The 8 Most Comfortable Sandals To Buy on Amazon, According to Podiatrists

When the sun's out, that probably means your toes are out too! And whether you're going the distance or hitting the town, wearing comfortable sandals is the best fashion decision you'll probably ever make. But trust us, not all sandals are alike. When you're standing and walking for hours at a time, with every step, you're adding some kind of pressure to your feet, which can cause pain and discomfort. But throwing on a pair of cushioned, supportive sandals? That can change everything.

Podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM at Step Up Footcare, explains, "When we wear sandals with a decent footbed, cushioned or platform outsole, and adjustable and flexible straps, we nurture the muscles and bones that we use in the walking cycle and we eliminate overuse injuries." And according to Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Maryland and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, sandals that are flat or fold in half (you know the inexpensive kind we're talking about) won't provide great support for your arches. She says these kinds of shoes are "equally as bad as a higher heel."

Luckily, there are more brands than ever these days making some seriously stylish (and seriously comfortable) shoes, like Birkenstock, Vionic, and Naturalizer.

Most Comfortable Sandals on Amazon

• Best Overall: Vionic Kirra Backstrap Sandal
• Best Value: Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals
• Best Platform Sandals: Dream Pairs Platform Wedge Sandals
• Best Heeled Sandals: Naturalizer Trace Sandal
• Best Espadrille Sandals: Cushionaire Mandy Cork Espadrille Wedge Sandals
• Best Lounge Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
• Best Sport Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Active Sandals
• Best Closed-Toe Sandals: Keen Whisper Walking Sandals

What Sandals Do Podiatrists Recommend?

Before you make your next summer shoe purchase, our experts share three must-have factors that'll practically guarantee comfort.

When shopping for a comfortable sandal, make sure to check out the footbed. A lot of inexpensive sandals tend to be flat or are made of materials that don't conform to or support your foot—those are your cues to say goodbye. A comfortable sandal's footbed will have an ergonomic design that mimics the curves of your foot and gives you a decent amount of arch support. And make sure the outsole, or the bottom of the shoe, has some kind of wedge or cushion.

And while the straps can be eye-catching, they should also be every bit as comfy. Look for a sandal with flexible straps (leather is a great material that can stretch). Dr. Lobkova also recommends getting a shoe with a front and back strap for added stability. You'll notice you won't need to "grip" as much!

Additionally, the width of a sandal is important if you need to accommodate ailments like bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes. "Remember that a lot of people's feet swell during the summer," Dr. Parthasarathy explains. "It is important to shop for sandals at the end of the day so you get the most accurate fit."

Now that you know the basics, it's time to start shopping. There are tons of comfortable sandals at great prices right on Amazon—and, yes, they all have the expert-approved features outlined above. Read on to shop for this year's trends with a comfy twist.