9 Best Travel Sandals of 2026

Effortless transition from surf to sidewalk—that’s where the Reef Water Vista shines. Built with a flexible water-friendly upper and an adjustable strap system, these sandals deliver a snug, customizable fit that stays put whether you’re hopping off a paddleboard or strolling through a coastal town. The real magic lies in the dual-density EVA footbed, which offers a satisfyingly springy rebound and all-day cushioning, making them ideal for travelers who refuse to compromise comfort between beach lounging and urban exploring.

In real-world testing across cobblestone streets, sandy trails, and humid boardwalks, the Water Vista proved remarkably resilient. The compression-molded EVA outsole handled wet and dry surfaces with equal ease, showing no signs of early wear even after weeks of mixed use. While not designed for rugged hiking, they perform admirably on light walks and extended standing—perfect for island-hopping or festival weekends. However, the thin strap over the forefoot may press slightly for wide feet during prolonged wear.

Compared to the Teva Hurricane Drift, the Water Vista trades some water-ready durability for a sleeker, more street-smart aesthetic. Where Teva leans into sporty utility, Reef nails the beach-to-bar versatility with a minimalist design that pairs well with jeans or swimwear. They’re not the most supportive for long-distance walking, but for travelers who value style, comfort, and seamless transitions, these are a standout. They offer more refined daily wear appeal than basic flip-flops, without sacrificing the quick-dry, easy-clean benefits essential for travel.

Packability meets practicality in the Kattmas Foldable Flip-Flop—a true game-changer for minimalist travelers. These slippers are ultra-compact, folding nearly flat to slip into a suitcase or daypack with zero bulk, making them a top-tier space-saver for backpackers, cruise-goers, or gym commuters. Crafted from high-quality EVA, they offer a surprising level of softness and bounce underfoot, far exceeding typical hotel or rental sandals in both comfort and durability.

During testing—from hostel showers to pool decks and campsite paths—the Kattmas delivered reliable non-slip traction on wet tiles and smooth surfaces, thanks to their textured EVA sole. The quick-dry material shed moisture in minutes, preventing that clammy, soggy feeling common with cheaper slippers. While they’re not built for long walks or rugged terrain, they’re more than capable for short jaunts, bathroom trips, or beachside lounging. That said, the strap design lacks adjustability, which can lead to a loose fit for narrow heels.

When stacked against the Rosoz foldable model, the Kattmas holds its own with a smoother finish and slightly better footbed contouring, offering a more premium feel at a mid-range price. They’re not as cushioned as Reef or Teva options, but they’re never meant to be. For travelers who need one dependable, packable pair that transitions from shower to sand to hostel floor, these are a no-brainer. They outperform basic dorm slippers in durability while costing less than half of most branded travel sandals, making them a smart pick for practicality-first packers.

Born for adventure and built to endure, the Teva Women’s Hurricane Drift is a water-ready warrior with surprising street smarts. Its full injection-molded EVA construction delivers a featherlight feel while maintaining structural integrity, making it ideal for everything from kayaking to festival grounds. The hook-and-loop closure is a standout—secure, easy to adjust, and stays locked even in fast-moving water or muddy terrain—solving the age-old flip-flop flyaway problem.

Real-world testing showed exceptional performance in wet environments: the Hurricane Drift handled river crossings, sandy dunes, and rain-slicked trails with confidence. The smooth EVA footbed offers moderate cushioning, though it lacks deep arch support, making it best for moderate walking rather than all-day city touring. The vegan materials are a bonus for eco-conscious travelers, and the sandal dries in under 20 minutes. Still, the minimal heel cup can cause slippage during quick turns on dry pavement.

Compared to the Reef Water Vista, the Hurricane Drift is more rugged and water-focused, trading some style for serious function. While Reef wins for urban aesthetics, Teva dominates in wet traction and secure fit. It’s less versatile as a street sandal but excels where water, mud, or activity level is high. For travelers who prioritize durability, security, and water readiness over fashion, the Hurricane Drift is a smarter investment than lightweight flip-flops, offering performance closer to water shoes at a fraction of the weight.

Style meets substance in the Crocs Women’s Serena Sandals—a rare fusion of feminine design and Croslite comfort that defies the ‘ugly sandal’ stereotype. These aren’t just pool slides; the elegant Matlite straps offer a polished look that pairs effortlessly with sundresses or denim, making them a versatile travel staple for warm-weather getaways. Underfoot, the Croslite foam delivers that signature plush, odor-resistant cushioning, ideal for all-day wear whether you’re exploring markets or sipping cocktails seaside.

In real-world use, the Serena proved easy to clean and quick to dry, surviving beach sand, splashed cocktails, and sudden rain with zero fuss. The roomier toe box reduces pressure on toes—a win for swelling during travel—while the flexible straps stay secure without pinching. However, the lack of heel anchoring means they can slip off during brisk walking or uphill climbs. They’re best suited for low-impact days, not hiking or long city treks.

Against the Adidas Adilette, the Serena offers more style and foot coverage while sacrificing some quick-dry efficiency. The Adidas wins for dorm or gym use, but the Serena shines as a fashion-forward travel sandal that doesn’t compromise on comfort. For travelers who want to look put-together without sacrificing Crocs’ legendary ease, these are a standout. They deliver more personality and versatility than basic slides, making them a smarter pick for those who value lightweight comfort with a touch of elegance.

