The best women’s sandals for summer 2022

Summer is coming which means breezier clothes and open shoes. If you are ditching the boots, giving yourself a home pedicure and looking for sandals to keep your feet cooler while out and about, you will find all the best women’s sandals for summer below.

No matter whether you are looking for comfortable sandals for walking, a pair of stylish everyday sandals or dressier sandals with a little heel, you’ll find plenty of choices in this article.

What the best women’s sandals for summer are for you will depend on where you want to wear them, for how long, and for which activities. As well as, for example, your foot shape and width, and whether you need any arch support.

I’ve concentrated on the best sandal styles for this summer which are not only on trend now, but which are timeless enough to wear for many summers to come.

There are sandals below which will be good for sightseeing or just walking in your neighborhood, sandals to take you through from day to evening, and sandals which you should be able to walk for miles in without any discomfort.

Need ideas for your overall looks? Check out these new summer outfits.

How to choose the best women’s sandals for you

Before we look at some of the best sandals in stores for summer, let’s consider what to think about when choosing your sandals…

1. Buy the right size

It goes without saying that you need to find the right size for your feet for any pair of shoes. But if you choose an ill-fitting pair of sandals it can be more obvious given that you can see your feet.

2. Do you need support?

Just as with the rest of your shoes, it’s important you choose comfortable shoes. If you need arch support, opt for a pair of sandals which offer you that rather than a pair which are too flat.

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) wears a pair of timeless Fly London sandals (another similar style here) which feature a wedge heel.

Check out this similar tunic and pants that you can wear with this statement necklace and earrings.

3. What material should you choose?

This is a personal preference. You may prefer a synthetic material. Or if you want a material with some give that will allow your feet to breathe, leather or suede will work.

4. Choose sandals for your activity

There’s obviously a difference in the type of sandals you will need if you are heading out to for the evening, or if you are walking through the countryside. You may need several types of sandals.

Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of sandals that would be great for everyday.

Steal her look with his similar tunic, pants, sandals and earrings.

Best women’s sandals for summer

Now let’s look at some sandal styles you could choose for the upcoming weeks.

1. Popular sandals: Best flip flops

I know flip flops are more usually associated with comfort rather than style.

But, perhaps it’s worth investing a little more in your flip flops for a look which offers both, so that you can easily go from beach to cocktail bar, or wherever else your vacation takes you.

The Miller flip flops from Tory Burch are a classic style from the brand which is on trend year after year. This style has more than 6,000 reviews on Nordstrom, with most giving five stars.

Tory Burch Miller Cloud Sandal

For an alternative to a designer option, you could also look at the Athlefit flip flops below. They come in a choice of neutrals and reviewers say they have thick cushioning and are like walking on clouds.

Athlefit Flip Flop Sandal

Another totally timeless option is a pair of Havianas like the gold ones below. These are ideal for popping on by the pool or on the beach.

Havaianas Top Tiras Flip Flops

Or, you could try the asymmetric styling of the Plaka flipflops below which have arch support and are water resistant. One reviewer said she likes them so much she owns 20 pairs.

Plaka Relief Flip Flops with Arch Support

2. Best women’s sandals for summer – wedge sandals

Wedge sandals offer the option of adding some height without adding the discomfort which can come from wearing heels.

There’s always my beloved Fly London shoes that I bought years ago and they are still going strong.

Above I’m wearing them with a feminine outfit. I love how the bulky wedges make this outfit a little less girly and a bit more edgy. The shoes add extra height and are still super comfortable.

Since they are perforated and made of suede they feel cool to wear in summer.

They come in all kinds of colors too and I know several women who have this shoe in multiple colors.

When it comes to the best women’s sandals, they’re definitely my favorites. I’d love to hear yours.

Fly London T-Bar Sandal

Another classic option if you want a little height is the Rockport wedge sandal (below) which come in a choice of neutral shades.

Rockport Briah Perf Sling Wedge Sandal

Or, you could add a pop of color with the Lucky Brand espadrille sandal (below) which comes in a huge choice of pastel shades, brights and neutrals. These would look lovely worn with your white jeans. They also feature a cushioned insole for extra comfort.

Lucky Brand Mindra Espadrille Wedge Sandal

If you just want a subtle heel, how about the Dr. Scholl’s wedges (below) which are around 2.5 inches high and come in a range of neutral shades. Reviewers say they are trendy and comfortable.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Barton Wedge Sandal

3. Best slides for every day

There’s nothing that looks more carefree, or is easier to put on that a pair of slides. These are sure to appeal if you have a natural style personality like Jennifer Aniston.

Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) wears her studded slides with a maxi dress.

She is wearing a dress from ba&sh, sandals from Valentino Garavani (other options here and here), belt from Isabel Marant (another option here) and a bag from STAUD (another option here).

Below are some more options you may like.

