With spring travel in full swing, you’ve probably already unpacked your tank tops, dug out your swimwear and bought new linen clothing to survive the heat during your vacation. Sandals are the last piece you need to complete your warm-weather looks. After hours of research and consulting a few experts, we’re happy to announce that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for a stylish pair.
"Summer 2025 sandal trends have something for everything," says Samantha Brown, a New York-based celebrity stylist. "From kitten heels to sky-high boho wedges, you can find sandals of all heights and degrees of formality."
"We will be seeing a lot of transparency — a continuation of the mesh and jelly trends from past seasons, but with a new twist. These sandals will feature heels of varying heights, and smaller weave mesh as well as the more open holes," explains Brown.
Whether you’re all about that studio-to-streetwear look, are looking for something more classic or need orthopedist-approved shoes that are actually cute, we’ve got you covered. From bright colors and puffy slides to chunky platforms, here are the styles trending this season.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-recommended and editor-tested sandals to shop from Birkenstock, Clarks, Merrell and more.
How to shop for summer sandals
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lushun Wang also provided a few tips to ensure your feet get the support they deserve, especially if you’re shopping for podiatrist-approved kicks.
Look for sandals made with supportive, cushioned footbeds to help absorb the shock when walking or running and reduce stress on feet and joints. Natural, breathable materials like leather or high-quality textiles will help avoid foot irritation while adjustable straps can help secure the foot.
Avoid very high heels or completely flat sandals because they do not provide adequate arch support.
Wait to try them on until later in the day when your feet are at their largest and walk around a bit to ensure that they feel comfortable and secure. Your foot shouldn’t slide around and there should be a small gap between the edge of the sandal and your foot.
Kimmie Smith, a celebrity fashion stylist, and Sunica Du, a fashion designer and illustrator, also say to be on the lookout for sustainable fashion and artisan-made items. also agree that quality material, a secure and comfortable fit and straps — or in the case of slides, cushioned support — will all be helpful for all-day wear. For the folks who are devoted to a simple flat, breathable and well-crafted leather or fabric will help keep feet going strong.
Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner, tested by editors
Award winner: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Easy to slip on and off
- Mixed reviews on support
Award: Best overall sandal | Colorways: 8 | Sizes: 5-15.5 | Materials: EVA lining and upper
Not only are these a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner for best overall sandal, but they are also beloved by experts. These Birkenstock sandals are made from lightweight EVA, which, according to Du, doesn’t get too warm the scorching summer sun. The buckle design and contoured footbed ensures your foot stays put so there’s no slipping and sliding.
The best sandals for summer, according to experts
Most budget friendly: Jeffrey Campbell Beach Jelly Flip Flops
- Affordable
- Chic
- May run small
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: PVC upper, insole, sole
"These jelly flip flops are great for the beach and beyond," suggests Brown. "Unexpected ways to style these are back to a casual suit or pieces that feel too elevated for a typical flip flop. This will give the look personality and some visual interest."
A pop of color: Oofos Women's OOahh Limited Slide Sandal
- Comfortable
- Great support
- May run small
Colorways: 1 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: OOfoam™
This slide sandal "absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam, helping to significantly reduce stress on the feet, knees, and lower back," explains Dr. Miguel Cunha, a foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York, New York.
"I recommend these sandals for post-activity recovery or anyone dealing with foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis or joint pain. The contoured footbed supports natural motion, while the lightweight, machine-washable design ensures both comfort and hygiene — combining therapeutic function with everyday wearability."
Lightweight and comfortable: Merrell Speed Fusion Web Sport
- Comfortable
- Great for walking
- Not good for flat feet
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Rubber outsole, FloatMax™ foam insole
"I recommend these sandals for individuals who want all-day comfort in an active, lightweight design," says Cunha. "The FloatMax™ Foam insole offers soft, responsive cushioning that supports the foot during everyday wear, while the hook-and-loop closure offers a secure and personalized fit. The sticky rubber outsole provides excellent traction, making it a great option for individuals who need stability without compromising flexibility or style."
