Reviews You Can Rely On

10 Best Sandals of 2024

We tested sandals and flip flops from Chaco, Bedrock, Teva, Birkenstock, and more to bring you the best options for men and women
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10 Best Sandals of 2024
A portion of our test lineup in the field. From left to right: Xero Z-Trail EV, Bedrock Cairn Adventure, Chaco Z/1 Classic, Keen Targhee II, Teva Universal Trail.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Our Top Picks

Wednesday March 27, 2024

Are you still searching for your sandal "sole" mate? Our teams of footwear experts have spent many years testing hundreds of pairs of adventure sandals, flip flops, slides, and more to find the best footwear for every summertime adventure. This article sifted through our four subcategories and over 65 pairs of currently available GearLab-tested sandals to bring you the top 10 contenders. We've worn them on 27-mile hikes and multiweek rafting trips, trekked across dozens of countries, and spent years keeping it cool all summer. Every pair of sandals was worn extensively and compared rigorously to its competitors to bring you the best and most affordable pairs around.

There are tons of different sandals out there. If you already know what type you're searching for, read our comparisons of the top men's adventure sandals, women's adventure sandals and slides, as well as our reviews of the best men's flip flops and best women's flip flops. For advice on our favorites from all categories, read on.

Editor's Note: Our sandals review was updated on March 27, 2024, to include details on the updated Bedrock Cairn sandals, which we are linking to.

Related: Best Sandals for Men
Related: Best Sandals for Women


Best All-Around Sandal for Women


Chaco Bodhi - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Superior stability and traction
Great fit for wide feet and arch support
Lighter, thinner, and simpler to adjust than other Chaco sandals
REASONS TO AVOID
Fewer color choices
Not available in half sizes
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material ChacoGrip rubber
Weight (per pair) 14.1 oz
Upper Material Polyester jacquard webbing
Footbed Material LUVSEAT PU
Midsole Material Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU
The Chaco Bodhi surpassed the rest with their rugged performance, adaptive fit, and versatile look. It is a relatively new design that takes a more minimalist approach to the Chaco Z/1 Classic - Women's. The simplified strap design makes the standard Chaco adjustment process much easier to get right the first time and adjust on the fly when needed. The Bodhi is comfortable for narrow and wide feet without any straps along the outsides of your feet. With all the appearance of a minimalist sandal, this model keeps that classic Chaco toe loop, which makes all the difference in maintaining impressive stability and serious security. Add that to one of Chaco's thinnest, lightest, most flexible soles yet, and you've got an excellent set of footwear.

Though a few options exist, the Bodhi isn't available in as many wild and varied colors and patterns as Chaco's classic Z sandals. And, like all Chacos, they don't come in half sizes. However, our lead tester regularly wears a half-size shoe, and she had no problems finding a comfortable size of Chacos. With nearly no complaints about the Bodhi, they quickly became our number-one choice for everything from kayaking to backpacking and cities to beaches, keeping us comfortable, secure, and stylish all day.

Read more: Chaco Bodhi review

From walking up sandy inclines to having brunch in a sundress, there's nothing we wouldn't wear the Chaco Bodhi to do.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Best Overall Men's Sandal


Bedrock Cairn Adventure


REASONS TO BUY
Simple adjustments
Good for wide feet
Great traction and good stability
REASONS TO AVOID
Run very small, especially for long-toed folks
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Vibram XS Trek Regolith
Weight (per pair) 1.10 lbs (size 10)
Upper Material Premium webbing
Footbed Material Granite Grip Rubber
Midsole Material Rubber
Updated Sandal for 2024
Bedrock's Cairn sandals, which are a longtime GearLab tester favorite, have been updated. The newest model is called the Cairn Evo and has updates to the stitching, and the sizing has been adjusted to fall more in line with typical US shoe sizes. We plan to purchase and test the new model when it's released, so stay tuned for an update.
The Bedrock Cairn Adventure sandals inhabit a unique middle ground between full-on adventure sandals and minimalist footwear, offering many benefits of both. It is the highest-scoring sandal in our men's review, and similar Bedrock Cairn 3D PRO II Adventure scored near the top in the women's sandal review. The footbeds are nearly flat, with just a few key ridges at the base of the toes to add security to your step. The minimalist strap design is simple to adjust and more secure than it appears. They offer above-average traction and have no width restrictions in their design.

