While on a hiking adventure, you must always look out for good hiking boots or a fine pair of hiking shoes. However, have you ever wondered about the best hiking sandals? During warm weather, hiking with closed shoes becomes quite tricky. Moreover, the pain caused by closed hiking boots can be tragic. Therefore, looking for the best sandals becomes a necessity. This blog explores nine different pairs of hiking sandals that are quick-drying, especially on day hikes in hot weather.
Best Hiking Sandals
This article unveils the definitive guide to the top 9 hiking sandals, and you can embark on outdoor adventures with unmatched comfort and design and transform how you experience the natural world. These sandals promise to provide the ideal balance of comfort, grip, and durability on calm trails and rough terrain. Our well-chosen collection guarantees that every stride, whether you’re a casual traveler or an enthusiastic hiker, is cushioned and supported. Prepare to discover the best hiking sandals available from well-known brands like Teva, Keen, Chaco, and more. Explore each pair’s unique qualities and advantages with us so you can select the ideal option for your outdoor adventures. This is where your trip to amazing comfort and performance starts.
Types of best hiking sandals
Find the ideal pair of hiking sandals now. We’ll look at the Chaco Bodhi and Z Cloud for women, the Zero Z Trail Ev for comfy hiking, the Teva Original Universal for adventures that suit men and women, the Keen Newport H2 for closed-toe protection, the Luna Middle Bear Camp for distinctive style, the Merrell Kahuna 4 for open-toe leather luxury, and the Lizard Super Hike with an ergonomic footbed in this extensive guide. However, before getting into that, we will dive into some basic types of sandals good for hiking.
- Closed-toe hiking sandals
- Open Toe hiking sandals
- Amphibious hiking sandals
- Trail hiking sandals
- Backpacking hiking sandals
- Minimalist hiking sandals
Chaco Bodhi Best Women’s Hiking Sandals
The first one in our best hiking sandals is the impeccable Chaco bodhi strap design hiking sandals. As the best option for women’s hiking sandals, the Chaco Bodhi stands out because of its winning blend of tough performance, adjustable fit, and adaptable style. Compared to the Chaco Z/1 Classic, this relatively recent design adopts a more minimalist approach, streamlining the strap setup for an easy-to-use adjustment procedure. The lack of external foot straps guarantees comfort for both wide and thin feet.
Keeping the traditional Chaco toe loop adds stability and security, setting the Bodhi apart from other minimalist sandals. This shoe’s flexible, lightweight, and thin sole adds even more to its overall greatness. The Bodhi’s remarkable performance outweighs its disadvantages, which include a lack of half sizes and fewer color and pattern options than Chaco’s iconic Z sandals. As the top pick for women’s hiking sandals, the Chaco Bodhi is a dependable, comfy, and fashionable option for any activity, including kayaking, camping, touring cities, and lounging on beaches.
Key features
- Ladder lock buckle closure
- Toe strap
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little risk of foot blisters due to the straps
Chaco Z Cloud Hiking Adventure Sandals
Next up is the Chaco Z Cloud, another very popular hiking sandal. These minimalist sandals come with good arch support. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a dependable and tough adventure sandal, earning praise for its outstanding traction on various surfaces. It has been field-tested for over 15 years in whitewater rafting and backpacking. Throughout that time, it has shown to be reliable and strong, offering security and stability in difficult settings. However, the sandal’s strong performance comes with a price, as its remarkable stability and traction make it one of the heaviest and bulkiest alternatives available. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable adventure sandal because of its easy-to-adjust toe loop, which takes some time to get right but greatly increases stability.
For those who are patient and persistent, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 can be a dependable partner for various outdoor activities, even though its weight and girth may not appeal to everyone. There is also the Chaco Z/1 Classic for those uncomfortable with toe straps, although the Z/Cloud 2’s toe loop is far more useful for keeping the foot secure when going on adventures. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a great option for anyone looking for a strong hiking adventure sandal because it is a proven performer with long-lasting durability.
Key features
- Polyester jacquard webbing
- Ladder lock buckle closure
Pros
- Good arch support
Cons
- Longer break-in period.
Xero Z Trail Ev Comfy Hiking Sandals
Looking for the most comfortable hiking sandals? Look no further. The Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are designed to satisfy the needs of true barefoot fans. Their flexible and ultrathin construction offers a striking sensation similar to being barefoot. These sandals’ sturdy sole patterns, such as slick granite slopes and steep gravel routes, provide superior traction on surfaces. The outward-angled anchors on the Z-style straps provide a surprising amount of freedom in addition to their traditional appearance. They keep the tension without rubbing or blistering the wearer during prolonged use.
An initial transition phase may be necessary for those new to barefoot trekking, as going directly into the Xero Z-Trail could result in tired and painful feet. But once your foot muscles are stronger, these incredibly comfy sandals are a great option for all-day wear. The Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are ideal for barefoot hikers looking for comfortable and adaptable hiking sandals that keep a barefoot feel even when negotiating difficult terrain or even indoor settings, despite the restricted color selections.
