Sometimes you just have to let the tootsies wiggle free, we get that. Many people choose hiking sandals for rafting, casual day hikes, and climbing approaches, but they can also be a great alternative to traditional hiking footwear for longer treks in particularly hot or wet climates.
We’ve hiked more than 6,000 miles in over 40 pairs of adventure-ready sandals – including big thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trail – and we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a sandal truly trail-worthy over the years. We’ll use our expertise in this guide to help you find your perfect pair of hiking sandals for all of your adventures – big and small.
It may be a fashion faux-pas, but pairing your hiking sandals with a good pair of hiking socks will cut down on abrasion from straps and keep your feet warmer. Or if you’re after a pair of comfy sandals for lounging instead of hiking, you’ll love our list of the best camp shoes.
Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Sandals
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best hiking sandals with in-depth reviews.
Best hiking sandals overall: Chaco Z/1 Classic ($105)
Best cushioned hiking sandal: Chaco Z/Cloud ($105)
Hiking sandals with the best traction: Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro ($140)
Best water sandals: KEEN Clearwater CNX ($120)
Best closed-toe hiking sandals: KEEN Newport H2 ($125)
Best budget hiking sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($75)
Supportive sandals for travel & everyday wear: ECCO Yucatan ($140)
Best ultralight hiking sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV ($80)
What’s new
We’ve been hitting the trail in some new sandals to see how they stack up against our tried-and-true top picks.
- The Chaco Z/1 Classic sandals remain our number one pick for best hiking sandals overall.
- The all new Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro sandals have the number three spot on our list for their unrivaled traction. This newest model toned down the toe-molding from the previous iteration.
- KEEN’s Newport H2s – which now come in some very eye-catching monochrome colorways – take the title of best-closed toe sandals.
Chaco Z/1 Classic
Best hiking sandals overall
Price: $105
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Supportive
- Excellent traction
- Lots of colors & patterns to choose from
- SSweet tan lines
Cons
- Straps can cause blisters when they're wet & sandy
- A little heavier than some others
- Straps can be a little difficult to adjust once dirt builds up in the sole
For us the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Z/Cloud (below) are the ultimate hiking sandals. They’re adjustable to fit all kinds of different foot shapes, surprisingly supportive, and ridiculously durable. We also love that we’re able to show off our personal style with the many stock colors and patterns available. Many hikers swear by Chacos, from day hikers, to minimalist fast packers, to your author, who thru-hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Chaco Z/1 Classics.
The Classics are available in a whole host of different strap configurations. The Z/2 Classics have an extra loop that goes over the toe and provides a more locked-in fit. The ZX/2 Classics have multiple thin straps and look more stylish. All are great options depending on your personal preference.
Chaco Z/Cloud
Best cushioned hiking sandals
Price: $105
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Supportive
- Excellent traction
- Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
- Sweet tan lines
Cons
- Straps can cause blisters when they're wet & sandy
- A little heavier than some others
- Staps can be a little difficult tol adjust once dirt builds up in the sole
The Chaco Z/Cloud are the same shoe as the Chaco Z/1 Classic above, but with a squishier sole. You’ll still get the same durability and support with the Z/Clouds, and they also come in a plethora of fun colors and styles. You should go with Z/Clouds if you prefer a softer, springier landing while you hike.
The Clouds are available in many different strap configurations. The Z/Cloud 2s have an extra loop that goes over the toe and provides a more locked in fit. The Z Cloud X & X/2 have multiple thin straps and look more stylish. All are great options depending on your personal preference.
Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro
Stable & Comfy Ultralight Sandals
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Sizing: Runs a little small
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Excellent traction
- Highly adjustable
- Durable
Cons
- Zero-drop not as supportive as others
- Straps between toes aren't for everyone
- Expensive
If you’re looking for minimalist, ultralight sandals to take on the trails this summer, our top recommendation is the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pros. These are no-frills sandals with an awesomely adjustable and soft strap system that makes them feel as comfy as they are stylish.