Great for plantar fasciitis: Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
- Great arch support
- Comfortable
- True to size
- Straps may be loose
Colorways: 6 | Sizes: 5-13 | Materials: EVA midsole, leather and textile upper
Cunha says this pair "features an anatomically contoured footbed with deep heel cups and arch support that helps promote alignment, reduce foot fatigue, and alleviate heel pain." He continues, "The cushioned insole and lightweight design make it ideal for patients who need reliable support throughout the day, whether they’re recovering from plantar fasciitis or simply on their feet for long hours."
"Versatile" design: Clarks Arwell Glide
- Avalailable in medium and wide
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Mixed reviews on sole quality
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: 5-12, medium and wide width | Materials: Leather upper, suede lining
"Clarks Arwell Glide Sandals offer those who seek dependable comfort and stability in a versatile design," suggests Cunha. "It's Contour Cushion footbed offers targeted support and shock absorption, helping to reduce fatigue during all-day wear."
Features a protective toe box: Keen Whisper Sandals
- Comfortable
- Fit true to size
- Some users say straps are undercomfortable
Colorways: 12 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Polyester webbing, EVA footbed, rubber outsole
“These bad boys are built for the adventurer in you with a protective toe box and a sturdy rubber sole,” says Du. “Their washable polyester webbing upper makes cleaning them a breeze.”
Splurge option: Aqua Women's Studded Platform Sandals
- Stylish
- Gives you added height
- Heel is pretty high
Colorways: 2 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Leather upper, fabric/synthetic lining, synthetic sole
Brown loves these studded platform sandals for summer, suggesting that they bring in the "perfect amount of boho flair." Available in both leather brown and black leather, these trendy wedges are easy to slip on and feature a buckle sling-back strap for a super stylish look.
The best sandals for summer, tested by editors
Affordable editor pick: Megnya Comfortable Walking Sandals
- Great arch support
- Comfortable
- Cost-effective
- May run a bit big
Colorways: 17 | Sizes: 6-11 (select wide sizes available) | Materials: Rubber and braided rope
Shop TODAY contributor Tomeka Jones tested these Megnya Comfortable Walking Sandals. "I consider them to be 'casually cute,' and they have a versatile look that pairs well with almost anything," she says.
"I wouldn’t hesitate to wear them with pants, shorts, a T-shirt, blouse or even a summer dress. They look great while I’m running errands in jeans and a tee or enjoying a pool day in my cover-up."
Super trendy: Coutgo Mesh Chunky Heels
Colorways: 5 | Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Rubber sole, mesh outer
As Brown mentioned, mesh and kitten heels are in this season and I [Wise] for one can't wait to rock these affordable sandals. These mesh chunky heels come in five neutral shades and feature a modest platform for both style and comfort.
Surprisingly lightweight: Bearpaw High Seas
- Incredibly lightweight
- Cushioned footbed
- Run a bit large
Colorways: 5 | Sizes: 5-13 | Materials: Faux leather upper, rubber outsole
Amanda Fama, an editor at Shop TODAY, recommends these soft, strappy heels. She says, "These platform sandals are much lighter than they appear, and the cushioned footbed makes them super comfortable. I'd like to order another pair in a size smaller."
Summer lovin': TKEES X J.Crew
- Stylish
- Comes in fun colors
- Might take time to break in
Colorways: 3 | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Plastic upper, leather insole, rubber outsole
“These slim sandals are just the perfect choice for summer,” says deals editor Rebecca Brown. “Available in three colors, I chose the red. Feel like I’ll be able to wear it with jeans, dresses and more. Super lightweight and just so cute.”
