A summer sandal isn’t hard to find, but finding a comfortable, cute and durable one — that’s a whole other story.

The (viral) Crocs Miami sandal is designed to fit that bill, and after testing it for over six weeks, we found it works best for everyday wear and casual outfit pairings. However, it may not be ideal for heavy-duty walking, and certainly not for hiking. Read on to learn more about what we made of the Crocs Miami sandal and whether it’s worth buying

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What are the Crocs Miami sandals?

The Crocs Miami toe loop sandals are flat, slip-on sandals with a soft, cushioned footbed. They’re made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which provides support and durability, along with Crocs’ signature material, Croslite, a lightweight foam that helps absorb shock while you’re walking, according to the brand. The sandals also have a minimalist yet fun design with crossed straps and a toe loop for added flair, and are available in neutrals like black and brown, as well as bright colors like pink and neon yellow (perfect for channeling summer energy). They’re also waterproof and can be easily cleaned with a dry or damp wipe.

How we tested the Croc Miami sandals

After receiving courtesy samples from the brand, five members of the NBC Selected team (including myself) tested the sandals for over six weeks, putting them through the motions of a typical, everyday sandal. We wore them on long walks, while running errands, to the office and even on vacation to see how they would measure up against our expectations, and how well they’d work across our different foot sizes and types.

NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi and I both have flat feet, so we were looking to avoid straining our low arches with sandals that might not offer much support. On the other hand, NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio and NBC Selected senior social media and newsletter editor Julie Huang both have wider feet with high arches and prefer sandals that are comfortable with flexible, soft soles, with Huang also specifying that the straps also shouldn’t be too tight, for maximum comfort. Lastly, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin has a neutral foot type and a standard foot width; however, as a long-distance runner, she needed durable sandals that wouldn’t strain and/or rub against her feet and impact her running performance.

Our experience with the Croc Miami sandals

After testing the Croc Miami sandals, we all think they feel comfortable and fit well across all of our feet. We also all loved the versatility of the design, and how well the durable materials hold up to the demands of everyday wear. However, the shoe’s toe loop can make it tricky to navigate, and in our experience, they may not be best for long-haul walks.

What we like

Comfortable fit

First and foremost, the fit of the sandal is one of the most important factors in deciding whether or not it’s worth it. Luckily, the Crocs Miami sandals fit all of us pretty comfortably, even though our feet types and needs all differ. My flat feet didn’t suffer any aching or strain from wear, which is the usual case for me with flat, minimalist sandals. I also love that the sandals fit well without making my feet look big— a common problem when you have larger feet (I’m usually a women’s size 10). Although Huang says the sandals ran slightly long on her feet, she likes that the flexible straps easily adjusted to her feet, without digging into her skin at all. “I was a bit worried that the rubber material would rub and cause blisters, but nope, they’re soft enough,” she says. The sandals also have a lot of flexibility, which Malin, who was worried about the lack of arch support and half-sizes, says makes them easy to move around in without restrictions. “I didn’t find any part of these shoes to be uncomfortable,” she says. Alabi also likes that the sandal’s sole has a slight lift, which helps her to not feel the ground too much while walking.

Cute and minimal design

When it comes to summer sandals, comfort is, of course, key — however, with the Crocs Miami sandals, we all agreed that the design is a standout feature. “I found the style to be perfect for casual outfits,” says Godio, who was worried the Crocs material would clash with some of her clothes. “I’ve even dressed them up a bit with dresses and skirts,” she says. Similarly, Malin likes that the criss-crossed straps give the sandal a more interesting look than a basic slide or flip-flop, yet it’s still simple enough to pair with any outfit. “I’d rather wear these than Havaianas or Tkees because they’re just a bit more unique and chic in design in my opinion,” she says. Whether she’s wearing jeans, dresses, skirts, or linen pants, she likes that she can throw them on without thinking and still look chic. Though the sandals are available in a range of colors, Alabi loves that the brown color she has pairs well with everything, and matches her skin tone. “It’s a minimalist walking sandal that looks pricier than it is,” she says.

Durable materials

In my family, I’m well-known for putting shoes through the wringer, which is why I can say with authority that these sandals are built for long-term durability. I wore mine in grass, on pavement, to the beach and even on gravelly ground, and still didn’t see any scuffs or tears on the sandals. However, for those familiar with Crocs shoes, that durability isn’t a surprise. “All my Crocs have lasted years so I’m not worried about durability,” says Alabi. Not only have her sandals held up nicely, but she also thinks “they give the vibe that they look and feel better with use and time.”

The shoes’ waterproofing is also a big plus for Huang, who likes not having to worry about getting them wet during flash thunderstorms or summer showers.

Potential drawbacks to keep in mind

Not for heavy walking

Although the sandals are very comfortable, in our experience, the lack of serious arch support makes them difficult to wear for longer, more intense walking. I wore mine for hours at a time without any issues; however, I wouldn’t recommend wearing them for long distances, since the flat bottom doesn’t provide much arch or ankle support. Malin agrees and says that although she definitely did some walking in the sandals. She wouldn’t exactly call them a “walking sandal.” “I can comfortably wear these sandals for hours if I’m not walking much,” she says. “If I was walking a lot, I would not wear these.”

Toe loop needs some getting used to

While we love the fit and comfort levels of the Crocs Miami sandal, there was one universal critique of our experience: the toe loop. Does it add an extra shot of chicness? Absolutely. However, that comes at a price — when wearing the shoe, the toe loop initially feels restrictive and even somewhat uncomfortable. I personally had a five-minute adjustment period of discomfort before my toe got used to the loop with each wear, and I wasn’t the only one. Godio is “not a big fan” of the toe loop, which she says digs into her skin a bit after a few hours of wear. Alabi says it can also be annoying after some time, and that although she has a smaller big toe, she “can imagine it’s not great for people with average/bigger sized ones.” However, Huang says that although the toe loop is initially uncomfortable, her feet quickly adjusted and she didn’t notice any issues after the first wear.

Is it worth it?

The Crocs Miami sandal is worth it if you’re looking for a stylish, durable sandal at an affordable price. At its current $45 price, it’s great for everyday wear and for pairing with casual outfits for occasions like going to the office, running errands, or just spending a cute (and, in this case, very comfortable) day outside. Our editors all agree: the sandals are a great buy at an even better price, and we would all repurchase a pair if given the chance. “I feel like anyone who wants a basic flip-flop or slide with a little more style would love these,” says Malin. In fact, her main issue with the sandals is that she wishes she’d known about them sooner!