This model allows you to tighten your footwear at the heel, and adjust where the toe strap crosses the top of your foot, meaning it can accommodate a wide range of foot shapes and sizes.
We love the ergonomic footbed, which is flexible enough to keep your natural gait, but durable enough to tackle rough terrain. The burly lug pattern is reliable on slippery, steep, and uneven surfaces, and is durable across rough trail miles.
The downside of the Cairn 3Ds boils down to the toe strap and lack of structure. Though the nylon toe strap is very soft, having material between your toes may not be for you. And, these sandals are zero-drop, which may not work if you need or want better foot or arch support.
However, the Cairn 3Ds are comfy, simple, and awesome minimalist sandals that come in lots of bright, playful colors. For folks who want lightweight adjustable summer footwear for adventures outside, these are a great option.
KEEN Clearwater CNX
Best water sandals
Price: $120
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Protective
- Comfortable
Cons
- A bit bulky
- Not as breathable as other sandals
- A bit expensive
If you’re like us, summertime means river floatin’, beach bummin’, and lake divin’. We’ve had many cheap flip-flop straps bust during our summer vacay, but it doesn’t have to be like that. The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a lightweight, amphibious sandal that will protect your tootsies from pointy river rocks while you bob around in a tube, and they perform equally well on trail. The Clearwaters are our favorite of the KEEN closed toe sandals, because they feel much less clunky than the others in the lineup. We recommend these sandals for anyone looking for a tried and true summer companion for their feet.
KEEN Newport H2
Best closed-toe hiking sandals
Price: $125
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 6.7 oz.
Sizing: Runs a little small, we recommend sizing up ½ size
Pros
- Protective
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Excellent traction
Cons
- A little bulky/heavier than some others
- Expensive
- Not as breathable as other sandals
If you’re looking for the freedom of a hiking sandal, but you’d prefer to never experience the stubbed toes or stick stabs – you’ll love the KEEN Newport H2. With a burly rubber toe cap and a substantial upper, the Newports feel more like a hiking shoe with the spirit of a hiking sandal. Because these shoes are a little bulkier and heavier than some of the others on our list, they don’t work quite as well in the water as they do on the trail. For first-time sandal hikers or those who want some extra protection, the Newports are pretty hard to beat.
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Best budget hiking sandals
Price: $75
Weight (Pair): 15.6 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Cushy soles
- Adjustable
Cons
- Soles may be a little too cushy for some
One of the biggest advantages of hiking sandals over more traditional footwear is how much more affordable most sandals are. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 are amazingly priced for the quality and performance. These sandals are great in water or on land, and the adjustable straps are comfortable. Pricier sandals may be a little more durable and a little more supportive, but the Hurricane XLTs are one of the best values on the market in our opinion.If you like the look of the Hurricanes, but you want something even cheaper and less rugged, check out the super affordable Teva Original Universal. The Originals are perfect for those looking for an around town sandal that can handle river trips and easy day hikes.
ECCO Yucatan
Supportive Sandals for Travel & Everyday Wear
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12.6 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Supportive
- Comfortable straps
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Casual look
Cons
- Expensive
- A little heavier & bulkier than others
The ECCO Yucatans are our go-to sandals for summer adventures that require sturdy, high-quality athleisure sandals. If June to August looks like day hikes, stand-up paddleboarding, and road trips, the Yucatans can handle it all.
ECCO offers outstanding quality materials and construction that will last for hundreds of miles and years of rough use. The fabric is soft, flexible, and feels great on the skin, and the soles are responsive but durable with solid arch support and a snug fit.
We like that the Yucatans are easy to adjust with two large, wide Velcro straps. Their profile is a bit bulky and the soles are thick – similar to Chaco Z/1s, – but we don’t mind, since the bulk of the Yucatans gives them great durability.
However, the Yucatans come with a hefty price tag compared to most other models. They are also one of the heavier pairs we tested (again, on par with Chacos), but feature a more mellow tread pattern that’s not as grippy on slick surfaces.
