Best sandals for walking?

Either Keen or Teva if you pick a model with substantial sole and tread and preferable with toe cap protection. Never know when someone with a wheelie bag will run over your toes. REI categorizes the more robust sandals as "Multi-sport".

Interesting KEEN Footwear vs. Teva Footwear: Side-by-side Comparison:
https://keenfootwear.knoji.com/compare-vs/tevafootwear

I really love my Naot sandals. They have a little bit of an arch and are very comfortable for walking. Have used them for two summer tours now. They are a little pricey but I have found some on 6pm.com that are about half price. They don't look as clunky as some of the "hiking" sandals.

I always used to wear Naots and love them - they have many different styles, so you have to watch for ones that have better support. I think I wore them too much tho because they seemed to lose some support (after wearing the same pair for 3-4 years)and I'd find my feet aching after 3-4 hours walking. I have - well, let's say...7 pair of Naots (hazard of selling shoes)...one of my favs was called Paris (little higher sole, dressier), also Faso, which had a cute rhinestone buckle (same sole as the Paris). Geneva was another nice one. Flatter, slip on.

In summer 2014, I picked up a pair of Teva (style Tirra). They look like the original with the Velcro straps, but with thinner straps - you can't call them dressy exactly, but they are a little 'dressier' than the original. They are black nubuck, but waterproof (so the nubuck won't be ruined if it gets wet - which was great when we were in Rome and my feet were hot and dusty, so I'd dump some water on them). I found them quite comfy and wear them almost all summer now. Great support, grippy spider rubber so they aren't slippy on wet pavement or cobbles. When my current pair wear out, I'll be getting another.

http://www.teva.com/women-sandals/tirra/4266.html?dwvar_4266_color=CBGD#q=tirra&start=2&cgid=

I sold shoes for 12 years, and Keen's were def a favourite (I've never had a pair - I spent all my $ on Naots...lol). Birkenstocks were super popular (but they need a breaking in period, and certainly aren't 'pretty', but are super supportive). You may want to watch for things like thongs/flip flops (which can irritate your toes) and thin straps - which can rub your feet and cause blisters. The Teva was nice because the straps were padded, which helped minimize the rubbing (EDIT TO ADD - and with the Velcro straps, I could fine tune adjust them to each foot - if the strap was rubbing funny, I could just loosen it). Also, suede footbeds tend to absorb moisture a little better (in my opinion), helping prevent blisters, whereas some manmade footbeds can get hot and sweaty leading to blisters.

Whatever you do, get your sandals at least a month before so you can break them in and make sure they'll be right for your trip. My other hint - your feet will get dirty - especially if in a city like Rome or Paris - I took some deodorizing foot wipes and would use them to clean my feet at the end of the day - I didn't want to dirty up a nice white facecloth. You could probably even just take a travel pack of baby wipes...I sell Avon, so I had some of the Avon footworks wipes.

I love wearing Keens and have been wearing them since 2008. They're a little quirky on the looks, so I pick out a fun color to accentuate them - lime green, lavender, and now I have the Celestial Blue color. I usually wear the Venice H2 style, but I also purchased the Keen Rose sandal in black to get by with wearing them with dresses on vacation.

The bottom of the sole is perfect for walking & hiking all of over Europe, and I appreciate the toe protector for uneven pavement, etc. I know it saved me from breaking a toe during our last trip. Also, theses sandals are fine if they get wet.

I agree with Jean about Keens. I have multiple pairs, all colors, and live in them spring through fall. Could walk all day in them.

I have that problem with any sandal that has plastic insoles--- not a good thing to walk on in hot weather. I think Keen circumvents the problem by having the surface on which your foot rests embossed, so there is better air circulation under your foot. But I still do not care for the feel.