Great for walking long distances: Chaco Aura Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic Sandal
- Adjustable strap
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Need time to break in
Colorways: 2 | Size: 5-12 | Material: Polyester jacquard webbing upper and midsole
Product associate Audrey Ekman can't get enough of these Chaco sandals. "Summer can't come soon enough; I'm so excited to wear these sandals," she says. "Chacos are the best for days when I have to walk a lot, and I can log thousands of steps with no blisters, discomfort or soreness in the classic z-strap. This aura-inspired colorway is new and I feel like I'll be manifesting good vibes every time I wear them."
Super durable: Birkenstock Florida Soft Footbed
- Lasts a long time
- Comfortable
- Aren't waterproof
Colorways: 1 | Sizes: 5-11.5 | Materials: Suede lined, foam padded, contoured footbed, Genuine Birkibuc™ upper
“There are three sandals that are on constant rotation in the spring and summertime for me: Chacos, Birkenstocks and Tevas,” says associate editor Sierra Hoeger. "These are my favorite style of Birkenstocks, so much so that I buy a new pair whenever the old ones break. Birkenstocks are durable, comfortable and truly stand the test of time. Once your feet mold to the footbed, they're truly the most comfortable sandal you'll own."
Perfect for hiking: Chaco Z/2 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Classic Sandal
- Last a long time
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Expensive
Colorways: 3 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Signature LUVSEAT™ footbed
“I started wearing Chacos when I was 14, because I had to at summer camp,” Hoeger explains. “Now I wear them because I want to — after falling in love with how versatile they are. The straps can be adjusted for a preferred fit, if you like them looser or tighter around the ankles or toe loops. Plus, they’re waterproof, which makes them easy to slip on for any beach, pool, lake or boating day,” she adds.
“The cushioned footbed helps them remain comfortable. I’ve worn these to National Parks and on hikes, and they’ve remained one of my most reached for pairs in the summer,” notes Hoeger.
Nice option for outdoor concerts: Sorel KINETIC™ Impact Y-Strap High Women’s Wedge Sandal
- Extensive size range
- Lightweight material
- Manageable height
- May blister around strap
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials: Lightweight molded Livelyfoam midsole, rubber outsole, leather strap with foam detail upper
“These Sorel sandals have been a mainstay in my summer wardrobe rotation since 2020,” mentions senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "The style instantly caught my attention between the cool colorways and scalloped soles, but they also stood up to the hundreds of miles I walked around the parks and streets of upper Manhattan to kill time during the peak of the pandemic."
It’s been a few years now and Bender is still “rocking” these sandals from long walks in the park to outdoor summer concerts. She loves the ample support they provide her arches.
Beach-worthy: Taos Super Z
- Good for wide or swollen feet
- Nice arch support
- Only available in whole sizes
Colorways: 7 | Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Leather and textile upper, rubber outsole
“I have some hiking and beach trips coming up, so I’ve been on the hunt for a quality sandal that could withstand various bodies of water,” shares Bender. “This pair from Taos shows major promise starting with the waterproof leather featured on the upper, along with the structured footbed and straps that are adjustable around the ankles and toes. There’s a bit of height on these, but not enough where you’ll have to worry about the strides you’re taking.”
Super chic: Walk with Dada the Dada Original
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Pricey
Colorways: 5 | Sizes: 6-11 | Material: Full grain nappa leather upper, recycled foam leather footbed
“I love, love, love these sandals!” raves social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "They are super comfy and really well made. They are also so versatile because you can have the heel slip on the back of your foot or on top. I am considering getting more colors because they are so comfy."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best sandals for summer by enlisting the recommendations of an orthopedic surgeon, foot surgeon and two fashion stylists. We also asked our editors to share a few of their tried-and-true favorite picks.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Lushun Wang is an internationally published, award-winning, double-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with more than 18 years of clinical experience. He is currently the senior consultant orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Arete Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore.
- Kimmie Smith is a celebrity fashion stylist. She also co-founded Athleisure Magazine and currently serves as its creative director.
- Sunica Du is a fashion designer and illustrator. She is the creator of an online style site, SunicaDesign.com, that specializes in Japanese and Chinese fashion history, stories and trends.
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale”
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan.
