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If the weather has become hot and humid, and you dread having your feet bound up in those heavy hiking boots of yours, it may be time to consider alternating with a good pair of hiking sandals. Luckily, there are wide selections of hiking sandals available that function just as well or better than your big heavy strapped-up hiking boots, without sacrificing style.
The number of hiking sandals available on the market today can be staggering, but we've picked out eight of our favorite pairs to make your hiking experience the best. The TEVA Men’s Hurricane XLT Sandal, in a nutshell, has everything the average hiker will need: support, breathability, and durability. It's also waterproof, lightweight, and easy to throw on and off. Read on for more great choices and a buying guide reviewed by an experienced outdoor guide to help you pick one on your own!
My name is 박 (Pak). I am a first-generation Korean American who has worked in the outdoors for 6 years as a guide. Now I'm enjoying traveling around with my bicycle and spending time outdoors with my dog Gaara.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
You don't need to be confused by the wide selection of hiking sandals available on the market today. A simple pre-assessment of your physical condition, weather, and ruggedness of your hiking terrain will get you pointed in the right direction.
A smooth and well-traveled hiking trail with few physical challenges will require less support from your hiking sandals. Here, choosing an open-toe hiking sandal would give you more air flow and comfort.
A hiking course which is a bit more rugged and challenging with lots of rocks, brush, vegetation overgrowth, and water may mean you could want to go with a closed-toe hiking sandal, which has more foot coverage and will better protect your feet from the elements.
Depending on your current state of fitness, certain hiking sandals may be more or less appropriate for you. If you are reasonably fit, even to a small degree, then you should have minimal trouble shifting from hiking boots to hiking sandals. Most hikers will fit into this category and are free to choose the sandals of their liking.
A hiker who is considerably unfit may want to either stick with hiking boots or choose a hiking sandal that has greater support and coverage overall. This is because you need more awareness and foot strength when using hiking sandals due to greater foot exposure and reduced support.
In general, hiking boots and closed-toe hiking sandals that cover most of the foot will offer greater protection, so there will be less to worry about on the trail. However, the advantages of wearing hiking sandals over boots are significant.
Also, those with ankle issues should consider wearing shoes while going on a hike. Sandals provide almost no ankle support, which makes it easy to sprain them.
Check to see that your hiking sandals are labeled either waterproof or water-resistant to keep your feet supported during wet terrains. Many hiking sandals have fast-drying designs, so be aware whether or not this is a feature of the sandals you are considering.
Basically, the more of your foot that is exposed, the faster it will dry. Otherwise, special moisture-wicking materials will compensate for this or enhance a sandal's function. The most common moisture-wicking materials are polypropylene and nylon, although there are other options you may want to consider.
Hiking in sandals will be super convenient when there are plenty of water crossings. It is ideal for your sandals to have an ankle strap that will help keep your sandals on when in the water.
Hiking sandals can build up odor over time. Since they are more breathable and open than boots, it may take longer, but also be easier to smell if they haven't been washed in a while.
Choosing sandals that are washable and waterproof will ensure you can easily pop them into the washing machine after a hike. This will keep your feet relatively odorless for the life of the sandals. Add some lemon essential oil to the wash as well, and your footwear may even smell nice!
The majority of materials most sandals are made with should be washable, with the exception of many kinds of leather, which can get damaged quickly in the wash and easily harbor bacteria.
The design of the shoe will determine how well it dries and holds up to repeated exposure to water, so be sure to check for the waterproof label in the description if you are concerned about keeping your sandals as fresh as possible.
On your trip, try to dry your sandals as much as you can in the sun. The sun does wonders for keeping away the stink and the UV helps kill bacteria. Sandals that don't have Velcro straps are also prone to be easier to clean as you can throw them in the wash. Velcro degrades quickly in the washing machine.
Simply being aware of the type of materials used in the manufacturing of your sandals will give you a window of knowledge about the potential longevity of your purchase.
