10 Best Walking Sandals for Women UK 2024 | Karrimor, FitFlop, Birkenstock and More
Nowadays, walking sandals combine the technology of hiking shoes with the benefits of an open design, while looking fashionable too. We all know how a bad shoe decision can ruin an entire day, so in this article we’ll explain the key features you should look out for when shopping for your next pair. Then, we'll share our top picks from brands like Karrimor, FitFlop, and Birkenstock.
Quick List - Top Walking Sandals for Women
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How to Choose Walking Sandals for Women in the UK – Buying Guide
With so many different walking sandals for women available online, it can be difficult to know where to start! To find the best of the bunch, you should think about where you'll be wearing your sandals and the kind of support your feet need.
Decide on the Best Upper Material for Your Desired Activity
When it comes to materials, consider the type of activities you'll be doing in your sandals. Those planning to trek through jungles in tropical countries or spend weekends exploring the great British countryside will need robust fabrics, while casual strolling will simply require something comfortable.
Synthetic Uppers Are Lightweight and Breathable, Making Them Ideal for Hiking
Waterproof or water-resistant membranes may be added too, so seek these out if you'll be venturing into areas with rivers or lakes. Synthetic materials are usually quick drying anyway though, so they'll still be suitable for wet weather or watersport activities.
Natural Fabrics Are Stylish and Comfortable, So They're Suitable for Casual Strolling
You should bear in mind though that leather and suede are heavier than synthetic uppers and will take longer to dry once wet. Those who follow a vegan lifestyle will also want to avoid these animal-derived materials.
Some brands even offer sandals that combine the durability of leather with the lightness of synthetic materials – a great option to consider if you want the best of both worlds!
Look for a Flexible Sole With Cushioning and Traction
Some walking sandals will have contours, offering better support as they actually fit the shape of your sole. Check whether the footbed of the sandal is mostly flat or arched, and match it to your foot type for a secure fit.
You'll also benefit from soles with good traction if you'll be walking on rough terrain. The best way to determine this is to look at the bottom of the shoes and see if they have plenty of multi-directional "lugs", which are deep indentations in a pattern across the sole.
Open or Closed Toe? It All Depends on the Terrain
If you're only planning to walk around the city or along the beach though, sandals with an open toe are better as they'll provide ventilation for your feet.
Adjustable Straps Prevent Sliding and Rubbing
The adjustability also means that you can personalise the fit to your individual needs – to accommodate socks, no socks, or feet swelling in the heat.
Top 10 Best Walking Sandals for Women in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Keen 1. Keen Clearwater CNX Women’s Sandals | | The Perfect Protective Fit With Unrivalled Comfort | |
2 | ECCO 4. ECCO Women’s Offroad Hiking Sandals | | Robust, Supportive, and Breathable | |
3 | Merrell | | Tough Enough for All Kinds of Terrain | |
4 | Skechers 15316 | | A Pretty Purple Pair for Strolling | |
5 | Karrimor 7. Karrimor Antibes Women’s Sandals | | An Excellent Value Choice for Hikers | |
6 | Salt-Water 6. Salt-Water Original Women’s Sandals | | Retro Style Sandals Made From Waterproof Leather | |
7 | GRITION | | Anti-Slip and Totally Adjustable | |
8 | FitFlop 8. FitFlop Women’s Leather Open Toe Sandals | | Fashionable Without Compromising on Comfort | |
9 | Teva 9. Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals | | Simple, Sleek Sandals for Everyday Wear | |
10 | Birkenstock 10. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals | | A Classic Design From a Trusted Brand |
Keen1. Keen Clearwater CNX Women’s Sandals
The Perfect Protective Fit With Unrivalled Comfort
Furthermore, these sandals have fantastic contoured arch support, a PU midsole for easing pressure, and advanced traction on the soles for slippery paths. Without a doubt, this product will provide you with the perfect supportive fit for any activity!
ECCO4. ECCO Women’s Offroad Hiking Sandals
Robust, Supportive, and Breathable
The durable leather upper has a soft, breathable lining for hot weather and the microfibre sole will ensure that your feet don’t slide around. We love this grey shade but these sandals are also available in several other colour options.
Tough Enough for All Kinds of Terrain
Suitable for any terrain, including water and steep hikes, these sandals will keep you cushty for the long haul thanks to the shock-absorbent air cushioning and secure elasticated heels. They're lined with padded Lycra and treated with an antimicrobial solution to keep your feet smelling fresh.
The adjustable straps on these sandals ensure a customised fit, and the excellent grip makes them ideal on rocky terrain. They do come in on the heavier side of our selection, which means that they may be too bulky for casual walkers or light travellers. For serious trekkers though, they're just the ticket!
A Pretty Purple Pair for Strolling
These gorgeous lilac sandals from Skechers are practical as well as chic. They have adjustable velcro straps with a "hook and loop" closure, making them easy to slip on before you head outside. The injection-molded soles are fully cushioned for your comfort, absorbing any impact from the ground.
These flexible, durable sandals are excellent quality, so they're definitely worth paying a bit more for. Whether you're running errands or simply strolling along the seafront, they'll keep your tootsies feeling secure with every step.
Karrimor7. Karrimor Antibes Women’s Sandals
An Excellent Value Choice for Hikers
Great for all kinds of walking occasions, these sandals also feature a strong grip on the sole for navigating uneven terrain safely. The only downside is that they might be a little flat for those with arched feet.
Retro Style Sandals Made From Waterproof Leather
Unfortunately, the footbeds on these sandals are completely flat which may not suit some foot types. Also, the sole doesn't offer much traction, so we advise only wearing them on smoother terrains. If you're looking for something to suit a summer dress or some cutoff jeans, you can't go wrong with this retro-style pair!
Anti-Slip and Totally Adjustable
Best of all, the anti-slip rubber soles ensure that you'll always keep your grip, even on uneven surfaces. While this isn't the most attractive pair on our list, you probably won't care about style when you're hiking up a mountain!
FitFlop8. FitFlop Women’s Leather Open Toe Sandals
Fashionable Without Compromising on Comfort
We think this black pair is the most wearable option, but there are other colours available too such as white, rose gold, and silver. These sandals are more suitable for holidays than hiking though, due to the minimal grip.
Simple, Sleek Sandals for Everyday Wear
Although the contour is fairly flat, these sandals do utilise an EVA footbed for arch support. The traction on the rubber sole is low, so these shoes won't be any good for wearing on rugged terrain. Still, the minimalist style will look cool on days out and shopping trips.
Birkenstock10. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
A Classic Design From a Trusted Brand
Be aware that these sandals take a while to break in and are known for running a size up. They're best suited for casual walks as they do not offer a heel strap and are fairly heavy.
Ready for Your Next Trip?
That's your walking sandals sorted, but what else do you need for your next hiking trip or city adventure? Check out the links below for more accessories to help you move around in style!
Summary
Whatever your fashion style or walking habits, we hope this article has given you the knowledge you need to choose your next pair of walking sandals with confidence. Pick up one of our recommendations and you'll be ready to go!
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Walking Sandals for Women
No. 1: Keen｜1. Keen Clearwater CNX Women’s Sandals
No. 2: ECCO｜4. ECCO Women’s Offroad Hiking Sandals
No. 3: Merrell｜
No. 4: Skechers｜15316
No. 5: Karrimor｜7. Karrimor Antibes Women’s Sandals
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.