Hiking sandals are one of the latest trends in outdoor footwear — and it’s easy to see why.
Unlike traditional hiking boots, hiking sandals give you the support you need without squeezing your feet into completely enclosed shoes. The best hiking sandals are designed specifically for use on the trail, with features that include arch support, lugged soles, and durable straps that keep your feet securely in place while you hike.
Ready to free your feet? To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve reviewed and selected five of
The best hiking sandals available on the market today
Not sure if you want your toes out in the open? Then the KEEN Newport H2 Sandals are your best bet. This pair features a closed toe design for better movement control, but remains open on the upper portion for increased airflow to keep to the feet dry. Its standout feature remains to be its premium Vibram outsol that closely resembles a hiking shoe in both design and function — with enough durability and grip to keep you well-balanced as you hike.
Key Features:
- 100% polyester material
- Compression molded EVA midsole
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Washable polyester webbing upper
- 3mm lugs
- Odor-reducing Microbe shield
Verdict: More than just its low-profile design, the KEEN Newport H2 Sandals are well-known for their versatility — so you can go from the water and back to the trail in no time. Combining a razor sipped oustole and 3mm lugs, this pair of best hiking sandals provide excellent traction.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, the TEVA Original Universal Sport Sandals are a must-have for every sustainable hiker. At the top of its many features is its quick-drying webbing made primarily from recycled plastic and durable polyester yarn — boasting of saving up to 4 plastic bottles for every pair. There’s a lot to say about these hiking sandals when it comes to support, since it’s molded EVA midsole comes with heel cupping and arch assist.
Key Features:
- Utilitarian retro design
- Minimalist velcro strap closure
- Quick drying webbing
- Verifiable polyester yarn
- Bungee cord lace
- EVA foam midsole
- Rugged spider rubber outsole
Verdict: The TEVA Original Universal Sport Sandals are a versatile all-around pair that combines simple use with plush comfort, coupled with a reasonable price tag. It comes in different variations for both men and women, featuring retro-style designs that are both lightweight and easily adjustable to your preferred fit.
For adventurers who demand the best in terms of durability, comfort, and style – look no further than Merrell’s All Out Blaze Convert sandals. This waterproof hiking sandal is built for the wettest condition as it offers breathability and uses Vibram outsole for maximum grip and lightweight materials for comfort.
Key Features:
- PU-coated leather material
- Hook & loop strap technology
- Vibram® TC5+ outsole
- 3mm hollowed lug depth
Verdict: A good pair of versatile sandals from Merrell is hard to beat in terms of convenience as these sandals can also be used in muddy spots, and wet, or rocky terrain. If you are looking for submersible sandals, then Merrell’s All Out Blaze Sieve Convert sandals are perfect for any activity, even those near water.
The Keen Whisper sandals are perfect for exploring the great outdoors, either for hiking, camping or just using them as your everyday sandal. This sandal is one of Keen’s best-selling designs as it features hydrophobic mesh lining that dries very quickly and a cushioned footbed that provides comfort on your hikes.
Key Features:
- TPU stability shank material
- Cleansport NXT™ odour control treatment
- Washable polyester webbing
- EVA footbed and midsole design
- KEEN.Protect toe protection
Verdict: If you’re looking for sturdy sandals for your summer adventure, the Keen whisper is a great sandal for your outdoor adventures. It is made with sturdy materials in and out of the water and has a directional lug pattern on the underfoot for excellent grip and safety.
For occasional travellers and weekend adventurers, always be prepared with Teva Strata Universal sandals. The lightweight and rugged design make it an awesome hiking sandal in the market. It features Megagrip soles from Vibram, a responsive footbed and EVA-foam midsole for lightweight cushioning, and a quick-drying synthetic upper.
Key Features:
- VIBRAM® Mega Grip outsole
- EVA-foam midsole and PU footbed
- Microban® antimicrobial technology
- Made of vegan materials
Verdict: The Teva Strata Universal fits exceptionally well and looks really nice and stylish with its slim width design and extra cushions that not only for comfort but also add extra height and protection for sharp, rocky, and wet terrains.
The Teva Universal Trail sandals are perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and city-goers who want to look good and feel comfortable at the same time. The Vibram mega grip outsole for stability and balance and the soft midsole for comfort and quick-dry webbing makes it your functional yet fashionable option.
Key Features:
- REPREVE® recycled polyester yarn straps
- Vibram® Megagrip outsole and moulded EVA midsole
- Ariaprene® lining
- Universal Strapping System™
- Microban® treated
- Made of vegan materials
Verdict: The Teva Universal Trail sandals are excellent for bushwalking, trail, hiking, or just casual city walking. It has a great quick-dry feature and a squishy footbed giving you comfort and balance on your hiking trips. If you want a sandal that can go well with everything even your outfit, try this one instead!
The Hurricane XLT2 sandals are perfect for short or long hikes, all-day wear, or even just casual walks. They’re stylish and comfortable with an aggressive rubber outsole for durability and traction. It features quick-dry webbing made from Repreve polyester which is a staple for every TEVA sandal and a lightweight EVA foam tech midsole that adds cushioning for comfort.
