Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026

We hiked, climbed, and trekked our way over 4,000 miles to test 20 pairs of hiking sandals and determine the best ones. From summiting 14ers in Colorado to thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, the CleverHiker team has put these sandals through serious punishment to find the best of the best.

We looked at comfort, traction, durability, and versatility from brands like Bedrock, Chaco, Teva, and more. If you’re looking for top-quality hiking sandals for your next adventure, chances are you’ll find them in this guide. And if you’re wary of hiking in sandals, check out our article Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing? (Spoiler: they absolutely are.)

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on July 30, 2026, to ensure prices and product specs are accurate and to confirm we still stand behind the picks on our list.

How We Test Hiking Sandals

We hiked thousands of miles in these sandals and others that didn’t make the list. The majority of our testing took place in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. We took them on nearly two dozen of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. And we took them on everything from well-maintained trails to scrambling on Boulder’s Flatirons.

We evaluated each pair of sandals on the following aspects: traction, comfort, stability, durability, adjustability, and versatility.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Men’s Hiking Sandals

Check out our top hiking sandals here, or keep trekking and explore our detailed reviews below.

1. Best Men’s Hiking Sandals Overall: Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro ($140)

2. Stable and Durable Hiking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic ($95)

3. Most Versatile Hiking Sandals: Lems Switchback Knit ($125)

4. Highly Adjustable Trail Sandals: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Hiking Sandal ($120)

5. Best Comfort Hiking Sandals: Tread Labs Redway ($130)

6. Best Minimal Hiking Sandals: Luna Mono Winged ($110)

7. Best Closed-Toe Hiking Sandals: KEEN Newport H2 ($130)

8. Best Plush Hiking Sandals: Hoka Infini Hike TC ($140)

9. Best Budget Hiking Sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV ($80)

10. Best for Casual Adventures: Astral Webber ($80)

Analysis & Results

Which hiking sandals are the best value?

When it comes to value, we look beyond the price tag for sandals that offer outstanding all-around performance. We include budget-friendly picks in this metric, but we also consider durability, versatility, comfort, and overall performance to determine what offers outstanding value.

Our most budget-friendly sandals are the Xero Z-Trail EV. At $80 for a pair, these no-frills sandals are highly adjustable, super light, and offer an outstanding feel on the ground. These are a great bang for your buck if you’re looking for a quick-drying design, top-tier ground feel, and excellent versatility for summers along the river and kicking it at the local coffee shop.

We also love the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pros. These things are a bit pricier than others, but they are worth every penny for their all-around performance in durability, adjustability, stability, and more. The molded footbed and soft straps make for one of the most comfy and customizable fits of any model, and they feel agile and fast from flats to steep ascents.

The Chaco’s Z/1 Classic sandals are another great deal. These sandals are long-lasting, have stellar traction, and are comfy for hours of activity once broken in. Built with super grippy outsoles and adjustable webbing straps, Chacos are 4WD sandals for taking on rough terrain — or racing through the airport.

Which sandals are the most comfortable?

At the forefront in comfort, we have the Tread Labs Redway, with a close tie for second between the Chaco Z/1 Classic and the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro. These are very different models. The Tread Labs are a firm, moderate-cushion shoe with lots of arch support and a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Chacos are thick, maximalist, cushy, and have traditional over-the-toe webbing. Bedrocks are zero-drop, much thinner and lighter, and feature a between-the-toe design.

However, all three pairs earn nearly perfect comfort scores from our team. They are flexible through the sole, offer ergonomic arch support and cushioning, and feature adjustable, secure straps. We’ve got the miles to show for it, too. Ian Atkinson rocked his Tread Lab Redway’s on burly off-trail hikes, buttery trail runs, and even scrambles in the Flatirons above Boulder, Colorado.

Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Arizona Trail in Chaco Z/1s. And editor Ian Krammer summited more than 50 Colorado peaks over 13,000 feet in the Bedrocks, and his feet were as fresh as day one.

Which sandals have the best traction?

Our top picks for traction are the Chaco Z/1 Classic, Lems Switchback Knit, Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro, and the Tread Labs Redway. All of these sandals have quality outsoles made with different rubber blends that provide gold-standard traction on most surfaces, including slick, dry, uneven, and soft trails. So they’re perfect for hiking in most places. These sandals lead the pack for their effective tread patterns, multi-directional lugs, and great durability, which kept us feeling safe on and off the route.

Tester Ian Atkinson even found both the Lems Switchback Knits and Tread Labs Redways reliable enough to take on the first Flatiron high above Boulder, Colorado. He also took them along the 5.3-rated climbing route Atalanta, a true testament to their reliability and grip even in the most extreme terrain.

Which sandals are the most stable?

The Chaco Z/1 Classic is one of the most stable sandals we’ve tested, thanks to its cushy but firm midsoles. These sandals provide excellent arch support and shock absorption. Combined with adjustable webbing, Chacos offer a custom fit that keeps our feet locked in and prevents unwanted movement.

