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Best walking sandals 2026
Say goodbye to blistered, sore feet. Here are the top brands for walking sandals worth the investment, plus a highly-rated bargain alternative for just £35 on average
Amy Axworthy is a travel journalist and product reviewer. She was shortlisted for Best News Writer at the BSME Talent Awards in 2023 for uncovering consumer harm.
If you plan to spend your summer on coastal walks, dewy woodland hikes or exploring sun-baked cities, you’ll need a proper pair of walking sandals. These are the brands that won’t let you down.
In our latest survey for our Which? Recommended Brands (WRBs), more than 1,100 people told us about the walking sandals they’ve bought in the past five years, and rated them on comfort, durability, value for money and more. Only the top-scoring brands that also pass our expert checks on buyer guarantees get our official endorsement.
The best walking sandals in our survey all share certain key features, including grippy soles, adjustable straps for when your feet swell in the heat, and a contoured footbed. They’re also designed to be ready to wear, without needing to be ‘broken in’ ahead of time — nor paired with a box of blister plasters.
Below, we’ve shared which brands came top, which stand the test of time, and which budget and best-value picks to go for if you’re looking for a bargain.
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Why you can trust our reviews of walking sandal brands
Expert analysis
Most reviewers make their judgement based on their individual preferences. Some newspapers and magazines offer positive reviews in return for freebies. But here at Which? Travel, you can trust our advice. Because instead, we evaluated the quality of 24 brands based on the experiences of 1,178 customers.
Which? Recommended Brands
Our Which? Recommended Brands are the best of the best. Brands have to meet strict criteria including high customer ratings, and uncompromising checks on product guarantees/ warranties, and returns policies.
What are the best walking sandals brands?
| 88% | £75 | ||||||||
| 86% | £65 | ||||||||
| 86% | £65 | ||||||||
(47) | 85% | £35 | n/a | ||||||
| 85% | £55 | n/a | |||||||
| 84% | £65 | ||||||||
(63) | 82% | £75 | |||||||
(75) | 82% | £65 | |||||||
| 81% | £55 | ||||||||
(156) | 81% | £45 | |||||||
(159) | 80% | £70 | |||||||
(75) | 80% | £45 | |||||||
(71) | 80% | £35 | |||||||
(51) | 79% | £45 | |||||||
(59) | 79% | £75 | |||||||
(52) | 79% | £35 | n/a | ||||||
(35) | 78% | £45 | n/a | ||||||
(53) | 78% | £45 | |||||||
(41) | 78% | £75 | |||||||
| 77% | £45 | ||||||||
| 77% | £45 | ||||||||
(162) | 76% | £45 | |||||||
(81) | 76% | £65 | |||||||
(43) | 72% | £45 |
Survey conducted in May 2026 based on responses from 1,718 members of the Which? Connect panel and the UK public who told us about 1,812 pairs of walking sandals bought in the past five years. ‘n/a’ means not enough data to provide information. Average price paid = median price members said they paid based on a range provided. Sample sizes in brackets. Customer score based on satisfaction and whether respondents would recommend. The final data has not been weighted and may not be representative of the target population.
When picking your next sandals, consider which features you’ll realistically rely on and benefit from to avoid overspending. An enclosed, protective toe guard could be useful — such as those from Which? Recommended Brand (WRB) Keen — but only if you are tackling trails with loose stones and rough terrain. For long distances, invest in good arch support. Or, for shorter walks on city breaks, you could choose sleeker designs from other WRBs that still prioritise comfort.
Need breathable walking shoes for cloudy, cooler weather? Head to the best walking shoe brands for the brands walkers recommend.
Highest-scoring walking sandals
Keen walking sandals review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Highly protective summer sandals that don’t sacrifice airflow
Customer score: 88%
Average price paid: £75
Pros
- Achieved the highest customer score in our survey
- Rugged and durable
- Very comfortable, with toe protection
Cons
- Some are pricey
- Designs may look too bulky for some
Keen's walking sandal styles tend towards a shoe-sandal hybrid, with a rubber toe guard that prevents stubbed toes. Some are designed to be ultra-flexible and lightweight for a 'barefoot’ feel, while others are heavier duty with rigid arch support, extra cushioning and more grip. For hot weather, Keen’s wide toe boxes allow your toes to splay naturally, which is helpful if your feet swell.
Many customers praised Keen’s sandals for their exceptional comfort and support. One noted that they were 'soft enough, yet sturdy to walk up and down steps and steep slopes'. Whether you are wearing your sandals for a quick errand or to tackle a long walk, your feet should feel supported right out of the box, without the hassle of a lengthy break-in period.
Beyond comfort, owners raved that their sandals were incredibly tough and water-resistant, yet breatheable, and they dried out quickly after a summer shower. One customer said: 'I’ve been using them for years. They are very comfortable, durable and great if you want to go through water'. Unlike a number of other brands, some of Keen's walking sandals are machine washable, too.
Just keep in mind that Keen is more expensive than some other walking sandal brands. Our survey respondents told us they paid £75 on average, but some of its styles are over £100. If you don’t need all of the high-tech features Keen offers, you could get away with spending less.