Key Features:
- REPREVE® polyester yarn material
- Easy hook-and-loop strap closure
- EVA-Foam midsole and Nylon shank material
- Vegan construction and materials
Verdict: Teva is one of the best sandal manufacturers and their Hurricane XLT2 model is especially comfortable and supportive. Not only can you easily hang them outside your backpack and carry them anywhere with ease, but you’ll also find yourself using them more often than you think. Whether it’s about to rain or the sun is beating down on you, these little guys are essential for any outdoor adventure.
When it comes to comfort, no other hiking sandals on the market can compare to the CHACO Z/Cloud. Boasting of an extremely soft, pillow-top footbed, this pair is guaranteed to keep your feet properly cushioned even on the most rugged terrain. We can’t talk about these hiking sandals without mentioning its high quality build — it features a durable three layer construction. Both layers on the top complement each other with a dual density PU midsole and a stiffer PU layer for as strong core. It ends with a rubber grip outsole built for maximum traction.
Key Features:
- Vegan friendly construction
- Polyester jacquard webbing upper
- Durable high-tensile webbing heel risers
- Injection molded ladder lock buckle
- Dual-intensity PU midsole
- Non-marking patented ChacoGrip rubber compound
- 3.5mm lug depth
Price: $159.95
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Good grip and traction on different trails
- Excellent odor control
Cons
- No half sizes
Verdict: Combining both comfort and durability, it’s easy to see why the CHACO Z/Cloud lands at the top of our list. With a soft upper and a firm midsole, these hiking sandals move with you while you walk to provide free and more precise movements. It also features a durable, silky webbing that is designed to prevent blisters.
The BEDROCK Cairn Adventure Sandals stands out as being the perfect balance between a light flip-flop and a performance trail shoe. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist design — these hiking sandals are perfectly equipped for any outdoor adventure. It has one of the most stable constructions, featuring premium webbing for a snug fit, three different zones for easy adjustment, and sole-hugger wings for locked-in stability for longer hikes.
Key Features:
- Vibram Regolith outsole
- US military grade velcro
- Polyester and nylon webbing upper
- Metal and acetate plastic hardware
- 3 adjustment zones
- Sole-hugger wings
Price: $141.99
Pros
- Excellent locked-in stability
- Easy to adjust
- Aggressive traction
Cons
- Not recommended for uneven terrain
Verdict: Whether ascending or descending, the BEDROCK Cairn Adventure Sandals will provide excellent grip through its deep tread design — even on the roughest surfaces. Another standout features is its soft midsole layer enhanced with a micro-diamond patterned rubber material that works wonders on wet trails to keep your feet from slipping.
If you’re searching for a minimalist hiking sandal, then the XERO Z-Trail EV Sandal is your best option. This pair is one of the lightest, most flexible and portable hiking sandals on the market today — making it easy to carry around in your backpack or duffel bag. But don’t be fooled by its construction; these hiking sandals offer the right amount of support with its dual-layer footbed strengthened with a mix of three materials.
Key Features:
- Zero-drop non elevated heel
- 10mm thickness
- Non-marking sole
- Thin foam strip forefoot
- Dual layer footbed
- Z-style patented webbing
Price: $136
Pros
- Minimalist lightweight design
- Portable and easy to pack
- Flexible soles
Cons
- Less durable and stable than other brands on the market
Verdict: Weighing only 12 ounces, the XERO Z-Trail EV Sandals are the best bet for the minimalist hiker. It features a unique combination of rubber and foam tread on the outsole, designed to provide enough traction despite its lightweight build. A thin foam strip on the forefoot offers good flexibility for more movement, coupled with lugs that perform well especially on downhill terrain.
THE BEST HIKING SANDALS -- WHY BUY ONE ANYWAY?
Hiking sandals are one of the lightest and most breathable hiking footwear available today.
If you’re still not convinced, here are a few reasons why hiking sandals should be on your must-have list:
Breathable Design
Extremely Lightweight
Lesser Blisters
Very Versatile
THE BEST HIKING SANDALS -- BUYING GUIDE
If you’re ready to give hiking sandals a try, here are a few important factors to consider:
Weight
When shopping for hiking sandals, the right pair should always be lightweight.The goal is to use as little energy as you can when hiking on the trail and heavy sandals will just wear you down. A pro tip is to look for sandals that weigh just around 1 to 1.25 pounds.
Strap Style
Sandal strap designs vary widely and choosing the right one will depend largely on your personal preference. Flip flop designs with the strap between the toes give you more control and stability. The toe strap also helps maintain your foot in place and reduces blisters by preventing your foot from rubbing against the strap. Over-the-foot straps are also a great option if you like wearing socks. They're also easier to put on, since all you have to do is slide your feet in.
Sole Traction
Traction is important for preventing slips and falls on the trail. When choosing the best pair of hiking sandals, make sure to choose an option with thicker rubber soles with lots of texture on the bottom. Sandals with flat bottoms tend to be more slippery.
Arch Support
Because you won't be wearing the traditional enclosed shoes, you'll need all the support you can get. Choose hiking sandals that are not completely flat, but have slightly curved and textured outer bottoms that provide you with enough comfort and support while on the trail.
