These Are the 8 Most Comfortable Sandal Styles to Pack for Every Vacation This Summer — From $26

Whether you’re spending the summer months traveling or enjoying a staycation, the right pair of shoes is essential for ensuring your utmost comfort everyday — but let’s be honest, style is also important. This year, there are a number of trends that have rapidly gained popularity amongst fashion-savvy travelers, and fortunately, many of them are comfortable, too.

If you’re tired of reaching for the same worn-down pair of slides year after year and are ready to upgrade your footwear selection ahead of your next big trip, we’ve compiled a list of the eight coolest (and most practical) sandal styles to try out this summer. From the ever-popular fisherman sandals to the Carrie Bradshaw-approved mules, these are the top shoes you’ll want to score this summer, with prices starting as low as $26.

Fisherman Sandals

Everlane The Day Fisherman Sandals

My biggest struggle with footwear in the summer is finding a pair of shoes that won’t ruin my outfit or my feet, and I can confidently say that I’ve met my match in Everlane’s The Day Fisherman Sandals. This iconic style looks great when paired with everything from a maxi skirt to simple jean shorts, but best of all, I’ve racked up countless miles in them already without a single blister to show for it. The high-quality construction of these sandals is evident as the exterior is made from buttery-soft Nappa leather, and the padded insoles provide generous support while maintaining a streamlined (and packable) shape. I’ve been wearing them in black, but these classic shoes are also available in Rum and Canvas — and they’re selling fast.

Slide Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Sandals

Growing up in New Hampshire, I’ve been Birkenstock’s biggest fan for years, and after trying a wide range of styles, the Arizona slides are my ultimate favorite — and they just so happen to be a trendy choice this summer. The suede-lined footbeds of these shoes mold to your unique foot shape to create an incredibly supportive fit with repeated wear, while the ultra-soft straps never rub or chafe against the skin. They’re especially well-suited for travel days since they’re easy to slip on and off when rushing through TSA, while a reliable EVA outsole offers essential grip against slick airport floors and cobblestone streets alike.

Platform Sandals

Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Platform Sandals

Platform sandals are a great way to (literally) elevate any outfit in your suitcase, but they’re actually a surprisingly comfortable option for walking — especially this pair from Crocs that prioritizes arch support. These lightweight shoes won’t feel bulky on your feet, and shorter travelers will find them to be an excellent choice to pair with maxi dresses and skirts to eliminate fabric dragging along the ground. Adjustable heel straps create a snug fit that won’t rub or chafe, and deep heel cups offer impressive cushioning that will keep you stable and secure while exploring your destination this summer.

Arch Support Flip-flops

KuaiLu Flip-flops with Arch Support

Arch support will never go out of style when it comes to comfy travel shoes, and when that can be found within classic flip-flops, you’ve found a shoe that will be a fan-favorite for years to come. This elevated flip-flop style from KuaiLu features footbeds that are made with yoga mat material, effectively padding your feet with every step so you can head back to your hotel at the end of the day feeling as fresh as the moment you woke up. These shoes also weigh just 0.17 pounds, so if you decide to pack them in your suitcase instead of wearing them during your travels, your bag won’t be bogged down with bulk. And to top it all off, the soft fabric of the straps and toe posts won’t cause chafing no matter how long you wear them for.

Strappy Sandals

Skechers Women’s Beverlee Tiger Posse Sandals

We’re seeing strappy sandals crop up everywhere this season, and these darling Skechers wedges are a comfy way to nail the trend on a budget. Cushioned insoles ensure that these shoes provide all the support needed while remaining stylish, while the mid-height wedge is perfect for nice dinners or any other event that you might attend this summer. Your feet will be firmly held in place by several white straps that boast an almost lace-like finish, and they’re even on sale for just $45 right now.

Mesh Flats

Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Mary Jane Flats

While not technically sandals, I would be remiss not to mention mesh flats in a roundup of the it-shoes of the summer, especially since they’re just as good as an open-toed shoe in terms of breathability. This style is the perfect twist on the ballet flat trend for the warmer months as the mesh keeps your feet cool and comfortable while looking undeniably stylish, plus, the lightweight nature of these shoes makes them well-suited for packing into your carry-on while traveling. If you’ve been looking to inject your shoe closet with a pop of color, I suggest snagging the tomato red version of these Mary Jane’s from Jeffrey Campbell seeing as they’re now on sale at Nordstrom for 25 percent off.

Ring Sandals

Aerosoft Orthotic Comfort Split Toe Sandals

Spice up your footwear selection this summer with the comfortable trend that’s about to be everywhere: ring sandals. The beauty of this style is that it can be as fancy or casual as you make it, which is incredibly valuable when building a versatile travel packing list. If you’re not willing to sacrifice comfort to rock this look, don’t worry — the Aerosoft synthetic leather flip-flops feature one wide strap alongside a single toe “ring” on each foot, but the insoles are made to prioritize arch support with an orthopedic design that will minimize foot pain even if you’re spending long hours walking around. Plus, they’re just $37.

Mule Sandals

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Classic Faux Wood Sandals

“Sex and the City” will forever have a cultural impact on style, and its modern spin-off, “And Just Like That,” is no exception. When Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw was recently spotted in this simple yet classy pair of low mules, the shoes immediately became a new summer trend — and they’re even on sale for just $45 at Amazon. Shoppers have confirmed that these lightweight sandals are “very comfortable” and “go with everything,” so you don’t have to worry about your footwear detracting from your outfit during your next vacation. Whether you’re headed to a tropical destination or on a city excursion, these shoes are a must-pack. 

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