Key features
- Velcro and ladder lock buckle closure
- Dual chevron lug pattern
Pros
- Great traction
Cons
- Limited colors
Teva Original Universal Unisex Hiking Sandals
Finding the best hiking sandals for men can sometimes be challenging. Hence, to your ease, are the Teva unisex hiking sandals. A traditional and affordable option that has shown its ability to last throughout time is the Teva Original Universal. At a fraction of the price of many competitors, these unisex hiking sandals provide decent security and a trustworthy grip for various trips. Sturdy Velcro straps are simple enough to modify to your ideal fit quickly and effectively. The Teva Original Universal, which comes in various colors and patterns to fit your style, is a great “just in case” addition to your holiday hiking daypacks, because it is thin, light, and packable.
The Teva Original Universal is suitable for most daily trips, although it is not ideal for harsh or extreme environments. The footbeds could become slick in the water, and the edges of the tightened straps might feel a little uncomfortable. The flat footbeds also don’t provide any arch support. Still, the Teva Original Universal is a terrific, simple sandal that offers dependable performance at a reasonable price range for the humble adventurer looking for a good, economical option.
Key features
- Sturdy Velcro straps
- Thin and lightweight design
Pros
- Solid traction
Cons
- Not good for wide feet
Keen Newport H2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals
Finding good camp shoes is one of the tasks when you set out on one of your hiking adventures. The Keen Newport H2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals are made for maximum performance and perform exceptionally well in damp environments. Even on difficult terrain, you may feel confident in every step thanks to the outstanding grip and anti-slip properties of the soft rubber, deep lugs, and razor-siping outsole. Notably, the outsole’s incredibly small slits effectively direct water out from beneath the shoe, improving traction on damp surfaces. The sandals are a dependable option for various outdoor activities because of their broad fit and roomy toe box, adding stability.
Even though the Keen Newport H2 was named the “World’s Ugliest Sandal” by the company, its closed-toe style has useful advantages. Even though it looks a lot like a parent at a Disney waterpark, the closed-toe feature shields against underwater hazards like roots and rocks. Although the sandal is bulky because of its full coverage and thick rubber soles, it is a great option for people looking for improved toe protection when going on water sports. The Keen Newport H2 is a dependable choice for outdoor lovers navigating rough and rainy environments because it blends functionality and durability.
Key Features
- Eva insole
- Lacelock Closure
- closure
Pros
- Toe protection
Cons
- Not an attractive design
Luna Middle Bear Camp Sandals
Another great hiking sandal is the Luna middle bear. The Luna Middle Bear Camp Sandals, with its thicker 9.4mm footbed and lugs that give up some ground feel in favor of protection, are a compromise between protection and ground sensation. This improves protection on rougher surfaces and trails but decreases awareness on softer trails and highways. With its rapid shape-molding ability, the MGT footbed adds comfort and a little sensation to the ground. Though it makes for a stiff ride, the 4.5mm Vibram outsole enhances running performance, particularly on difficult trails.
The Luna Middle Bear’s wings lacing system is straightforward and adaptable, allowing for comfortable and rapid tension adjustments. A rubber pad wrapped around the heel strap improves comfort and tightness during running. A strengthened toe strap plug and side hole lace protection are two distinctive characteristics that set Luna Middle Bear apart from other sandal brands and prevent wear over time. Trail running enthusiasts may trust these sandals because of their trustworthy Vibram MegaGrip outsole, which has an aggressive tread pattern that provides an outstanding grip, enabling runners to negotiate varied terrains confidently.
Key features
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Monkey grip technology footbed
Pros
- Comfortable footbed
Cons
- The strap gets easily twisted.
Merrell Kahuna 4 Open Toe Leather Sandals
Finding the best open-toe leather hiking sandals is almost like a dream. This is because of the exceptional breathability of the open toe. Moreover, the sturdiness of leather. The Merrell Kahuna 4 Open Toe Leather Sandals expertly combine the best features of both worlds: a stylish suede top construction for dependable support and an open-toe design that allows for ventilation and comfort. The neoprene lining guarantees a velvety and comfy feel, harmonizing appearance and functionality. Merrell ensures a snug and comfortable fit even with the open-toe feature by utilizing an intelligently contoured footbed with a little point for enhanced front protection. These sandals offer confidence-boosting foot security on various terrains thanks to their strong suede strapping and superior side protection.
The Kahuna 4’s footbed offers a wet-and-dry grip and small instep support. It’s not simply an attractive face. Ankle and forefoot Velcro straps guarantee a snug and comfortable fit. While the Vibram outsole’s rounded lugs may slip on damp rocks, the narrow, 3mm-deep lugs provide excellent traction and cushioning on various surfaces. The Merrell Kahuna 4 Open Toe Leather Sandals offer a winning blend of support, style, and mobility, ready to make every step a comfortable and confident journey.
