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Summer is surprisingly around the corner and a lot of you guys have been asking for comfortable walking sandals for your trips to Europe or anywhere that requires long distance walking. There is this constant struggle of wanting to look cute on the cobblestone streets of Europe for the pictures, but also feeling comfortable enough to walk miles on vacation.
Well, I am here to tell you that you don't need to compromise on either one. I have personally tested most of these sandals on trips through Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Provence - and trust me, I have made plenty of mistakes along the way (RIP to the strappy heels I wore in Capri that had me limping by noon while my husband carried my bag lol). From arch and ankle support, to plush platform sandals there is something you will love on this list. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Mary Kate Olsen was spotted wearing these in Europe! They are apparently the most comfortable walking shoes for long distances plus they are cute! Pair this with a cute summer dress!
If you want these in a platform version check out these Teva Midform Infinity Sandals.
Related: Check out this curated collection of cute tops for European summer
These Reef sandals have a cult following among travel bloggers and Europe walkers, and the reviews consistently mention all-day comfort without blisters. I love how they can double down as water shoes if you're planning to go somewhere with rocky beaches in Europe.
One women said, "The reef sandals are SO good. I've walked miles in these with no issues at all. Such a good recommendation!"
Pair it with one of these cute and comfortable dresses for Europe.
Amazon has them and it's part of prime two day shipping! You can also buy from the official Reef website.
Related: Check out these comfy walking shoes that actually work for the office and dinner plans
If they have these in stock, get them!! SO many people say these are the most comfortable sandals for walking in Europe - plus they actually look good on. They also come in a lot of different colors.
I personally wore mine on a 4 mile walk through Positano - up steep steps, down to the beach, back up again - and my feet felt completely fine by the end of the day. They are also great for the beach! One thing I will say is that they do need a break-in period. Wear them around the house for at least a week before your trip or you will regret it!
One buyer said, "Love these. Perfect slip on - I wore all summer and now into fall with socks. Comfortable and not fabric so they can easily be cleaned or worn in the rain without being ruined." If these are out of your price range, check out these birkenstock dupes on Amazon.
Related: Check out these cute outfits for italy.
These are perfect for a dressier night out, like dinner or an event. These Tony Bianco sandals are a go-to for a dressier night out in Europe. I wore a similar strappy heel on our last night in Florence and wore them to a wedding in Europe. She said she had them on for 11 hours straight—including lots of dancing—and her feet felt totally fine. No blisters, no pain.
Related: If you're traveling soon, check out these 21 essential travel accessories.
These are just $55 and can be styled so many different ways. Pair them with shorts (like the girl did above), or high waisted trousers and a crop top. One girl said she walked 10,000 steps with these in one day and her feet didn't hurt as well. They are also super lightweight and compact so they won't take up much space in your luggage.
Speaking of luggage, check out these good quality rimowa dupes for your next European getaway.
Related: Check out these comfortable walking sneakers for Europe!
These amazon sandals are made from real leather, and they are currently 40% off! They have over 70,000 5-star reviews. One particular buyer said, "I absolutely love these sandals and have never had any issues with discomfort. I have worn them hiking, shopping, to amusement parks, riding a bike, in the rain, you name it. I literally never leave reviews but I felt compelled to leave this one, that's how much I love these shoes lol."
I have these myself and while they are super comfortable at first, I did notice they wore out quicker than I expected and gave me minor blisters around the 3 mile mark. I would say these are a great option for lighter days or as a backup pair - just not my first pick for a full 10 mile sightseeing day!
If you're traveling soon, check out these good quality hairdryers that fit in your carry-on.
Quince is currently my new favorite brand. They offer so many great stylish pieces at an affordable price. These are priced at $69, but considering they are made from real Italian leather that justifies the price tag in my opinion. I have these and get so many compliments on them - they look way more expensive than they are!
One verified buyer said, "These are super comfy, can walk in for miles. Usually 6.5-7 in sandals and the 7 fit great."
Related: Check out these beis weekender bag dupes for travel.
Probably the only designer shoe I own that is actually comfortable. If you have the budget for these trust me and get them. Not only are they stylish, but I wore them in Florence for a full day of sightseeing AND dinner that night and had zero issues. Over 20,000 steps and my feet still felt fine at the end of the night!
One styling tip - they look SO cute with ankle socks! I know it sounds weird but trust me, it is very European and still totally cute. I also love the versatility of this shoe depending on how you style it. Invest in these - you won't regret it. Here is an affordable alternative from Dolce Vita for $150.
Related: Check out these cute and comfortable ballet flats under $200!
These are definitely the most stylish sandals on this list. I wore these on a night out in Florence and got so many compliments - they dress up any outfit instantly and are way more comfortable than they look! One customer said, "I walked 14,000 steps in these and had no pain in these!"
Related: Check out these comfortable and cute long distance walking shoes
For all my shorter girls, these are the Teva Platform Universals! If you are petite like me (I am 5'2") these are my personal pick over the regular Tevas - the platform gives you that little extra height while still feeling like you are walking on clouds. These feel like you're walking on clouds.
One verified buyer who vacationed in Europe said: "I usually wear a 7.5 and the 7 was perfect for me. Bought these shoes for a 10-day trip to Europe where I was walking 10+ miles a day, and they performed PERFECTLY! I didn't put on the tennis shoes I brought even once. I tend to get bad blisters and that wasn't an issue at all - no blisters! Also, they double as great shower/beach/pool shoes since they are completely synthetic and dry quickly. I really couldn't recommend them higher - they are so comfortable, stylish, and also affordable! THANK YOU TEVA!"
