Best Hiking Sandals

As seasoned hikers, you already know the importance of good quality, highly effective hiking sandals.

These sandals need to be well ventilated for summer hikes and embed with waterproofed and quick-drying features for rainy walks. Even budding hikers know the importance of having the most comfortable pair by their side.

As the natural terrains are incredibly rough, uneven, and bumpy, it becomes crucial to rely on a sturdy pair that weaves its way through all these challenges. While there are thousands of footwear options available on the market, no one can debate over sandals’ comfort and easy maintenance.

But as the times have changed, the market is nearly flooded with sandals that provide no protection that usually gives up on you mid-hike. We have curated a list of the top 5 best sandals for hiking to tackle this.

Each review has a dedicated detail features and drawbacks column to help you guide 360 degrees through the product. Let us dive down to find the best hiking sandals available on the market.

Best Overall: Teva Men’s M Hurricane XLT2 Sport Hiking Sandal

Teva is one of the best-recognized brands in the outdoor gear industry. Since its start in the 1980s, the company has strived to whip out the most quality products in the industry.

Teva is one of the original pioneers to master the sandal category. You can widely see this brand’s mastery over the models’ design. Let us look at the winner sandal design and learn its benefits and drawbacks.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Teva
• Material: Polyester yarn
• Sole material: Durabrasion Rubber
• Color option: Yes

Benefits

• These pair of hiking sandals are a more refined and upgraded version of the traditional iconic Hurricane XLT.
• The outsole of this Teva sandal is made of rugged rubber that stands against the most rugged use. The shape and indentation provide excellent traction that doesn’t let you slip even on the roughest and slickest terrain.
• An extra lightweight mid-sole keeps the sandals light to wear and adds an ultimate cushioning for deluxe comfort. The comfort and durability indeed make these the best sandals for hiking.
• The sturdy nylon shank supports, stabilizes, and secures your foot on all types of terrains.
• Their straps are quick-dry webbing proudly made using REPREVE polyester yarn by Unifi. These eco-friendly sandals save approximately five plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill.
• Its hook and loop closure does not budge and keeps the sandals secure and gripped. The added detailing of injection-molded strap ends provides unmatched grip and extra swift adjustability.
• These shoes are made using plant-based and synthetic materials making the pair vegan in nature. People who follow veganism are always on a hunt for the cleanest items devoid of animals, and this is yet another product that lines up with their values.
• These hiking sandals are available in more than 15 colors and designs for you.
• These sandals are proudly made in the USA and go through extreme rigorous testing standards to provide the best quality.

Drawbacks

• Few of the consumers faced rashes as the skin started breaking out. At the same time, few had sores over the pressure points.
• There are chances of forming an unsightly odor formation after a few uses.

Extra Features

• The sandals have an extra protective soft heel padding to avoid cuts and shoe bites.
• This specific model is recyclable. The company makes efforts to recycle the materials for a greener Earth. Your purchase and later return indeed have an impact on society.

Buying Advice

If you advocate environmentalism or wish to do an excellent need, consider buying these. Apart from Teva’s venture into being environmentally responsible, these sandals are durable and comfortable.

Runner-up Teva Men’s Katavi Outdoor Hiking Sandal

Our runner-up is again from the famous sports brand Teva. Since 2020 Teva has embarked on a noble journey to save the Earth with its plastic consumption.

The brand is slowly moving towards a green future, and its products are live examples of that. Read the benefits and features specs to know more about this model and its qualities.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Teva
• Material: Leather and Textile
• Sole material: Synthetic sole
• Color option: Yes

Benefits

• This Katavi model is dressed up with supple leather suede to add a rich texture to your upper straps.
• The cool-wearing mesh keeps the feel well ventilated so you can enjoy your hiking adventure even during the warmest weather.
• Its hook and loop closure is sturdy and comes off only when an external force is applied. Water does not seem to loosen out the bond either.
• Their EVA contoured midsoles work in tandem to give you excellent arch support while keeping the ball of your feel well supported. The added nylon shank lets you stabilize your feet in uneven terrains.
• This model’s Rugged Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole provides significant traction that doesn’t fall back or deteriorates even after many uses.
• The company honors its one-year warranty in the unlikely event of product damage.

