Although hiking boots can be a trusty companion for hitting the trails, a good pair of hiking sandals can be incredibly comfortable and refreshing in warmer conditions.
That being said, it can be difficult to determine which hiking sandals are best for your needs, particularly when there are so many different models available on the market today.
To help you out, we’ve reviewed the best hiking sandals and created this buying guide to make your decision easier. Onward!
Our top pick: Teva Hurricane XLT 2
Pros: Lightweight, cushioned heel and midfoot, nylon shank for stability, durable rubber outsole, reasonably priced, men’s and women’s versions
Cons: No toe protection
The Hurricanes are lightweight sandals ready for wet and muddy conditions. The polyester/nylon webbing straps are durable enough to hold up to daily abuse, yet dry quickly after a dip in a stream.
Plus, the Hurricanes’ cushioned heel adds comfort while the nylon shank provides stability underfoot on uneven terrain.
The Hurricanes are great, affordable sandals for hikers who value lightweight and comfort over everything else.
Best for the water: Keen Newport H2 Sport Sandals
Pros: Washable polyester webbing upper, high traction rubber outsole, secure fit lace capture system, TPU stability shank
Cons: Heavy
The Keen Newport is a hiking sandal/water shoe hybrid. Perfect for people who spend a lot of time in the water, the Newport has excellent traction in its non-marking rubber outsole and a washable webbing upper.
Plus, with a TPU shank for stability and a secure fit lace capture system, you can be confident in your sandals every step of the way.
If you love the water but need a shoe that can do it all, the Keen Newport might be the sandal for you.
Best Women’s Hiking Sandals: Teva Verra
Pros: Quick-dry materials, cushioned heel pad, EVA midsole and nylon shank, stylish design, vegan materials
Cons: Less strap support than other options
The Teva Verra is an excellent choice for light hikes, thanks to its cushioned heel, quick-dry webbing, and easy hook-and-loop closure.
It comes on and off easily and quickly, with a cushioned pad in the heel that absorbs impact when you’re walking over uneven terrain.
The contoured EVA midsole gives you added arch support, while the nylon shank stabilizes your foot on uneven terrain so you can focus on enjoying your hike.
The outsole is extremely durable and supplies great traction, so you won’t have any problems navigating rocky trails or slippery surfaces.
And last but not least, these sandals are made from all-vegan materials, including recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Merrell Sandspur 2 Convert
Pros: Full-grain leather upper, comfortable, EVA foam midsole
Cons: Leather is heavier and takes longer to dry than synthetic
The Merrell Sandspur 2 Convert is a versatile, lightweight sandal designed for comfort and durability.
The well-cushioned footbed is made of recycled microfiber, and the upper is crafted from full-grain leather.
The dual top and back strap hook and loop closure system make it easy to adjust the straps for a secure fit.
This sandal is great for all-day wear. The lightweight EVA foam midsole provides stability and comfort without sacrificing flexibility, so you can walk around town or hike through nature without being weighed down by your shoes.
The rubber outsole provides reliable traction on any surface.
Teva Langdon Sandal
Pros: Premium leather upper, moulded EVA midsole, nylon shank for stability
Cons: Expensive
The Teva Langdon is a great choice for light hiking and travelling.
It’s designed with a premium supple leather upper and a moulded EVA midsole for cushioning and comfort. The velcro closures make it easy to get on and off your feet.
Like most sandals in our review, the Langdon’s feature a nylon shank that gives you stability on uneven ground.
The rubber outsole will help keep you grounded no matter what terrain you’re walking on.
Keen Arroyo II Hiking Sandals
Pros: Very protective, good breathability, torsion stability ESS shank
Cons: Heavy
The Arroyo II combines the best features of a shoe and sandal into one trail-worthy piece of footwear. This sandal provides an incredible amount of protection while maintaining breathability.
With a solid, protective toe-cap and a mixed leather/mesh upper, the Arroyo really is the best of both worlds. We recommend the Arroyo II for hikers who won’t sacrifice toe protection in their hiking sandals.
How To Choose Hiking Sandals
A good pair of hiking sandals can handle some pretty tough terrain, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right pair for the type of hiking you do.
Here are some things to look for:
Toe protection
Hiking sandals are made to be either open- or closed-toe. Closed-toe sandals offer your feet protection from rocks and roots that can cut or further injure your toes.
However, they tend to be heavier and less breathable than their open-toed counterparts.
RELATED: Lightfeet Vs Archies Thongs
Adjustability
Most sandals have some sort of adjustment system that allows you to get the perfect fit.
This is important for reducing your likelihood of getting blisters.
Plus, having adjustable sizing allows you to fit a pair of wool socks under your sandal straps during the colder months.
Verdict
There are many different hiking sandals out there, so it’s important to find the pair that best fits your needs.
All things considered, our top pick is the Teva Hurricane because it is durable, repairable, supportive, and easily adjustable.
Now that you know what to look for, what are you waiting for? Go grab your next pair of hiking sandals and hit the trails!
