June 4, 2026
My Favorite Summer Sandals for Travel, Comfort, and Style
One of my favorite things about summer are my sandals. Whether I’m running around New Orleans or traveling to Europe, having a nice, cute, and comfortable pair of sandals is key for me. Over the years I’ve bought many brands that I’ve liked, loved, and will never buy again. I’ve put many miles on the ones I’m going to share with you, as they have been my most successful purchases. We all wear shoes, and most of us experience summer days. If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you want fashionable yet classic style, as that is the key to my summer sandal success.
What Are the Best Summer Sandals for Travel?
The top priority for me when packing a pair of sandals for travel is comfort and durability. I don’t want to walk down the street and have my shoes fall apart, or have to have band-aids all over my feet either. Comfort and style combined have come a long way, and you are going to be able to go from day to night in most of these sandals. When I’m sporting my shoes, I don’t want to think about them while they’re on my feet. I want them to do their job, and I want to feel good at the end of the day when I’m walking around a new city. The good news is that it’s possible.
Can You Walk All Day in Sandals?
Yes, and I’ve walked all over Paris (see my guide of what to wear in Paris) and other cities in the right pair of sandals. Naturally it will depend on the type of foot you have, as we are all made a bit differently. Some people struggle with bigger foot issues than others - arch support, bunions, and other issues. You’ll want to get the right pair for you, with cushion and support where you need it for your feet, and a good secure strap is always a smart move. So yes, with the right shoe, you can walk miles.
Are Sandals Better Than Sneakers for Summer Travel?
Depending on the trip, yes. When you’re going to hot weather destinations, a great pair of sandals can let your feet breathe throughout the day. I’ve done it both ways, and a whole day of walking in sneakers equals some really sweaty feet. So many sandal brands have gotten the memo and produced shoes that allow for loads of walking, a nice look to them, and comfort.
The Front Door Pile of Summer Sandals
What Features Should You Look for in Travel Sandals?
I don’t buy all sandals with the same criteria. Some of mine are simply for knocking around and running errands or going to short outings. Others, though, are meant for more. Generally, I am looking for a few things in my summer sandals at this stage of my life:
- Arch support
- Cushioned footbeds
- Adjustable straps
- Quality materials
- Durable construction
- Lightweight
- Versatile styling
My goal is to have sandals I’m not afraid to wear with a pair of shorts or a cute summer dress in the evening. It’s important to me to have it all.
How Many Pairs of Sandals Should You Pack for Vacation?
I’ve got a pretty strict rule of shoes in general, and that’s 3 pairs total, including the ones I wear on the travel days. Depending where I’m going, I’m either packing one or two pairs of sandals and one pair of sneakers. Flip flops don’t count for me, so I pack those to walk around the gross hotel room floor and possibly to run out for a coffee in the morning. Otherwise, I’d say a couple of versatile pairs will do you just fine.
What Sandals Work Best on European Cobblestone Streets?
Where I live in New Orleans, I struggle with the same issue, so I know this predicament well of hobbling over uneven streets and sidewalks. The sandals I’m reaching for when I go to Europe are either flats, low block heels, or wedges. You are not going to find me wearing heeled sandals in Europe, and I’m definitely not packing them despite fantasizing over looking hot and sexy over there. No one really pays attention to what you’re wearing, so save the space in your suitcase unless you have a very fancy occasion and need for them.
Classic Boden Sandals
Can You Wear Sandals with Dresses, Shorts, and Jeans?
Sandals go with anything. They are the jeans of the feet - you can wear them with pretty much any outfit. You’ll have to be the judge of how to pair which sandals with which outfit, but my favorite items to wear with sandals are:
- Summer dresses
- Linen pants
- Denim or linen shorts
- Jeans
- Skirts (short, midi, or longer)
- Casual travel outfits
How I Choose Summer Sandals for Travel
I ask myself a bunch of questions before buying or packing sandals for a trip. It’s important for me not to waste space in my suitcase on something I will regret, so here is how I break it down.
