What Sandals Are Best for Sweaty Feet in Summer?

Summer heat turns your feet into a sweaty mess, and the wrong sandals worsen it. You need breathable, supportive, quick-drying options that prevent slipping, odor, and blisters. 

But most sandals fail— the straps chafe, the footbeds trap moisture, and the cheap materials stink after one wear. The right pair keeps your feet cool, dry, and comfortable all day. 

This guide reveals the best sandals for sweaty feet, backed by podiatrist recommendations, real user reviews, and hidden features many ignore. Stop suffering in sticky footwear— discover the top picks that actually work for your sweaty summer struggles.

Common Mistakes: Why Your Sandals Make Sweaty Feet Worse

You pick sandals that look cool, but your feet still feel hot and sticky. Why? Many sandals use bad materials that trap sweat. Here's what goes wrong—and how to fix it:

The Problem: Non-Breathable Materials

• Rubber/plastic sandals act like a plastic bag for your feet— no air escapes!

• Fake leather looks nice but holds sweat, making your feet stink.

• Flat, hard soles press sweat against your skin, causing blisters.

Hyperhidrosis: When Your Feet Sweat WAY Too Much

Some people's feet sweat a lot—like, always. If your feet stay wet even when you're not hot or nervous, you might have hyperhidrosis (don't worry, it just means "too much sweating).

How to Know If It's Hyperhidrosis:

• Your feet drip sweat even in cold weather or when relaxing.

• Socks and sandals get soaked fast.

• You slip in your shoes because your feet are too wet.

The 5 Must-Have Features in Sweat-Proof Sandals

If your feet sweat like crazy in summer, regular sandals won't cut it. Here's exactly what to look for:

1. Breathable Materials

• Choose: Mesh, canvas, or ventilated vegan leather

• Avoid: Solid rubber or plastic that traps heat

• Why it matters: Your feet need airflow to stay dry

2. Adjustable Straps

• Look for hook-and-loop or buckle closures

• Prevents rubbing that causes extra sweating

• Gives you a custom fit for all-day comfort

3. Moisture-Wicking Footbeds

• Best materials: Cork, suede, or perforated EVA foam

• These actually pull sweat away from your skin

• Keep your feet dry instead of sitting in sweat

4. Arch Support

• Flat sandals make your feet work harder (and sweat more)

• Podiatrist-recommended brands like Aerothotic help

• Proper support reduces friction and overheating

5. Quick-Drying Designs

• Critical if you'll be near water

• Look for drainage ports or fast-drying webbing

• Prevents that gross, squishy feeling

Pro Tip: The best sandals have at least 3 of these features. For super sweaty feet, aim for all 5!

Top 5 Sandals for Sweaty Feet

These top-performing sandals combine breathability, moisture control, and smart design to keep you cool and dry all summer.

1. Viking Strappy Sandal ($50)

These stylish yet functional Viking strappy sandals combat sweaty feet with a breathable cork footbed and adjustable vegan leather straps. The arch-support design reduces fatigue, while the textured EVA outsole prevents slips, making them perfect for all-day summer wear.

Key Benefits:

• Sweat-fighting cork footbed absorbs moisture and odors

• Adjustable buckle straps customize fit for narrow/wide feet

• Podiatrist-approved arch support prevents foot fatigue

• Textured EVA outsole delivers superior grip on all surfaces

• Lightweight design (just 1lb/pair) won't weigh you down

Perfect For: Everyday summer adventures when you need style and comfort without sweaty feet.

Why Choose These?

Unlike ordinary sandals, the Viking combines medical-grade support with fashion-forward details like braided straps and metallic buckles - all at an affordable $50 price point. The deep heel cup and premium arch support make these podiatrist-recommended for those with sweaty feet or foot pain.

Bonus: Free exchanges within 30 days if sizing isn't perfect.