Drawbacks

Few loyal consumers complaint that these sandals fall apart after six months. In addition to that, the strapping gets separated from the sole structure very quickly.

Extra Features

• The leather used in the model is sourced from certified tanneries with appropriate environmental business practices.
• This style is recyclable, and the company wholeheartedly accepts your pre-loved sandals under their recycling programs.

Buying Advice

If you do not like the feel of new footwear and love a pair that feels comfortable, then these sandals are going to be your next best buy. This footwear barely takes any time to break in, thus providing comfort with every wear.

Alternative: KEEN Men’s Clearwater CNX Hiking Sandal

Keen as a brand has always prioritized three things that matter to them the most- giving back, taking action, and reducing impact. The brand is very cautious of the world’s social situations and always aims to help out the communities in need.

Apart from its social responsibility, the brand makes every effort to manufacturer its products as more sturdy and dependable. The rigorous quality checks keep their products at the top of the industry.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Keen Adults – US SHOES
• Material:100% Polyester
• Sole material: Rubber sole
• Color option: Yes

Benefits

• These unique shaped sandals are made to perform swimmingly outdoors. The sandals have a rubber sole with razor siping for strength and grip.
• The footwear has a 4mm midsole drop for a more natural and comfortable fit. Further, the company adds a TPU stability shank for more extensive walking and hiking experience.
• The low profile height of these sandals’ soles offers a more grounded and connected feel while keeping your feet safe. Adding to the grounded sense, the multidirectional flex carved into the sole gives excellent ground control and flexibility.
• Your sandals’ fitting is the most crucial part of the footwear, and thus, keeping this in mind, the company came up with an ingenious bungee lacing system. This system allows you to have the most personal and customized fit every time.
• The sandals have a sturdy patented toe guard that provides more safety and security than other sandals. Your toes and fingers would get properly encased in the toe guard to avoid cuts and bleeds while hiking and climbing.
• The company offers one year warranty in case of physical damage to the sandals.
• These KEEN Men’s Clearwater CNX sandals do not stink, all thanks to the company’s eco anti-odor formula.

Drawbacks

The sizing of this footwear model is a little too narrow compared to standard footwear. You will indeed feel the elongated thin structure which isn’t the most flattering and comfortable for people with stubby feet.

Extra Features

• These sandals have excellent water repellency. The company uses PFC-free water repellent technology to keep your foot dry and clean all day. Indeed, the quality water repellency makes these sandals the best waterproof hiking sandals you can buy on the market.
• The company uses recycled PET plastic in its footwear composition.

Buying Advice

We highly recommend buying these if you gravitate towards their ingenious design and protective feature. These sandals don’t only work on paper but provide satisfactory results in real life too. However, order a half or one size up for a comfortable yet snug fit.

Alternative: CAMEL CROWN Women’s Hiking Sport Sandals

Camel is a very young brand that has been founded in 2005. Since then, this American brand has worked its way up to finesse the outdoor gear industry.

With many brick-and-mortar stores worldwide, its primary goal is to bring American outdoor culture to the world. Let us look at their most popular and best women’s hiking sandals to understand the product’s popularity.

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: CAMEL CROWN
• Material: Polyester webbing
• Sole material: Synthetic sole
• Color option: Yes

Benefits

• These sandals are made of polyester webbing that is ultra-flexible, quick-drying, and highly breathable. Indeed, the ultimate protection against tired feet makes these best hiking sandals for women.
• The foamed midsole proves excellent arch support and can quickly alleviate the impact of landing. The result is a comfortable journey through rough wet terrains.
• The anti-skidding rubber sole helps the user stay put even on the slickest surfaces. The additional drainage grooves work efficiently to drain sand and water simultaneously. Your walk will surely be more gripped and stabilized than ever.
• This active footwear comes in three neutral and one bright lilac purple shade. You can opt out for more subtle neutral shades or pop off with their bright purple color.
• The adjustable straps have rubberized endings that help you swiftly remove or fit the sandals on the feet.
• The solid buckle keeps the entire upper connection secure and tight.