We had trouble sussing out the right size in these sandals, especially in our women's review. Our main female tester typically wears a size 7.5 and needed a 9 to accommodate her slightly longer toes. However, as we noted above, Bedrock has addressed this issue with their 2024 sandal updates, so we're hoping your usual size fits (although there are still no half sizes, which is pretty common among sandals and flip flops). When fully tightening these sandals to add security, some of our testers also found that the strap seams were uncomfortable, though not enough to rub or create hot spots and blisters. Though the Bedrock Cairn can't quite match the security and stability of the cross-toe and cross-foot strap sandals, they do a great job in dry conditions. If you're after the benefits of minimalist footwear but still want rugged protection for your soles, the Cairn is the sandal for you. If you want maximum comfort and stability, consider our second-highest-scoring men's sandal, the ECCO Yucatan.

The Cairn Adventure grip is remarkable, effortlessly navigating across slippery rocks in streams.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Read more: Bedrock Cairn Men's review

Read more: Bedrock Cairn 3D PRO II Adventure Women's review

Best Secure Adventure Sandal


Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Superb traction in challenging conditions
Toe loop adds unmatched stability
Available in a wide selection of colors/patterns
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy and bulkier than most
Challenging adjustment process
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Non-marking ChacoGrip
Weight (per pair) 18.2 oz
Upper Material Polyester jacquard webbing
Footbed Material LUVSEAT PU
Midsole Material Women's specific LUVSEAT dual-density PU
When searching for a tried and true adventure sandal that can go the distance, it's hard to go wrong with the Chaco Z/Cloud 2. The traction is incredible across a wide variety of surfaces. One of our lead testers has been wearing these sandals to guide backpacking and whitewater trips for over 15 years and has yet to find a situation where these don't hold up. Getting the right adjustment of the toe loop takes some time and effort. Still, once dialed in, this seemingly simple addition adds so much stability and security, from swimming rapids to hiking 25+ mile days.

All this ruggedness comes with some trade-offs. This level of traction and stability also means these are some of the bulkiest, heaviest sandals we tested. And the adjustment process required to find the right fit for your big toe is far more complicated and demanding than any other. But if you've got the patience and the persistence, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is the ideal adventuring sandal. If you hate straps in between your toes, you might prefer the Chaco Z/1 Classic, although a toe strap can go a long way in keeping your foot securely in place.

The Z/Cloud 2 have impressive traction, security, and stability and are built to handle pretty much any terrain.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Read more: Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Women's review

Read more: Chaco Z Cloud Men's review

Most Comfortable Men's Sandal


ECCO Yucatan


REASONS TO BUY
Plush contoured footbed
Comfortable strap material
Good traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
"Dad" style
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Rubber
Weight (per pair) 1.51 lbs (size 43 EU)
Upper Material Nubuck leather
Footbed Material Dual-Density EVA
Midsole Material Polyurethane
The ECCO Yucatan stands out as the comfiest men's sandal, thanks to its sturdy build and high-quality materials. The midsole provides support and cushioning for each stride, while the leather straps and molded footbed cradle our feet in coziness. The outsole has a small rocking, supporting a natural stride. The high-end characteristics of these shoes are identifiable and provide exceptional comfort and support throughout various terrain and circumstances, even though they come at a premium price.

In the men's sandal review, the Yucatan comes in second place behind the Bedrock Cairn, which was our pick for the best overall sandal. The Yucatan is heavier, has less grip, and is less customizable than the Cairn. On the other hand, the Yucatan is the best option for customers willing to make minor concessions because it offers better support, stability, and comfort. If you're after a less technical sandal, check out the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed. It doesn't have the same trail performance but is delightful to hang out in and can be dressed up or down.