My shoe repair guy solved the problem with a pIr of flats I love but wanted to wear barefoot. He glued a thin leather Pedag insole over the shoe's own insole. Now my feet love these shoes for walking. Depending on the style of your Chacos, maybe that would work for you?

http://www.theinsolestore.com/pedag-leather-replacement-insoles.html

For walking sandals, I really like Tevas ( leather ones with a Nubuck footbed) and Danskos----not the clogs, but real sandals with a thinner sole, not tippy on cobblestones. The surface of the footbed is smooth leather and never has caused blisters. The Danskos are the ones I take to Europe for all-day walking comfort.

Edit: looking at the current Dansko sandal line, I do not see any that are similar to what I have. They seem to have gone for higher heels and wedges---too tippy in my view.

Like others who have posted here, I also love my Teva tirras. I have 2 pairs, red and turquoise. My other go to sandals (again like others here) are Keens in orange and white and I also have a pair in rose. I love them equally as well. Both brands give me the support I need and are very comfortable wearing all day touring.

I will bring along sandals if I am doing Beach, Island, or Coastal type trips, but I will at least add the caution that sandals have problems in most cities. Streets are pretty un-level, cobbled, dirty, including dog waste and other muck, where a closed shoe might be a sturdier, cleaner option.

I've been wearing Birkenstock Arizonas almost exclusively for the past 10 years. I have no problems being on my feet for 10+ hours. This includes working in retail, walking on trails out west, and traveling in Europe. I always take a pair of closed shoes (Merrells) along on trips, just in case, but rarely wear them. For me, comfort rules! 😆

Ecco Yucatan is a great walking sandal....they make them for men and women. I like Birkenstocks as well. I have seen men and women wearing them all over Europe.

I'm one of those people who hates having hot feet, so if we are traveling when it's over about 20C, I need sandals, otherwise hot sweaty feet make for a cranky Nicole (and an unhappy hubby). :) I can say in my 5 visits to Europe, including lots of cities, I have luckily never stepped in dog droppings! Again - a good reason to take some wipes with you and clean your feet off at the end of the day if you've gone barefoot. (or conversely, carry some in your day pack and if something gets stepped in, you can clean em up right away).

I like Tevas. I'm on my second pair. I recently bought a pair of the Capri style for my trip coming up. They are nice enough to wear with a dress or skirt, but very comfortable for walking all day.

http://www.teva.com/women-sandals/capri-universal/1010067.html?dwvar_1010067_color=PBLCK#q=Capri&start=2&cgid=

These are all great suggestions! Sounds like I have some shopping to do. Thank you so much, everyone!

We went to Europe last year, and I wore Bare Traps "Kathie Fisherman Sandal." They have a cork footbed and an ankle strap that is adjusted
after passing it through a buckle. I have very wide feet and narrow ankles, and these shoes were so comfortable. I never had an issue with blisters or sore feet from walking cobblestoned streets. I also brought a pair of Arcopedico shoes which have anatomic footbeds. Both were worn right out of the box.

<<Hates hot feet too! Because I am prone to planters Facetious I have to wear a sandal with good support in the arch and that has a slight wedge heel. I swear by Orthaheel and Aetrix brands, I walked in them for hours, no blisters and I could kick them on and off. They have Velcro on them so you get the custom fit you want. They also worked well on all surfaces to the uneven walking on street to the smooth floors in Museums. Plus they look a little more dressy than Tevas. I like Teva for around my hometown and would try them on a long Europe trip because they have the components I need. I only saw dog poop in Paris and it was little dog pop and never a problem. I had heard over and over how dirty my feet would if I wore sandals in Italy, and that just never happened, maybe because I don't (can't) wear super flat sandals.

Letizia...2014 was the first time I took foot wipes with me - and honestly - it was the first time I checked to see how dirty the bottom of my feet were when travelling. I just never looked before. I shudder a bit thinking of putting what must have been dirty feet in those nice white bedsheets on earlier trips...they got so dirty in Rome, I used a wipe on each foot! Big cities were def worse - Rome was pretty bad, but I didn't really notice that my feet got that dirty in Venice or London or when we were visiting smaller places in the south of France...

