When it comes to hot or wet environments, hiking sandals are an excellent alternative to regular hiking shoes and boots. Whether you’re crossing countless mountain streams, cruising mile after mile of well-packed trail through the forest, or your route traverses arid and sandy desert landscapes, hiking sandals offer unrivaled versatility, comfort, and durability.
We’ve hiked thousands of miles and tested over 30 different pairs so we could determine the best of the best sandals for hiking. Our team has climbed dozens of Colorado 14ers, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, and tackled hundreds of day hikes in our favorite pairs. If you’re looking for a quality pair of versatile hiking sandals for your next hike, chances are you’ll find them on this list.
Check out our guide to the best hiking sandals for women. If the trails you’re exploring demand full-foot protection, we’ve also carefully tested dozens of closed-toe options in our guides to the best trail runners (women’s / men’s), hiking shoes for women and men, and hiking boots (women’s / men’s).
Quick Picks for Men’s Hiking Sandals
Want the highlights? Browse our favorites below, or keep scrolling for the full rundown with detailed reviews.
Best hiking sandals overall: Chaco Z/1 Classic ($100) and Chaco Z/Cloud ($100)
Best minimal hiking sandals: 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)
Cushy & supportive hiking sandals with a secure fit: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal ($110)
Best ultralight hiking sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV ($80)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been hiking in sandals from spring ’til fall to determine exactly how the newest options compare to our top choices from last year – and we’ve made some big changes to our list.
- Our all-time favorite hiking sandal, the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Z/Cloud, lead this list thanks to an unmatched blend of durability, affordability, comfort, and style that holds up over hundreds of miles of rough terrain.
- The minimalist and highly adjustable Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pros stand out as a simple, lightweight, and durable option for day hikes and short overnights.
- Don’t be afraid to kick rocks, take on river rapids, or tackle technical trails with the KEEN Clearwater CNX, our top pick for best water sandal thanks to a closed-toe design.
Chaco Z/1 Classic
Best hiking sandals overall
Price: $100
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 13.8 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Options: Chacos Z/2 Classic – With toe loop
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Supportive
- Excellent traction
- Lots of colors & patterns to choose from
- Sweet tan lines
Cons
- Straps can cause blisters when wet & sandy
- Heavier than other sandals
- Straps are difficult to adjust when dirty
Our team at CleverHiker are big fans of Chacos: for us, the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Z/Cloud (below) are the ultimate hiking sandals. Gear Analyst Casey Handley has thru-hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Chaco Z/1 Classics, and almost the entire 800 miles of the Arizona Trail in the same model 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 types of hikers swear by Chacos, from day hikers, to minimalist fast packers, to dedicated veteran thru-hikers, and we think they could become your new favorites as well.
Chaco Z/Cloud
Best hiking sandals overall for comfort, durability & support
Price: $100
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 14 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Options: Chaco Z/Cloud 2 – With toe loop
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Supportive
- Excellent traction
- Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
- Sweet tan lines
Cons
- Straps can cause blisters when wet & sandy
- Heavier than other sandals
- Straps are difficult to adjust when dirty
The Chaco Z/Cloud are the same shoe as the Chaco Z/1 Classic above, but with a softer and more pliable 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.If you’re looking for a more locked-in fit, the Z/Cloud 2s are designed with a loop that goes over the toe. While we prefer the Clouds without the toe loop, both are great options.
Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro
Hiking sandals with the best traction
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1.6 oz.
Sizing: Runs a little small, be sure and consult their sizing guide if ordering online
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Excellent traction
- Highly adjustable
- Durable
Cons
- Not as supportive as others
- Expensive
- Straps between toes can be bothersome for some
It can be difficult to get into minimalist footwear, because often the fit is so much different from what most hikers are used to. The Bedrock Cairn 3D Pros solve this problem with a highly adjustable strap system that makes it easy to get the perfect fit: you can change where your heel sits, where the toe strap crosses the top of your foot, and you can even adjust for the volume of your foot. The ergonomic shape of the footbed and the flexible, yet durable design of the sole make these a great option for anyone looking to cover some serious miles, and the chunky, aggressive lug pattern offers outstanding grip on most terrain. If you don’t mind the main strap between your toes, this Editor’s Pick is a great option that’s built to last – and comes in lots of bright, playful colors, too.
