We're Fashion Editors in NYC—These Are the Only Sandals That Survive Our Daily Commutes

If there's one thing New York City has taught us (especially as people who work in fashion), it's that our shoes have to keep up. Between sprinting for trains, dodging slow walkers, and logging thousands of steps to attend press previews without even trying, we've officially become connoisseurs of footwear that goes the distance—without compromising on style. And yes, on a hot summer's day, that includes sandals.

Now, we usually opt for ballet flats or loafers in the summer to avoid the disgusting city streets, but sometimes, it's just too hot for that, and the sandals come out to play. We don't know an editor who doesn't own a pair that's built for walking. We've each spent years testing every pair of shoes that has come through our closets and have narrowed it down to the MVPs that actually survive a New Yorker's commute, from functional styles like Birkenstocks to the kitten heels you can't believe you just walked 10,000 steps in. Whether you're running to an early meeting or squeezing in an impromptu happy hour, these are the sandals that look good, feel great, and can handle a full day on the move. We will be bookmarking this story for our upcoming vacations. See the results below.

Our Top 5 Walking Sandals

• Best Fashionable Walking Sandals: Hermès Oran Sandals ($900)
• Best Everyday Walking Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Suede Slides ($154)
• Best Closed-Toe Walking Sandals: Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandals ($79)
• Best Athletic Walking Sandals: Teva Terra Fi Lite Hiking Sandals ($100)
• Best Splurge-Worthy Walking Sandals: Jil Sander Leather Sandals ($790)

Editors' Picks

"I own the Hermès Oran Sandals in multiple colorways, including black and gold. The H-shaped sandals are finished in smooth leather with the fashion house's iconic stitch details, and their simplicity makes them a versatile piece for the spring and summer months. They're one of the few pairs of sandals I own that hit the sidewalks in NYC, and they're also a mainstay for summer holidays." — Kristen Nichols

Shop Kristen's pick:

"I first wore these Inez Gia Sandals nonstop during a solo trip to Greece and Paris and have relied on them ever since. For a pair of shoes that has a heel, you'd never know they weren't sneakers, making them surprisingly comfortable for all-day walking. The simple design goes with literally everything—from linen pants at the market to a dress at dinner. I'm already planning to bring them everywhere in Europe this summer." — Sierra Mayhew

Shop Sierra's pick:

"If you're curious, these are the sandals I wear daily throughout summer in New York City. The delicate straps over the foot and around the ankle and the pointed toe give them an elegant look and feel. I appreciate how the straps gently rest on my foot, preventing rubbing and blisters when I walk my usual 10,000 steps. Additionally, their simple yet chic design makes them versatile enough to wear with jeans, dresses, and skirts. Not to mention, I always receive compliments on them wherever I go." — Nikki Chwatt

Shop Nikki's pick:

"While scrolling through the Revolve sale section, I came across these discounted Black Suede Studio mules. They might not be the most traditional summer sandals, but since they arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, I've been wearing them nonstop. The kitten heel is the perfect height to wear with a pair of satin trousers or a midi-length skirt. I love the two-tone satin vamp strap. They're the minimalist mules of my dreams." —Josephine Hadjiloucas

Shop Josephine's pick:

"There's a reason why my A.Emery Kinto sandals have been in about 90% of my outfits this summer. The minimalist flip-flops feature a square toe and leather finish that looks so elevated with everything from relaxed jeans to airy dresses. Not to mention, they're some of the most comfortable sandals I own. Hailey Bieber has been wearing hers on repeat, too, which is only validating my obsession with them." — Anna LaPlaca

Shop Anna's pick:

"Vince shoes are wildly comfortable. I wear the loafers and sneakers all the time. The sandals also get an A+. Flip-flops can be tough because they're often uncomfortable, but these stunners are great." — Bobby Schuessler

Shop Bobby's pick:

"While I don't live in NYC anymore, I visit quite a bit, and during the summer months, packing a pair of comfortable sandals is necessary. The sandals that I pack time and again are the Staud Brigitte Mules. I've never gotten a single blister from them, and the heel height makes them perfect for night or day. They also go with literally everything." — Allyson Payer

Shop Allyson's pick:

"I live and die by my Arizona Birkenstocks! They're incredibly comfortable and practical and give my outfits a cool look. I own them in white, black, and taupe and have my eyes on the cream colorway for my next purchase. I couldn't live without them!" — Judith Jones

Shop Judith's pick:

"I bought the Worishofer 251 Sandals in black after they caught my eye in a random photo of Lily-Rose Depp. On day one of wearing them, I was nervous they'd never break in, but I couldn't have been more wrong. When I last visited L.A., I forgot to pack good walking shoes, and these became my go-to. I even walked up and down Silver Lake's steep hills in them, if that's any indication. They have an under-two-inch cork wedge bottom, are incredibly comfortable while still looking cute, and have become one of my most-worn shoes this summer." — Audry Hiaoui

Shop Audry's pick:

"I live in these effortless, fashion person–approved slide sandals in the warmer weather. They aren't fancy, but they are super practical and versatile since they are comfy and easy to clean and can be worn with a variety of looks. The $50 price tag is also a major plus." — Jennifer Camp Forbes

Shop Jennifer's pick:

Shop More Walking-Sandal Picks

What should I be looking for in walking sandals?

We like to think of good walking sandals as the friend who's always down for an impromptu city stroll but won't make you regret your outfit choice. You want cushioning (because the concrete is not your friend), solid arch support, and adjustable straps so you're not dealing with blisters halfway through the day. If they make your feet feel like they're getting a gentle hug and still look cute with a dress, you've found the one. You should never have to sacrifice your personal style preferences for comfort.

What materials are best for walking sandals?

If you know you're going to be on your feet all day, we advise against wearing a new pair of shoes. Go for the style you've already broken in, and the first time you wear your walking sandals, let it be for a quick coffee run. Or just buy a preloved pair.

Leather is our go-to because it looks chic and breaks in beautifully. We've found lambskin and 100% leather styles to be a bit softer than certain faux-leather options. Yes, they're vegan, but do they really work? If we're going to be doing serious walking, we might go for controversial jelly sandals or neoprene. All in all, the goal is something breathable, low-maintenance, and soft enough that you don't end the day in Band-Aids.

How We Picked the Best Walking Sandals

As NYC-based Who What Wear editors, we spend a lot of time trekking around the city, and shoes that allow us to do that are of the utmost importance. For this list, we looked into our own wardrobes and recommended the sandals we always choose when we know we'll be logging several miles on the city streets. Our personal experience with these sandals—and the fact that they didn't give us blisters—gives us the confidence to back up our recommendations.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.