The quest to find the best travel sandals that are both stylish and comfortable is never an easy feat (pun intended.) On the one hand, you want to make sure you are free from pain, blisters, and that awkward rubbing of material against your skin; and on the other, you want to remain looking fashionable and put together for your Instagram photos, or even just for yourself. Nothing ruins a nice outfit more than bulky, tactical-looking footwear that looks straight out of a Biblical gladiator film. Unless of course, that is the style you are going for, then, by all means, do you!
When it comes to shoes for travel, a few brands come to mind: Teva, Birkenstock, and Chaco are among the top of the list because of their functionality and comfort. These are the brands that are tried and true, travel-blogger-approved, and provide quality and comfort for even the most adventurous travelers.
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While these brands are practical and suited for many types of adventure activities, they are often chunky, clunky, and downright funky-looking. These sandals can withstand miles of trekking through a variety of terrain, but are they stylish enough to go from your 3-mile waterfall hike straight to dinner? Usually not — but luckily, there are a few styles these top travel shoe brands make to accommodate both the G.I. Jane types and the jet-set divas.
If you’re anything like me and like to look put together even while traveling but want to pack the least amount of footwear as possible then this article is for you. This round-up of the best travel sandals will provide comfort for long walks and adventures while not sacrificing style. These sandals look good with any type of travel outfit from jeans and leggings to dresses and skirts, and can take you from day-to-night in a pinch. I’ve researched, tried, and tested so many different travel shoes for women so that you don’t have to. All of the footwear below is traveler-approved and will be sure to leave your feet rested and comfortable from the cobblestone streets of Europe, to the basecamp at Everest and everything in between. Best of all, you can order them all on Amazon for easy shipping and returns.
Teva
1. Teva Avalina Crossover Leather Sandal
Starting off first with my personal favorite, the Teva Avalina Crossover Leather Sandal. Teva is one of the top brands for outdoor sport and travel shoes but most of the styles are not so fashionable. Luckily, these are both comfortable and cute (I love them in black as you can see from my photos at the top of this post.) I like them so much I am on my second pair. They are listed as water-resistant, but I’ve worn them in rocky oceans in the Mediterranean, swimming in cenotes in Mexico, and even in the Dead Sea of Israel and they have completely survived.
The Good:
-Comes in 4 colors
-Waterproof/Water-resistant
-Lower price point compared to other similar brands and styles
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-2 buckles make them more time-consuming to put on
-Some people with wider ankles complain about the strap
The Bottom Line: If they work for your foot shape, these are the best travel sandals to own.
Related: What to Wear on a Tropical Vacation (Outfits for Every Budget!)
2. Teva Avalina Sandal
The crossovers I have listed above are an iteration of this pair, the Teva Avalina sandal. I personally find the strappy look of the crossover a little bit more stylish, but if going for a minimalist look you may like these better. If your foot shape does not agree with the crossovers, this style is a great alternative.
The Good:
-Comes in 3 colors
-Water-resistant
-Lower-price point
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-Not as durable as other Tevas
-May run slightly small
The Bottom Line: These are great for walking long, even distances, but may not be as great for hiking/trekking.
Related: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel
Birkenstock
3. Birkenstock Women’s Yara Oiled Leather Flat
Birkenstocks. Love them or hate them, they are a traveler’s staple for many and no list of comfortable travel shoes would be complete without them. Birkenstocks, although very much “in style” now are not necessarily the most aesthetically-pleasing. Birkenstock lovers can have at the classic two-strap style (this simple black style are my favorite of this kind) however for those who would like the comfort of the shoe without all the bulk, can consider this sleek upgrade.
The Good:
-Comes in 13 colors
-Cork molds to feet and has good arch support
-Ankle strap for added functionality to ensure they won’t slide off your feet
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-Ankle strap may be too big or too small on certain foot shapes
-Birkenstocks are known for needing to be “broken in” before they are optimally comfortable.
-May run slightly big
Bottom line: If you’re a Birkenstock lover, these are for you offering comfort, style, and support.
4. Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Oiled Leather Sandal
Another Birkenstock for those that love the fit but not the style; this time more similar to the original slide design but with a more feminine upgrade. Slides are amazing for being able to slip on and off with ease, so they are especially good for beachy destinations.
