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.

We’ve concentrated on the best women’s sandals 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.

Read more about the spring summer shoe 2023 trends for more tips and ideas.

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.

The best women's sandals this summer - Carmen wears flip flops with her maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above chooses a pair of flip flops to go with her print maxi dress.

Check out this printed maxi dress (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals (another option here) and handbag.

2. 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.

3. 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. Most women over 40 benefit from sandals with more support, especially even if you plan on walking a lot this summer.

Best women's sandals for summer - Sylvia wears Fly London sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Similar dress and sun hat, Fly London Bani sandals

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.

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.

Best womens sandals - Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

Or, you could try the Sam Edelman sandal (below) which has a minimal look because of the simple straps, and comes in a good choice of colors.

Best womens sandals - Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

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

Havaianas Slim Flip Flops | 40plusstyle.com

Havaianas Slim Flip Flops
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

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.

I like wearing Fly London sandals with a feminine outfit. I love how the bulky wedges make outfits a little less girly and a bit more edgy. The shoes add extra height and are still super comfortable.

The T-bar sandals (below) 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.

Best womens sandals - Fly London T-Bar Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Fly London T-Bar Sandal

Or, you could try the Yaco style (below) which comes in a choice of metallics or neutral shades.

The best womens sandals this summer - Fly London Yaco Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Fly London Yaco Sandal

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

ECCO CORKSPHERE™ Flowt Wedge Cork Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

ECCO CORKSPHERE Flowt Wedge Cork Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon

The pair below from Eileen Fisher would look lovely worn with your white jeans. They also feature a cushioned insole for extra comfort in a range of neutral shades.

Eileen Fisher Weslia Espadrille Wedge Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Weslia Espadrille Wedge Sandal

The best women's sandals for women this summer | 40plusstyle.com

Similar dress, sandals and clutch

3. 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 espadrilles (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 | 40plusstyle.com

CUSHIONAIRE Mandy Cork Espadrille Wedge Sandal

Or, for a wedge, rather than a platform style of espadrille, you could try the sandals (below).

Bueno Jasmin Wedge Espadrille Sanda | 40plusstyle.com

Bueno Jasmin Wedge Espadrille Sandal
Nordstrom / Zappos

4. 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.

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 Cutout Slide Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Or you might like the minimal simplicity of the ANINE BING slides (below).

ANINE BING Ria Slides | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Ria Slides

The Boden slides below have a designer feel, thankts to the horsebit styling at the front.

Boden Snaffle Trim Slider Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Snaffle Trim Slider Sandals

The best women's sandals for summer 2023 | 40plusstyle.com

Abi @stealmystyle40 above wears tan slides with her maxi dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (other options here and here), sandals and crossbody bag.

5. fisherman sandal

Fisherman style sandals are particularly on trend this season. Choose a neutral shade and they will go with all of your summer outfits.

Boden Traditional Fisherman Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Traditional Fisherman Sandals

6. asymmetric STRAPS

Asymmetry looks very stylish on your clothes (take a look at this article on how to wear asymmetric clothes), and can look great on your shoes too.

Franco Sarto Glenni Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Franco Sarto Glenni Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

Bernardo Tia Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Bernardo Tia Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

7. slingback platform

If you like the look of slides, but you want the security of a strap at the heel, then a pair of slingbacks could be the answer.

Nisolo Go-To Flatform Slingback Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Nisolo Go-To Flatform Slingback Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

The best women's sandals this summer - Greetje wears metallic sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses metallic slingbacks with her shorts.

Get her look with this similar top, shorts, sandals, belt and earrings.

8. strappy sandals

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

The AllSaints sandals (below) have an edgy feel to them because of the buckle detailing.

AllSaints Lore Strappy Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Lore Strappy Sandal
Website / Nordstrom

Prefer metallic shoes? Here is our list of the best silver and gold shoes for women over 40.

Thicker straps are particularly on trend right now. The Massimo Dutti sandals (below) will go with everything in your summer closet.

Massimo Dutti Leather Flat Slider Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Leather Flat Slider Sandals

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

Vince Lucila Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Lucila Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

9. criss cross sandals

For a look that is a little edgier, you could try the Born sandals (below), which have a cushioned footbed, and come in black, cream or tan.