Budget doesn’t mean basic—the Rosoz Flip Flops punch far above their price with impressive portability and no-fuss function. These are ultra-lightweight and foldable, collapsing into a pocket-sized bundle that’s perfect for tossing into a carry-on or backpack. Made from durable EVA, they resist cracking and maintain shape even after repeated folding, a rare feat at this price point. The non-slip soles deliver solid grip on wet tiles and pool decks, making them a reliable choice for hostels, gyms, or beach rentals.

In testing, the Rosoz proved surprisingly comfortable for short-term wear—ideal for shower runs, quick errands, or beach access. The quick-drying material sheds water efficiently, staying fresh-smelling with minimal maintenance. While they lack arch support and deep cushioning, they outperform most hotel-provided slippers in both durability and fit. The unisex design fits a wide range of foot shapes, though the strap can feel stiff at first and may require a short break-in period.

Stacked against the Kattmas foldable model, the Rosoz offers similar portability at a fraction of the cost, though with slightly less refined ergonomics. They’re not built for long walks or rugged use, but for travelers who need affordable, disposable-level durability with real function, they’re unbeatable. If you want a no-risk backup pair that won’t break the bank, these deliver far more value than their price suggests—especially for last-minute trips or shared family use.

Campus-ready comfort meets festival-ready function in the adidas Adilette Shower Slide—a no-nonsense essential for travelers who value speed and simplicity. The Cloudfoam footbed is the star here, delivering plush, step-in softness that feels luxurious right out of the box, perfect for sore feet after a long flight or festival day. Paired with a quick-dry textile upper, these slides transition seamlessly from dorm showers to outdoor lounging without staying damp or developing odors.

In real-world use, the Adilette proved ideal for short-distance mobility—think hostel corridors, gym locker rooms, or poolside lounging. The slip-on design makes them effortless to wear, and the lightweight EVA sole offers decent cushioning for casual wear. However, they lack lateral support and aren’t suited for walking on uneven terrain. The flat footbed also means minimal arch support, which can lead to fatigue over time.

Compared to the Crocs Serena, the Adilette is more utilitarian and less stylish, but wins in quick-dry efficiency and footbed softness. It’s not meant to be a fashion piece, but a functional workhorse for high-moisture environments. For travelers prioritizing hygiene, ease, and fast drying over aesthetics or long-term support, these are a smarter pick than bulkier sandals. They offer better comfort than basic flip-flops and outperform most dorm-issue slides, making them a high-value staple for low-impact, high-moisture travel scenarios.

Foot pain? Not on this trip. The Athlefit Orthopedic Sandals are a game-changer for travelers with plantar fasciitis or flat feet, combining medical-grade support with everyday style. The T-strap design and adjustable buckle ensure a locked-in fit, while the bubble-massage insole delivers subtle relief with every step—like a mini foot spa on the go. Built with PU upper and TPR outsole, these sandals offer superior grip and durability, making them reliable for walking tours or city strolls.

In real-world testing, the arch support system made a noticeable difference during extended walking, reducing fatigue and heel pain significantly. The soft toe post minimized friction, a rare win for thong sandals, and the anti-slip sole handled wet tiles and slick pavement confidently. While they’re not as lightweight as EVA models, the structured build adds stability that flimsier sandals lack. That said, the bulkier profile makes them less packable and less ideal for beach-only use.

Versus the KEEN Elle Backstrap, the Athlefit offers deeper arch support at a lower price, though with less refined aesthetics. KEEN wins for wide feet and premium materials, but Athlefit dominates in targeted foot therapy. For travelers who need all-day walking comfort without sacrificing style, these are a top contender. They deliver orthopedic benefits without looking clinical, outperforming most sandals in pain prevention while remaining versatile enough for casual outings.

Wide feet, rejoice—KEEN’s Elle Backstrap is engineered for comfort without compromise. Built on a women-specific foot form, it offers a generous forefoot and instep width, solving the squeeze that plagues so many sandals. The wider recycled PET strap provides exceptional ankle support while remaining soft and easy to slip on, a rare balance of security and comfort. Underfoot, the dual-density cushioning absorbs impact beautifully, making these ideal for travelers who spend hours on their feet.

In real-world use, the jute-infused rubber outsole delivered high-traction grip on both wet and dry surfaces, leaving no marks on indoor floors—a major plus for hotels or rental homes. The platform wedge adds subtle height without sacrificing stability, and the open-toe design keeps feet cool in hot climates. While the premium materials justify the higher cost, the sandal is less packable due to its structured build. Still, it’s a standout for durability and support.

Compared to the Athlefit orthopedic model, the KEEN Elle offers more natural foot shaping and better breathability, though with slightly less aggressive arch support. It’s not as budget-friendly, but it delivers luxury-level comfort and eco-conscious design. For travelers with wide feet or those seeking supportive, stylish sandals for mixed terrain, the Elle is worth the investment. It outperforms most in its class in fit precision and long-wear comfort, making it a top-tier choice for discerning travelers who refuse to sacrifice support for style.