Style-wise, you’ll probably either love them or hate them and they may not be the thing you’re after for a chic city break (although, let’s face it, your tired trotters would probably thank you). It’s likely that, if you are a global traveller, you have first hand seen the effects that the over-purchasing of fashion goods (including footwear) have had while on your travels. From factories in Bangladesh and Myanmar employing people in awful conditions, to the pollution of rivers and waterways with plastic and other unrecyclables, it can look bleak. Trust us: we are speaking from experience. Sandals that haven’t been designed with any sort of travel (maybe not even WALKING!) in mind frequently grace the shelves of high street brands and online stores, and seem to be more about style than substance. The sole of the Nalukai sandals, where your foot sits, basically, is contoured to fit your foot for lasting comfort and support as you walk around your new surroundings. Something else that helps with comfort is the wide strap, helping your feet feel snug, while the nylon toe post is designed for all day comfort.

For something more suited to adventure, however, something like the Teva Terra Fi 5 Sandals (another Teva – we know!) would work really well. Inside, the foot bed is much more contoured to the shape of the foot, meaning the amount of support provided is much higher here. On the topsole itself there is even some grip to ensure that your foot doesn’t slide around on top. Sliders and slip-ons are perfect for use on the beach or around the pool, and footbed sandals add the comfort and support you need to enjoy long days spent taking in the sights. They may rub, cause your feet to ache, or slip out of the straps – we’ve all been there and had an uncomfortable pair of shoes. It can totally ruin your trip, let alone your day.Ok, so these travel sandals may not look all that special, but the simple, sleek and minimal design of this offering from Rainbow Sandals is actually constructed out of top grade materials to provide ultimate comfort and durability. Arriving from Chaco, the Z/Cloud Sandals really are some of the best out there. In fact, they are exactly what they sound like: they feel like clouds on your feet, they’re that comfortable! Our aim is to help you find the best travel sandal for you – whether you want to go hiking, spend hours walking around towns and cities, or simply chill by the beach. So we made sure to include a whole load of curated choices on our list, as well as a handy guide to help you truly decide what will be the best options for you. These are the kinds of shoes that will become your go-to for all sorts of activities, whether it be tracing or fishing. Available in a selection of stylish colorways, these sliders have a rugged rubber sole that is resistant to splitting, and the lug design helps to ensure better traction, even in wet conditions.

Made for casual comfort (as the name implies!), the foot beds of the Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-flops feel like pillows, but are made from real yoga mats. Your foot will feel like it’s perpetually treading on matting as you explore a new place, which sounds pretty great to us. Comfort, therefore, should be one of the top things that you consider when thinking about buying a new pair of travel sandals. Basically like a hiking boot, but in a snazzy and streamlined sandal format, this KEEN Footwear offering will provide versatility and comfort… all whilst protecting your feet from the strains of walking, from the elements, and (most importantly) allowing them to breathe.

8. Best sandals for wide feet: Birkenstocks Gizeh Sandals

Another top feature of these awesome sandals is that they are made with leather-like vegan straps. That’s right: these babies are vegan friendly! As for comfort, they’re probably going to be some of the most comfortable sandals you’ve ever worn. I have also had a pair of these for a few years and they are an awesome basic flip-flop.

But there is a surprising amount of choice out there in terms of sandals. From all sorts of different styles – flip-flops, watersport sandals and more – to the different levels of quality that can be found, there is a lot to think about. Though they are not exactly designed for rugged terrain or excessive hiking in the wilderness, the textured traction on the sole means that you do still have a decent level of grip as you get to grips with the town, city, village, or general terrain that you happen to be exploring. There is, however, still a subtle heel cup, so that your heel is kept in place and won’t slide around. Established in 1959, the Hotter brand was born out of the realisation that comfort and style didn’t tend to come together in footwear. Since then, the company has worked to design and produce quality footwear on a global scale to provide you with a wide range of options. And, as they only use the finest, softest materials, you can be sure your feet will be comforted and cushioned all day long.Travel sandals don’t always have to be expensive. In fact, they can be pretty budget-friendly AND remain good quality, too. Enter the Sanuk Beer Cozy 2 Flip-flops, our choice for the best cheap travel sandals of the year. Then there are the more strappy, urban-type sandals, some of which are good for hiking, others of which it seems the straps are good for support, but maybe not for rugged terrain. One of the most important aspects for your travel wardrobe has got to be the humble travel sandal. Your sandals will be your best friends throughout your travel adventures, seeing you through hikes, beach parties, urban explorations as well as markets, trains and buses. Much like the men’s (unbraided) version, these are obviously made from full-grain leather and feel soft and supple, as well as sturdy on your feet. Even the top sole is leather clad for ultra softness on the soles of your feet.

Also coming in a women’s equivalent, Teva once again come onto our list of the top travel sandals out there because, well, they’re damn cool. These top travel sandals are pretty versatile, which is one of our favorite things about them. The OluKai Upena offerings easily take you from exploring a new town, to night time in a bar, without too much worry that you’re going to look out of place in either setting. The polyester jacquard webbing upper runs through the midsole of the shoe and can be easily adjusted to offer a customized fit. With adjustable and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers, you can also rest assured that these sandals will fit the size and shape of your foot perfectly. Bottom Line: If you are just going on vacation to catch a few rays and spend your evenings on the dance floor, comfort and good looks will be your most pressing concerns, and there are lots of super trendy sandals out there. The Best Travel Sandals for Men

12. Best lightweight sandals for women: Hotter Tourist 2 Sandals

Another offering on our list from KEEN Footwear, the Men’s SOLR Toe Post sandals are consciously created: they are made from recycled, water resistant PET plastic. Plastic water bottles for water and soft drinks that normally go to waste are being reused in this top travel sandal, which is pretty awesome. Featuring an EVA top sole with Microban zinc coating, these sandals will stay odor-free for longer, and the traction outsole with water-channeling lugs ensures that they keep you stable, even around the water. So it goes without saying that a pair of grubby old shoes can really make a difference not just to how you look, but how you feel in a certain situation. For the more extreme, and for those who like to push it further, there are the open-type hiking sandals; the sort which are based on hiking boots, but which have many open slits and panels for breathability. These may not be “stylish” but the type of sandal they perfectly suit the intended use, that’s for sure.