2. Tera Comfort Flip Flops ($60)

These doctor-approved Tera comfort flip flops keep your feet cool and comfy with a magic memory foam footbed and special arch support. The soft straps won't rub, even when your feet get sweaty.

Why They're Awesome:

• Memory foam makes every step feel like walking on clouds

• APMA seal means podiatrists say they're good for your feet

• Breathable suede leather stops sweat and stink

• Grippy bottom prevents slips on wet surfaces

• Super light (lighter than your water bottle!)

Perfect For: Beach days, pool trips, or when you need a quick slip-on that won't make your feet sweat.

Special Benefit: The arch support secretly helps your feet stay fresh longer by keeping them in the right position.

3. Florence Leather Wedge Sandals ($120)

These fancy but comfy Florence leather wedge sandals keep your feet happy with a magic cork footbed that shapes them. The real leather straps get softer with every wear and won't make your feet sweat.

Why They're Special:

• Cork footbed fights sweat and smells (like nature's deodorant!)

• Real leather gets comfier the more you wear it

• Adjustable buckles fit narrow or wide feet perfectly

• Hidden wedge makes you taller without hurting your feet

• Grippy bottom stops slipping on smooth surfaces

Perfect For: Dress-up days when you want to look fancy but still feel like you're wearing comfy slippers.

The cork footbed secretly massages your feet as you walk!

4. Whitney Leather Sandals ($120)

These stylish Whitney leather sandals make your feet happy with soft leather straps and a special cork footbed that fights sweat. The ankle strap keeps them secure while the platform gives you height without discomfort.

What Makes Them Great:

• Cork footbed absorbs sweat and stops odors naturally

• Real leather straps won't rub or irritate your skin

• Adjustable buckles fit narrow or wide feet perfectly

• 2-inch platform makes you taller without hurting your feet

• Lightweight design (only 1 pound for both sandals)

Perfect For: Summer parties or days when you want to look dressy but stay comfy all day long.

Special Benefit: The cork footbed gets more comfortable every time you wear it!

5. Ridge Ankle Strap Sandals ($39.99)

These cute Ridge ankle strap sandals keep your feet cool with breathable straps and special arch support. The easy Velcro closure lets you adjust them perfectly while the wavy bottom stops slipping.

Why You'll Love Them:

• Velcro straps make them super easy to put on and adjust

• Breathable lining stops your feet from getting sweaty

• Special arch support keeps your feet comfy all-day

• Grippy wavy bottom prevents slips on smooth floors

• Lightweight (lighter than your sneakers!)

Perfect For: Summer walks, shopping trips, or when you need quick sandals that won't make your feet hot.

Color Range: Comes in black, tan, or bright red to match all your summer outfits!

Pro Tips to Keep Sandals Stink-Free Longer

Your sandals will stay fresh longer if you follow these easy tricks:

1. Daily Care

• Rotate your sandals – Don't wear the same pair daily (let them air out!)

• Dry the insoles – Take them out at night so mold doesn't grow

2. Anti-Sweat Hacks

• Use foot powder – Sprinkle talc-free powder inside to soak up sweat

• Try odor-control insoles – Swap in Summer soles for extra freshness

3. Washing Tricks

• Pick machine-washable sandals (like flip-flops)

• Wipe straps with a damp cloth – Gets rid of dirt before it stinks

Bonus Tip: If your feet sweat a lot, spray them with antiperspirant before putting on sandals!

The Bottom Line

Say goodbye to sweaty, uncomfortable feet this summer! Now you know exactly what to look for in sandals—breathable materials, moisture-wicking footbeds, and proper arch support make all the difference. Whether you choose the Viking Strappy Sandal for everyday wear or the Tera Flip Flops for beach days, your feet will stay cool and dry. Remember to rotate your pairs, use foot powder, and clean them regularly to avoid odors. With these tips and our top sandal picks, you can finally enjoy summer without sticky feet or embarrassing smells. Step out confidently, knowing your feet will stay fresh all season long!