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Choosing the right footwear is one of the most important things when preparing for a hiking adventure. If the weather is warm, a good hiking sandal is the smartest option to wear on long walks. Not only does it protect your foot, but it also provides a level of comfort and breathability that standard hiking shoes simply can’t match.
With so many nice designs and options available, choosing the right hiking sandal might require some research. For example, you can choose whether you want an open or closed toe, a lace or a strap, and the type of support that the sole gives you. To help you decide, we’ve created a detailed buying guide and selected the best hiking sandals currently available, guaranteed to make your feet feel good wherever you go.
OUR TOP PICK
KEEN Clearwater CNX Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Multi-directional flex grooves for a good grip on smooth surfaces
- Comfortable polyester upper is easy to wash and dries quickly
- Contoured topsole with metatarsal ridges for a better fit
- Lightweight platform makes all-day walking significantly easier
- Provides additional protection on rugged terrain
Best For: Long Hikes
Closure: Drawcord Laces
Upper: Polyester Webbing
Lining: Polyester
Midsole: Polyurethane
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Men’s
EDITORS CHOICE
Teva Tirra Women’s Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Velcro adjustable straps makes fit adjustments easy
- Microban zinc-based treatment prevents nasty odors
- Compression-molded EVA midsole easily absorbs shock
- Molded nylon shanks improve stability when walking
- Best sandals for hiking in terms of breathability
- Provide good arch support
- Perfect substitute for hiking shoes
Best For: Foot Breathability
Closure: Velcro Strap
Upper: Polyester Webbing, Synthetic Leather
Lining: Polyester Mesh, Neoprene
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Open
Gender: Women’s
BEST VALUE
KEEN Newport H2 Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Strong outsole with multi-directional lugs to improve the grip
- Molded arch support increases comfort while wearing
- Polyester upper with DWR coating to resist water
- Rubber bumper on the front protects your toes from hits
- Bungee lacing with a cinch lock for easily adjusting the fit
Best For: Wet Terrain
Closure: Drawcord LacesÂ
Upper: Polyester
Lining: Quick-Dry Synthetic
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Men’s
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Eco-friendly construction (Repreve recycled polyester)
- Durabrasion rubber soles with excellent traction
- Nylon shanks help keep your foot in place when walking
- EVA midsoles provide support and soft cushioning
- Hook and loop closure for easily getting the sandal on and off
Best For: Walking Comfort
Closure: Velcro Strap
Upper: Repreve Recycled Polyester
Midsole: EVA Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Open
Gender: Men’s
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Open sandal design feels great in high temperatures
- Antimicrobial footbed treatment prevents odors
- Quick-drying upper works great on the beach
- LuvSeat PU midsole cushions make every step comfortable
- Webbing upper with buckles easily adapts to any foot shape
Best For: Odor-Resistance
Closure: Ladder Lock Buckle Strap
Upper: Polyester Jacquard Webbing
Midsole: LuvSeat Polyurethane
Outsole: Non-Marking ChacoGrip Rubber
Toe: Open
Gender: Men’s
ECCO Yucatan Offroad Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Stylish and abrasion-resistant nubuck leather upper
- Three adjustable Velcro straps for finding the perfect fit
- Receptor technology provides dynamic support when walking
- Soft EVA footbed with a comfortable microfiber cover
- Available in over 25 great-looking color options
Best For: Cushioning and Stability
Closure: Velcro Strap
Upper: Nubuck Leather, Textile
Lining: EVA Foam with Microfiber
Midsole: Direct-Injected Polyurethane
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Open
Gender: Men’s
Northside Burke II Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Strong toe guard for additional protection on rocky terrain
- Nylon upper with EVA backing provides comfort and durability
- Best men's walking sandals for keeping your fet dry
- Pull loop on the heel for getting the sandal on and off easily
- Drawstring lacing system for quickly tightening the sandal
Best For: Fit Adjustment
Closure: Drawcord Laces
Upper: Nylon with EVA Backing
Lining: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam
Insole: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Men’s
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Quick-drying washable upper makes maintenance easy
- Cleansport NXT coating provides odor resistance
- Pull lace with a cinch lock keeps the foot secure
- Carbon outsoles don’t leave marks when walking
- Rubber toe guards protect you from hits and injuries
- Provide good arch support
Best For: Easy Maintenance
Closure: Drawcord Laces
Upper: Polyester Webbing
Lining: Nylon Mesh
Midsole: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam
Outsole: Carbon Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Women’s
KEEN UNEEK Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Unique look for people who want something different
- Huge number of color options and sizes to choose from
- Drawcord lacing system provides a great fit on the foot
- Anatomical footbed makes all-day walking comfortable
- Non-marking outsole with a good grip on any type of surface
Best For: Wet Terrain Traction
Closure: Drawcord Laces
Upper: Woven Synthetic
Lining: Synthetic
Midsole: Polyurethane
Outsole: Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Men’s
Skechers Selmo Fisherman Hiking Sandals
- What Makes These Sandals Stand Out
- Velcro heel strap to easily convert the sandal into flip flops
- Gel-infused memory foam midsole adapts to the foot shape
- Perforated footbed greatly increases the breathability
- Dual-lite base material prevents fatigue when walking
- Rubber toe cap protects you from hiking injuries
Best For: Casual Wearing
Closure: Velcro Strap
Upper: Suede
Midsole: Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Outsole: Dual-Lite Rubber
Toe: Closed
Gender: Men’s
Hiking in sandals is tops for comfort, but those sandals won't protect your feet from sticks, rocks, thorns, insects and other hazards the same way boots or shoes would. Consider wearing closed-toe hiking sandals, sometimes also called water shoes. At least they'll protect you from stubbing your toes.Â
Hiking sandals should be sized the same way you'd choose any other hiking footwear, and that means doing a few basic tests. Walk around in them: If they rub or pinch your feet, or shift back and forth excessively, they're not the sandal for you. Walking uphill, downhill and on uneven surfaces are important tests of sandal fit/comfort, too.