The Good:
-Comes in 15+ Colors and styles
-Vegan options
-Adjustable buckles make for the perfect fit for any foot
-Slide style means ease of putting on and taking off
The Bad:
-Some customers report they are not as durable as the classic style
-May run a little wide
-Birkenstocks are known for needing to be “broken in” before they are optimally comfortable.
The Bottom Line: A classic, comfortable slide you can walk in all day.
5. Birkenstock Women’s Daloa Sandal
The sleekest of all Birkenstocks, even more so than the Yara though very similar. If I was a die-hard Birkenstock wearer (I’m more of a Teva girl, personally) these would be the ones I’d stick to. They look feminine and minimal, though the ankle strap is perfect to make sure the shoe stays in place.
The Good:
-Comes in 7 colors.
-Ankle straps add extra support.
The Bad:
-Birkenstocks are known for needing to be “broken in” before they are optimally comfortable.
-Strap may not work for all ankle/foot types
The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for the most elegant of Birkenstocks, these are it.
Chaco
Much like Tevas, Chacos are more known for their comfort and fit as opposed to style and aesthetic (they are hiking sandals, after all.) And unlike Birkenstocks which have become a trend in their own right, Chacos fail to be worn in an ironically fashion-forward way. Fortunately, there are a few pairs of Chacos that are passable as a fashion sandal without compromising comfort.
6. Chaco Women’s Juniper Sandal
This strappy pair of Chacos are perfect for a day-to-night look. Chacos are known for their unbeatable support, so these will surely outlast a day in any type of terrain.
The Good:
-Comes in 4 colors
-Durable leather and 15% recycled rubber
-Specially-designed midsole for optimal comfort and arch support
-True-to-size
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-May be a little wide for people with very narrow feet
-Slightly higher price point
The Bottom Line: These are a good pair of sandals for people with wide feet who may have problems fitting into other similar styles of sandals. If you like the Teva Avalina Crossers (#1 on this list) but fear they may be too narrow for you, these are the perfect alternative.
7. Chaco Rowan
Another simple and sleek pair of Chacos similar to the Juniper pair above. Same, same, but different! Out of the all Chacos, these look the most like a regular fashion sandal.
The Good:
-Comes in 5 colors
-Durable leather and recycled rubber
-True-to-size
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-May not be as supportive as the style above
-May not be great for hiking like other Chacos
The Bottom Line: If you are a Chaco lover, this style is an obvious choice for their most elegant-looking pair.
8. Chaco Women’s Wayfarer Sandal
More sporty-looking than the previous two, this take on the classic Chaco sport sandals are upgraded with stylish leather straps. Perfect for when you need that little extra added support but don’t want to look totally rugged.
The Good:
-Comes in 8 colors
-Specially-designed midsole for optimal comfort and arch support
-True-to-size
The Bad:
-Not vegan (leather) if that is important to you
-Straps do not adjust like the classic Chacos
The Bottom Line: If you really love the classic Chacos but are looking for an aesthetic upgrade, these will offer the same support and comfort Chacos are most famous for.
While many of these top 3 travel sandal brands offer similar styles and support, finding the best pair of travel sandals for you often comes down to the shape of your feet, arch, and ankles. Depending on your own personal needs, you may find one brand or style is better than the other. I find that ordering through Amazon is easiest to have multiple shoes shipped to find that perfect pair, and easily return what you don’t want. No matter which style of shoe you go with from this list, you will be sure to look great day to night whether you’re traveling to Thailand or Tahiti, and most importantly, you’ll be comfortable in any setting.
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Read Next:
What to Wear on a Tropical Vacation
Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel
This article was just what I needed! Going to Mexico next month and I’ve been looking for cute durable and waterproof sandals.
Aw yay happy I could help! Have an amazing time in Mexico!
I’ve totally been looking for some travel sandals but haven’t been able to find any fashionable ones lol. So this is super handy, thank you!
You’re welcome and thank you!
I need to get some decent sandals. Which of these do you think would be okay for narrow feet? I am guessing the Teva Avalina Crossers might work. (Birkenstocks are waaay to wide.)
That’s correct! The Teva Avalina crossovers are perfect for narrow feet 🙂
My favourite sandals, that make my feet happy, are Chacos. I bought their Chelsea boots too. So comfortable for cranky feet.
Thanks so much for your feedback! Chacos are really great!!