Read more: ECCO Yucatan review

These are perhaps the most comfortable sandals we have tested and make sharp rocks a non-issue.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Best Women's Barefoot Sandal


Xero Z-Trail EV - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Good traction even on uneven terrain
Secure without being tight
Accommodates wide feet
Very light and packable
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited colors
Thin sole lets debris under feet easily
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material FeelTrue rubber
Weight (per pair) 8.0 oz
Upper Material Polyester
Footbed Material BareFoam
Midsole Material TrailFoam
For the true barefoot enthusiast, the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are a dream. These ultrathin shoes provide a barefoot-like experience while letting you enter establishments with "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" policies. The soles are impressively flexible yet still have a robust pattern across the bottoms, providing excellent traction even on steep gravel trails and slippery granite slopes. Their Z-style straps look classic but offer more freedom than you'd think. Their outward-angled anchors maintain tension without transferring it to your foot, keeping you blister-free over miles of wear.

If you're not already an avid barefoot adventurer, jumping straight into a pair of the Z-Trail will likely leave your feet tired and sore. But once you've strengthened your foot muscles to wear these ultra-comfy sandals all day, they have a few downsides. They're offered in very limited colors if having your favorite shade is important to you. But if you're on the barefoot bandwagon and looking for suitable sandals for maintaining that feel while exploring thorny environments or venturing indoors, the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are your answer. If you are not quite ready to commit to a true barefoot sandal, we recommend starting with the Chaco Bodhi.

Read more: Women's Xero Z-Trail EV review

The Xero Z-Trail combines all the things we love about walking barefoot with the traction of a pair of adventure sandals.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Best Men's Barefoot Sandals


Earth Runners Alpha


REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Very packable
Comfortable footbed fabric
Great traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Adjustments involve a learning curve
Lack of support
Flip flop style thong strap
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Vibram Morflex
Weight (per pair) 0.57 lbs (size 10)
Upper Material Two-ply webbing
Footbed Material Moisture Wicking Canvas
Midsole Material Moisture-wicking canvas
The Earth Runners Alpha emerges as a stellar option for those keen on maximizing space and staying close to the Earth. Sporting a feather-light, minimalist architecture, you could effortlessly tuck these into your back pocket and forget they're there. While not everyone enjoys the barefoot concept, the Alpha excels in this niche. Its 10.5mm sole coupled with super-slim laces promises a snug and agile feel across varied surfaces, even if it might not match the durability of some heftier hiking sandals out there. The single strap tuning can be slightly tricky to perfect, but once set, it remains steadfast. Earth Runners, a rising star in the minimalist shoe sector, promotes the idea that our feet should experience natural movement and "connect with the earth." This sentiment is reflected in innovative designs like conductive threads and an earthing plug, bridging the barefoot experience with the utility of a sandal. Echoing Earth Runners' commitment to the environment, the Alpha boasts eco-friendly and vegan components, including nylon derived from repurposed water bottles.

While the Alpha might not offer the conventional comfort of its bulkier counterparts, it impressively navigates various landscapes, thanks to its absorbent canvas footbed and uncluttered yet effective lightweight design. A notable mention is its minimalistic support, which isn't so much a shortcoming but rather the essence of choosing such a sandal. If you're after a streamlined, airy sandal that feels almost non-existent, the Alpha is worth a glance. Scoring just behind the Alpha was the Xero Z-Trail EV, which is a little heavier and more stable but does not have the same comfort or traction.

Read more: Men's Earth Runners Alpha review

While it is one of the minimalest sandals on the market, the Alpha still performed well hiking in technical, rocky, and wet terrain.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Best Value Adventure Sandal for Men


Teva Katavi 2


REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight compared to similar models
Plush and comfortable
Solid performance for their price
REASONS TO AVOID
Unimpressive traction when wet
Not as stable or supportive as others
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Durabrasion Rubber
Weight (per pair) 1.36 lbs (size 9)
Upper Material Suede
Footbed Material Contoured EVA
Midsole Material EVA
The Teva Katavi 2 offers a competitive all-around performance with a thick, comfortable sole and a surprisingly low price. Though they're only available in men's sizes, these adventure sandals could feasibly be worn by just about anyone. They feature a soft contoured footbed with plush suede straps and a durable rubber sole. Compared to similar models, these kicks are lightweight with a simple design that's easy to adjust.

