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 ten 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 to help you pick one on your own!
Here is a list of the best men's hiking sandals, which have been selected based on functionality, durability, uniqueness of style, comfort and value for the money. Each one has its own strengths and drawbacks, but they're all highly popular among reviewers of various kinds. So trust your gut instinct and see which one speaks to you the most!
$58.40
Toe style | Open-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Nylon straps |
Outsole materials | Durabrasion rubber outsole |
$37.88
Toe style | Closed-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Water-resistant |
Lacing system | Adjustment drawstring buckle |
Upper materials | Natural cow leather |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
$29.98
Toe style | Open-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Polyester |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
160912-M-NEW
$25.99
Toe style | Closed-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Drawstring lacing |
Upper materials | Polyester |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
$29.95
Toe style | Special paracord |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Secure-fit lace-capture bungee system |
Upper materials | Nylon and polyester synthetic |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
$43.99
Toe style | Closed-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Nylon and polyester |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
$64.95
Toe style | Closed-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Water-friendly |
Lacing system | Velcro straps and slip-on |
Upper materials | Leather and polyester |
Outsole materials | Croslite synthetic |
$29.99
Toe style | Open-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | No |
Lacing system | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Leather mostly |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
$37.01
Toe style | Closed-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Water-friendly |
Lacing system | Velcro straps and slip-on |
Upper materials | Stretch mesh |
Outsole materials | Croslite foam |
$45.99
Toe style | Open-toe |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
Lacing system | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Leather |
Outsole materials | Rubber |
Image | 1 ![]() TEVA | 2 ![]() Asfin | 3 ![]() Atika | 4 ![]() Dream Pairs | 5 ![]() KEEN | 6 ![]() Camel Crown | 7 ![]() Crocs | 8 ![]() Jousen | 9 ![]() Crocs | 10 ![]() Visionreast |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Men's Hurricane XLT Sandal | Closed Toe Men's Hiking Sandals | Mens Outdoor Hiking Sandals | Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals | Men's Uneek Hiking Sandals | Men's Waterproof Hiking Sandals | Men's Swiftwater Leather Fisherman Sandal | Men's Leather Hiking Sport Sandals | Men's Swiftwater Mesh Sandals | Men's Leather Hiking Sandals |
Features | The Classic Standard For Hiking Sandals | A Stylish and Very Breathable Multi-Purpose Hiking Sandal | An Ergonomic Design To Support Your Feet | A Hiking Sandal That Almost Functions Like a Sneaker | A Truly UNEEK Hiking Sandal With a Secure Fit | Hard-to-Find, Closed-Toe Open-Style Sandals | A Hiking Sandal Good for the Mountains or the Metropolis | A Dressy Men's Hiking Sandal That Functions Like the Best of Them | A Hybrid Hiking Sandal With a Stretch Mesh Design | Air-Cushioned Hiking Shoe for Heavy Impact Hikes |
Price | $58.40 | $37.88 | $29.98 | $25.99 | $29.95 | $43.99 | $64.95 | $29.99 | $37.01 | $45.99 |
Toe style | Open-toe | Closed-toe | Open-toe | Closed-toe | Special paracord | Closed-toe | Closed-toe | Open-toe | Closed-toe | Open-toe |
Waterproof | Yes | Water-resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Water-friendly | No | Water-friendly | Yes |
Lacing system | Velcro straps | Adjustment drawstring buckle | Velcro straps | Drawstring lacing | Secure-fit lace-capture bungee system | Velcro straps | Velcro straps and slip-on | Velcro straps | Velcro straps and slip-on | Velcro straps |
Upper materials | Nylon straps | Natural cow leather | Polyester | Polyester | Nylon and polyester synthetic | Nylon and polyester | Leather and polyester | Leather mostly | Stretch mesh | Leather |
Outsole materials | Durabrasion rubber outsole | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Croslite synthetic | Rubber | Croslite foam | Rubber |
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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.
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 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.
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.
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!
Considering the wide selection of quality hiking sandals out there, you may want to grab your favorite from our top 10 list and hit the trails. Really, all you need to do is just be aware of some basic variables about your hike such as weather, hiking conditions, and your current state of fitness and then match it with sandal specs like durability, degree of water-resistance, foot support and comfort.
With this basic understanding you will save yourself a lot of time, money and perhaps even physical discomfort by starting off on the right foot with a pair of sandals that could enhance your hike in directions you never thought possible with hiking shoes or boots.
Author: Eric Justin
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