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BRB, while I shop these picks.
Editor Picks We’ll Be Shopping Ourselves
- Budget-Friendly and Cushy: KuaiLu Flip-Flops, $14 (was $23); amazon.com.
- Loved by Multiple Editors: Havianas Slim Sandals, $20 (was $34); nordstromrack.com.
- No Blisters After Miles of Walking: Cushionaire Luna Sandals, $35 (was $50); amazon.com.
- From Day Hiking to Brunch Plans: Teva Hurricane XLT3 Sandal, $100; teva.com.
- Podiatrist-Recommended Favorite: FitFlop Gracie Leather Back-Strap Sandals, $102; fitflop.com.
Some sandals earn a spot in your closet, and some earn a spot in your group chats. As professional shoppers, we’re constantly testing new products, and lately we’ve all been comparing notes on the summer sandals we can’t stop wearing. Instead of flooding our Slack direct messages with personalized recommendations, we’re officially done gatekeeping.
These are the sandals our writers and editors swear by to get you through the rest of the season. Whether you’re in the market for casual flip-flops or want a sturdier sandal for a weekend away, consider this your insider pass to the shoes we actually wear.
Best Editor-Loved Sandals to Shop
- KuaiLu Flip-Flops, $14 (was $23); amazon.com.
- Havianas Slim Sandals, $20 (was $34); nordstromrack.com.
- Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle, $175; zappos.com.
- Cushionaire Luna Sandals, $35 (was $50); amazon.com.
- Viakix Sport Sandal, $60; amazon.com.
- Teva Hurricane XLT3 Sandal, $100; teva.com.
- Naot Kayla Sandals, $tk (was $tk); amazon.com.
- FitFlop Gracie Leather Back-Strap Sandals, $102; fitflop.com.
- Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals, $55; amazon.com.
- Dr. Martens Zebzag Sandal, $114 (was $130); amazon.com.
KuaiLu Flip-Flops
“I have flat feet, which means I have to be a bit more thoughtful about my footwear choices so I don’t end up with aches and pains when the day is done. After buying these flip-flops last summer, I am shocked by how well they’ve held up for the better part of a year. I’ve walked hundreds of miles in them, and they still feel like a dream under my feet. The ultra-plush EVA memory foam combined with the raised, slightly curved midsole feels luxurious and expensive—but they’re under $15!” — Alicia Geigel, shopping writer
Havaianas Slim Sandals
“You can never go wrong with a classic flip-flop, and these Havaianas have been my go-to for probably over a decade now. The thinner straps feel a little more polished than classic styles, and I love styling them with dresses for a more effortless look. They’re also my picks for beach and pool days—plus my shower shoes for when I’m traveling.” — Euna Park, senior shopping editor
“I joined my local community pool this year, so I’ve spent many days in flip-flops this summer. And I’m obsessed with my classic Slim Flip-Flops by Havaianas. They’re an upgrade from the foam flip-flops I used to wear that never lasted more than one season, and they’re far more comfortable to boot. Even though they have a flat sole, they offer a fair amount of support to my high-arch feet—and I love that they dry quickly, which prevents me from slipping even on wet pool decks. Bonus: They’re on sale for $20 in up to eight colors at Nordstrom Rack.” — Carly Totten, shopping editor
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle
“I know I’m not the only member of this team who loves the big buckle versions of Birkenstock’s classic styles, and they’ve rightfully earned their flowers. I wear these sandals more often than any other option in my closet. They go with everything and offer the perfect amount of arch support for walking around on summer vacations. Plus, I love the contrast of the shiny gold buckle against the soft, warm-toned leather.” — Emma Ashe, shopping editor
Cushionaire Luna Sandals
“Cushionaire is an obvious lookalike for Birkenstock, and this pair is just as comfortable (if not comfier). True to its name, it comes with cushions on the footbed, so you don’t have to wait for it to mold to your feet—aka, no break-in period. I wear these strappy sandals on errands, to the beach, to walk my dog, and out to dinner. They’re cute, can be dressed up or down, and have not given me a single blister or sore spot despite the miles I’ve put on them. To top it all off, they’re just $35.” — Taylor Rock, associate editorial director
Viakix Sport Sandal
“I love these so much, I own them in two colors (black and sandstone). I don’t love flip-flops or the feeling of anything between my toes, and these are grippy enough where I don’t have to worry about falling out of them. They look great with flowy pants, which are my summer go-tos, and I’ve worn them in all sorts of spring and summer weather here in New York City as well as on uneven ground in Barcelona, Venice, and rural Oregon. They’re super comfortable and incredibly adjustable!” — Leanna Yip, copy editor
Teva Hurricane XLT3 Sandal
“I rediscovered these sandals while cleaning out my closet a month back, and I haven’t taken them off since. If any walking is involved this summer, I bring along these Tevas. They’re ridiculously comfortable and add a delightfully charming touch to my skirts and dresses.” — Wendy Vazquez, shopping writer
Naot Kayla Sandals
“Hands down, these are my favorite sandals (I own three colors). They provide the support I need for my high arches. They have strappy, soft leather, and they hold my feet in place better than a flip-flop style. I like the slight lift and breathable footbed. I can walk all day in these without blisters or fatigue. My only gripe: They never go on sale.” — Sheri Kaz, writer
FitFlop Gracie Leather Back-Strap Sandals
“My mom’s podiatrist recommended this brand, so I ordered a pair of leather sandals for a trip to Croatia. They arrived just before I left, so I didn’t have time to break them in or test their comfort. After walking all over multiple cities in them, I can confidently say they’re the best sandals I’ve ever owned. My feet never felt fatigued or achy, and despite the back straps, I didn’t get so much as a hint of a blister. They’re also incredibly versatile—I wore them on the plane, to the beach, and even to a five-course dinner. Turns out, you don’t have to choose style over comfort!” — Allison Cacich, senior director
Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals
“I have these low-wedge sandals in Cashew, but am strongly considering buying them in black and Mushroom Latte, too. I bought these for a trip to the Dominican Republic, and wore them to the pool and several nice dinners without anyone realizing they were Crocs. I finally spilled the beans myself, and my fellow vacationers were shocked. These are extremely comfy, the Cashew color goes with everything, and my bunions didn’t bother me at all—even after hours of continuous wear.” — Steph Osmanski, shopping writer
Dr. Martens Zebzag Sandal
“Dr. Martens have a scary reputation for a long break-in period and months of blisters and pain, but I have been wearing the same Dr. Marten boots since middle school, and they’re still some of the most comfortable shoes I own for when I need to be on my feet all day. These sandals offer the same iconic look of Dr. Martens, and I’m obsessed with the thick cushioned footbed and comfort. I’ve worn them so much that I own them in multiple colors and have rebought this pair for the new season.” — Julia Fields, senior writer
Oofos Ooriginal Recovery Sandal
“Taking a stroll with Oofos feels like walking on clouds. This recovery sandal is made with impact-absorbing foam that’s gentle on joints, and the ergonomic footbed is really nice. Although these are casual, sporty shoes, the rounded design follows the shape of both the tops and sides of your feet and looks so seamless. They’re great for errands, traveling, and lake days—they’re even machine-washable.” — Taylor Rock, associate editorial director
Teva Voya Infinity
“I was tired of flimsy flip-flops that fell apart after a season, and I gave these a try a few years ago—they’re the best sandals I’ve ever owned. I have them in two different colors, and they’re my go-to for 20,000-step days when I go to theme parks with my family.” — Dena Ogden, associate editor
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