Whether you’re packing for a summer trip or refreshing your wardrobe for the season ahead, a versatile and chic pair of sandals is essential. As a picky lifestyle editor who typically prefers flat shoes to heels, I curated the best sandals for women that are stylish, durable and won’t cause blisters—even after hours of wear. The top options from brands like Margaux, J.Crew and Veronica Beard come in a range of silhouettes, from breathable fisherman sandals to block heels ideal for warm-weather weddings. Here’s everything we highly recommend in 2026.
From leather slides to sporty wrap sandals, the best sandals for women are versatile, comfortable and look chic with any outfit.
These elegant slides are constructed from soft calf leather and require no breaking in. The footbed features subtle foam padding, and the style also comes in three widths (medium, narrow and wide) to help you find the best fit. Deputy editor Jane Sung has worn this pair for years and appreciates how well the shoes have held up over time.
Reformation has an impressive array of sandals, ranging from leather flip-flops to croc-embossed wedges. We like this strappy flat pair because they feature a fun toe-ring detail and tubular straps that won’t dig into your feet. Sung also owns these sandals and says the deep red hue makes for effortless summer styling.
Minimal Design Cut From Lamb Leather
Staud
Staud Louden Sandal Silver
This simple, minimal design makes it easy to pair these sandals with anything in your wardrobe, from a casual weekend to an evening look. The uppers are made of soft lamb leather, and the asymmetrical strap adds visual interest. The silver leather feels versatile and modern, but you can also choose from black and espresso if you’re looking for something a little less flashy.
Vibrant Yet Comfortable Wrap Sandal
Veronica Beard
Veronica Beard Carmina Wrap Sandal
The thick cording on these vibrant wrap sandals give them a sporty feel. The soft polyester cording wraps around the ankle, providing support without causing blisters or uncomfortable rubbing, according to Sung who has a pair in brown. The slightly squared toe and leather sole elevate the overall design.
Australian Brand Known For Modern Styles
A. Emery
A. Emery The Kinto Sandal
A. Emery is an Australian brand that’s become known for its sleek, modern footwear, along with clothing and accessories. The Kinto sandals are a popular style made from full-grain leather (the insole and outsole are fully leather, in addition to the uppers), with a rubber heel cap and Y-shaped straps that won’t dig into your feet. Although thong styles feel inherently casual, these have an elevated feel.
Sophisticated Footwear Handcrafted In Italy
Gewls
Gewls Chiara Kitten Heel
This footwear brand founded by Giulia Palermo is designed in New York City and crafted by hand in Italy’s Le Marche region. While there are only three styles available—a flat sandal, a kitten heel and a more traditional 2.7-inch heel—each has a timeless, refined look. The Chiara Kitten Heel has a walkable one-inch heel and a padded insole for comfort. (The knotted toe post is another standout design detail we love.)
Classic Silhouette With Breathable Straps
Freda Salvador
Freda Salvador Sera Fisherman Sandal
As the name implies, fisherman sandals were originally worn by fishermen and sailors who needed a breathable shoe that allowed water to drain while still providing protection from hooks and ropes. This pick from Freda Salvador has a cushioned footbed that make the shoes comfortable right out of the box, and the interwoven suede straps support the foot while still allowing plenty of airflow on hot days. This style also comes in studded suede, mesh, calf leather and PVC.
Crocheted Uppers That Add Texture
M.Gemi
M.Gemi The Riva Sandal
If you want to add a bit of texture and visual interest to your outfit, M.Gemi’s Riva Sandals are an excellent choice. The simple design features a single cotton-blend band that stretches across the foot (the fabric won’t feel scratchy against the skin), and an Italian leather sole. The footbed features 5mm of plush foam, and the 0.4-inch heel gives you a slight lift. Style these shoes with breezy linen pants, a simple top and gold jewelry.
Lightweight Number With Subtle Embellishment
Loeffler Randall
Loeffler Randall Lara Dune Leather Sandal
While some flat sandals may read as boring, the Lara Dune Leather Sandals will punch up any outfit thanks to the gold ball detail. Reviewers appreciate the lightweight feel and say it’s an easy way to dress up jeans and a button-down shirt. However, because this style has a plank footbed (a completely flat insole), it may not be the best option if you need more arch support.
A Comfortable Wedge Sandal That Adds Height
Favorite Daughter
Favorite Daughter The Emerson Too
If you’re looking for a little more height, you can’t go wrong with this wedge heel from Favorite Daughter. Wedges are typically much easier to walk in than regular heels because the wide base provides more stability—especially on uneven terrain or cobblestone streets. This shoe adds 2.7 inches in height, and the uppers are fashioned like a thong sandal. Plus, the base has PillowTech athletic-grade cushioning.
Fun And Playful Jelly Option
J.Crew
J.Crew Fisherman Jelly Sandals
We also recommend this jelly fisherman sandal from J.Crew that’s outfitted in a bright, eye-catching hue that’s sure to garner plenty of compliments. The jelly material is waterproof, so you can wear these to your next pool or beach day without worry. We especially love the chunky straps and silver hardware.
Luxe Handwoven Uppers
Margaux
Margaux The Deia
With its handwoven leather uppers, plush footbed and square toe, these sandals are the perfect throw-on-and-go shoe for your next summer outing. I’ve worn these constantly over the past few months, and they’ve taken me from work events to dinners in Manhattan to weekend errands with ease. They’re extremely comfortable, well-made and easy to walk in.
A Washable, Well-Cushioned Option
Rothy's
Rothy’s The T-Strap Sandal
Rothy’s is known for its machine-washable footwear, and this T-strap sandal is no exception. When it gets dirty—which is bound to happen, especially if you’re planning to bring these on an upcoming vacation—you can wash them in cold water and let them air dry. The straps are knit, including the heel strap, which stretches around your ankle, and the gold buckle is fully adjustable to ensure a secure fit.
Delicate Straps And Gold Hardware
Larroudé
Larroudé Annie Ankle Strap Sandal
Larroudé’s Annie Ankle Strap Sandal is another minimal, clean-looking sandal that can pair well with anything in your closet. The delicate suede straps are finished with a gold buckle, and the shoes have a feminine rounded toe. This style is also available in gold metallic leather, which is a great option if you have dressier events on the horizon.
Comfortable Block Heel And Raffia Texture
Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita Karlos Sandals Natural Woven Raffia
Block-heeled sandals are a good choice for those who typically don’t wear high heels, because the wider base provides more stability. We like this pick from Dolce Vita, which has a moderate 1.5-inch heel and is crafted from synthetic raffia with a subtle texture that looks right at home with any warm-weather ensemble. The dainty, criss-crossing straps across the front also make this suitable for more formal occasions, such as weddings and graduations.
Sleek Design With A Memory Foam Footbed
Beek
Beek Gallito Leather Slide Sandal
If you’re looking for a flat sandal with better support, Beek’s Gallito Leather Slide Sandal has a leather-wrapped memory foam footbed with a molded arch that makes them buttery soft. Based on my testing, these are comfortable enough for a full day of walking without blisters. You can also check out my review of Beek sandals for more details on the design, fit and comfort.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted fashion section includes countless footwear stories based on research, expert interviews and hands-on testing conducted by our experienced team.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics. She regularly tracks trends and brand releases to provide readers with the most up-to-date recommendations possible.
This article was reviewed and edited by fashion editor Hana Hong and deputy editor Jane Sung. They both have extensive experience covering accessories, clothing, shoes and more.