A close runner-up, the Teva Terra Fi 5’s robust construction makes it feel durable and stable on long hikes. Like Chacos, these offer plenty of support and security for cruising over roots, rocks, and rough trails.

We also highly recommend the Lems Switchback Knits for their wide footbed and precisely dialed stack height, with just a touch of heel-to-toe drop at 3 millimeters. They offer light arch support with a heel cup and a textured footbed that assures your feet aren’t slipping around inside the sandal even when wet.

Which sandals are the most adjustable?

If you want the most adjustable sandals on our list, the Teva Terra Fi 5 are king. You’ll be able to dial in a precise fit and tension with hook-and-loop patches across the toes, near the ankle, and even at the back of the heel. The Terra Fi 5s are quick to put on and provide a personalized fit for any foot shape or size. 

Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pros are a close second. They also have adjustable areas at the toe, heel, and ankle. However, Bedrock uses a unique hook-and-loop closure system that makes it fast and easy to tweak the fit. On-the-go modifications are easy, and there’s no need to fix or rethread the straps.

The Tread Labs Redway and Chaco Z/1 Classic round out our top performers. Unlike the two sandals above, Chacos have one continuous polyester strap to thread through the midsole. This allows for specific adjustments around the toe and across the instep. We like the simple, sturdy buckle to lock the straps — and our feet — in place.

Which sandals are the most durable?

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro takes our top spot for durability. Ian put his pair through the wringer for over 1,000 miles. And they continue to deliver with straps and outsoles holding up no matter where we adventure. They cost more than others we’ve tested, but you get some of the most durable sandals on our list. Plus, Bedrock offers resoling services if the tread blows out before the straps.

The long-time reigning champion in this metric, the Chaco Z/1 Classic, is another great choice for longevity. High-quality construction, robust materials, and thick, tough outsoles deliver top-of-the-line abrasion resistance. Because there are so few weak points and a simple design, these often last us multiple seasons and many hundreds of miles.

We also recommend the Lems Switchback Knit, Luna Mono Winged Edition, and Teva Terra Fi 5 if you want sandals that last. The Teva Terra’s recycled polyester uppers and Polyurethane midsoles are built to withstand rocks, water, dirt, and anything else you’ll encounter in the wild.

Which sandals are the most versatile?

When it comes to sandals that you can wear at any time — and any place — our top choices are the Lems Switchback Knit, Tread Labs Redway, Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D, and Chaco Z/1 Classic. The combo of all-day comfort, customizable fits, quick-drying materials, and stylish builds makes them standouts for daily wear. Whether you’re crossing a pristine creek for the perfect campsite — or patio concrete for another drink — these are versatile sandals for your next warm-weather outing.

How to Choose Men’s Hiking Sandals

What size sandals do I need?

Sandal sizing is not as straightforward as shoe sizing. Some sandals are measured by where your arch lands, and others by the distance between the edges of the sandals and the tip of your toes or heels. We highly recommend trying sandals on in person before making a purchase. Luckily, most models on this list are highly adjustable, so you can dial in the right fit.

What kind of traction do I need?

Traction is one of the most important parts of any backpacking and hiking footwear. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. Sandals should keep you from slipping in precarious terrain like slick roots, wet rocks, and washed-out or exposed sections of trail. We heavily factor quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.

Should I wear socks with sandals?

Socks with sandals? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! On chilly mornings and dusty trails, we’re big fans of this combo. A good pair of socks adds warmth, reduces hot spots, and helps keep things comfy. Although most people have their own favorites, we highly recommend Injinji toe socks. They work well with all straps and, since there’s a bit of padding between each toe, they are next-level comfortable. Stroll over to our best hiking socks guide for more options that make a fashion statement while keeping your piggies warm.

How DO I avoid blisters with sandals

There’s very little more satisfying than charging through a stream or creek without slowing down to remove your footwear. But wet sandal straps can collect dirt and grime and rub your skin over time. Our favorite tip for water crossings and wet days in sandals? Bring along a pack towel to dry off your feet and sandals — and stop hotspots before they start.

Also, consider keeping either Leukotape or RockTape in your hiking kit. These are essential for preventing irritation. Take a look at our guide on How to Prevent and Treat Blisters so you can keep your feet pain-free mile after mile.

How do I protect my toes while hiking in sandals?

Sure, sandals free up your feet — but they also leave your toes wide open to rocks, thorns, poison ivy, and creepy crawlies. Luckily, a few simple precautions can help you stay comfortable and protected on the trail.

• Sunblock: Skip the burns and save your skin. A high-quality SPF sunscreen can make a world of difference. Reapply consistently every few hours to prevent the tops of your feet and toes from burning.
• Focus on footing: There’s no pain quite like stubbing your toe on a rock mid-hike. Sandals leave your feet exposed, so it pays to watch your step, especially on rocky trails or tricky terrain.
• Cold conditions: A quality pair of socks and sandals is a practical move when your toes are getting cold. To find the best socks for your next sandal hiking adventure, scope our list of the best hiking socks.

