When the weather turns warm, many people swap their walking shoes for a pair of sandals. Not every sandal is designed for long walks. Thin slip-on flip-flops may work for short outings and also may be budget friendly, but they rarely provide the support, cushioning, or durability needed for long days on your feet.
The best walking sandals combine comfort, structure, and stability. They should support a range of foot shapes, provide a secure fit, and protect your feet during long walks, travel, or everyday casual wear. This was Blundstone’s goal with the new Aerocork Sandal Series including classic colors such as Rustic Brown #2694, Sand #2699 and Rustic Black #2693.
Whether you are exploring a city, heading out on a trail, or just walking more during summer, choosing the right pair of sandals is important for comfort and to avoid rubbing or blisters on your feet.
Here we explain what makes a great walking sandal and how to choose the right pair.
Types of Sandals
Not every sandal style is built for distance. Some prioritize fashion, while others are designed for comfort and durability. Common sandal types include:
Sport sandals
Sport sandals are built with walking and outdoor use in mind. They often include adjustable straps, a supportive footbed, and a rubber outsole that provides traction. These sandals are often used for light hiking, sightseeing, and long travel days. Blundstone sandals fit into this criteria with the Aerocork sole as well as adjustable straps on the top.
Hiking sandals
Hiking sandals are similar to sport sandals but often include additional features such thicker midsoles, back strap options and stronger webbing straps. Many hikers use them for warm-weather trails or backpacking trips where breathability and quick-drying materials matter.
Strappy everyday sandals
Strappy designs offer versatility and can work for casual wear while still providing support for long walks which is where our Aerocork range fits well. A well-designed pair with a cushioned insole and supportive heel cup can be surprisingly comfortable and our Aerocork sole aims to give you exactly that.
Minimalist sandals
Minimalist sandals use thin soles and simple straps. While lightweight and packable, they generally offer limited cushioning and arch support. They may suit people who prefer a barefoot feel, but they are not always the best choice for long days of walking. Often these types of sandals excel on the beach, where they are easy to put on, take off, are water resistant and are cheap enough not to worry about. That said, Blundstone’s men’s and women’s sandals are a good fit for those that need more support in their step. Made with premium water resistant leather and a sole out of recycled cork and PU.
What to Look for in the Best Walking Sandals
The most comfortable sandals share several important design features. Paying attention to these elements can help you avoid foot pain, blisters, or tired feet when you’re standing or walking all day long.
Arch Support
Good arch support helps distribute weight evenly across the foot. Without it, the foot can collapse inward during long walks, which may lead to foot pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis over time. Speak to a podiatrist if you have a history of problems with your feet and you need help picking appropriate footwear.
People with flat feet or high arches should pay particular attention to this. A supportive footbed such as our sandals, which were designed with ergonomic shaping can help make walking far more comfortable.
Cushioning and Midsole Support
The midsole is the layer between the insole and the rubber outsole. It provides cushioning and shock absorption. Quality cushioning is important is a walking sandal as some sandals have no cushioning to protect the feet. For long walks, this type of cushioning helps reduce fatigue during extended outings.
Secure Fit and Adjustable Straps
Adjustability is key for achieving the perfect fit. Sandals with adjustable straps or a buckle allow you to fine-tune the fit across the instep, forefoot, or heel. You are better off with buckle straps rather than cheaper velcro straps if you’re looking for a sandal with good longevity.
This matters because feet can swell slightly during long walks. Having adjustability helps prevent rubbing, pressure points, and blisters.
A secure fit also keeps the foot stable during movement. The right pair should hold your foot comfortably in place without feeling tight. If you’re going for a long walk then you need a comfy sandal that will do the job effectively.
Footbed Comfort
A good footbed molds to the shape of the foot over time and are great for different foot shapes and provide better long-term comfort. Look for features such as a heel cup for stability and a contoured toe box that allows the toes to move naturally. Blundstone’s sandals feature a memory-molded footbed that provide long term fit.
Breathability and Materials
Warm weather means breathability matters. Sandals made with breathable materials help reduce moisture and friction that can cause blisters. Though due to the nature of the design of sandals, most are very breathable. If you do suffer with this issue then you should avoid plastic sandals and those that enclose the foot too much.
Blundstone’s water-resistant leather and quick-drying materials are also useful for travel or outdoor activities where conditions may change.
High-quality sandals should last through seasons of use. Durable stitching, sturdy straps, and a well-built rubber outsole help ensure the sandal holds up to long walks and daily wear.
Durability is especially important if you plan to use the sandals for hiking, travel, or frequent walking.
How to Choose the Right Fit
Even the most comfortable sandals will not perform well if they do not fit properly. Fit affects stability, comfort, and how well the sandal supports your foot during movement.
Your toes should sit comfortably within the front of the sandal without hanging over the edge. A slightly wider toe box can be helpful for people with wide feet - we recommend sizing up accordingly if this is needed.
The straps across the instep should feel secure but not tight. If the sandal includes adjustable straps or a buckle, use them to create a balanced fit across the forefoot.
The heel should rest naturally within the heel cup or rear section of the footbed. Your foot should not slide excessively when walking.
People with high arches, flat feet, or wider foot shapes may need additional adjustability or support. Trying different strap positions can often improve the fit.
Even high-quality sandals sometimes require a short breaking-in period. Wearing them for shorter walks at first can help the footbed adapt to your foot.
Walking Sandals vs Walking Shoes
Walking shoes remain the best option for colder weather or rugged terrain. However, sandals offer advantages in warmer conditions. For instance we’d recommend more rugged boots if you’re going to be exploring the Amazon rainforest but for country walks on paths, trails and solid ground sandals can be a great option.
Sandals are more breathable than closed-toe footwear, helping keep feet cooler during long days. They are also lightweight and often packable, which makes them useful for travel. Some people even alternate between a hiking shoe and a pair of sandals during long trips or backpacking journeys.
The key difference is support. While sandals can provide strong support, they typically expose more of the foot. Choosing a high-quality design with proper cushioning and arch support helps bridge this gap.
Blundstone Heritage Meets Summer Comfort
Blundstone has built a global reputation around durable footwear, particularly around our iconic chelsea boots. Known for craftsmanship and long-lasting materials, we focus on building footwear that performs well in real-world conditions: from hard wearing work boots to dressier boots for the boardroom.
Now that same approach is being applied to warm-weather footwear like our new men and women’s sandal range.
Blundstone’s Aerocork sandal brings together several features designed for comfort and durability during long walks. The sandal uses premium water-resistant leather combined with a lightweight midsole made from recycled cork and PU. This construction helps provide cushioning while keeping the sandal lightweight.
Other comfort features include:
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A memory-molded comfy footbed that adapts to different foot shapes
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An antibacterial microfiber topliner that helps keep feet fresh
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Adjustable straps with a buckle for improved fit and adjustability
The design balances everyday versatility with practical comfort. It works well for casual wear, travel, and relaxed summer outings where comfort matters just as much as style. Due to their design you can even wear them in situations where you need something a littler dressier than a sport sandal.
Finding the Right Pair of Walking Sandals
The best walking sandals support your feet while remaining comfortable for long periods of time. Features such as arch support, cushioning, a stable footbed, and adjustable straps all contribute to a better walking experience.
A good pair should feel secure, breathable, and supportive. Whether you are exploring a city, traveling, or simply spending more time outdoors, Blundstone Aerocork comfortable sandal range can help keep your feet happy throughout the day.