Yes, you can wear sandals with socks! It might not be very stylish, but those socks can help keep your feet warm and offer some protection against grit and gravel that likes to creep in between your toes. Avoid cotton socks, which chafe easily when wet; in cold climates, aim for socks made of wool, quick-dry synthetics, or even neoprene.
Hiker
How To Choose Hiking Sandals – Buying Guide
Tread and Sole
A reliable and secure grip of your sandal makes your step confident and safe. The best hiking sandals feature a strong outsole that has good traction on any type of surface, no matter if it’s dry, wet, flat, or bumpy. The lugs (welts) should be strong and wide, as they help prevent slipping. Furthermore, a good tread pattern improves stability, while deep grooves improve traction on softer terrain.
Toe Protection
You have two options when it comes to toe design – open or closed-toe outdoor sandals. Both of these have their upsides and downsides. Open-toe sandals are much more comfortable and allow your toes to breathe, but don’t protect them from ground and river rocks, branches, or other objects. On the other hand, closed-toe sandals prevent injuries but might feel cramped or cause your feet to sweat.
Weight
No matter which specific product you choose, you can be sure it will be lighter compared to a traditional hiking shoe or hiking boot. However, weight differences between sandals exist, mostly because of their design. A pair with closed toes and a rugged sole will weigh more than an open toe version with a thin sole, so we advise that you pay attention to this when going through trekking sandals reviews.
Lacing Method
Laces and straps hold your foot in place and greatly contribute to stability. They also impact the comfort and ease of use. Perhaps the most convenient option is bungee laces with a cinch cord because they allow you to easily adjust the fit. On the other hand, Velcro straps are number one when it comes to quickly get your foot in and out.Â
Fit and Comfort
Fit and comfort are among the most important things to look for when buying any type of footwear, sandals included. A good fit is one of the main things in blister prevention, so it shouldn’t be ignored. Since you won’t be able to try out your sandals when buying online, look for a pair with a high degree of adjustability.
As for comfort, good ventilation is probably the key. This is the main reason we pick sandals over traditional hiking shoes – they allow our feet to breathe instead of getting cramped and sweaty. Other things that improve comfort are the type of lining inside, how quickly the sandals dry off, insole softness, and whether it has an ergonomic footbed.
Support
The terrain on your hikes will often be uneven, so you want a sandal that can neutralize that. Cushioning and shock absorption are usually determined by the shape and materials of the sole. In most scenarios, an arched footbed made from dense EVA foam will give you optimal support.
Type of Hiking
While they are great for many reasons, outdoor sandals are not universal hiking footwear and even the most excellent hiking sandals come with some limitations. They are a fantastic choice for lighter hiking trips, but they aren’t the safest option for difficult and demanding terrain because they won’t give you enough foot protection and stability.
Durability
Since you’ll be using them on the trail, the strength and durability of hiker sandals need to be top-notch. We put a big accent on this when choosing our products, and top-rated sandals for hiking can take years of abuse before they start to fall apart. This being said, there are still differences in material and construction quality (uppers, footbeds, and outsoles), and paying a bit more initially is a good way of making sure you don’t have to replace the hiking sandals every year.
FAQs
Q:Â Why Choose Hiking Sandals?
Outdoor sandals are the right choice because of their comfort, low weight per pair, and easy adjustability. They will prevent your feet from getting sweaty, smelly, and even blistered (unlike closed footwear). If you want something lighter and less restrictive, outdoor sandals are the way to go.
Q:Â When Should I Wear Hiking Sandals?
The perfect opportunity to wear trekking sandals is on a more laid-back trail during the warmer time of the year. It’s an excellent choice for summer hiking on a flatter terrain where you don’t expect much climbing. Furthermore, walking sandals are versatile and aren’t strictly limited to hiking – many people like using them as everyday footwear because of their comfort.
Q:Â How Should My Hiking Sandals Fit?
The sandals you get shouldn’t be too constrictive to cause discomfort, but shouldn’t be too loose either or your foot might slide around inside. You should also make sure the footbed is wide enough, especially if you have wider feet. Because of this, we advise that you get a model with highly-adjustable straps so you can find the ideal fit in all areas of the foot.
Q:Â Is It Safe To Hike In Sandals?
Hiking in sandals is perfectly safe, as long as you’re aware of their limitations. As we’ve discussed earlier, they will work wonders on flat land or camping grounds. However, they aren’t a good choice for demanding terrain with obstacles.
Q:Â Are Hiking Sandals Recommended For Long Hikes?
This mostly depends on the type of hike in, and it’s closely related to the previous question. If the conditions allow it, you can use sandals to walk long distances without trouble. However, if you plan to walk in the hills or expect it to be cold, hiking boots are a better choice.
Globo Surf Overview
From long walks to casual wearing, a pair of hiking sandals give your feet an incredible level of comfort. Because of this, no other type of shoe can replace them during the summer. We hope that our gear reviews and guide helped you find the most excellent hiking sandals that will become your favorite footwear for all types of outdoor adventures.
More Backpacking/Hiking Reviews:
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- Shoe Glue
- Thermos
- Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- G Shock Watch
- Trekking Poles
- Tactical Boots
- Backpacking Stove
- Dslr Camera
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Have you tried a pair of hiking sandals that made it onto our list? Which type did you get? How did they perform? Are you satisfied with the build quality and durability? Please share your experience with us in the comment section below.