Why Trust CleverHiker

We’ve trekked thousands of miles in sandals looking for the best of the best — through scorching deserts, roaring rivers, and the tallest peaks in the country. Editor Ian Krammer spent hundreds of days exploring Colorado’s wildest terrain in different models, learning first-hand how each pair performs on tough trails. He’s even summited 21 of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks in them.

CleverHiker Gear Analyst Ian Atkinson romped around Colorado, Utah, and Arizona in some of the best men’s hiking sandals, testing them on a wide variety of terrain from desert slickrock, cactus-strewn off-trail excursions, talus-laden alpine peaks, and even ascents of Boulder’s infamous Flatirons. His deep field knowledge and attention to detail helped us narrow down the most supportive, durable, and trail-ready models out there. Thanks to hands-on testing in every condition, we’re confident our top picks will go the distance so your feet can, too.

Testing Methodology

Whether our team was sweating it out on summer hikes or freezing our toes off during early morning adventures, we clocked serious miles to find which sandals are worth your trust — and your feet. For each pair, we looked at comfort, traction, stability, adjustability, durability, and versatility. We racked up at least 100 miles with newer pairs, typically hundreds or thousands of miles, to suss out top performers for hiking and beyond.

How do we evaluate comfort?

To evaluate comfort, we assessed the cushioning of the insole and midsole to understand shock absorption and long-distance support. We considered flexibility to see whether the sandal allows natural movement across different terrains.

Top performers feature strong, breathable, and soft materials. In our experience, straps were the biggest cause of irritation. And winners for this metric did not cause significant hot spots or blisters. We considered how well sandals fit on different foot shapes and sizes. Finally, we looked at how well the footbed supports the arch, the way the sandals contour to the foot, and how they promote alignment.

How do we test for traction?

Traction is what keeps your feet steady on rough or slippery trails. That’s why we tested every pair of sandals in a full spectrum of weather conditions, from hot and dry to wet and cold. We observed how the lug pattern and lug depth held up on rough terrain, including rocky trails, wet log bridges, and loose gravel, to assess how the tread performs on different surfaces.

We performed controlled slips on inclines and declines, both wet and dry, to see how effectively the outsole bites the ground — or doesn’t. We also took into account how the rubber compound affects the shoes’ tackiness in different places.

What do we look for in stability?

For stability, we look for sandals with prominent arch support and deep heel cups, which are critical for maintaining balance. We hiked on varied terrain, including rocky paths, off-camber sections, and root-filled trails, to see how well sandals keep our footing secure and prevent potential ankle rolling.

To assess lateral stability, we perform side-to-side movements and quick direction changes, watching for any wobbling or slipping within the sandal. The rigidity of the sole is tested by applying pressure to the edges to ensure it provides a stable platform without excessive flex. We conduct incline and decline tests — hiking up grades as steep as 45° — to see how well the sandals handle uphills and downhills without sliding forward or backward.

How do we find hiking sandals with the best adjustability?

Adjustability boils down to the design of the straps and buckles. The winners for this metric have nuanced adjustment systems at the toes, midfoot, and heel to achieve the most secure, snug fit. To test the customizability of the sandals, we repeatedly pulled and prodded the straps and fastenings and evaluated how long it took for the straps to loosen. 

We look for sandals that come in a range of sizes — including widths — so they’re adjustable for different foot shapes and sizes. We considered the ease of putting the sandals on and taking them off to assess how convenient and fast they are to put on and take off.

How do we assess durability?

Durability comes down to the materials used. We scrutinized the strength of the soles, the build of the straps, and the integrity of the stitching. We perform rough abrasion tests on the outsoles by hiking for hours over rough, rocky terrain for many days and weeks to see how well the sandals withstand wear and tear. We keep a close count of the mileage accumulated on each sandal.

We test construction quality by bending and twisting sandals to find weak points. Each pair is soaked, swam in, and exposed to heat and sunlight for days on end to assess dry time and UV resistance. Multi-day hikes helped us evaluate long-term durability across muddy, wet, dusty, and dry conditions.

What do we consider for versatility?

Some sandals are better for specific activities than others. We measure versatility by taking models on long, challenging trails. We test them on local routes, in the high mountains, and on tough traveling days to understand where they perform best. From barbecues to concerts, and frontcountry to backcountry, we adventured in these sandals all summer long.

We also considered their reliability in and out of the water to evaluate the packability of different pairs and how well they travel in a suitcase or backpack. And versatility is also about style, so we took their aesthetics into account for transitions from dirty trails to distillery patios.

Conclusion

Our favorite hiking sandals for men have excellent comfort, traction, durability, and versatility. While every foot is different, we generally recommend sandals that have some midsole cushioning, soft straps that won’t cause blistering or chafing, and some arch support. We also appreciate and recommend sandals that offer plenty of adjustability. And we generally go for sandals with good traction, durable materials, and a versatile aesthetic.