10 Best Minimalist Sandals To Keep Your Feet Comfortable All Day Long
Include these timeless pieces of sandals in your collection for comfort and style.
Eleonora Fiano is a seasoned fashion stylist with over 5 years of experience. Her impressive portfolio includes creating captivating fashion editorials both online and in print and collaborating with emerging brands and designers. She also attends masterclasses and webinars and keeps herself up-to-date with the latest trends in the worlds of fashion, art, cinema, and music.
Read full bio of Eleonora Fiano
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
Read full bio of Asmita De
Image: Shutterstock
While we all love our heels and sneakers, they do not offer much freedom of movement and are not good for our feet in the long run. The best minimalist sandals, on the other hand, are simple, timeless fashion items that look after the overall health of your feet. Even though we would like to hop onto each shoe trend, it gets impossible to keep pace with every trend being set regularly. Thankfully, classics are timeless and not affected by passing trends. The minimalist sandals are such timeless pieces of our wardrobes that go along with most of our ensembles. Go ahead and check them out for sustainable, minimalist fashion that is evergreen!
In This Article
What Are Minimalist Sandals?
Minimalist sandals offer an experience that is closest to being barefoot. They are usually sleek with zero-drop soles, that is, the soles that are the same thickness from toes to the heels. Minimalist sandals for wide feet allows your toes to splay out, keeping your feet in their natural position and not confined in a closed shoe. Ideal for everyday walking and running activities, minimalist sandals usually come in neutral colors that can be styled with a wide range of outfits. These statement footwear are also the go-to choice for travelers for comfortable strolls around new places. And since minimalist sandals are supposed to help your feet naturally adjust to the grooves of the ground, they do not come with heavy cushioning. However, if you’re wearing minimalist sandals for the first time, you can start with those that come with relatively thicker soles. Once you get used to these shoes, you can then switch to those with thin soles, and we guarantee that you’ll never want to go back to thick soles.
10 Best Minimalist Sandals Of 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide
1. Best Overall:Crocs Isabella T-Strap Women’s Sandal
- Synthetic outer material
- Slip-on closure
- Translucent straps
- 360° comfort
- Available in 5 colors
- The synthetic straps may be abrasive.
"The comfort and support these Crocs sandals provide are unparalleled. Perfect for an all-day wear, they strike a nice balance between dressy and casual."
2. Best Rubber Sole:Reef Cushion Slim Flip Flop
- Rubber sole
- Available in neutral colors
- Provides arch support
- Slim vegan leather straps
- Handmade
- The stitching on the straps may be abrasive.
"These sandals may look decent but are high-quality. I practically live in them and they're holding up well. They're extremely comfortable and well-constructed."
Stylecraze Trivia3. Best 100% Synthetic:Amazon Essentials Women’s Casual Thong With Ankle Strap
- Faux leather dip-dye upper
- Natural burnishing
- Minimalist heel
- Adjustable straps
- Strap may be tight for some
- Sizes may run small
"These sandals are stylish and versatile, pairing well with nearly any outfit. They're comfortable and great for short stints. The fit is true to size. Ideal for me as I'm fond of cute, affordable footwear."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,239 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
4. Best 100% Leather:FitFlop Women’s Tia Thong Open Toe Sandal
- Sleek design
- Lightweight
- Buckle strap closure
- Cushioned midsoles
- Arch support
- The elastic strap may stretch out with regular wear.
"These sandals were incredibly comfortable even after wearing them for 12 hours straight, a rarity in cute summer footwear. The minimalist style, quality leather, and supportive wedge platform impressed me."
5. Best Lightweight:Xero Shoes Jessie Lightweight Sandal
- Lightweight
- True to size
- Vegan friendly
- Eco-friendly
- Velcro closure
- The toe strap may not fit some.
"The sole of these sandals feels fantastic! It felt unusual at first to walk in them, but they turn out to be excellent water shoes. They not only look cute but are cozy as well."