The Sam Edelman slides (below) look like a high-end designer pair and come in a huge array of color choices. Reviewers say they are comfortable and versatile.

Sam Edelman Bay Flat Sandal

Or you might like the minimal simplicity of the Steve Madden slides below.

Steve Madden Grace Slide Sandal

4. espadrilles

Espadrilles are definitely a shoe choice for summer. You certainly wouldn’t want those soles to get wet, but they are perfect for the warmer, sunny months.

The Cushionaire platforms (below) will add a little height without wearing heels. They feature a cushioned insole so they should keep you comfy. I think they’d look great with crop flare pants or a maxi dress.

CUSHIONAIRE Mandy Cork Espadrille Wedge Sandal

For an affordable option with arch support, you could opt for the DREAM PAIRS sandals which feature easy-to-get-on elastic straps.

DREAM PAIRS Open Toe Espadrille Platform Sandals

5. strappy sandals

Strappy sandals are always on trend and are a great way to stay cool and comfortable during the warmer weather.

The Steve Madden sandals (below) have an edgy feel to them because of the stud detailing.

Steve Madden Ankle-Strap Sandal

For a timeless option, the Blowfish sandals (below) come in a wide range of colors and have a cork footbed for comfort.

Blowfish Malibu Granola Sandal

Thicker straps are particularly on trend right now. The metallic shade of the Söfft sandals (below) will go with everything in your summer closet.

Söfft Bali Sandal

ComfortablE sandals

If you are looking for sandals because you like walking at home or you like sightseeing, then you will need a comfortable pair of sandals to make sure you can walk all day without getting sore feet.

There are plenty of comfort options above. Below you will find more of the best comfy sandals for walking to choose this summer.

1. sandals with arch support

Karen @styledbykaren above chooses a pair of comfortable, corkbed sandals to wear with her shorts and tank top.

Get her look with this similar tank top, shorts, sandals and sunglasses.

Birkenstock is often recommended by podiatrists if you need additional support because its sandals feature a contoured footbed.

Birkenstock Unisex Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandal

As an alternative, you could also look at the Cushionaire sandals (below) from Amazon which have suede insoles to form a contour of the foot when they are worn in. Reviewers say they are super comfortable, but advise sizing up.

CUSHIONAIRE Lane Cork Footbed Sandal with +Comfort

Vionic is another good comfort brand to choose. The T-strap sandals (below) have the look of flip flops with a contoured footbed.

Vionic Rest Tala T-Strap Sandal

Also take a look at our list of the best shoes with arch support for more comfort options.

2. slingback

Another style you could choose is a slingback. These are great if you like sliders but find them tricky to wear because they don’t have a back. The heel strap will keep your sandals secure.

SOREL Ella II Slingback Sandal

3. Walking sandals for women

It may be that you are doing some serious sightseeing. In which case, you may want to choose a pair of sandals especialy designed for walking or hiking, like the Skechers sandal (below).

Skechers On-The-go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal

Another good choice for some serious walking, or if you are doing anything like rafting are these Teva sandals. As well as being practical, they also happen to look very trendy for 2021.

Teva Tirra Sandal

4. Sandals with a little heel – dressier sandals

If you want a sandal which looks a little dressier – perhaps to go with a dress, or for a more formal occasion, then you may prefer to look for a more versatile sandal, with a small heel.

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) chooses an on-trend colorblock style.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, hoop earrings and sunglasses.

There are more heeled options for you below, which all feature either a block heel, or a relatively low heel that won’t be uncomfortable to walk in.

If you want a very subtle heel, the block heel Cushionaire sandals (below) are a very classic choice that you could easily dress up or down. Reviewers say they are comfortable to stand up all day at a wedding.

Cushionaire Nila Block Heel Sandal

For an edgy option, you could look out for a pair of shoes that combine the styling of sandals and boots, like the Toms cutouts below.

TOMS Majorca Cutout High Heel Sandal

Check out our list of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women over 40 for more options.

5. Transitional sandals

If the weather is changeable where you are, a pair of sandals which are a kind of bootie-sandal hybrid can look perfect with your outfits. Take a look at the choices below.

The cutout booties (below) come in a choice of black or different shades of tan. They would look good with your summer dresses and a moto jacket for transitional weather.

Easy Street Carrigan Peep Toe Shootie Pump

For a flat choice, you could try the Blowfish sandals (below) which feature a very small wedge. You can choose from 20 colors, and reviewers say they get lots of compliments when they wear them.

Blowfish Malibu Balla Wedge Sandal

I also like the heeled booties (below) which could be worn with everything from jeans to dresses. Reviewers say these are a particularly good choice for wider ankles.

City Classified Bootie Sandal

What do you consider the best women’s sandals for summer? Do you have any favorite brands, or a pair you wear summer after summer? Let me know in the comments below.

Continue reading:

1. Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
2. The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
3. The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman

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Feature image by Karen @styledbykaren

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