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Woman hiker in sandals at a viewpoint
lzf | Adobe Stock

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Sandals

With Summer vacation in full swing and (gulp) school starting up again soon, many families are getting in that last summer trip in. And if your sandals from last year seemed fine earlier this summer, they may need an uplift before you set off on that final summer trip. Here are the best sandals for travel. 

15 Best Sandals for Travel

Ranking Sandal Price Waterproof Men/Women
Best Classic Travel Sandal Birkenstock Arizona $$ NA Unisex
Best Adventure Travel Sandal Teva Original Universal $ Yes Unisex
Best Hiking Travel Sandal Chaco Z/2 Classic $$$ Yes Unisex
Best Beach Travel Sandal OluKai Ohana $$ Water-friendly Unisex
Best Water-Friendly Travel Sandal Keen Newport H2 $$ Water-friendly Unisex
Best Casual Travel Sandal Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 $ NA Women
Best Sandal for Flying Salomon RX Slide 3.0 $$$ No Unisex
Best Sporty Travel Sandal Ecco Yucatan Cross Slide Sandal $$$ No Unisex
Best Stylish Travel Sandal Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal $$$ No Women
Best Trendy Travel Sandal Sorel Viibe Women’s Flat Sandal $$$ No Women
Best Eco-Friendly Travel Sandal Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe $$$ No Unisex
Most Comfortable Travel Sandal OOfos OOriginal Sandal $ No Unisex
Best Dressy Travel Sandal Sam Edelman Ariane $$$ No Women
Best Travel Sandal for Walking Naot Castelo $$$$ No Women
Best Foldable Travel Sandal Kindred Hannah Thong $$$$$$ No Women

Best Classic Travel Sandal – Birkenstock Arizona

Birkenstock

This classic and comfortable sandal has a contoured cork footbed that provides excellent arch support. The footbed practically molds to your foot, giving the sandal an almost custom-made feel after a few wears. The EVA outsole is lightweight and offers shock-absorbing support. It is available in seven colors. 

Ideal for: City exploring, casual outings, general travel

Best Adventure Travel Sandal – Teva Original Universal

Teva Original Universal in Black
Teva

We are starting this list with some tried-and-true classics—the original Teva and Birkenstocks have been summer wardrobe staples for years. This Teva is a versatile and durable sandal with adjustable straps and rugged construction, perfect for hiking and water sports. 

Ideal for: Hiking, beach vacations, camping, water sports

Best Hiking Travel Sandal – Chaco Z/2 Classic

Chaco Z/2 Classic in Color  Eddy Fungi
Chaco

The Chaco Z/2 Classic is a more advanced hiking sandal with a secure lacing system and a supportive footbed that can handle rough terrain. If you’re heading on an adventurous trip, the 6X grip will make hiking over slippery rocks and other terrain a breeze. You’ll love the quick-drying straps with 360 adjustability for the perfect fit. The Luvseat™ footbed is certified by podiatrists and provides long-lasting support and comfort. 

Ideal for: Camping, backpacking, outdoor festivals, adventurous travel

Best Beach Travel Sandal – OluKai Ohana

Women's OluKai Ohan in Red Earth
OluKai

This stylish and casual sandal has a soft leather upper and a contoured footbed for all-day comfort. It’s water-friendly, perfect for days on the beach, or at the lake. They are lightweight, and quick-drying, and their design is “inspired by the sensation of bare feet walking on wet sand,” so you know you’ll have support. 

Ideal for: Island getaways, coastal towns, relaxing holidays

Best Water-Friendly Travel Sandal  – Keen Newport H2

Keen Newport H2 in Granite Green/Terrazzo
Keen

We’d be remiss if we did not include the Keen Newport H2, a water-friendly sandal with a quick-drying synthetic upper and a protective toe box for those who like their toes covered but don’t want to wear socks and want the breathability that sandals give. Made with an EVA footbed, these remarkable sandals offer not only comfort but durability and control. 

Ideal for: River rafting, kayaking, hiking, beach days

Best Casual Travel Sandal – Sanuk Yoga Sling 2

Yoga Sling 2 in Grey by Sanuk
Sanuk

These flexible and breathable sandals have a stretchy upper and a cushioned footbed for maximum comfort and can easily be dressed up or down. Perfect for a day at the beach, a casual stroll down a boardwalk, or a day at the museum, they won’t take up much room in your suitcase to have on hand for your summer vacation. 

Ideal for: Beach days, casual outings, travel carry-on

Best Sandal for Flying – Salomon RX Slide 3.0

RX Slide 3.0 in Feather Gray / Iron / Liberty by Salomon
Salomon

More of a mule than a sandal, we still consider the Salomon RX Slide 3.0s sandals, as they are the ideal travel companions thanks to their versatility, comfort, and durability. Their lightweight design makes them perfect for packing, while the cushioned footbed ensures all-day comfort when exploring new cities or relaxing by the beach. The slip-on style offers quick and easy access, perfect for airport security or impromptu adventures.