6. Best Hiking Sandals:Luna OSO Flaco Minimal Trail Running Sandals – Winged Edition
- Durable Vibram megagrip
- Flexible
- 7mm thick sole
- Easy slide adjustment buckles
- Quick dry
- Slightly expensive
- Available only in black color
"I wanted minimalist sandals that double as water shoes and these were perfect. They gave me a fantastic ground-feel. The grip was solid even on wet surfaces, making my beach vacation enjoyable. The wing system made it easy to adjust, fitting snugly for walks and hikes."
Fun Fact7. Best For Walking:Calvin Klein Mikki Eva Sandal
Versatile and a sporty sandal, this minimalist footwear from Calvin Klein is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to add sustainable fashion to their summer wardrobe. These strappy sandals are designed with an asymmetric logo upper, these sandals have a classic sole made with EVA material that makes them durable, lightweight, and extremely comfortable to wear. With 1.18-inch heels, these sandals can be easily used for walking, running errands, or just a stroll around the park, as attested by multiple reviews. The globally iconic logo makes these sandals fashionable that goes with any casual outfit.
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Flexible
- Available in different designs with colorful straps
- May not be suitable in wet conditions
"Wore these sandals for one of my trips and was amazed at how well they complemented just about every outfit. The comfort was their standout feature."
8. Best Highly Flexible:Birkenstock Gizeh Essential Sandals
- Highly flexible
- Shock absorbent
- Ultra lightweight design
- Classic design
- Washable
- May not provide enough support to the feet
"The sandals provide great support. They fit nicely and have adjustable instep straps. The minimalist sole was a surprisingly good barrier for small rocks."
9. Best Comfort:Gentle Souls By Kenneth Cole T-Strap Sandals
- Soft on the feet
- Leather sole
- Durable
- Minimalist and versatile design
- May not be ideal in wet conditions
"The sandals look very fashionable and offer great comfort. Tried walking indoors and they felt padded without any bulk. Minimalist design incorporating soft, quality leather seemed versatile."
10. Best T-Strap Design:Ipanema Pearl II T-Strap Sandal
- T-strap design
- Super soft
- Flexible
- Sustainable material
- Adjustable strap
- Ideal for wet areas
- Available in only 3 colors
"These sandals are incredibly snug and fashionable and suit any outfit or occasion. I often catch myself walking several miles without any hint of discomfort. Their quick-drying feature is handy for a rainy or beach day."
When To Wear Minimalist Sandals?
Regularly wearing minimalist shoes enhances body posture and improves lower body strength and balance of our body as opposed to cushioned shoes. Minimalist sandals can be worn every day as a casual summer time shoe to keep your feet cool and healthy. Runners and hikers also enjoy wearing minimalist sandals as they are less restrictive and breathable. But avoid these sandals if you are hiking on rough terrains or running in hot wet and humid climates, desert, or a dense forest as these conditions require an extra layer of protection to keep your feet safe and secure. Ideal for summers, you can easily style minimalist sandals with all your casual daytime looks. While choosing a minimalist sandal, you must consider the following important features.
How To Choose A Minimalist Sandal?
- Sole material
From the strap to sole, these sandals are either made of leather, cotton canvas, or Vibram material. While leather sandals are durable, soft, and malleable, they are heavier and do not dry fast making them uncomfortable. Foot beds that are made with canvas are lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, making them durable. They are also more flexible than leather and have a soft texture. Vibram material is made from a blend of rubber and EVA. The soles made with this material are thin, lightweight, and comfortable. With excellent traction and abrasion-resistance properties, these are highly-durable and suitable for various terrains.
- Straps
Minimalist sandals are designed to give your feet maximum freedom. The straps of these sandals should safely secure your feet while being non-restrictive. Horizontal strap styles feature a thick strap that secures and tightens the feet and keeps it from sliding. A thong-style strap doesn’t restrict your feet with a strap and offers your toes to naturally spread out. Though comfortable, the thong-style sandals are more prone to slipping in wet conditions. Choose a style that is comfortable as per the conditions that you are planning to wear them in.