Because of these issues, we wouldn’t recommend them exclusively for hiking – but they’re worth every penny for folks who want a durable, super stylish, and versatile shoe for daily wear and travel.
Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
Cushy & supportive hiking sandals with a secure fit
Price: $110
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 4 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Cushy footbed
- Secure fit
- Adjustable
- Excellent traction
- comfy straps
Cons
- Soles may be a little too cushy for some
- A little heavier than some others
If you like cushy soles, the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal will probably be the comfiest sandal you’ll ever wear. These sandals feel like what we imagine walking on clouds is like, and the straps are the softest against the skin of all the sandals we tested. Don’t let the squishy footbed fool you though, these babies grip like glue to rocks and roots. And with three points of adjustment – heel, toe, and ankle – it’s easy to get a secure fit. For those who’ve been dreaming of a cushy, yet rugged sandal, it’s time to wake up and smell the Terra Fi.
Teva Tirra
Stylish hiking sandals that transition well from town to trail
Price: $85
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable
- Secure fit
- Supportive
- Stylish
Cons
- Straps can cause some rubbing before they soften up
For the fashion conscious adventurer, the Teva Tirra offers a stylish alternative to clunky hiking footwear. While the upper is less sporty, the tread is just as aggressive as the more rugged sandals on our list. The Tirras are supportive and comfy enough for everyday wear around town or long days on the trail, so they’re perfect for active women wanting a sandal for all occasions. Hiking trails may be a far cry from a fashion runway, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to love the way you look out there.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
Best ultralight hiking sandals
Price: $80
Weight (Pair): 8.6 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Ultralight
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
Cons
- Not as supportive as others
- Not as durable as some others
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals are some of the most minimal shoes we’ve ever tested, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on comfort or performance. The velcro adjustments make it easy to get a custom fit, and we were surprised to find that the soles are quite sturdy despite being so flexible. The Z-Trails may take some getting used to for the first-time sandal hiker, as they’re not supportive or protective. We recommend the Z Trail for minimal footwear aficionados or for use as a comfy shoe to change into at camp.
KEEN Whisper
Casual hiking sandals that are great on wet terrain
Price: $115
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Protective
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Excellent wet traction
Cons
- A little bulkier than some others
- Not as breathable as other sandals
- A bit expensive
The KEEN Whispers are durable hiking sandals that excel on wet terrain. These sandals are very similar to the KEEN Newport H2 above, but they’re a little less bulky and work well for post-hike brewery hangouts because of their more casual look. The tread pattern on the Whisper is also less varied than the Newports, so they’re better suited to short hikes with mild terrain. We think this shoe works best for river rats and those who are always down for a day hike to a waterfall.
WHat’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Sandal?
COMFORT & FIT
The most important consideration when choosing hiking footwear should be comfort. If you can’t stand wearing your shoes for the duration of your adventure, then what’s the point?
Luckily comfort can be a little easier to nail with hiking sandals since your foot won’t be restricted by the shape of the shoe upper. Many hiking sandals are adjustable for a dialed-in fit, but you should still make sure to look for a pair that fits wide enough, properly supports your arch, and has enough cushion for your liking.
Most comfortable hiking sandals
Best hiking sandals for wide feet
PRICE
We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet.
More expensive hiking sandals often have superior traction, adjustability, and durability, so it’s worth it to stretch your budget if you plan to put up big miles in your shoes.
Comfort, performance, and fit usually trump cost in our books, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to get the right pair of kicks. We’ll help you find a pair of sandals that fits your budget and your needs in our picks below.
Best value sandals
Best budget hiking sandals
Best high-end sandals
WEIGHT
Lightweight footwear can help reduce muscle fatigue, prevent stumbling, and – over time – can help avoid knee and hip flexor problems. We always heavily factor weight into our footwear decisions since ounces on your feet zap more energy than ounces on your back.