Nicole..Come to think of it I do not look at the bottoms of my feet, BUT hubby and I do foot rubs every night to ease our walking feet (no matter how comfortable the shoe your feet get sore from pounding on hard stone all day)..and I think he would have said "I'm not touching those dog's till you wash them"..or something like that? I am looking next trip!

Letizia - lol. As much as I love my hubby, I'm not touching his feet after they've been sweating in his shoes all day. You are a much better person than I. :)

Keens are great for significant walking. They work well in the rain and mud (as they are washable) and provide good cushioning for cobblestone streets and rough terrain.

I know this might sound crazy, but I love shoes and I also want to look stylish while in Europe. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good walking sandal that doesn't look like a teva or birkenstock?

I have always been a fan of Keens and Chacos. I ordered Ahnu sport sandals from Sierra Trading post and love them. They are my new favorites. Lightweight, supportive and I don't feel like my toes are just out there. I just ordered a second pair. At first I wore some short socks with them in case they rubbed on my feet but they don't so don't wear any socks but certainly could to keep your feet cleaner. This is a link and hopefully it works.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ahnu-anza-sport-sandals-for-women~p~9685j/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Ahnu_Anza_Sport_Sandals_For_Women&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLES6&currency=USD&codes-processed=true

Maybe not the most fashionable but I have a history of plantar fasciitis and comfortable shoes make me a happy traveler.

I find that Eccos work for me. The Keens were so uncomfortable in the store they never made it home.

MrsEB - well, shoes weren't my 'industry' exactly. I worked in a shoe store that sold some 'higher end' shoes. After a few years, I was department head (which really meant nothing) but I got to go help with the buying for spring/summer and fall/winter - oh, how I loved seeing the shoes for the upcoming seasons!

We didn't deal with all the high end brands - a shop across the road had the Rieker and Romika and Geox and Ecco's. Birks were super popular and the store manager had his finger on the up and coming stuff. We didn't always carry Teva, but when we did, they always sold well.

I left actually about 18 mos before the store closed after 80+ years of family business in our town - it was an institution and people came from all over Nova Scotia to shop there during the sales. Chaco was one brand that was just coming into the store before I left, and I had heard good things about them. But I certainly learned the value of good shoes and in a lot of cases - $$ did = comfort and durability. Before working there, my go to shoe was a $5 pair of canvas sneaks from Walmart :)

I had a few pr of Easy Spirit as well - we carried them for the first 4-5 years I worked there. I hope you have luck if you get a pair of the teva!

I think Nicole and anyone else who works in the industry would tell you "one size does not fit all"

I find it concerning that the OP is getting blisters after a couple of hours To me that says "these aren't the right shoes'.

To me the benefit of threads like this is it gives you shoes to look at, but there's no replacement for spending the time actually trying them on and then wearing them before you leave. Last year for example I bought a pair of shoes to take to Europe. Before we went they felt great, but I wore them around my home for a few weeks... and they did NOT go to Europe. They were a brand that gets recommended on here, but I could tell that while they were fine for walking the dog, that was the limit for me! I am currently rotating two pairs of shoes to decide which one goes with me to Paris later this month. :)

Thanks for all the help.
Has anyone worn some of the sandal crocks? There are some that are actually dressy. I am just wondering about heat and the plastic.

Hi, All. Thanks for the continued input on this topic. I have gone through all of the great suggestions and winnowed it down to a few choices. I ordered two pairs of Naots and a pair of Teva Tirras from Zappos yesterday, to try around the house for a day or two before (hopefully) settling on one. I love Zappos free shipping and returns! I do have a pair of Keens, and I love them, but I am looking for something a little less clunky to wear on the trip. I have a pair of Eccos I will take for a closed-toe option. Will let you know what I settle on for sandals. Every person has different preferences. Thanks again for all of the suggestions.