- Durability
As minimalist barefoot sandals are great to be worn every day, you would need the sandals, from its strap to its sole and its footbed, to be durable and well-made. Thicker nylon or leather straps are more flexible and wear and tear-resistant. Nylon is also resilient to sunlight and rain, making them highly durable. While rubber soles fare better in wet conditions, thicker soles such as leather or Vibram soles offer good traction and are resistant to abrasion.
- Fit
The goal of a minimalist sandal is to make the experience as close to being barefoot. Therefore, the fit of the sandal should be as close and comfortable as possible. There should not be any extra room at either end of the sandal so that the sandals do not slip or slack. Get a fit assessment done to know your shoe size and buy a pair accordingly. This will ensure utmost comfort.
- Lightweight
One of the reasons why people prefer to wear minimalist sandals is that they do not weigh down your treads. And when that is what it should be like, you need to ensure that your minimalist sandals are made from materials that make them a lightweight, comfortable wear. For this reason, it would be a good idea to avoid those made from natural materials like leather or heavy rubber.
The Bottom Line
Stilettos add glamor to your look and sneakers ensure proper grip and traction during physical activities. But none of these can beat the comfort provided by the best minimalist sandals. Their simple yet elegant designs keep the skin on your feet exposed and serve as the perfect choice for casual strolls or long walks along the beach. The Crocs Isabella T-Strap Women’s Sandal comes with thin straps that offer airy feel while the Amazon Essentials Women’s Casual Thong With Ankle Strap comes with elasticized back straps for custom fit and flexibility. The Birkenstock Gizeh Essential Sandals absorb shock and comes with sturdy straps. Eleonora Fiano, a fashion stylist, says, “Minimalist sandals are the most versatile spring-summer trend footwear on the market. Their simple, clean style makes it easy to pair them with different looks and in different wear situations. They can be paired with an everyday look, being comfortable and dynamic, but can also be allies for outdoor walks, if they are chosen with the right sole to give back and leg support. Flip-flops or with single double buckles, the models are varied and the most classic ones can also be combined with evening looks, giving a chic touch, but without sacrificing comfort.” The products mentioned in our list are available in multiple colors to choose from. They are made with a durable and flexible material that keeps your feet cozy. Most of these shoes have adjustable straps, making them easy to put on and take off. Their cushioned midsoles offer proper support. However, you should steer clear of sandals that are not suitable for wet terrain. If you experience foot pain after wearing any of the listed pair of sandals, discontinue using them and consult a podiatrist immediately.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Priyam Gupta, is a fashion enthusiast. She believes that the best minimalist sandals are simple and timeless and look after the overall health of your feet. According to her, you can pair a minimalist sandal with any outfit of your choice. The ones mentioned in the list have been carefully reviewed by her so that her readers can make the best pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are minimalist sandals good for your feet?
Yes, minimalist sandals, when regularly used, improve lower body strength, improve agility and flexibility of the foot, and work up the core strength and bone density of your body. These sandals are known to enhance posture as they are as close as walking barefoot which is how nature intended us to walk.
Are flip flops considered minimalist footwear?
Flip flops with zero-drop soles are great for your feet and can be considered as minimalist. However, there is no attachment around the heel that makes you clench your feet every time to hold on to the straps. This makes them uncomfortable and unhealthy in the long run.
Who should not wear minimalist sandals?
Avoid wearing minimalist sandals if you are overweight or have underlying pathological conditions. Minimalist shoes encourage the forefoot or midfoot gait, straining the Achilles tendon, and increasing the chances of injury.
Can people with flat feet wear minimalist sandals?
Yes. If you do not suffer from pain, dysfunction, or discomfort, adults with flat feet can wear minimalist sandals.
Read full bio of Eleonora Fiano
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Asmita De
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.