I bought (and returned) tons of sandals to find the best ones

These 10 topped the list

For weeks, sandals took over my office

I've read dozens of sandal roundups this summer, desperate for recommendations worthy of replacing the scuffed-up, blister-producing ones I've held on to for way longer than is appropriate. But most of what I’ve seen are too fashion girl or the opposite spectrum, with options better suited for camping or wading through bodies of water.

I decided to buy an obscene amount of sandals that would work for a wedding, date night, or hoofing it around town when you want to look put together while wearing nothing more than a breezy linen dress. Most didn’t work out, but below is the list of my 10 favorites.

Kinto Leather Sandal: A. Emery ($143) 

The Good: A straightforward, sophisticated take on a leather flip-flop and a far cry from the rubber variety I wear after a pedicure (this TikTok was particularly relevant). With minimal detailing and zero breaking-in time, this is ‘90s minimalism at its best. Note: If you’re looking for a heeled version, I own these, which are remarkably comfortable (and $60).

Comfort rating (1-10): 9

Sizing: TTS (if between sizes, go up).

Grommeted Asymmetrical Toe Ring Sandals: Aerosoles ($79.99)

The Good: These were a last-minute add (hence the shot of me in my nightgown) and a complete sleeper hit. They’re the comfiest sandals of the dozens I tried on and while I normally don’t like faux leather, they look and feel high-end in an old-school Chloé way and require zero breaking in time.

Comfort rating (1-10): 10

Sizing: TTS

Leather Flat Sandals: Soeur (on sale for $264)

The Good: If I could design my quintessential sandal, this would be it. The chocolate brown looks luxe (and is less predictable than black), and I love the simple twist knot at the toe and the braided detailing at the back. They’ll be such a good addition to my summer wardrobe, filled with white and cream-colored neutrals. 

Worth noting: The flaps on the sides (for lack of a better description) don’t rub, but you do notice them while walking. It wasn’t enough to dissuade me from keeping them, though, and I got two compliments from strangers at lunch the first time I wore them out.

Comfort rating (1-10): 7.5

Sizing: TTS

Anca Sandal Heels: Intentionally Blank ($189)

The Good: A cool, architectural sandal with asymmetric straps and a remarkably padded footbed (the exact spot you want extra cushioning after a long night). At 1 ¾”, they’re a great height for a slight lift but still comfortable enough to wear casually.

Worth Noting: There’s no way to adjust the back strap, which wasn’t a problem for me as it didn’t slip down or cut into my ankle, but it could be an issue if you have particularly narrow feet.

Comfort rating (1-10): 8.5

Sizing: TTS

The Bali Tailor Sandal: DISSH ($229)

The Good: Only one pair of sandals I already owned made the “Highly Recommended” list. I bought these for a trip to Paris last summer and clocked an average of 15k steps a day with zero issues. They’re on the chunky side, helpful if you’re actually looking to walk considerable distances, and have adjustable straps that lie flat against your foot. They work just as well balancing flimsy dresses as they do when worn with short sets and linen pants. 11/10 recommend.

Comfort rating (1-10): 9.5

Sizing: TTS

Alayta Square Toe Naked Sandal: Kaanas ($149)

The Good: My search for a perfect, whisper-thin sandal began when I saw a girl wearing a pair in Mexico City with a long, flowy dress. It looked so effortless and cool, and these are as close to those I’ve found—simple, straightforward, and incredibly walkable for such a flat sandal. 

Worth Noting: In an ideal world, the footbed would be black rather than tan, but it doesn’t bother me that much. They’re perfect to throw on if you’re walking to dinner a short(ish) distance away.

Comfort rating (1-10): 7

Sizing: TTS (if between sizes, go up).

Corsica Sandal: Doen ($268)

The Good: This is the prettiest suede sandal and is reminiscent of things my mom wore in the ‘70s. I often avoid too many straps because I find them uncomfortable and unflattering, but the highest knot hits on the top of the foot instead of at the ankle, which makes all the difference. 

Worth Noting: Depending on the shape of your foot, you might have a rogue toe situation based on the placement of the straps.

Comfort rating (1-10): 8

Sizing: TTS

Geo Ring Sandals: Rag & Bone ($258)

The Good: Toe rings haven’t worked their way back into my jewelry repertoire the way anklets have, but I make an exception when it comes to sandals. I tried on four other pairs to see if they were tolerable (spoiler: they weren’t), but these were comfortable and quite sleek on the foot. Note: they also come in black, which I might like even more.

Comfort rating (1-10): 8.5

Sizing: TTS

Lara Strappy Sandals: Loeffler Randall ($275)

The Good: I like the contrast stitching, silver ball detail, and asymmetric style. They look dressy without trying too hard, which makes them good for a wedding or an event where you want the comfort of a flat but the formality of a heel.

Worth Noting: They don’t offer much support, as they’re so flat. While they’re cute, if they didn't have the silver detail, they’d look like the other pairs (which begs the question: do shoe charms exist?). 

Comfort rating (1-10): 6.5

Sizing: TTS

Laurie Sandals: Emme Parsons ($415)

The Good: Everything about this sandal feels high-end. They’re comfortable (which is saying a lot for a sandal with a metal ring that wraps around a toe), and I like that the straps don’t go around the ankle, leaving less opportunity for blisters. 

Comfort rating (1-10): 8

Sizing: Go up a full-size (I’m normally an 8, and the 39 fits perfectly)

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