KEEN Clearwater CNX
Best water sandals
Price: $120
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 7 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Protective
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Large heel and foot tabs
- Lots of colorways
Cons
- A little bulky
- Not as breathable as other sandals
- Debris can get stuck in slots
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 vacations, leaving us to tread lightly – or barefoot – when we needed underfoot protection the most. But, it doesn’t have to be like that. The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a lightweight, amphibious sandal that will protect your toes from pointy river rocks while you bob around in a tube, and they perform equally well on trail without fear of bumping against rocks, brambles, and roots. The Clearwaters are our favorite of the KEEN closed toe sandals because they’re just a bit lighter and agile, so they feel much less clunky than the others in the lineup. We recommend these sandals for anyone looking for a tried and true water-friendly option in summer.
KEEN Newport H2
Best closed toe hiking sandals
Price: $125
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 12.3 oz
Sizing: Runs small, we recommend sizing up 1/2 size
Pros
- Protective
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Excellent traction
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- A little bulky/heavier than others
- Expensive
- Not as breathable as other sandals
- Debris can get stuck in slots
If you’re looking for the freedom of a hiking sandal, but you’d prefer to never experience the stubbed toes, rough roots, or brambly 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, but they offer the best protection for your toes of any on this list. For first-time sandal hikers, folks that are hiking more technical trails. or those who simply want some extra protection, the Newport H2s are the way to go.
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Best budget hiking sandals
Price: $75
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 4 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Cushy soles
- Highly adjustable
- Tons of colorways
- Easy put on / take off
Cons
- Soles may be too cushy for some
- Not as durable as others
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 they offer, making them our top Budget Buy recommendation. These sandals perform admirably in both water and land, and the adjustable straps are comfortable. Pricier sandals may be a more durable and a more supportive, but the Hurricane XLTs are one of the best values on the market in our opinion – if you like to hike and play in the water with sandals on, the Hurricanes are a stellar choice. If you like the look of the Hurricanes, but you want something even easier on your wallet 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 occassional 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 and bulkier than some others
Everyone needs a good, sturdy pair of athleisure sandals for summer travel, and the ECCO Yucatans are our go-to. Much like an M&M candy, these sandals are solid on the outside and soft on the inside. The quality materials will last for hundreds of miles, and the straps and footbed feel soft against the skin. The material is stretchy and there are several points of adjustment on these sandals, so it’s easy to get the perfect fit for your feet. Because of the lug pattern and casual feel, the ECCO Yucatan are better suited to travel and daily wear than hiking.
Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
Cushy & supportive hiking sandals with a secure fit
Price: $110
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 10 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Cushy footbed
- Secure fit
- Adjustable
- Excellent traction
- Comfy straps
- Large, supportive heel
Cons
- Soles may be too cushy for some
- Heavier than 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 walking on clouds thanks to the responsive rubber soles and large heel support, and the straps are the softest against the skin of all the sandals we tested. Don’t let the Terra Fi’s squishy footbed fool you though, these babies grip like glue to rocks and roots and we were very happy with their performance on all manner of trail surfaces. Wwith 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, comfortable, yet rugged and durable sandal, it’s time to wake up and smell the Terra Fi.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
Best ultralight hiking sandals
Price: $80
Weight (Pair): 10.8 oz.
Sizing: True to size
Pros
- Ultralight
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Simple
Cons
- Not as supportive as others
- Not as durable as some others
- Zero-drop shoes aren't for everyone
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. And when it comes to weight, these are some of the lightest sandals on this list. The Z Trails may take some getting used to for the first-time sandal hiker, as they’re zero-drop, which means they are not supportive compared to many on this list, and they won’t offer much in the way of toe or heel protection. We recommend the Z Trail for minimal footwear aficionados or for use as a comfy shoe for neighborhood stroll, hanging out at camp, and short day hikes with lots of water.
What’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Sandal?
Comfort & Fit
The top priority for our team when it comes to hiking sandals? Comfort and fit. Many sandals are adjustable for a dialed-in fit, but everyone’s feet are different. Whether you’ve got wide or narrow fit, a high or low arch, or have other specific needs from foot shape to chronic issues like plantar fasciitis, comfort is subjective to your experience. We recommend trying on as many sandals as possible before purchasing to find what you do and don’t like. Keep in mind most sandals have at least a small break-in period before they’re comfortable with every fitting, so it may take a few wears until your new kicks soften and meld with your gait and individual foot.