I'm in my mid 60s with knee & foot problems and need comfortable, supportive shoes. I have used the ECCO Yucatan Sandal (Women's) for the past several years while traveling in Italy, Germany, Prague, the UK and Portugal. I love these comfortable sandals. They look great with Capri's or long pants, not my choice to wear with skirts/dresses but a really good investment!

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-morse-tour-greystone-suede?ef_id=VzcV0wAABQS7sP33:20160517105745:s

These are the most comfortable sandals I could find, after trying/ordering 30 pair last year. Sigh. Not the cutest by any means....that is what I was after, but the beige didn't stand out too much I guess.

I have walked up to 11 miles a day in them. I wouldn't mind getting them in black next time...might look a little more stylish, maybe, maybe...haha

http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/taos-party-black/33932

I bought these as I thought they would be a little more fashionable with my dresses and skirts. Still not the look I was after, but they are comfy...but only for a couple miles. Everything was still comfy except the bottom of my feet were just sore...and these were made for plantar problems.

I guess my point is that even though they are comfy around the house and even walking in them outside, that doesn't mean they will hold up to 5 to 10 miles. The sole is the key. The Clarks are definitely thicker. DH says the same thing about his shoes he took.

Keens Whisper and SAS relaxed sandal. I I am 69 and these are the two best ever sandals. I have three pair of the SAS --- they look similar to a Birkie but the most comfortable ever.

I need to start shopping for sandals for an upcoming trip in September. My sister-in-law tells me she wore Fit-flops all over Europe and loved them. I don't see any mention of them here-anyone with opinions on these? Thanks!

Fitflops, not flip flops.

I wore Fit Flops 3 years ago on a 16 days trip in Europe with no issues. Fit Flops Are not your typical flip flops. The support is pretty good! I would recommend these! And for the record, we did tons of walking including stairs.

The Keen Venice H2 in black is the perfect travel sandal, in my opinion. The black color means I can wear them in the evening with black pants without looking too stupid. The good arch support and thick soles with good treads means they work great on cobblestone. Can't go wrong with Keens.

I have Fit Flops but would not wear them for traveling and extending walking. No lateral support. My new favorite is Ahnu.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ahnu-anza-sport-sandals-for-women~p~9685j/?filterString=ahnu-sandals~bs~2622~833%2F

May not be the most stylish but good support and very light weight. I just returned from a trip with a minimum of 5 miles a day and feet felt fine. I used to love Chacos for travel but they are too heavy and too clunky.

On advise from my traveler friend, I'm bringing a pair of good flip flops to put in my backpack to change into to help my feet after a long day.

Hi everyone! I know a few have mentioned Keen, Teva, Chaco, etc.

I went to Italy a few years ago and did Chacos and a pair of Merrell sandals.

Keens can run wide, so if you've ever worn narrow shoes or had "almost kind of narrow" feet- Keens may not work for you.

This year, I'm going to try a pair of Josef Seibel European Sandals I found at Nordstrom Rack. Anyone ever tried Josef Seibel?

Hi. I have purchased a pair of Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve hiking sandals for the Best of Switz in a month. While similar in appearance to Keens (and therefore perhaps too sporty for some situations), they have soles that appear to be more grippy. If you google the shoe name and the words Austrian Alps, you will find a review by a woman who has tested these. So far, they are fine in my everyday setting. They are very lightweight.

I love the way my ECCO's feel but after a few days of walking in the heat they smell. This year I took a well broken in pair of Geox sandals and no smell, felt great.

I tend to wear my Keens (Venice H2) for long-distance walking and hiking, and have worn them for my last few trips to Europe. They are my absolute favorite shoes for comfort. There are a few downsides to Keens, though. My feet get VERY dirty by the end of the day and it is easy to pick up small rocks. Also, they can get very smelly.

I recently got a pair of Merrill All Out Blaze sandals and my feet do not get as dirty as when I wear Keens. For me, they were just as comfortable as my Keens and required no break-in period.

