The most fun (and sometimes most stressful!) part of packing for vacation is picking the right outfits. When it comes to summer trips, sandals are almost always the way to go — but what are the best sandals for travel?
We’ve compiled a handy guide for the best men’s and women’s travel sandals below. Whether you’re looking for hiking sandals, walking sandals, or beach sandals, Stan’s has a pair perfect for you.
Stop by any of our three Milwaukee locations before embarking on your next adventure, or enjoy the convenience of having your new kicks shipped straight to your door when you shop online at stansfootwear.com.
Best Women’s Sandals for Travel
Best Women’s Sandal for Hiking
Hiking sandals are specifically made to endure the challenging conditions of various terrains. When buying a hiking sandal, you should look for good traction, water resistance, breathability, stability, and protection for the sensitive areas of your feet.
Our top pick for best women’s hiking sandal is the Keen Whisper, which has the following features:
- A footbed crafted for arch support
- Multi directional lug pattern for increased traction
- Adjustable elastic cording
- A closed toe box to protect your toes
- TPU stability shank
- Odor resistant materials
- Machine washability
The Keen Whisper is available in five colors in store and online at Stan’s. Check it out before your next hiking trip!
Best Women’s Sandals for Walking
Support is the key factor when it comes to walking sandals. That’s why we recommend any of our cork-based sandal brands.
Cork footbeds are great for your feet because they mold to your unique arch. This provides support and comfort where you need it most, which then improves circulation in your feet and reduces soreness. Plus, cork is naturally lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, so you can say goodbye to sweaty feet.
The most well-known cork sandals are those made by Birkenstock, which deserves its popularity due to its responsive cork-latex footbed, built-in arch support, cushioned heel cup, and more. The full selection of women’s Birkenstock sandals can be found in store and online; any style is great for walking!
We just as highly recommend Mephisto as a walking sandal. In addition to cork footbeds, many of their styles feature soft-air technology that absorbs shock for fatigue-free walking. We especially recommend the Helen and Hyacinta styles for long days on your feet. Shop Mephisto in store and online today.
Best Women’s Sandal for the Beach
The classic beach sandal is, of course, the flip-flop (see below!) but other sandals can be great options as well. The most important factors for good beach sandals include water resistance, breathability, easy on-and-off, and lightweightness.
When it comes to any outdoor activity, including the beach, we highly recommend Teva®. Styles like the Teva Tirra include quick-dry webbed straps, which are Velcro-adjustable at several key points for a custom fit. A Nylon shank stabilizes your foot on uneven terrain such as sand, while a rubber outsole helps you grip the ground. It’s made for the beach and beyond!
Shop the Terra and all women’s Teva sandals in store and online at Stan’s Fit For Your Feet.
Best Men’s Sandals for Travel
Best Men’s Sandal for Hiking
Like women’s hiking sandals, men’s hiking sandals should feature traction, waterproofing, breathability, stability, and protection for your toes.
Keen’s Newport hiking sandal is made with all of that and more in mind. Here are its best features:
- A rubber toe protects your forefoot from scratches and stubbed toes.
- The multi-direction lug pattern plus razor siping prioritize traction.
- An EVA midsole provides support and stability.
- A lace-lock bungee system secures a comfortable fit.
If you’re hiking anywhere wet, try the Newport H2. In addition to the above, it has quick-dry lining and webbing.
Shop the men’s Keen Newport hiking sandal in store and online today.
Best Men’s Sandal for Walking
Cork footbeds are great for men and women alike, and Birkenstock delivers!
The men’s Birkenstock Arizona is the iconic sandal that molds itself to the contour of your foot. Apart from cork, other premium materials include soft leather and suede, which improve both the breathability and durability of the sandal. To cap it off, an EVA outsole is extra lightweight and well cushioned to smooth each step.
Another great option is the Birkenstock Milano, which adds a strap around the heel for a more customized and secure fit.
Shop men’s Birkenstock sandals in store and online.
Best Men’s Sandal for the Beach
When it comes to men’s beach sandals, you can’t go wrong with Hawaiian brand Olukai, which creates unique ocean lifestyle footwear that provides all-day support and cushioning.
Olukai’s Ohana sandal has water-resistant straps and a quick-drying lining, plus rubber outsole with lug designed for traction. Its smooth drop-in footbed and compression-molded EVA midsole create a pleasing anatomical fit.
The Ulele is a beach sandal that has the comfort of a sneaker, built for the beach from top to bottom. It’s water resistant and made to float, and Olukai’s patented Wet Grip Rubber® sole will keep you on your feet all day long.
Shop men’s Olukai beach sandals in store and online.
Celebrate National Flip Flop Day with a New Pair!
Flip flops are many people’s favorite summer sandals for their ease of wear, but they often have a bad reputation for being unsupportive, flimsy, or cheap. That’s why brands like Vionic and Archies are dedicated to making flip flops that aren’t only stylish and easy to slip on and off, but also support your feet.
All Vionic shoes are made with their signature VIO MOTION™ technology, which includes stability in the heel, support in the arch, cushioning at the toe, and flexibility throughout. Their flip flops are no exception!
Two of their most popular flip flops for women are the Dillon and the Bella. In addition to the above, both sandals have a shock-absorbing midsole that protects your joints and durable rubber outsoles for traction. Plus, they’ve received the APMA seal of acceptance, meaning that a team of podiatrists has agreed that these flip flops promote good foot health.
Archies is a new brand here at Stan’s, and we couldn’t be more excited to have their unisex arch-support flip flops in our summer lineup. A thick layer of support helps align your whole body while their specialized closed cell foam material molds to your feet for ultimate comfort.The strap is one piece with the footbed so you don’t have to worry about it popping out, and it perfectly blends tightness to secure your foot with flexibility for comfortable movement.
Shop Vionic flip flops for women and Archies flip flops for men and women in store and online today.
Where to Buy Sandals in Milwaukee
No matter your destination or style, Stan’s has a sandal for you! With hundreds of styles for men and women, there’s no better place to explore your options for best sandals for travel than our three locations in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Glendale, or online at stansfootwear.com
Stan’s is more than just a shoe store; it’s a place where every step matters and where your footwear journey begins. Stan’s curated collection of shoes offers high-quality styles from the most respected brands from around the world. Stan’s helps make your mark on the world. Stan’s promise is simple: you’ll find shoes you love and some you didn’t know you were looking for.
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