Hiking sandals are an excellent choice for day hikes or short adventures, or in certain places or environments where a conventional hiking shoe or boot can’t be worn. Just as the name suggests, these sandals are great for going out on the trail. Take them to the beach and wear them on your next excursion on dry land; with walking shoes now available year-round and all conditions considered, you will have a hard time finding any weather condition they can’t handle.
Benefits of a Sandal for Hiking
A hiking sandal is a comfortable, open-toed shoe that can be used for walking and hiking. The biggest difference between a hiking sandal and a normal sandal is the sole, which is much thicker, more rigid, and more durable.
Hiking sandals are also generally lighter than hiking boots so they are perfect for shorter day hikes and general outdoor use.
There are many great benefits to choosing a Hiking sandal for the right environment and purpose;
Lightweight
One of the biggest benefits of a sandal is how light they are compared to other shoes. They don’t offer much support or protection around the ankles or toes, but this also means less weight to carry with you on your hike. Hikers often prefer to sacrifice some ankle support to reduce how much weight they’re carrying with them.
Ventilation
Another benefit of wearing sandals is that they provide excellent ventilation. Many people have found that their feet stay dryer and more comfortable when wearing sandals on hikes than other types of shoes. It’s also easier to dry off wet feet when you’re wearing sandals. If you do get your feet wet, just take off your sandals and let them dry out in the sun for a few minutes. You can’t get your boots wet-though without risking blisters or worse.
Easy On and Off
If you’re hiking in a warm climate, you can leave your socks at home. Simply slip on your sandals and go. If you’re hiking in a cooler climate, simply wear socks. You don’t have to worry about laces or zippers.
Versatility
You can wear sandals for more than hiking. They work well for casual wear as well as athletic activities such as swimming or canoeing when you need quick access to your feet.
Washable
Sandals are easy to wash by hand with a soft brush and some mild detergent. If they get extra dirty, use your washing machine’s gentle cycle and air dry them out of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.
Affordable
They are typically the least expensive type of footwear because the design is simple and there aren’t any parts that can break easily. While leather holds up better than fabric, it’s still less expensive than most other types of footwear.
Personalized Fit
Because there is no break-in period with hiking sandals, you can hit the trail right away — no blisters required.
Quick Drying
Moisture won’t get trapped in hiking sandals as it does with boots and shoes.
How to Choose the Best Sandals for Hiking
Most hikers know that when it comes to footwear, a good pair of hiking shoes or boots can be the difference between a happy hike and an agonizing one. But what about those times when you want to feel light on your feet and enjoy the breeze between your toes? You can still get all the benefits of a good hiking shoe by choosing the right type of sandal.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best hiking sandal option for your next adventure:
Toe Room
Your toes should have some wiggle room in any shoe, especially when you’re hiking. The last thing you want is blisters from rubbing or bruised toes from stubbing against rocks and other obstructions. Choose a hiking sandal with a rounded toe box and enough room for your toes.
Go Wider, Not Larger
While toe room is important, hiking sandals should fit like a glove all the way around your foot. When the heel strap is adjusted properly, the sole of the sandal should be flush against the bottom of your foot. This gives you more control and traction while navigating uneven terrain — and ultimately helps prevent injuries. If you have to size up to get enough toe room, make sure to adjust the heel strap as tightly as possible to provide a snug fit.
Heel lift
When you’re out on the trail in your hiking sandals, it’s important that your feet don’t slide forward, which can put pressure on the ball of your foot and cause blisters. To counteract this tendency, look for brand names that offer a heel cup and some form of arch support. The best hiking sandals also have toe guards to protect your toes from rocks, sticks, and other items along the trail.
The right fit
It’s best to shop for hiking sandals at an outdoor store where you’ll be able to walk around in them before making a purchase. Remember that you will be wearing these sandals for several hours at a time. They should feel comfortable from the start; don’t expect them to stretch to fit over time.
Features of a Good Sandal for Hiking
While choosing sandals for hiking, you need to consider the following features:
Closure System: Hiking sandals usually have a strap system that can be adjusted according to the fit of your feet. This feature helps you to keep the sandals on your feet, especially when walking on wet surfaces.
Toe protection: While hiking, it is important to ensure that your toes are protected, especially in case of accidents. Sandals with a bumper at the toe area help to protect your toes from injuries.
Footbed: The footbed of hiking sandals should provide cushioned support and should also be removable. A soft and contoured footbed will help you maintain a good grip while walking and also provide enough space for your feet to breathe.
Water Friendly: Hiking involves walking through streams and other water bodies; therefore, it is better to buy water-friendly sandals. The straps of such sandals are made up of synthetic materials that are quick-drying, thereby preventing blisters and infections caused by moist feet.
Uppers: Hiking sandals have strong uppers that do not come off easily. Also, they help in providing a good grip on slippery surfaces. These uppers also prevent the straps from breaking off easily and stretch the straps
Arch Support: Good arch support is important because it helps prevent injury and keeps your legs and back aligned properly. Choose hiking sandals with medium or high arches made of rigid materials like nylon or polyurethane. These materials hold their shape better than softer ones, such as EVA foam, which breaks down quickly under heavy use.