Drawbacks

• The arch support isn’t the greatest like all the other models on the list. The sandals are comparatively plainer and straight.
• The adjustable straps would exceed the footwear boundaries and hang outside if you have narrow feet.

Extra Features

Unfortunately, we couldn’t scour any extra features among the general features.

Buying Advice

If you are a fan of plain shoes and footwear that look sleek and work effortlessly, we highly recommend this model. These sandals are excellent for short hikes and treks; if you plan to go longer hikes, we recommend buying more comfortable ones with better arch support.

Alternative: Chaco Men’s Odyssey Sport Sandal

These Chaco men’s sport sandals are a new and improved innovation that takes durability and quality wear to another level.

Chaco promises their sandals to last long, but a few years back, they have launched a repair program that repairs your old Chacos by adding new buckles, laces, length straps, reattaching the outsoles, and much more. The company has an excellent tagline for their program called Reduce- Reuse- Rechaco!

Featured Specs

• Manufacturer: Chaco
• Material: 100% Synthetic
• Sole material: Rubber sole
• Color option: Yes

Benefits

• Chaco uses an excellent breathable mesh with polyester jacquard webbing for water drainage and ventilation.
• The extra synthetic overlays add structure and unprecedented toe protection for the most active hikers. The built quality makes this footwear model the best men’s hiking sandals in such a hybrid style.
• The EVR midsole packed with LUVSEAT™ dual-density system keeps your feet in an optimally resting position even while walking roughest terrains.
• The adjustable Z-straps provide a more customized fit according to your feet’ dimensions.
• The design makes it look like a shoe, but it has a great water drainage system that competes like sandals.
• These sturdy and functional pairs come in 10 color variations to choose from.

Drawbacks

• The closed-toe can be an open invitation to debris and dirt. The dirt very easily gets jammed inside the toe safety structure.
• These sandals can be a handful to wear; you cannot wear them instantly as it requires some hand and foot’s coordinated maneuvering.

Extra Features

The footwear is 100% vegan making it a perfect choice for people looking for a vegan-friendly footwear option.

Buying Advice

If you like the idea of hybrid trekking footwear with the effectiveness of sandals and a shoe’s safety, you should go for it. People who love free feet during outdoor activities should highly avoid this product.

Hiking Sandals FAQs

How to choose suitable hiking sandals?

Hiking Sandals are aimed to provide you with comfort and ease of activity round the clock without succumbing to the rough terrain.

They are supposed to guard your feet and provide top-notch protection. Choosing suitable hiking sandals thus rests on the below-mentioned parameters:

Comfort

• Strap Style – Choose a pair of sandals that have flexible straps. It serves to adapt to your feet’ size to give you the perfect fit. Moreover, long hiking could wear your feet down and swell them up. Modifiable straps help not to create more pressure on the already stressed feet. Having flexible straps also means that you could easily make room for a warm and thick sock if you need to combat chilly weather. 
• Proper fit – Hiking Sandal structures differ for men and women due to anatomical differences. Thus, the hiking sandals you opt for should be designed to perfectly fit the arch, ball of the foot, and width particularly. 
• Arch Support and cushion – The bedding of the sandals should be soft yet sturdy. They should be able to counter the weight of your body and make you go light on your feet. The bedding of the sandal should be relaxing and anti-fatigue. 

Durability

• Puncture Resistant – The primary purpose of the sandal is to help you combat the rough terrain and endure both a long hike and any breakdown. Opt for sandals that come with a gel or rubber padding, or more preferably with ethylene-vinyl acetate material.
• Traction – Sandals with a decent amount of tread are recommended for the proper grip and to prevent slipping and sliding.
• Water-resistant – The waterproof material is bound to make your sandal suitable for all-terrain and help keep your feet dry. Hydrophobic materials like rubber and polyvinyl chloride are recommended while opting for the right hiking sandal. 