Børn Imani Crisscross Strappy Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Børn Imani Crisscross Strappy Sandal
Website / Nordstrom / Zappos

10. two strap sandals

For a colorful choice, you could try the Boden two-strap sandals (below). Keep the rest of your look neutral and let your sandals be the star of your outfit.

Boden Two Strap Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Two Strap Sandal

The best women's sandals this summer - Dawn Lucy wears two strap sandals with her summer dress | 40plusstyle.com

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) wears cushioned two-strap sandals with her summer dress.

She is wearing a pair of sandals from Jambu & Co. sandals, dress from Billabong and denim jacket from Riders by Lee Indigo. Check out this similar tote and earrings to complete the look.

11. chunky sandals

Sandals with chunky straps are also on-trend at the moment. You can wear with your shorts or cropped pants, or to contrast with your more feminine summer dresses.

Boden Chunky Footbed Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Chunky Footbed Sandals

Comfortable women’s 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

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

The best womens sandals this summer - Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Nordstrom / Zappos

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.

The best womens sandals this summer - CUSHIONAIRE Leah Cork Footbed Sandal with +Comfort | 40plusstyle.com

CUSHIONAIRE Leah Cork Footbed Sandal with + Comfort

Vionic is another good comfort brand to choose. The toe loop sandal (below) have the look of flip flops with a contoured footbed.

The best womens sandals this summer - Vionic Ella Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Ella Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

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.

The best womens sandals this summer - Dr. Scholl's Islander Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Dr. Scholl’s Islander Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

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

The best women's sandals this summer - Karen wears white sandals with her shorts | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above wears her Birkenstock style sandals with shorts.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), linen shorts and sandals.

2. Sandals with a little heel – dressier sandals

If you want a sandal that 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.

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 heels below are classic choices that you could dress up or down.

The best womens sandals this summer - Naturalizer Vera Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Naturalizer Vera Sandal 
Website / Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

Best women's sandals - Vionic Isadora Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Isadora Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

Best womens sandals - Steve Madden Audrina Ankle Strap Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden Audrina Ankle Strap Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

The best womens sandals this summer - Sam Edelman Wilson Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Sam Edelman Wilson Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

For edgier options you could try the gold sandals from Zadig & Voltaire, or a pair of strappy heels from COS.

Zadig & Voltaire Cecelia Caprese Block Heel Asymmetric Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Zadig & Voltaire Cecelia Caprese Block Heel Asymmetric Sandal

COS Buckled Strappy Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

COS Buckled Strappy Sandals

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

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 especially designed for walking or hiking, like the Skechers sandal (below).

The best womens sandals this summer - Skechers On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Skechers On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal
Amazon / Zappos

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 2023.

The best womens sandals this summer - Teva Tirra Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Teva Tirra Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon / Zappos

The best women's sandals this summer - Claudia wears blue sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) matches her sandals to her jeans.

Steal her look with this similar tank top, shirt, jeans, sandals (another option here), necklace and bag.

4. 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 peep toe sandal (below) comes 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.

Paul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Paul Green Cayanne Peep Toe Sandal

Lucky Brand Rhazy Slingback Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Lucky Brand Rhazy Slingback Sandal
Nordstrom / Amazon

Blondo Marie Peep Toe Bootie | 40plusstyle.com

Blondo Marie Peep Toe Bootie
Nordstrom / Zappos

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

The best womens sandals this summer - Blowfish Malibu Balla Core Sandal | 40plusstyle.com

Blowfish Malibu Balla Core Sandal

Or, the Söfft sandals (below) have a very small heel.

Söfft Natalia Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Söfft Natalia Sandals
Amazon / Zappos

The best women's sandals this summer - Fonda wears peep toe sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Fonsa @savvysouthernchic above wears her peep toe sandals with white jeans.

Get her look with this similar jacket, top, skinny jeans, open toe booties, bag and earrings.

6. Sandals with a covered toe

Perhaps you aren’t keen on sandals because you don’t like to show off your toes. A pair of sandals that are strappy but yet have a covered toe will still keep you cool for summer.

The best womens sandals this summer - Massimo Dutti Leather Cage Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Leather Cage Sandals

AllSaints Nessie Leather Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Nessie Leather Sandals

The best women's sandals this summer | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best women’s sandals featured below:

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. What To Wear In Summer – My Top 10 Tips & Tricks
  2. Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
  3. The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
  4. The Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For The Stylish Woman

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The best women's sandals this summer | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Abi @stealmystyle40

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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