Key features
- Velcro strap
- Leather upper
Pros
- Comfortable
Cons
- A bit too heavy
Bedrock Cairn Pro II Breathable Hiking Sandals
Fans of the Bedrock Cairn Pro II Adventure sandals are passionate about them and swear by their functionality. The reviewer notes a personal desire for additional padding during treks, even though they accept its quality. The Cairn Pro is positioned as barefoot shoes with a tiny platform and zero drop. It is comfortable, albeit with a strap that looks like a flip-flop between the toes, so not everyone may find it appealing. The sandal’s adaptability is further enhanced by the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which guarantees outstanding grip on various surfaces.
The front strap and three-point adjustment system work well to lock the foot in position, but some users feel it is not as secure as some of its rivals. Despite this, the footbed stays firmly in place even when wet. Bedrock’s dedication to sustainability is a praiseworthy feature of the Cairn Pro II Adventure. They allow for resoling when the rubber wears out and donate some of their purchases to environmental groups. Even though the review raises the possibility of additional environmentally beneficial efforts, including employing recycled webbing, the Bedrock Cairn Pro is a dependable and considerate choice for anyone looking for breathable hiking sandals.
Key Features
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Resolable design
Pros
- Breathable
Cons
- Barefoot feel
Lizard Super Hike Ergonomic Footbed Sandals
The last and final one on our list is the Lizard Super Hike ergonomic, comfy hiking sandals. The Lizard Super Hike sandals, with their cushioned footbed and ergonomically shaped form that cradles the foot and provides arch support, offer a comfortable and supportive hiking experience on dry terrain. These sandals’ three-point adjustment system allows a secure and personalized fit, improving your hiking experience. For those who prefer a more natural stride, the zero-drop sole is accommodating; nevertheless, barefoot lovers may find that the thicker sole unit and curved footbed slightly lessen the barefoot feel.
The Super Hike exhibits good traction on various surfaces, such as dusty trails, wet rocks, and roots. Still, it’s vital to remember that extended contact with water may compromise functionality. After providing steady traction, the suede footbed may eventually become slick, especially in damp weather. The evaluation suggests considering Lizard’s Super Trek model for water-related activities, which functions better when wet. With its ergonomic features and three-point adjustment mechanism, the Lizard Super Hike is a pleasant and supportive option for dry-terrain hiking that ensures a secure and pleasurable fit.
Key features
- Three Velcro straps
- Ergonomic footbed
Pros
- Comfortable
Cons
- The footbed can be slippery when wet.
Guide to Choosing the Best Hiking Sandals
It’s important to consider comfort, durability, practicality, and style when selecting the perfect pair of shoes. This guide reveals the tips for choosing the best hiking sandals to improve your outdoor experience and hold up under challenging terrains. Put on your curiosity cap and enter a world where getting the ideal hiking sandals is just a step away with every step. Let’s examine the crucial elements that will guarantee you locate the ideal footwear for your vacation loaded with wanderlust, from cutting-edge style to comfortable features.
What factors to consider before buying the best hiking sandals?
Some of the factors you need to consider while choosing the best hiking sandals. Whether it’s the best hiking sandals for women or the best hiking sandals for men, this buying guide covers it all.
Protection: Best Hiking Sandals
- Toe protection
- Arch support
- Sole Construction
- Ankle Support
- Heel protection
Traction: Best Hiking Sandals
- Vibram sole
- Aggressive treads
- Sticky rubber outsole
- Multidirectional Lugs
Breathability: Best Hiking Sandals
If your sandals aren’t breathable, you’ll face many issues on a long day hike. Therefore, always look for a pair of hiking flip-flops that are breathable.
Water Resistance: Best Hiking Sandals
During hiking, you encounter many hard terrains. Moreover, your walk might become difficult on slippery surfaces. Hence, you need to always look for good water resistance, whether in your hiking boots or sandals.
Weight
Weight is another crucial factor for your day hike shoes. So, always ensure your sandals aren’t heavy and easy to carry.
Good Fit
Who would like their feet to be freely moving around the sandals? Hence, make sure the sandals you choose perfectly fit your feet.
Final Thoughts on Best Hiking Sandals
With the best hiking sandals, you can confidently take on outdoor excursions and enter a world of unmatched comfort and performance. The Chaco Bodhi, Chaco Z Cloud, Zero Z Trail Ev, Teva Original Universal, Keen Newport H2, Luna Middle Bear Camp, Merrell Kahuna 4, and Lizard Super trek sandals redefine the norms of trail footwear, whether you’re taking on tough routes or going for a leisurely day trek. These trail-evolving, quick-drying sandals have a dependable rubber outsole for excellent traction on slick areas, an arch support system, a minimalist design, and closed-toe protection.
How to choose the best hiking sandals?
Hence, in conclusion, these sandals are more than simply hiking sandals; from the sophisticated strap designs to the long-lasting durability of each pair, they are the pinnacle of style and functionality. With the best hiking sandals for men and women on the market, you can enhance your outdoor experience and make every step an amazing adventure. Experience the flexibility of a well-made pair of hiking sandals and wave goodbye to the restrictions of traditional hiking boots. They’re the ideal companion for any day hike or camping trip. With the assurance of wearing the best hiking sandals for men and women, explore, trek, and conquer.