This post generated such a great response, and I wanted to thank everyone for their excellent suggestions. I returned from our trip to England and France just last week, and I thought I would weigh in with my final shoe selections. I tried a number of the suggestions given here--Tevas, Merrells, Naot, etc. (I think I ordered twelve pairs of shoes from Zappos in the search.) But earlier this summer, I went to Boston for a few days. As a pre-Europe trial, I took my Chacos and gave them another whirl. Amazingly enough, they were fantastic for three days of city walking in Boston. I wondered if maybe I just hadn't broken them in enough when they had given me blisters, since I purchased them new last summer. So in the end, after my long search, I wound up just taking the very same pair of Chacos that gave me blisters last year. In Europe, I alternated between the Chacos and this pair of Danskos: http://www.zappos.com/dansko-hazel-black-suede. Both pairs of shoes were great choices--no blisters to be had!--and I was happy to alternate between the sandals and the closed-toe shoes.

Thanks again for everyone's input! Love the travel forum.

I started wearing Clarks we I started traveling as a college student some thirty years ago. Now, I have been seriously addicted to my Keens.
I love them. Comfortable. Can wear socks with them or not.
Can cross a stream or river wearing them.
Great for hiking and going in the water, example, Hawaii.
Hope this helped.

I am returned from the Best of Switzerland with my Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Hiking Sandals. They are lighter than my Keens, and I have been a Keen fan since they were introduced. They can get a bit sweaty. Febreze can help with any odor when traveling - and the supermarkets in Switzerland, at least, do sell Febreze.

I did not take the opportunity to do any strenuous hiking during this tour. These shoes worked fine. I did bring a pair of closed Merrell Mocs with me that I did not wear once. I had socks should the weather turn cool, but for July, the sandals themselves were great.

Debbie

Like the rest of you, I have been trying to solve the dilemma of what to wear while spending the whole day walking while on a trip. I want something that is comfortable, supportive and stylish. It seems you can get 2 but not all 3 qualities in a single shoe. Last year I spent a lot of time testing-walking shoes to see if I could come up with one that meet these criteria and ended up purchasing 2 pairs of Wolky shoes. I wore them for 4 weeks in Spain and they were OK but not great. I had some rubbing along the edges of the straps which was painful but I got through it. One pair is a bit clunkier (Jewel) than the other but better for long days of walking and I wore the other pair at night as the sole is not as thick so at least I could trade the painful spots back and forth.

In planning for our trip this year I searched high and low for shoes to replace the Wolkys as the rubbing from the straps was so uncomfortable I just didn't want to take them with me again. I considered FitFlops - very comfortable but not enough support for long walk; bought a pair of Tevas but not enough support once I wore them longer than 30 minutes and not dressy enough for wearing in the evening; Merrell's same story. Nothing came close to the support I got from the Wolkys. In desperation I took them to a shoe repair store to see if he could help but he had no suggestions other than thicker moleskin than the version I had tried. I then went back to the store I bought them at and they recommended I 'work' at the straps to "break them in". I tried that for about 5 minutes when I had a brain wave and brought out the hammer. I bashed away at the straps and in a few places used an asp to file down the rough spots.

And you know what? Success!!! I've now worn both pairs on long walks (10 -15 km) around the city and no rubbing or blisters. If only I knew that a hammer was the key to a comfortable shoe. The other thing I've learned is that not every shoe suits everyone and a quick trip around the shoe store doesn't really tell you much about how a shoe will feel after 6+ hours of walking. Sadly, there is no real way to test shoes out other than walking a long distance. Although I suppose you could try them out on a treadmill....

Those Wolky sandals are adorable. I wish I had known about them when I was trying to find cute beige walking sandals last year! Do these have arch support? Thanks for sharing!

I took the advice of this forum in 2002 and bought Mephisto Helen sandals for 10 days in Tuscany.
Just returned from France/ Italy with my second pair of same shoes. Even hiked in them in Cinque Terre. Any Mephitis are expensive, but first pair lasted 12 years. The cork molds to your feet.