You may like these hermes sandal dupes!
Excellent amount of support on the ankles - these are great if you're walking on cobblestones or up steep hills. Especially great for the Amalfi Coast where there are a lot of steep paths and uneven terrain! Comes in other colors as well!
One verified buyer said, "These sandals are so amazing, I still have them, and they're still in perfect shape, despite lots of heavy use. They are sturdy, durable and comfortable. I've worn them twice backpacking for multiple weeks, including a trip to Morocco where these were the only shoes I wore for two weeks. Highly recommended."
These mary jane flats from Vivaia are a great option and super versatile for travel. You can wear them out to dinner, explore Europes cobblestone streets, or pair them with a dress for dinner! SO versatile.
One customer said "Very comfortable and I so love it! I sized up, I am usually size 6. 5 but I purchased size 7 and it fit me so well. No blisters for me, I wore it the whole day and my feet were happy."
Love these sandals from Bared Footwear. Some things that stood out to me:
Heel cup adds extra cushion + absorbs shock (great if you get heel pain)
Made from real leather that softens as you wear it
Adjustable ankle strap so they actually stay on and won't give you blisters
Grippy sole that won’t slip on slick streets or cobblestone
Comes with a removable, podiatrist-designed footbed
Orthotic friendly if you need extra support
Click to shop!
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When searching for the best walking sandals for travel, there are a lot of things to look out for before purchasing. First, you want to make sure that they are gonna last a long time! You're going to be walking in these babies for miles at a time, so make sure that they are durable and can handle long walks. I've seen plenty of sandals straps break or get torn up because they just can't handle long distances.
One thing I learned the hard way: always break in your sandals before your trip! I once brought brand new Birkenstocks to Europe and paid the price on day one. Wear them around the house for at least a week first - your feet will thank you.
The number one priority (obviously) is to make sure the sandals are comfortable enough for long walks and long standing times. Look for features that have adjustable straps, supportive soles, and cushioned footbeds for long days on your feet. The material should be made from breathable, high quality materials to keep your feet cool on those hot summer days when traveling. If you can, steer away from synthetic leather, plastic, and rubber.
If you're someone who loves to pack light, then make sure that your sandals are versatile. The best sandals are the ones that can be worn during the day casually and at night for a fancy dinner. This not only saves space in your luggage, but just makes life so much easier when you're packing/unpacking and putting together outfits. My personal pick would be the Teva Original Universal Sandals. They're cute, comfortable, and very affordable too.
Yes - if you choose the right ones! The key is arch support, a grippy sole, and a secure strap. I have walked 4+ miles through Positano and a full day in Florence in sandals with zero issues. Flip flops and thin strappy heels are a very different story though!
They are my go-to. I wore mine all over Positano - including the steep steps down to the beach - and my feet felt great. The key is breaking them in before your trip. Wear them around the house for a few weeks first or you will regret it on day one.
I would not. Cobblestone streets are unforgiving on thin soles, and you will be walking way more than you expect. Flip flops offer zero arch support and will leave your feet aching by noon. Opt for a sandal with a proper footbed instead.
I stick to 2 sandals max - one comfortable walking sandal for daytime sightseeing and one dressier option for dinners out. Overpacking shoes adds weight and takes up valuable luggage space. Trust me, you will thank yourself later.
The Amalfi Coast is steep and the paths can be rough. I would go with Birkenstocks, Reef Vistas, or Chacos - anything with grip and a secure strap. Avoid heels and thin soles on those paths!
Yes, but sole thickness matters a lot. Cobblestones are way harder on your feet than regular pavement. Look for a thick, cushioned sole - the Prada rubber sandals and Teva platforms are both great for this.
It depends on the platform. A chunky, stable platform like the Quince Italian leather ones or the Prada rubber sandals are actually really comfortable for walking. Thin stiletto platforms are a different story - skip those!
Break your sandals in before you go. Wear them around the house for at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. On travel days, bring blister balm or anti-chafe stick and apply it before you start walking. Also make sure the fit is snug but not tight - sliding causes more blisters than anything else.
When traveling, a lot of people are looking specifically for waterproof sandals or sandals with good arch support. When it comes to waterproof sandals, I would go for the Reef Water Vista Sandals. They are the best sandals for trips by the beach or any water-related activities. The best feature is that these sandals are crafted from a material that allows you to easily wash away any dirt.
Chaco Classics are awesome for arch support because they're shaped just like the bottom of your foot. They've got a nice curve that really supports your arch well. This smart design means your feet stay comfy, and you can walk easier and stand taller. Another cool feature of the Chacos is their adjustable foot strap, which lets you customize the fit to your foot's size and shape, making it uniquely yours.
Any of these sandals above are great options for walking long distances for travel, especially Europe!
Looking for more items for your Europe trip? Check out our other blog posts on travel!
Kaylin Malek Khorsandi
Hi, I’m Kaylin. I’ve spent years researching, testing, and comparing products to find the ones that actually live up to their promise. What started as my personal habit of hunting for the best quality at a fair price has grown into a trusted space where thousands of readers come to make smarter shopping decisions. Every recommendation is based on real use, detailed research, and honest feedback, so you can feel confident that what you’re buying is genuinely worth it. My goal is to help you save time, money, and stress by sharing products that last and truly add value to your life.
Comments
Thank you for your great blog! I appreciate your research, which makes shopping for me online so much easier. Do you know who makes the suede woven sandal/shoe at the top of the article on the best sandals for walking in Europe? Those are lovely! Thank you.