They don't have the best traction when wet, as we experienced some foot slipping in the footbed and on wet surfaces. The strap system is easy to use, but it's not as customizable or accommodating to different shapes and widths of feet and ankles. And yet, the Katavi 2 offers great value, with a versatile and comfortable performance that outstrips its price. Another fantastic value is the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which is similarly priced, lighter, and has a little better traction and stability but is not quite as comfy.

Read more: Men's Teva Katavi 2 review

The Katavi uses padding woven into the straps for great comfort.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Best Adventure Sandal on a Tight Budget


Teva Original Universal - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Easy adjustment
Good stability and solid traction
Tons of colors and patterns
REASONS TO AVOID
Not accommodating for wide feet or arch support
Straps can be scratchy
SPECIFICATIONS
Sole Material Rubber
Weight (per pair) 11.1 oz
Upper Material REPREVE recycled polyester webbing
Footbed Material EVA
Midsole Material Molded EVA
Another classic pair that's proven its worth over the years is the Teva Original Universal. These unisex-sized sandals cost less than half what many others retail for yet offer reasonable security and dependable traction for many adventures. Sturdy velcro straps everywhere make them so simple and easy to adjust to your perfect fit. They're thin, lightweight, and packable, making them a great "just in case" addition to your vacation suitcase. And they come in a ton of colors and patterns to suit your style.

For most everyday adventures, the Teva Original Universal will carry you through, but when it comes to extreme and rugged conditions, they can't keep up with some of the more robust models. Particularly in water, we found ourselves slipping in the footbeds, and when tightened, the edges of the straps can be a bit scratchy. The flat footbeds don't provide arch support if that's important to you. Still, this is a great and simple sandal for the modest adventurer or festival-goer seeking a solid option at a reasonable price. Ladies looking for a slightly classier Teva sandal might check out the Teva Tirra.

Read more: Women's Teva Original Universal review

Read more: Men's Teva Original Universal review

The Teva Originals are an affordable option that still have enough features and functionality to make them a solid option for lowkey adventuring.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Best Flip Flops for Women


Birkenstock Gizeh


REASONS TO BUY
Great all-around foot support
Very cute and stylish
Contoured footbed molds to your foot over time
REASONS TO AVOID
Toe post is quite stiff
Break-in time is long
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material Cork lined with suede
Sole Material EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
Strap Material Birko-flor (PVC) lined with fleece
Weight (per pair) 13.5 oz (size 39)
Available Sizes 35 - 46 EU
We weren't expecting to be blown away by the Birkenstock Gizeh, yet they performed excellently across all our tests. They're very well-made, with the best support and stability of any flip flop we've tried. Though instantly comfortable, they continue to conform to your feet, growing even more comfortable the longer you wear them. We're also impressed by how much traction we had while hiking across various terrain. And though it's not everyone's style, most of our testers find them stylish enough to wear with a sundress or shorts.

It does take quite a bit of time to break in the Gizeh though fully, so you'll want to be prepared for the commitment. The toe post is initially quite stiff but becomes slightly softer and less apparent over time. With cork and suede footbeds, the Gizeh isn't the best shoe for water activities, but their all-foam cousins, the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA, are waterproof and cost a lot less. The Gizeh is worth it if you invest the time and money into a stylish, versatile, extremely comfortable pair of flip flops. We were also impressed with the Birkenstock Mayari, which scored towards the top of the test group. However, it didn't rise quite high enough in our rankings to earn an award.