Ideal for: Travel days, lounging, post-flight relaxation

Best Sporty Travel Sandal – Ecco Yucatan Cross Slide Sandal

Yucatan Cross Slide Sandal in Birch Nubuck by Ecco
Amazon

Crafted with ECCO’s renowned comfort technology, they provide excellent support and cushioning for long days of exploring. Their sporty yet stylish design makes them suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to outdoor adventures. Plus, the durable materials ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel.

Ideal for: City exploring, casual outings, travel

Best Stylish Travel Sandal – Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal

Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal - Vegan in Mocha
Birkenstock

A modern twist on the classic Birkenstock, the Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal is a stylish sandal with the signature cork footbed for support and comfort. The platform sole adds height and a touch of elegance, making it the perfect versatile sandal to bring with you wherever you go. Available in a range of colors and materials, including leather and metallics.

Ideal for: Evening outings, casual shopping, adding a touch of elevation

Best Trendy Travel Sandal – Sorel Viibe Women’s Flat Sandal

Sorel Viibe Women’s Flat Sandal in Safari, Stone Green

With their stylish design and adjustable straps, these sandals can effortlessly transition from casual outings to exploring new terrains. The cushioned footbed ensures all-day comfort, while the sturdy construction withstands the rigors of travel. Whether strolling through a city or embarking on a weekend adventure, Sorel Viive sandals provide reliable support and style.

Ideal for: City breaks, casual outings, travel

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Sandal – Feelgrounds Seaside Luxe

Seaside Luxe in Sienna by Feelgrounds
Feelgrounds

The lightweight construction of the Seaside Luxe sandals from Feelgrounds makes them ideal for packing, while the flexible sole provides exceptional comfort for long days of exploring. The stylish faux leather straps offer a touch of elegance, making them suitable for various travel occasions. Plus, the easy-to-clean materials ensure they stay looking fresh throughout your trip. 

Ideal for: Beach vacations, casual wear, travel

Most Comfortable Travel Sandal – OOfos OOriginal Sandal

OOriginal Sandal in Slate by OOfos
OOfos

Oofos OOriginal sandals are exceptional travel companions due to their unparalleled comfort and recovery benefits. Their unique footbed absorbs impact, reducing foot fatigue after long flights or exploring new cities. The lightweight design makes them perfect for packing, while the slip-on style offers convenience and speed, ideal for airport security lines.

Ideal for: Travel days, after sightseeing, relaxation

Best Dressy Travel Sandal – Sam Edelman Ariane 

Ariane in Cuoio by Sam Edelman
Zappo's

Their elevated sole adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining comfort, making them perfect for transitioning from day to night. The slip-on style is convenient and ideal for quick outfit changes while exploring new destinations. The Ariane sandals complement various travel outfits with their modern design and versatile color options. The rubber outsole offers support, while the molded footbed will have your feet thanking you. 

Ideal for: Evenings out, city exploring, travel where style matters

Best Travel Sandal for Walking – Naot Castelo

Castelo in Color Sage Nubuck by Naot
Naot

The Naot Castelo sandal features a removable cork and latex footbed that molds to your foot over time. The removable cork means when it’s too worn to wear, you can simply replace it rather than purchase an entirely new sandal.  The adjustable straps ensure a customized fit, while the sturdy construction withstands the rigors of travel. Whether exploring a new city or relaxing on a beach, these sandals offer all-day comfort and style. 

Ideal for: Walking tours, exploring cities, active travel

Best Foldable Travel Sandal – Kindred Hannah Thong

Hannah Thong by Kindred in Espresso
Kindred

These sandals from Kindred are stylish, and their ability to fold in half makes them the perfect sandals for packing in your suitcase. Made from Italian leather, they are comfortable, with leather soles and insoles and a rubber heel cap and slip coating to ensure a solid grip underneath while you walk. A water-resistant travel pouch is included with every purchase. 

Ideal for: City breaks, beach vacations, travel

FAQ’s about Sandals for Travel

How do I choose the right size sandal for travel?

The first thing you need to do is consider where you are going and what type of vacation you are taking. If you are going on an active adventure trip, Look for sandals with good arch support, traction, and durability, like Chaco or Teva. For a beach vacation, choose water-friendly options with quick-drying materials, such as OluKai or Sanuk. For a city trip, you’ll need to prioritize comfort and style with sandals like Birkenstock or Sam Edelman. No matter what type of trip you are taking, remember that comfort is key. Look for sandals with cushioned footbeds to provide support and reduce foot fatigue. 

How do I pack sandals for travel?

If you’re only bringing one pair of sandals, wear them on the plane to save space in your luggage. You should always use shoe bags to protect your other items, and with sandals, that is no different. You may opt for sandals made from lightweight materials to save space and weight or consider foldable sandals to make them easier to pack. 

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