Weight: Heavy sandals can drain your energy on long hikes. Look for lightweight models under 18 ounces per pair, which are typically made with sturdy, but lightweight materials like nylon webbing or polyurethane straps. To reduce weight, even more, look for styles with narrow straps and minimal cushioning around the footbed.
Outsole: Choose hiking sandals with outsoles made of rubber compounds that are molded into deep treads to provide excellent traction in wet or dry conditions. Choose rugged outsoles that protect against abrasion from rocky trails and provide plenty of shock absorption to prevent fatigue over long distances.
Reviews: The Best Sandals for Hiking
We are going to review the top 10 Best Sandals for Hiking. We have selected these sandals based on the most important factors, including durability, stability, comfort, and most of all, safety. These are all reliable options among hikers and backpackers.
Sandals for Hiking
If you are looking for durable and water-friendly sandals for your travel, the Keen Newport is what you’ve been looking for. It is one of my top favorites when it comes to hiking sandals. Made from soft fabric and textile uppers that are quick-drying and lightweight, this sandal has an internal support system that adapts to your foot’s movements. It also comes with machine washable water-friendly and quick-drying sandals, a lace-up bungee system, elastic cording for an adjustable fit, and an outsole made from durable rubber.
Mesh Hiking Sandal
The Crocs Swiftwater Hiking Sandal is an ideal accessory for day hikes. Lightweight and water-friendly, these sandals are designed for a variety of terrains and feature easy adjustability for a comfortable fit. Highly breathable mesh uppers with an adjustable closure make this sandal well ventilated and allow a mobile range of motion. Plus, the outsole has flex grooves on it that makes them extra comfortable while hiking through varied terrain.
Sandal for Hiking
The Keen Clearwater is a protective toe sandal that features razor siping in the non-marking rubber outsole. The Hydrophobic mesh lining offers moisture management while the PU cushioned midsole lends extra protection to your feet. Machine washable, this men’s athletic sandal has hook and loop closures that ensure a secure fit while offering an easy on/off design.
Sandal for Hiking
This two-model sandal from Teva is as comfortable as it is rugged, making it the ideal choice for hiking on all terrains. Its durable water-ready textile upper features adjustable straps and quick-drying polyester webbing, while its comfortable compression-molded EVA midsole and cushioned foam footbed cradle your feet in total comfort. Plus, the easy ladder-lock design makes for quick adjustability when needed. Finished off with a durable dermabrasion rubber outsole suitable for all terrains, this shoe really has it all. Available in a range of colors.
Hiking Sandal
Skechers offers two excellent models of hiking sandals, the men’s Louden sandal, and the women’s Dib Fest. The Louden is great for rough trails, with a rubber outsole and a shock-absorbing midsole. It features a soft fabric lining, plenty of adjustable straps so you get the perfect fit, and is available in 3 different colors. The Dib Fest has a memory foam footbed to keep your feet cozy as well as durable synthetic puppets and a relaxed-fit design that ensures goodbye comfort and includes 2 adjustable straps for an even more customized fit.
Sandal for Hiking
The high-performance Yucatan from ECCO is one of the most popular Hiking models in the collection. Featuring a unique and stylish design, this sandal is made from durable leather and a textile upper that is lined and padded for comfort and moisture management. An ECCO Fluidform technology footbed ensures balanced cushioning and flexible and integral bonding while Receptor® technology enhances stability with anatomical support. A durable rubber outsole ensures excellent grip on a variety of terrains, making these sandals ideal for outdoor adventures. Available in many color options to choose from.
Outdoor Sandals for Flat Feet
Teva Outdoor Sandals are the perfect sandal for when you walk on the beach or decide to take a hike on a trail. The Teva Hudson has a leather upper with a Velcro closure and adjustable straps, while the Sanborn features textile uppers with a hook and loop adjustable closure. There is a comfortable EVA foam midsole in both sandals and a contoured footbed. The Hudson’s footbed is treated with Microbnan, a zinc-based antimicrobial treatment to prevent odors. The Sierra has water-ready polyester upper webbing that dries quickly. Both sandals have a lug and durable rubber outsole ideal for Trails.
Comfortable Walking Sandals
The Keen Rose and Arroyo II sandals offer premium durability thanks to the rubber outsoles, footbeds, and uppers. The Rose’s textile upper is lined with a polyester/nylon mesh for breathability and lightness, as well as excellent quick-drying properties. The waterproof Arroyo has a full-grain leather upper that is backed by the mesh lining. Both Keen Rose and Arroyo sandals feature cushioned footbeds with contoured arches to support your feet while giving you distinctive Keen style.
Long Distance Outdoor Walking Sandals
The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve and the Tetrex are the ideal sandals for anyone looking to get the most out of their training. Their sturdy construction makes them perfect for long walks, hikes or other outdoor adventures. With water-resistant leather uppers and a breathable neoprene lining, these sandals will keep you both cool and dry even in hot weather conditions. The Vibram TC5+ outsole features grippy lugs for excellent traction on muddy surfaces, while an EVA midsole ensures support during long walks through uneven terrain.
Sandals for Hiking
The Dream Pairs Expedition is a lightweight, flexible sandal built to get you through any terrain. This synthetic upper is durable and adjustable for a comfortable fit, while the durable rubber outsole with lug tread provides extra grip. The footbed is cushioned with EVA for comfort during your journey, and the sandal includes three color options.
