After trekking more than 50 miles and testing 18 pairs of walking sandals over three months, our seasoned outdoor gear tester has selected the top 10 styles for summer 2026. These sandals combine the grip and support of hiking shoes with breathability and style, suitable for everything from rocky trails to city streets.
Best walking sandals overall: Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora
The Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora offers outstanding grip, comfortable straps, and easy portability, making it the top pick. Priced from £83.99 at SportsShoes, these barefoot-style sandals feature wide Velcro straps that remain secure even on sweaty hikes. The thin, flexible soles provide excellent traction on wet rock and challenging terrain. According to Vivobarefoot, wearing barefoot sandals for six months can increase foot strength by 60%. However, there is no built-in arch support, and the design may look orthopaedic to some.
Best budget walking sandals: Jack Wolfskin Ridge
At just £39 from John Lewis, the Jack Wolfskin Ridge sandals offer exceptional value. They feature padded ankle straps that prevent slipping and decent grip for light hikes and city sightseeing. While they feel flimsier than pricier models, they perform as well as sandals costing twice as much on easy terrain.
Best for supportive straps: Teva Hurricane XLT3
The Teva Hurricane XLT3, from £59 at Amazon, provides good grip, comfort, and cushioning. The three-strap design, a classic since the 1980s, allows easy adjustment over toes, ankle, and heel. The quick-drying straps make them ideal for camping and water activities. The soles offer reliable grip on varied terrain, though the thin straps provide limited padding.
Best shandal: Keen Whisper
The Keen Whisper, from £90 at Go Outdoors, is a lightweight closed-toe hybrid sandal weighing just 280g per shoe (size 6). It offers excellent toe protection, a bungee lacing system for secure fit, and chunky cushioned soles with arch support. The quick-drying fabric straps make it perfect for wild swimming and waterside adventures. However, the fit is narrow, so sizing up by half a size may be necessary for wide feet.
Best walking sandals for comfort: FitFlop Neo-D-Hyker
The FitFlop Neo-D-Hyker, from £59 at FitFlop, features a cloud-like cushioned sole with a carbon plate designed to propel you forward. The wide straps provide a comfortable fit. While pleasant for walking on dry, groomed trails and pavements, the grip is limited and not suitable for wet rocks or challenging terrain. The beige version shows dirt quickly; a black option is recommended.
Best smart walking sandals: Vionic Walk Max Wanderer
The Vionic Walk Max Wanderer, from £79.99 at Vionic, combines smart leather straps with a chunky rubber sole for all-day cushioning. They are comfortable for all-day sightseeing and smart enough for dinner. The high arches provide good support, but those with flat feet may find them uncomfortable. The inch-thick soles may not suit everyone, and ankle rollers should opt for a lower profile.
Other notable picks
Flower Mountain Nazca 2 (£180) offers fun rainbow-hued straps and supportive soles but limited grip and small sizing. Bedrock Mountain Clog (£131.49) features a grippy Vibram sole and toe protection but is not designed for technical hikes. Vagabond Effie (£75) provides smart looks and comfortable suede insoles for commuting but needs care in wet conditions. Timberland Clairemont Way (£73.50) offers style and comfort for casual wear but limited grip.
How to choose walking sandals
Consider material: leather is durable but slow to dry; fabric is light and breathable; neoprene or webbing is best for water activities. For challenging trails, choose a shandal with enclosed toes for protection. Look for rubber soles with deep lugs for grip. Ensure a secure fit with wide, adjustable straps, no pinching, and heels that don't hang over the sole. Expect to pay £75 or more for quality, and buy new so the sandals mould to your feet.
