands & perfect for all the different terrains & activities. Also, in place of packing jeans, I packed my black Lululemon pants & paired them with my cardigan set. If you need running shoes, look at Nike Free TR Fit, blk/blk.
I went to Europe for two weeks last fall, with lots of walking. I learned that any heel, however, cushioned, will not stand up to 10 hours of walking! The most comfortable pair I wore was a pair of gold snakeskin Aerosoles flat sandals!
My favorite is a pair of sandals from Naturalizer.
Nowadays, people like to wear fashionable types of sandals.
Not with my wife’s swollen feet!
All great shoes. Exactly what European women wear!
Merrell is my favorite brand! But I’m going to Europe next month and am still unsure what to wear. I need something more than sandals for my flat feet.
Rochelle, if you like Merrells, try these – the Around Town backstrap shoe. It comes in several colors, and while it looks a little bit Birkenstock-ish, they are the MOST comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn! I could walk around the world in the—padded cork footbed that you sink into a little bit, with good grip and wide straps. The back is an adjustable buckle strap. I wear them with dresses and jeans/slacks – they give you a casual look but have comfy feet and legs. Not for dressing up, but you can take other shoes for that. This is the link to the brown version of this shoe: http://www.merrell.com/US/en/around-town-backstrap/23711W.html?ref=around%20town&dwvar_23711W_color=J55536#q=around+town&start=1.
I love my Arche flats. I just returned from Argentina and wore them every day. I also have a job that requires standing for 6-7 hours and wearing Arche, Born, Jambu, and Dansko shoes to work.
I just bought these:
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Very comfy!! But if I remember correctly, sandals may not be appropriate for touring some cathedrals, and you’ll want closed-toe shoes.
Hi Stacy,
We’ve never had a problem wearing sandals in European cathedrals, but you must cover your shoulders and arms. It’s good to carry a little scarf with you.
I”m currently looking to Europe in the Summer of 2012. Someone recommended Chaco shoes – I like the looks of their sandals but want something a bit more dressy looking.
Mine are a pair of Merrells but not very stylish, but I could walk all of Berlin in them. They are better than running shoes.
Merrell’s is a fantastic brand and good for your feet, but some styles can look clunky. However, we agree, much better than a running shoe!
I don’t have a favorite pair of travel shoes; that’s why I need these!! I hope to go to Ireland next year to celebrate 25 years of marriage with my wonderful husband. We never got a honeymoon (we were too broke!), so this will be a grand celebration.
I saw many people on Rick Steves’ travel site recommending Naot brand shoes for traveling Europe. I went with their Nau Mai shoe for all the walking I’ll be doing on cobblestones.
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-nau-mai-black-gloss-leather-black-patent
Hi Celeste,
Those will indeed look much better than a pair of tennis shoes!
Clarks
Birkenstock..is the one I’ve wore in the past…
Vionic shoes and boots often come in a size 5, my size. I have worn their ballet flats, slip on sneakers and sandals on many a city street. They have styles that don’t look orthopedic.