Most hiking sandals are made of synthetic materials with the occasional addition of leather, hemp or cotton on the upper part of the sandal. The two basic materials used are Polyurethane (PU) and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Polyurethane (PU) is more durable and longer-lasting, offering a lot of support and protection. It is, however, harder on the feet and takes longer to break in. It's also heavier and costs more than EVA, but when you consider long-term costs, it shouldn't matter that much.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is extremely soft and light-weight, providing nice cushioning and comfort even when you first purchase it. However, it tends to break down within three to six months. If you're only going on a few hikes or are willing to replace your sandals more frequently, this can save you some dollars in the short-term.
When choosing a hiking sandal, there has to be a fine balance between breathability and support. The most breathable and comfortable sandals you can wear are beach flip-flops; however, they wouldn't serve you very well on a hiking trail.
One complaint about hiking sandals is that if they are not secured well to your feet, they may fall off during the hike, opening the potential for injuries. Look for a design that will hold your foot in place while also allowing airflow to permeate inside the sandal with strategically designed openings.
It's hard to say what the best design is in this regard because each sandal will function differently depending on the foot that is in it. So, trust your instincts and read reviews to see the general consensus on how the pair you are considering has served other hikers.
Close-toed sandals that tend to be too loose not only can hurt your toes as you're hiking, but they can also be prime for rolling ankles. As for open sandals, try to find ones that have straps that you can adjust and tighten down.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TEVA Men's Hurricane XLT Sandal | $84.99 High Mid | The Classic Standard For Hiking Sandals | ||
2 | Atika Mens Outdoor Hiking Sandals | $26.98 Low Mid | An Ergonomic Design To Support Your Feet | ||
3 | Dream Pairs Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals|160912-M-NEW | $22.19 Low Mid | A Hiking Sandal That Almost Functions Like a Sneaker | ||
4 | KEEN Men's Uneek Hiking Sandals | $84.86 High Mid | A Truly UNEEK Hiking Sandal With a Secure Fit | ||
5 | Camel Crown Men's Waterproof Hiking Sandals | $44.99 Mid | Hard-to-Find, Closed-Toe Open-Style Sandals | ||
6 | Jousen Men's Leather Hiking Sport Sandals | $29.99 Low Mid | A Dressy Men's Hiking Sandal That Functions Like the Best of Them | ||
7 | Crocs Men's Swiftwater Mesh Sandals | $41.24 Mid | A Hybrid Hiking Sandal With a Stretch Mesh Design | ||
8 | Visionreast Men's Leather Hiking Sandals | $27.99 Low Mid | Air-Cushioned Hiking Shoe for Heavy Impact Hikes |
TEVA is the standard all-around, time-tested, all-terrain, outdoor sport sandal. They are famous for their durability and longevity and give great quality for the price. They are highly adjustable with a velcro strapping design which can be adjusted to fit your feet as close to perfect as possible.
The TEVA Men's Hurricane XLT Sandal is an advanced TEVA design that doesn't cause blisters to the feet as easily. Reviews attest to the more technically designed footbed, which has a sturdier construction than previous TEVA sandals.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for the most part. A handful of reviewers claim their sandals didn't last long and that the sizing was a bit wonky. Many have been buying this brand for years, however! They say the footwear is comfortable and offers great support, and many admit to wearing it daily.
These are durable and comfortable waterproof hiking sandals which reviewers have called TEVA look-alikes, in both appearance and function. So although the design is not original, it offers good quality at a cheaper price than TEVA.
Considerable attention has been paid to structural design and comfort as these sandals were blessed with added arch support, extra cushioning, and good surface traction providing stability on wet and dry surfaces.
Most complaints seemed to revolve around sizing and fit, so make sure to check the sizing chart before you commit to buy. On the other hand, many reviewers attest to the great comfort and ease of use of these sandals.
These sandals have a lightweight and breathable design. This closed-toe sandal offers considerable support and still maintains sufficient foot ventilation, circulating around the entire foot. The drawstring corded lacing system allows a quick fit with a single pull on the adjustment mechanism.