Most comfortable hiking sandals
Best hiking sandals for wide feet
Price
Happy, healthy feet are the key to successful adventures, so we recommend spending a bit more on the most important gear of all: quality footwear. While comfort and fit are usually our top priority, you’ll see outstanding options at every price point in our lists below.
Best value sandals
Best budget hiking sandals
Best high-end sandals
Weight
The heavier your shoes are, the faster you’ll lose energy, feel muscle fatigue, and experience exhaustion. That’s why we recommend swapping out those 4 pound boots for much lighter-weight sandals: the change in weight can will help you go further, and for longer. Plus, you’ll feel more agile and lighter weight on trail, and may mitigate overuse injuries in key joints like your ankles, knees and hip flexors.
Best ultralight hiking sandals
Best lightweight hiking sandals
Best heavy-duty hiking sandals
Durability & Materials
Hiking sandals are the 4WD vehicles of the sandal world – thanks to burly nylon straps, grippy traction, and sturdy materials, they can handle trails and terrain that a regular, thin sandal could never. Every sandal on this list can handle the trails, but the most durable among them have reinforced webbing, tend to be a bit on the heavier side, and offer durable lug patterns.
Most durable hiking sandals
Use
Hiking sandals are our first pick when it comes to versatility in the summer. If you’re looking for the best footwear for adventures that involve splashing in the water, running along trails, and walking home on pavement, sandals are tough to beat compared to trail shoes or hiking boots.
Best hiking sandals
Best water sandals
Best travel sandals
Best active lifestyle sandals
The Bedrock Carin 3D Pro PROVIDEs a good balance of comfort & durability
The Chaco Z/Clouds are a little heavier than some other hiking sandals, but the performance and durability are well worth the extra ounces for us
The Keen Clearwater CNX are great for water activities because they’re lightweight and they dry quickly
Hiking sandals are great for hot, summer hikes because they help keep your feet cool
One great thing about hiking in sandals is that wet feet will dry much quicker
Rocking the “bedsocks” look
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.
Traction
Traction is one of the most important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. Knowing that your footwear will keep you from slipping is crucial, especially over washed out or exposed sections of trail. We heavily factored quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.
Socks
Socks and sandals aren’t “cool”? Says who! We’re here for what’s comfortable and practical on the trail. Socks help keep our toes warm while camping, and they add a bit of a barrier to prevent hotspots while walking. Our go-to for cold weather is a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks. We’re also big fans of the Injinji toe socks because they work well with all straps and, since there’s a bit of padding between each toe, they are next-level comfortable. Pop over to our Best Hiking Socks for more options to make a fashion statement and keep your piggies warm at the same time.
Managing Moisture & Blisters
There’s very little more satisfying than splashing straight through a stream or creek mid-trail without removing your footwear and slowing down to put it back on, but wet sandal strdaps can collect dirt and grime and rub your skin over time. Consider bringing along a pack towel to dry off your feet and sandals a bit and stop hotspots before they start. Also consider Leukotape or RockTape as core additions to your kit to fend off blisters and prevent rubbing. Take. amoment to see our guide on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters so you can keep your feet pain-free mile after mile.
Exposed ToES
The ability to let your toes wiggle unencumbered is great, however it does leave them vulnerable to lots of 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.
- 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 Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks. For winter and for crossing snowfields and glaciers, we bring a pair of Smartwool Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks to keep our tootsies toasty. 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.
Some Notes For First-Time Sandals Hikers
If you’re a recent convert to hiking in sandals, here are some things you should know. For even more advice check out our post on the Pros and Cons of Hiking in Sandals.
- Break-in – Many hiking sandals have a short break-in period to loosen up the strap material, so it’s a good idea to wear them around town for a couple of days before hitting the trail.
- Start small – We recommend starting out with shorter hikes to get used to hiking in sandals, it’s quite different from hiking in shoes.
- Avoiding blisters – Bring along a roll of athletic tape (we like Leukotape or RockTape) to address any hot spots that form.
- Try more than one – If the first pair of sandals you try isn’t exactly right, try a different one! There are so many options out there and they all perform differently.