Read more: Women's Birkenstock Gizeh review

sandals - the gizeh are a very comfortable flip flop with great style.
The Gizeh are a very comfortable flip flop with great style.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Most Comfortable Women's Flip Flops


OluKai Ohana - Women's


REASONS TO BUY
Impressively comfortable
Supportive contoured soles are great for wide feet
Good arch support
REASONS TO AVOID
Takes a long time to dry
Heavy compared to similar models
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material Molded EVA with soft ICEVA drop-in footbed
Sole Material Non-marking rubber or gum rubber
Strap Material Water-resistant synthetic nubuck leather lined with quick-drying jersey knit
Weight (per pair) 13.7 oz (size 9)
Available Sizes 5 - 12 US
If you're sick of having tired feet after wearing flip flops all day or throwing away your summer sandals because they don't hold up, check out the OluKai Ohana. These contoured flips were comfortable right out of the box and only got more comfortable the longer we wore them. They offer plenty of width for just about anyone, further adding to their impressive comfort. While so many flip flops aren't known for their security or traction, the Ohana provides great grip, solid security, and good traction, even on wet surfaces.

Though these sandals are pricey, they are built to last, giving them long-term value and making it easier to justify the initial purchase. They're also heavier than many other flip flops, which can take some time. And though they perform well in the water, they also take a long time to dry out afterward. But even when soaking wet, our testing team loves wearing the super comfortable OluKai Ohana.

Read more: Women's OluKai Ohana review

sandals - on most terrain this flip flop feels really secure.
On most terrain this flip flop feels really secure.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Best Value Flip Flops


Teva Reflip


REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Made of recycled materials
Great fit, wet or dry
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor traction
Not very supportive
SPECIFICATIONS
Footbed Material EVA
Sole Material EVA
Strap Material REPREVE recycled polyester
Weight (per pair) 9.7 oz
Available Sizes 7-14
The Teva Reflip are incredibly lightweight and hold easily to your feet. They're comfortable wet or dry, and when we know our feet will be getting wet, the Reflip is one of our favorite options with nonabsorbent soles. They're constructed from recycled materials throughout and have a squishy feel that offers easy comfort for a fairly affordable price.

As a simple sandal, the traction of the Teva Reflip isn't great. They have just minor tread on the bottom that doesn't provide great grip on steep or slippery slopes. Though soft, these flops are lightly molded, offering no real arch support. Still, the Teva Reflip is an easy choice if you're after a lightweight, affordable flip flop that can take you from the water to the beer garden.

sandals - the teva reflips float, so you're unlikely to lose them in the water.
The Teva Reflips float, so you're unlikely to lose them in the water.
Credit: Jon Oleson

How We Test Sandals


We've been testing the best sandals and flip flops for men and women for the past seven years. We research and purchase the latest, greatest, and most promising pairs each season to put through our rigorous side-by-side comparisons. We live in these sandals — biking across town, backpacking through mountains, kayaking rapids, walking the dog, hanging out at the beach, exploring international cities, and so much more. We pull in as many of our friends and family as can fit these sandals to help us determine which are the most comfortable, the squishiest, have the best arch support, allow for just the right amount of foot movement, retain traction on uneven and wet surfaces, and so much more.

We test flip flops using the following five performance metrics:
  • Comfort (30% of total score weighting)
  • Support (20% of score)
  • Traction (20% of score)
  • Versatility (15% of score)
  • Style (15% of score)

The tread and comfort let these sandals take you over any terrain...
The tread and comfort let these sandals take you over any terrain you may encounter.
Testing sandals along the coastal cliffs of California.
Testing sandals along the coastal cliffs of California.
These sandals have decent traction for being such a minimalist shoe.
These sandals have decent traction for being such a minimalist shoe.
We tested dozens of flip flops and sandals for both men and women (or both) to bring you the best options on the market.

As the sandals and slides we tested are designed for slightly different activities, we alter our testing methods accordingly, rating them across the following five performance metrics:
  • Comfort (25% of total score weighting)
  • Traction (25% of score)
  • Stability (20% of score)
  • Adjustability (15% of score)
  • Versatility of Activities (15% of score)