Some reviewers complained about mediocre traction. Others were disappointed to find the soles fell off after only a single season of wear. However, many buyers praise these sandals for being comfortable to wear as well as stylish!
These sandals have a para-cord design that moves freely and forms a custom fit to every foot. The original design is not only stylish but also offers great support and comfort during a hike. The meshing allows excellent breathability to 80% of the foot.
In addition to a string of happy reviewers that rave about its original design and function, other praises include those that say they get blisters from many other hiking sandals but not from these.
One noticeable negative point some reviewers have complained about is that the ingenious para-cord design can make it more difficult to deal with stones that get trapped inside the sandal. Most did love that these sandals don't make embarrassing squeak noises like many hiking sandals do when they get wet.
This sandal keeps the exposed breathability design of a simple open-toe sandal, with the added support of a toe guard. It is a midpoint design between an open-toe and a closed-toe hiking sandal, offering a good blend of the merits of both.
It has the familiar velcro-strap style upper support similar to open TEVA sandals. There's also the double, anti-slip traction design both on the insole and the outsole, making it even more efficient on both wet and dry terrain.
There were some negative reviews about the seams, in which the strap came loose or fell off, but not many complaints otherwise. There is a firm underground fan base for this unusual style of hiking sandal. Reviewers love how lightweight and cushiony these sandals are.
This is a stylish and slightly dressy, open-toe hiking sandal for those who don't like the look of all the synthetic materials and bright colors of many sandals so common nowadays. Thanks to its smart-casual upper leather design, it can be worn around town stylishly or function as a quality water-resistant hiking sandal.
Many reviewers are surprised to see how low the price is considering it's a classy sandal that could be sold for even triple its cost. It's durable and well made, so even the upper leather holds its appearance after some rugged hiking wear and tear.
Some people complain of the stitched logo inconveniently located on the footbed where the foot makes contact with the sandal. Others have mentioned these were not that durable long-term. But overall, the sandal has mostly positive views!
Here's an original sandal design from Crocs, which combines a lightweight and breathable upper stretch mesh that form fits its wearer while providing the support needed on rugged terrains. Your feet will have a high amount of freedom of movement that's just not possible from a hiking boot or your average hiking sandal.
Many reviewers bought them for hiking but also wound up wearing them in everyday situations due to their super comfy fit and feel. Negative reviews say they stay wet and don't dry very well. Also, the design seems to trap stones in the sandal casing trouble on hikes at times.
However, diehard fans say they may be the easiest hiking sandals ever to slip on and off, with no muss and fuss playing with different straps, buckles, and cords.
Visionreast did a nice job of implementing their own version of that air cushion design into this highly shock-resistant hiking sandal that looks like it should have a Nike Swoosh on it.
The sandal itself has a basic open-toe velcro strap design that provides enough standard foot support to accomplish even difficult hiking missions. The anti-slip rubber outsole offers high-level traction on both wet and dry terrains.
Some reviewers found these sandals to be wide and heavy. A few didn't like the look of the big air bubble supporting the footbed, and others mentioned the velcro doesn't hold up well when they get wet.
The selling point for many reviewers for these sandals is the ergonomic energy footbed that rests on the air cushion. It's designed to offer a high level of arch support and stimulates acupressure points on the foot to reduce fatigue on long walks and creates a massaging effect on the foot.
Bedrock Sandals are awesome sandals, made for the outdoors and hiking. The bottom of the sandal has Vibram soles that have plenty of grip and last for a long time. These sandals are made in the US and have a recycling program where you can send in your sandals if the sole needs a replacement. All the Bedrock models have an adjustable heel and hook strap, perfect to get the right fitting for your feet.
Make sure you're properly prepared for your next hike! Take a look at some of these recommended product you may want to consider before taking on the wilderness!
No. 1: TEVA|Men's Hurricane XLT Sandal
No. 2: Atika|Mens Outdoor Hiking Sandals
No. 3: Dream Pairs|Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals|160912-M-NEW
No. 4: KEEN|Men's Uneek Hiking Sandals
No. 5: Camel Crown|Men's Waterproof Hiking Sandals
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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