Will I Be Comfortable After Several Miles?
I’m a walker when I travel. Walking makes my whole being happier, and being in a rotten pair of shoes will ruin your fun of exploring on your two feet If I can’t walk more than a block or two in a pair of sandals, they aren’t coming with me on a trip.
Can I Wear Them with Multiple Outfits?
Like I mentioned, I have a rule of only a few pairs of shoes per trip, so each one counts and I need it to be able to match multiple outfits. There’s a happy medium, a goldilocks, of cute and comfortable. That’s my criteria when choosing.
Are They Easy to Pack?
There are plenty of sandals I’d love to take with me on trips, but if they are difficult to pack because of weight or bulk, I’m leaving them home no matter how badly I want to take them. A couple of decades of traveling solo will teach you that, especially when you’re hauling all your own luggage. Ease matters.
Would I Buy Them Again?
Many of the brands of shoes I am mentioning are ones I have multiple pairs of shoes from. They may not all be sandals, but if the brand is good, I’m a loyal buyer. My feet need to be cared for, especially the older I get, and I want to make sure they get good quality, too. When a good shoe proves itself to me, you better believe I’m buying more where it came from.
Arizona Birkenstocks
What Are My Favorite Summer Sandals for Travel?
Birkenstock
I’ve been a buyer of the Birkenstock brand for over 30 years. They make some of the best shoes on the planet, in my opinion, and I will wear them until my feet fall off. Everyone knows Birkenstock, and so many people own a pair. It’s a fashion statement in itself, and I like that it backs itself up with solid performance.
Why I Love Them:
- Awesome arch support
- Comfortable for long walking days
- Durable as can be
- Come in countless styles and colors
Best for:
- European city trips
- Long sightseeing days
- Everyday summer wear
- Airport days (but only if you’re wearing socks)
Top pick of Birkenstock: Arizona
Swedish Hasbeens
This is going to sound nuts, but because of my love for ABBA, I am intrigued by anything Swedish. When I discovered Swedish Hasbeens, I had to own a pair because of the country they are made. Their style is retro, which I love, and the wooden soles and leather upper is distinctive. It’s very Scandinavian, and I am a fan.
Why I Love Them:
- Handmade in Sweden
- High-quality leather
- Unique and distinct style
- Timeless
Top pick of Swedish Hasbeens: Merci
Best for:
- Summer dresses
- European travel
- Casual dinners
Dansko
When I first discovered Dansko, I thought they only made their classic clogs, which I owned several pairs and wore them until they fell apart. Later, I discovered that they also made very comfortable sandals, and many fun colors. I could walk all day in my Danskos - they provide great support.
Why I Love Them:
- Exceptional comfort
- Great support
- Durable materials
- No need to break them in
- Good mix of cute and comfortable
Best for:
- Walking tours
- Summer outfits
- Day to night
Top pick of Dansko: Season
Swedish Hasbeens
TOMS
Long ago, I had my first pair of iconic TOMS shoes, which are not sandals, in the color red. They’ve expanded greatly, and I now am a very big advocate for their products, which include summer sandals. In fact, I am being sent another dressier pair and I can’t wait to wear them this summer.
Why I Love Them:
- Lightweight
- Easy to match with everything
- Comfortable for longer walks
- Affordable
Top pick for TOMS: Eloise
Best for:
- Weekend getaways
- Day to night (in some cases)
- Casual sightseeing
- Easy to pack
Havaianas
Once upon a time, I was married to a Brazilian and discovered the brand Havaianas, which are made in Brazil. I’ve owned dozens of pairs in my life, and I love each and every one of them more than the last. The brand expanded to make more sleek looking options, and I own many. These are a fantastic summer sandal option.