Why You Should Trust Us


The many sandals and flip flops we have tested over the years have been worn and scrutinized by a robust team of senior GearLab Review Editors. Maggie Nichols heads this team and is a lifetime sandal enthusiast. She started professionally guiding backcountry trips (backpacking, rafting, canoeing, and more) in 2007, wearing a pair of sturdy adventure sandals she still wears today. Hayley Thomas lives in and travels around the country in her van, wearing flip flops and sandals at every possible opportunity. She and Penney Garrett are both avid climbers, hikers, and yogis. Penney is a self-professed "flip flop freak" who seeks out every excuse to remove her socks and feel the sun on her toes. Nick Bruckbauer is an experienced outdoorsman who travels the world seeking out new adventures — always with a trusty pair of sturdy sandals in tow (toe?). Jacob Clark is a former climbing guide and route setter who spends much of his days exploring the California Central Coast beaches and hiking and running through Los Padres National Forest. Jon Oleson recently jumped right into flip flop testing, bringing his perspectives and expertise as a sandal-wearing, outdoor-loving father. Matt Bento is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue who's no stranger to relaxing and exploring the great outdoors in sockless footwear.

We walked, hiked, ran, and scrambled for miles to test these sandals.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Women's Sandals


We have now tested hundreds of women's sandals over the last decade. Below is a chart that highlights our latest test group and how they performed. See our women's sandals review for more detail on each model below and how they performed in exhaustive side-by-side tests.


Men's Sandals


Below are the overall scores from our best sandals for men review. Check out that separate review to see how the best models compared across individual metrics and which models offered the best bang for the buck.


Finding Your Ideal Footwear


You probably already know what type of sandal you're looking for. A pair of flip flops to wear to the beach, some adventure sandals for camping trips, or a set of slides for running errands. We're not here to convince you what type of sandal you should own; we're here to help you figure out what makes an adventure sandal fit for canoe trips or to find a flip flop that won't fly off as you chase the dog across the sand. We prioritize comfort, support, and traction, no matter what type of sandals we test. With your experience wearing these shoes at the forefront of our minds — not just looking at whether they match your outfit — we give you our favorites of each type of sandal and how to determine which ones will be the best option for you.

sandals - if you want to wear socks with your sandals, we're down with that.
If you want to wear socks with your sandals, we're down with that.
Credit: Miya Tsudome

Choosing the Right Full-Strap, Adventure Sandals


If you know immediately that you want a pair of full-strap sandals, meant to stay securely on your feet all day, you're looking at many excellent options. First, consider what type of adventures you'll be going on. Your adventuring may involve exploring cobblestone streets and paved paths through a new city, and you're looking for a pair of comfortable walking sandals that still go with your khakis or sundress. Or you'd like to let your feet breathe as you head up a long trail through the woods to get to your favorite climbing spot, and you need a pair of sturdy sandals with good traction for loose trails and hills. Or you could be seeking a pair to wear on a leisurely kayak paddle and solitary lunch spot, and you need shoes that can get wet without letting you slip or rub your feet raw.

All Day Water Play
If your ideal pair of footwear is meant to stay on all day while you're in and out of the water (or just in the water), you may also consider a pair of top-rated water shoes. These offer more protection for the tops of your feet, whether from rocks while canyoneering or from the cold on a whitewater adventure. We've scoured over 100 of the top women's water shoes and best men's water shoes to keep you covered and ready no matter how wet you get.

For every type of adventure, comfort is key. To figure out what you'll find comfortable in a pair of sandals without having to suffer through blisters all day, start with a pair of shoes you already own. It could be an old pair of sneakers with just the right-shaped footbed, boots with support in all the right places, or even some tennis shoes with perfect flexibility. Whatever your most comfortable pair of shoes is, start with those and figure out what you like about them to understand what you'll enjoy in a pair of sandals.

sandals - do you prefer your shoes to have flexible or rigid soles?
Do you prefer your shoes to have flexible or rigid soles?
Credit: Miya Tsudome

If you find your favorite pair of shoes is flexible, with a wide toe box and plenty of room for your toes to breathe, consider sandals with thinner soles that are wider than average or lack straps on the sides. The Bedrock Cairn is a great choice, with a flexible sole and plenty of room for your feet to spread out and take up space. If your favorite shoes take it one step further and are already thin-soled, the minimalist Xero Z-Trail EV may be what you're after. These ultralight sandals are extremely pliable, with a spacious toe area that helps them to mimic the experience of walking barefoot without forcing you to feel all those pokey rocks.