That said, almost every option on this list is reasonably lightweight for hiking. The heavier models will often have benefits like better durability and more robust traction. Our advice is to keep your sandals as light as possible if you plan to carry them to give your feet an occasional break from your regular hiking shoes, and go with a pair that’s a bit beefier if you’ll use them as your main hiking footwear.
Best ultralight hiking sandals
Best lightweight hiking sandals
Best heavy-duty hiking sandals
DURABILITY & MATERIALS
The most durable hiking sandals are those with reinforced webbing, thicker midsoles, and firmer lugs on the sole. While more durable sandals tend to be a bit heavier – and often more expensive – we think these trade-offs are worth it in the long run if you plan to take your sandals on big adventures.
Most durable hiking sandals
USE
One of the reasons we love hiking sandals is that they’re so versatile. Many models can easily transition from trail, to water, to town and are a simple alternative to traditional hiking footwear.
Best hiking sandals
Best water sandals
Best travel sandals
Best active lifestyle sandals
ECCO YUCATAN – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Chaco Z/1 CLASSIC – PHOTO CREDIT: Heather Eldridge (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
BEDROCK CAIRN 3D PRO – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
KEEN NEWPORT H2 – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
KEEN CLEARWATER CNX – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
TEVA TIRRA – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Critical Hiking Sandal Considerations
SIZING
Sandal sizing is a little different than traditional footwear, and there isn’t really a standard way to tell what size you’ll need. Some sandal sizes are determined by where your arch lands, and some sizes are determined by how much space there is between the tip of your foot and the front and back edges of the shoe. It’s always best to try them on in person before purchasing whenever possible. One of the great things about sandals is that many of them are adjustable, so it’s easier to get a more dialed-in fit.
SOCKS
We know what you’re thinking… socks and sandals? Really? Yes, really. We’re always willing to commit this heinous fashion faux-pas to keep our piggies warm in the backcountry or to provide a barrier between our skin and the sandal straps if hot spots occur. For cold weather trips, we always bring along a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks or Smartwool Mountaineering Socks depending on the temperature and whether or not snow is present. We also like Injinji toe socks because they’re compatible with any strap configuration and they provide nice padding between each dirt-covered toe. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see more of our top picks.
MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS
We love being able to tromp right through a water crossing on the trail without the hassle of removing shoes and socks, but wet sandal straps tend to cling to dirt and can quickly turn your footwear into sandpaper. We recommend having a small pack towel handy to blot excess water off your feet to prevent hot spots from forming. You should also carry some athletic tape (we like Leukotape or RockTape) to provide a barrier between your skin and abrasive strap debris. Our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post mainly focuses on traditional hiking footwear, but there’s still a lot of great info in there for keeping your feet happy.
EXPOSED TOOTSIES
The ability to let your toes wiggle unencumbered is great, however it does leave your little piggies exposed to all sorts of potential dangers. Sun, loose rocks, thorns, poison ivy, the cold, and snakes are just a few of the potential hazards you leave yourself open to when hiking in sandals. You can reduce the risk from most of these perils with a few precautions.
PREVENTION
- Sun: Make sure you carry a good SPF sunscreen and apply it every few hours to keep the tops of your feet from burning.
- Loose rocks: There’s nothing worse for a sandals hiker than kicking a loose rock into your heel or squishing your toes under a rock. Make sure you step carefully in rocky areas to prevent these pains.
- The cold: The fear of cold feet is one of the most common reasons people get… well, cold feet… about hiking in sandals. This one is easily prevented with a quality pair of socks. For mildly chilly hikes, we like to bring a pair of Darn Tough Light Hiker socks. Toe socks can also be a good choice for hiking sandals depending on your sandal straps. For more awesome sock options, check out our list of the Best Hiking Socks.
- Snakes: Snakebites are rare no matter what footwear you have on, but sandals do leave more exposed skin at risk. The most important thing to remember is that snakes don’t want to interact with you, so long as you don’t try to interact with them. Never approach wildlife – give all critters a wide berth on the trail. For more information on snake safety, check out our Snake and Cougar Safety video.