Keen walking sandals are stocked at numerous retailers including Cotswold Outdoor, Amazon and direct from Keen.
Best value-for-money walking sandals
Columbia Sportswear walking sandals review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Breathable and lightweight sandals that are practical and comfortable enough for serious walking
Customer score: 86%
Average price paid: £65
Pros
- Five-star rating for value for money
- Work well in a variety of walking conditions
- Supportive with pillowy soles
Cons
- Less protective than Keen's designs that have toe protection
Columbia Sportswear sandals rely on classic and dependable features — lightweight materials, a cushioned sole to protect your heels, and a grooved bottom for grip on wet rocks and loose dirt – and its customers say it does all this well. These sandals will keep your feet cool and supported in a heatwave.
They ticked every box for lots of walkers in our survey, with one explaining that they are 'comfortable right out of the box, lightweight and supportive for long days on my feet,’ and that they held up well on different surfaces. Others praised them for being 'easily fastened', 'airy' and providing great protection. One customer liked this brand’s sandals so much that after wearing the first pair ‘to death’, they immediately bought an identical replacement pair.
Columbia Sportswear earned the maximum five stars for value for money, with customers telling us they spent around £65 a pair, making them a brilliant mid-range option.
As well as rating them highly for their functionality, some customers also told us that they appreciated the 'chic' and 'stylish' designs. The brand's sustainability efforts resonated with one walker. Examples of Columbia Sportswear’s policies include sourcing its leather from environmentally audited tanneries, and it is actively phasing out PFAS (synthetic materials) from its products.
Buy direct from Columbia Sportswear or retailers such as John Lewis or Asos.
Best budget walking sandals
Cotton Traders walking sandals review
Verdict: A wallet-friendly summer staple
Customer score: 85%
Average price paid: £35
Pros
- Appealing prices
- Available at a lot of retailers
- Highly recommended by customers
Cons
- No brand warranty
Cotton Traders’ walking sandals were very popular in our survey and were commended for their straightforward practicality. One reviewer summed it up as 'they do what I need them to do', and another described them as 'practical, easy on my feet and comfortable'. While Cotton Traders isn't a premium brand, it still earned four stars (out of five) for fit, grip and cushioning underfoot.
Its walking sandals punched well above their price tag for going the distance – one customer shared that they are 'comfortable for longer walking', and another added that 'they are very light and very comfortable. I can walk for hours without feeling any pressure.' Cotton Traders also sell fashion sandals that don't offer the support of specialist hiking sandals, so be sure to read the product descriptions to ensure they meet your needs.
As Cotton Traders doesn’t offer a warranty with your purchase, it’s not a Which? Recommended Brand. But its high scores in our survey and low prices could make it a great buy for those looking to spend less.
They're available at lots of retailers including Debenhams and Freemans, but you'll find the most choice by buying a pair directly from Cotton Traders.
A top, durable brand for walking sandals
Teva walking sandals review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: Tough enough for any summer trails, while providing the fit and support your feet need
Customer score: 86%
Average price paid: £65
Pros
- Very robust
- Provides excellent comfort all day
- Has stylish designs
Cons
- A number of styles have a flat foam sole, which won't suit those who need arch support
Teva's walking sandals aim to give you the best of both worlds – they are tough enough for the trails but still look great with everyday summer outfits. Walkers we surveyed loved that they could wear the exact same pair for a hike in a national park and then out for a casual city stroll. The sandals come in fun, bright colours and geometric patterns, with options for both thin and thick cushioned soles. Teva also offers styles with built-in toe guards, if you want extra protection.
Its sandals are known for having fabric straps that sit in a triangular web on top of your feet and pass through the inside of the sole, so nothing niggles at the sides of your feet to cause blisters. This style also means you can pack them completely flat. One customer summed up their experience by saying: 'The traction on the bottom is great, they were comfortable right out of the box, the straps are adjustable and don't rub – what else could you want?'
Along with Keen, Teva is one of the only Which? Recommended Brands to achieve the full five-star rating for durability. Owners told us that its sandals hold up well in harsh environments and last for years, with individual walkers reporting lifespans of eight – even 12 – years. One wearer said: 'I never got any blisters with these, and I walk forever without getting tired'. Another stated: 'I purchased these with the intention of mainly using them for walks in the summertime and the occasional river walk, as I've found Tevas very durable in the past. To my surprise, I ended up hiking all over Yosemite in these and my feet never hurt, so now they are a regular for hiking trips as well!'
Buy direct from Columbia Sportswear or retailers such as John Lewis, Decathlon, Sports Direct or Schuh.
Other Which? Recommended walking sandals brands
Craghoppers walking sandals, 85%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Not too expensive; Lots of comfy and supportive styles; Grippy on different terrains.
Cons: May not provide traction over tougher terrains.
Most styles are stocked at Craghoppers, with a few options at other retailers like Decathlon and Debenhams.
Hoka walking sandals, 84%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Rated five stars in value for money; Supportive with good grip underfoot; Comfortable.
Cons: Might be too chunky for some.
Available at Hoka.