sandals - the xero z-trail have the most flexible soles of any model we've...
The Xero Z-Trail have the most flexible soles of any model we've tested.
Credit: Miya Tsudome

Your favorite shoes probably have contoured footbeds that offer arch support and sturdy soles with plenty of traction. If that's the case, we'd recommend checking out the Chaco Bodhi or Chaco Z/Cloud 2. They have excellent arch support and thicker soles that are still limber. They also have excellent traction to help you cover all terrain, from slick city streets to loose gravel trails. The Teva Katavi 2 features plush, comfortable footbeds that support all-day wear. When wet, their traction falters, but we still love wearing them for our many dry adventures.

sandals - the chaco bodhi (left) and z (right) are both great adventure...
The Chaco Bodhi (left) and Z (right) are both great adventure sandals, offering security, support, and excellent traction.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Sandal strap systems also play into their comfort, but typically in a lesser way than their soles. Everyone prefers different tightness levels and numbers of straps for security, so there's no single answer here. Pay attention to how adjustable a potential new pair of sandals is. Many are fully adjustable, letting you change them repeatedly to find the right fit. No matter if they have simple velcro or an integrated lacing system that requires a diagram and patience to figure out, become intimately familiar with your sandals' system.

Sizing Matters
With most shoes, the sidewalls help keep your foot in place while you walk. Your feet will slide much more than you may expect in a pair of sandals. When trying on open-air footwear, walk around the store or your home. Jump up and down and pounce from side to side to get your feet to slide. If your toes or any part of your foot slides over any edge of the sandals, they're not the right size or fit for you. Make sure you can stay securely in your new kicks before you commit to taking them home (or check the return and exchange policy before you buy online).

Deciding where you'll wear your sandals will help determine how secure and stable they should be and what kind of traction you'll need. In general, sandals that include an over-the-toe strap — whether over all of your toes or just the big one — are more secure but more challenging to adjust (and readjust as conditions change). If you'd like to wear your sandals walking over loose materials, up steep slopes, or when wet, carefully consider their traction. But don't just flip them over to look at the tread! Though this is very important, the traction of your foot on the footbed is equally as important. Sandals that are smooth on the top tend to easily let your feet slide, as do loose sandals and those with less secure straps. The robust diamond grid on the tops of the Chaco Cloud family of sandal soles provides the best traction under trying circumstances that we've found.

sandals - whether you need to cross the desert or cross a stream, there's a...
Whether you need to cross the desert or cross a stream, there's a pair of sandals for that.
Credit: Jacob Clark

Flip Flops That Won't Flop Off


Just because you're a die-hard flip flop fan doesn't mean you have to sacrifice security and stability. If you're used to cheap flips that mainly function to deliver a logo to your friends and family, you'll be stoked to know there's a whole wide world out there of trail-tackling, water-wading, town-trekking flops just waiting to cradle your feet.

Buying on a Budget
Many flip flops and sandals are released in new colors every year. Search in the late fall through early spring to find good deals on last year's colors.

Like their full-strap cousins, flip flop comfort starts with the soles and footbeds. The OluKai Ohana is one of our favorite pairs in this arena. They're soft and comfortable, contoured to your feet, and feel great right out of the box. Even after wearing them for years of sweaty adventures, they've only gotten more comfortable as they conform to the foot of the wearer over time. They also don't skimp on security and traction. Our whole testing team found their pliable straps to hold securely to our feet, and their traction is robust enough we felt comfortable taking the scenic trail through the woods.

sandals - the right flips are comfortable, supportive, and have good traction.
The right flips are comfortable, supportive, and have good traction.
Credit: Brian Martin

The Birkenstock Gizeh is another exceptionally comfortable pair. The classic Birkenstock footbed is concave and cradles your feet comfortably on top of lightweight cork soles. They take longer to break in than the Ohana, but once you've embedded your footprint in the bottom, they feel like they were made just for you. Their classic zigzag tread pattern offers good traction on dry and wet surfaces. However, these suede straps aren't meant to be worn in the water. On the other hand, their EVA cousins are less breathable but impermeable to water. The very affordable Teva Reflip also have EVA soles that don't hold water and seem to have better traction on wet, slippery surfaces than others we tested with large lugs in their tread.

