Best walking sandals for ladies: 5 comfortable picks

If you want one pair to do most things — city breaks, sightseeing, gravel paths and weekend errands — start with the ECCO Yucatan Sandal. It is the best all-rounder here: a leather upper, three points of adjustment and a supportive sole. For holidays where sandals get wet, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the pair to pack. If your priority is everyday comfort and a footbed that moulds to your foot, choose the Birkenstock Arizona. For the softest ride on hard pavements, the FitFlop Lulu is the most cushioned. And if your walks involve rocks, rock pools or coastal paths, the Keen Newport H2 gives the most protection.

Use the table by occasion first: the upper and footbed explain why each sandal feels the way it does. Leather uppers soften with wear and look smarter, but they do not enjoy being soaked. Webbing dries quickly and can be rinsed. A cork-latex footbed is firm and supportive; an EVA footbed is lighter and softer. None of these is a substitute for walking shoes on a serious hike, but the Keen and Teva come closest on rough, wet ground.

Each pair below suits a different kind of walking, so start with the one that matches your week rather than the one that looks best on the shelf.

Adjustability is the first thing to check. Look for two or three separate straps, not one strap and a decorative buckle. You need to be able to take the sandal in at the instep and heel without crushing your toes.

Support beats squish for long walks. A firm, contoured footbed spreads pressure and keeps your foot centred; a very soft, flat sole feels lovely for ten minutes and tiring after an hour.

Match the sole to the ground. A smooth city sole is fine for pavements and shops. For gravel, wet grass or coastal paths, choose deeper tread and a more substantial outsole.

Think about the upper. Leather looks smarter and softens with wear. Webbing dries faster and is easier to rinse. Cork footbeds should be kept out of water.

Do not ignore weight. A lighter sandal is easier to pack and less tiring to lift, but a little structure usually means more support.

Try sandals late in the day, when your feet are at their largest. Stand up and check that your heel sits inside the footbed, not on the edge, and that you can wiggle your toes without them touching the front. Fasten the straps so they are snug but not tight: you should be able to slide one finger under each strap. Walk on a hard floor and a carpet, and try them with the socks or tights you would actually wear. If you are between sizes, go with the larger size only if the straps can be tightened enough to hold your foot; otherwise choose the size that keeps your heel centred.

If you only buy one pair, buy the ECCO Yucatan and wear it for everything short of a serious hike. If you already own a leather sandal, add the Teva Hurricane XLT2 for holidays and wet weather; together they cover almost every summer day.