Start with the walking you actually plan to do
“Holiday walking” can mean very different things. A few hours between cafés and galleries calls for something different from full days exploring a city, walking along a promenade or moving between beaches, markets and restaurants.
Before choosing sandals, think about the longest day in your itinerary. Will you mostly be on pavements and smooth paths, or do you expect uneven ground? Do you prefer a sandal that feels open and easy to slip on, or would you rather have a backstrap holding it more securely? It is also worth considering whether you want a flat everyday shape or a little extra height.
General footwear advice is to try sandals on later in the day, when your feet may be a little larger than first thing in the morning. Check that your toes are not pressing against the front, that your heel sits comfortably and that straps do not rub. Wear them around the house and on shorter outings before taking them on holiday. That gives you time to notice any fit issues while you can still change your plans.
Look for cushioning and a secure fit
For long days, cushioning can make a sandal feel more comfortable, while a secure fit helps stop you from gripping with your toes as you walk. A backstrap is useful if you like your heel to feel held in place, particularly when your day includes plenty of movement.
All five Nuoceans sandals in this guide have an extra-cushioned footbed. Their midsoles also use 300g of rescued ocean flip-flop waste, so the choice between them mainly comes down to the upper material, sandal shape and how secure you want the fit to feel.
- Rosy: the Rosy Vegan Sandal with Recycled Ocean Waste Midsole has vegan, cruelty-free materials, an extra-cushioned footbed and a colourful midsole made using 300g of rescued ocean flip-flop waste. It suits a relaxed holiday wardrobe if you prefer an uncomplicated sandal.
- Mossy: the Mossy Recycled Vegan Leather Backstrap Sandal is a khaki green backstrap style with recycled vegan leather, vegan and cruelty-free materials, an extra-soft cushioned footbed and added stability from the backstrap. It is designed for longer days and more movement, with a secure fit.
Choose the shape that suits your holiday wardrobe
Sandals are often worn for several parts of the same day, so versatility matters. A pair that works with shorts, trousers and a loose dress will earn more space in your case than one that only suits a single outfit. Colour can help here: earthy tones tend to blend easily with everyday clothes, while brighter or lighter shades can become part of the outfit.
- Nori: the Nori Recycled Vegan Leather Sandal is a khaki green sandal with a supportive base, an extra-soft cushioned footbed and vegan, cruelty-free materials. It is made responsibly in Spain and has a simple, versatile look for everyday holiday wear.
- Lila: the Lila Recycled Vegan Leather Platform Sandal is a lilac platform style. Its elevated footbed is extra cushioned and supportive, while the platform sole is made from recycled shoe waste. This is the option to consider if you want extra height without giving up a cushioned feel.
- Coco: the Coco Recycled Palm Fibre Sandal is brown, with a strap made from recycled palm fibre and a midsole using 300g of recycled ocean flip-flop waste. It has an extra-cushioned footbed, vegan and cruelty-free materials, and a natural look that works well with neutral holiday clothing.
Pack and wear them sensibly
Take the activities on your itinerary into account rather than expecting one pair to suit every situation. Sandals can be a good choice for everyday sightseeing, meals out and warm-weather wandering, while more demanding routes may call for footwear designed specifically for that terrain.
Pack a second pair if you can, especially for a longer trip. Alternating footwear gives each pair time to air between wears and gives you another option if your plans change. Keep your sandals clean according to the maker’s guidance, and follow the care and safety instructions on the label.
For a city break with lots of walking, a backstrap is worth prioritising if you like a held-in feel. For a more relaxed itinerary, an open sandal may be all you need. If your clothes are mostly neutral, a colourful midsole or lilac platform can add interest; if you want one pair to work quietly with most outfits, khaki or brown is an easy direction.
Our recommendation for the longest walking days
We would choose Mossy for a holiday built around walking because the backstrap gives you extra security when the day involves more movement, while the cushioned footbed keeps the sandal suited to long, varied days. It is the strongest all-round starting point when comfort and a held-in fit matter most.