sandals - some flip flops are exceptionally comfortable to wear, like the...
Some flip flops are exceptionally comfortable to wear, like the OluKai Ohana and the Birkenstock Gizeh (pictured).
Credit: Matthew Blake

These are a few of our favorite flops, but we've tested many others that may be the right fit for you. Flip flops can be tricky to fit, as they are rarely adjustable. And since we don't all have identically shaped feet, the straps that are secure on your BFF may not be the ones that hit right for you. Look for flexible straps that won't cut into your feet while you walk or rub on wet or sweaty feet. But most importantly, try them on in the store and don't just walk — skip, jump, and dash from side to side like a hockey player heading toward the goal. Too much give in the straps and slipping across the footbeds indicate that the sandals on your feet aren't the right fit.

sandals - look for flip flops with soft straps that fit snugly on your foot.
Look for flip flops with soft straps that fit snugly on your foot.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Simplicity in Slides


By definition, slides lack features in other sandals that keep them safely on your feet through all your adventures. They have no toe post or loop and no ankle strap. Without that level of security, we rarely find a pair of slides that we want to hike up a mountain in or wear while traipsing around a new city on vacation. But for hanging out around the house, running errands around town, and even helping your feet recover, a pair of slides may be a good pairing for you.

sandals - a nice comfy pair of slides may be just what you want on a lazy...
A nice comfy pair of slides may be just what you want on a lazy afternoon or the end of a long day.
Credit: Brian Martin

While we don't have an entire category of testing dedicated only to slides, we've had a fair few on our feet through these reviews. For the most part, these simple slip-on shoes stand out best for their comfort and ease of use, while their fit security depends on your specific foot shape. However, one pair deserves a special shout-out for their specific function. The Hoka Ora Recovery Slides are designed for exactly what their name evokes: helping your feet to recover after working hard. Made entirely of EVA foam, the Ora Slides are squishy and roomy enough to spread your toes and maybe even wear a nice pair of socks if you'd like. They're not flat on the bottom like regular shoes. Instead, they're shaped like a slight rocker, helping to cradle, cushion, and even moderately massage your sore feet while you shuffle around the house in them. These aren't the slides we'd recommend for everyday use, but when our feet really need a break (but we still have to get up and walk around), we turn to the Hoka Ora.

sandals - the hoka ora feel great on sore feet after a long trail run.
The Hoka Ora feel great on sore feet after a long trail run.
Credit: Maggie Nichols

Is There One Sandal to Rule Them All?


We wish! So much goes into making a "perfect" sandal that just isn't conducive to a one-size-fits-all approach. And we haven't even touched on style, which is even more subjective than the type of support, tightness of straps, and flexibility of soles all put together. While we can't unanimously agree on a single pair of sandals that all our testers would choose in every situation, there are a few that garnered more votes to wear in more diverse environments, activities, and outfits.

sandals - you don't have to sacrifice style to get a high-performance pair of...
You don't have to sacrifice style to get a high-performance pair of sandals.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

The Chaco Bodhi is one of those pairs. For a full-strap sandal, the Bodhi are secure (thanks to their toe loop and contoured footbed), have minimal coverage, and offer great traction on both the footbeds and the soles. Though their color options are limited, we liked their available hues and dressed them up and down all summer. If you're more of a flip flop fan, the Birkenstock Gizeh fills a similar role. These comfortable flips mold to your feet over time, with a secure fit, solid traction, and a style that most of our testing team found versatile and delightful.

sandals - the right pair of sandals can take you around the world.
The right pair of sandals can take you around the world.
Credit: Joanna Trieger

Conclusion


There's a wide world of sandals for every activity, outfit, outing, and vibe. Though much of your ultimate choice will include your personal aesthetic and comfort preferences, we hope our ongoing comparisons and intense side-by-side testing have helped you determine the qualities you want in your perfect pair.

Maggie Nichols and Chris McNamara