Why I Love Them:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Last a long time
- Easy to clean
Best for:
- Beach vacations
- Walking around hotel rooms/in hotel showers (yes, I’m a little germaphobic)
- Pool days
- Resort travel
Top pick for Havaianas: Slim Flip Flop
Boden
Boden is a brand that I fell hard in love with, and my love hasn’t wavered one bit. I continue to buy their products, whether shoes or clothes or accessories because they are cheerful and they are a great quality. Their summer sandal collections each year are no different.
Why I Love Them:
- Classic looks and whimsy looks
- Comfortable designs
- High quality materials
- Feminine
Best for:
- Sightseeing/walking around urban cities
- Summer vacations
- Dresses and skirts
Top pick for Boden: Chunky Asymmetrical Sandal
TOMS Eloise
J.Crew Factory
I know that the Factory is not as primo as the regular J.Crew, but I happen to like a lot of what they produce. Their summer sandals can often be found on sale at great prices, and some are made in China while others are made elsewhere. It’s a mixed bag. Their classic style means they go with pretty much anything, and I have found their options to be quite comfortable.
Why I Love Them:
- Great value
- Classic styles
- Frequent sales (deep discounts when you catch them)
- Easy to style
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Everyday wear
- Building a classic travel wardrobe
Top pick for J.Crew Factory: Knotted Thong Sandals
Madewell
Madewell truly has my heart when it comes to great products. I’m a big fan of their jeans, tees, and summer sandals. The brand is generally simple in design, modern, ageless, and versatile. I’m very happy with them and have been for years.
Why I Love Them:
- They make their own brand and carry others
- Soft leather you can wear right out of the box
- Minimalist styling
- Excellent quality
- Versatile
Best for:
- City travel
- Casual summer outfits
- Capsule wardrobe
Top pick for Madewell: Greta Fisherman Sandal
Ancient Greek Sandals
Ancient Greek Sandals are some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve owned. Handmade in Greece, they tout quality, style, and beauty - all of which I’m looking for at this stage of my life. Their inspiration is ancient Greek mythology, so they have some whimsical designs as well as very classic looks.
Why I Love Them:
- Stunning craftsmanship
- Elegant styling
- Premium leather
- Timeless in design
Best for:
- European vacations (maybe even to Greece)
- Summer skirts and dresses
- Evenings out
- Special travel moments
Top pick for Ancient Greek Sandals: Drama
André Assous
The master of comfort and sophistication, this brand André Assous has been in my closet for years, and I own many pairs. They last forever because they are crafted so well, and I feel polished when I step out of my door in them. The sandals are generally dressier, so you won’t find me at a poolside in these babies.
Why I Love Them:
- Comfortable to walk most of the day
- Elegant and classy
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Best for:
- City travel/urban looks
- Dinners out
- Summer evenings
- Elevated vacation outfits
Top pick for André Assous: Neveah
Dansko Sanals
Top Picks By Category
Best Sandals for Walking All Day
- Birkenstock
- Dansko
- Boden
Best Sandals for European Travel
- Ancient Greek Sandals
- André Assous
- TOMS
Best Budget-Friendly Summer Sandals
- J.Crew Factory
- TOMS
- Havaianas
Best Sandals to Wear with Dresses
- André Assous
- Swedish Hasbeens
- Ancient Greek Sandals
Best Sandals for Beach Vacations
- Havaianas
- Madewell
- Birkenstock
Summer’s Here and Sandals Are Near
There’s no one-sandal-fits-all scenario, so finding the right fits are very personal and particular to your needs. Since I love shoes, I have many styles, and I am able to share with you the ones that have stuck out the most for me in terms of style and comfort and versatility. Traveling with only a pair or two is a big decision, and I like to make sure I have the right choices. This list of my favorite summer sandals will satisfy one or two of your own needs, and I know you’ll enjoy whichever ones you choose. Here’s to summer and long, warm days.
If you liked this blog, you may also like the one I wrote about what to wear in New Orleans or my favorite summer shoes not made in China.
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