Cost

While you might end up thinking that getting the best quality hiking sandals means spending all the money in your till, we recommend you research good quality hiking sandals at affordable prices. 

Can I hike in crocs? 

Croc enthusiasts shall praise crocs’ ability to provide you the proper comfort and durability. They are an ideal choice for daily and casual purposes.

By their very nature, Crocs could be considered suitable for hiking purposes. They are light in weight, offer breathability, cushion-like padding, and water-phobic material. 

However, a few areas where crocs could fall behind include their inability to function effectively in highly sharp, chunky, and rocky terrains. It moreover does not protect your heel area. Its flip-floppy nature could leave you slipping and injuring yourself. 

Your hiking footwear should be able to fit you well and provide support. Crocs could be a flimsy choice that would offer little or no stability. It could run you into the risk of an ankle fracture or a severe knee injury. Thus, they are not the ideal gear for hiking. 

Are hiking sandals good for hiking?

Ardent hikers have been constantly on the go to change the idea of heavy-duty hiking. It means looking at alternative gears that are both durable and lightweight. It is there where hiking sandals are coming to be regarded as a suitable choice.

Hiking sandals are a huge relief from the pain and fuss that boots could leave you in. Hiking sandals allow your feet plenty of breathing scope and thus keep you protected from the horrors of blisters, fungal infections, and sweaty-smelly feet.

Wearing boots could often be a painful and discomforting experience, especially in scorching weather conditions. They are much more flexible than boots as they can be adjusted.

Sandals also allow moving freely through bodies of water without the worry of water slipping inside your boots and damaging the boots. It will enable your feet to enjoy the cool breeze, the freshwater, and plenty of air and thus not be worn out with the ever restricting boots. It is also water safe and could be conveniently used and dried in no time.

Moreover, it is comparatively easy to put on and remove. Thus, you could take quick breaks to remove particles, pebbles, or dirt stuck inside. Thus it frees you from the fuss of wearing, adjusting, and removing your footwear. 

Are hiking Sandals safe? 

Hiking sandals have tested and triumphed to emerge as the latest trending choice among hikers setting off for a hot, humid trek. One, of course, has to trade away the benefits of ankle support and toe protection that traditional hiking boots would offer.

However, if you are on regular or intensive hiking trails, then the sandals will be of little or no support to save your feet. Moreover, it can either leave your feet with hotspots or frostbites in extreme weather conditions. The right approach is to take the necessary precautions to maximize utility and minimize inconvenience.

Thus, to combat sunburns and chafing, bring athletic tapes or socks. Sandals are easily cleanable and are quick to dry. Therefore, make sure you clean them thoroughly at intervals to remove moisture and dirt.

If you happen to try hiking sandals for the first time, start with simple and familiar trails. Since you decide to go light on your feet, go light on your backpack as well. That is to avoid putting unnecessary pressure and destabilizing the sandals. Travel light so your sandals can take the weight. 

Any hiking footwear will come with its set of pros and cons. Depending on the kind of hiker you are will enable you to make the right choice. 

Conclusion

We hope our article of best sandals for hiking truly inspired you to change your old ones with these new and dynamic pairs.

We highly advise you to break in your new sandal as early as possible, try walking around the town or running errands to help them adapt to your feet.

We also suggest that you start slow and go on mini hikes to avoid unforeseeable injuries. For extra protection, always carry athletic tape to cover any part of the foot on the verge of chafing and blistering.

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Jonah Wright

Jonah Wright is the founder of WorldAndI.com and wishes to be your online sherpa for all your travel, hiking, and outdoor adventures. After connecting to nature in his young years, he had an aim to hike all the most challenging treks in the world, which he is achieving one day at a time. When he isn't writing about outdoor content, he schedules his time to meet and be a part of various outdoor communities as much as he can. Jonah lives for the runner's high and feels that nothing can be as pure and lively as that experience.