Best Hiking Sandals of 2023
Sometimes you just have to let the tootsies wiggle free, we get that. Hiking sandals are a great alternative to traditional hiking footwear, especially for particularly hot or wet climates.
We hiked thousands of miles through mountains and streams in a plethora of different sandals – getting all sorts of fun sandal strap tan lines – to bring you this list of the very best hiking sandals on the market.
Related:Best Hiking Sandals for Women
The KEEN Clearwater CNX are our favorite water shoes, and they’re great for coastal hikes
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
- Best hiking sandals overall for comfort, durability & support: Chaco Z/1 Classic and Chaco Z/Cloud
- Best minimal hiking sandals: Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II
- Best water sandals: KEEN Clearwater CNX
- Best closed toe hiking sandals: KEEN Newport H2
- Best budget hiking sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2
- Supportive sandals for travel & everyday wear: ECCO Yucatan
- Cushy & supportive hiking sandals with a secure fit: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
- Best ultralight hiking sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
Rocking the ultralight Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV for a river crossing
What’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Sandal?
COMFORT AND FIT– This is the most important consideration when choosing hiking footwear. Many sandals are adjustable for a dialed-in fit, but different people need different things in shoes (wide fit, arch support, etc.). Finding what makes your feet happy is critical.
- Most comfortable hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal & ECCO Yucatan
- Best hiking sandals for wide feet:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud & KEEN Newport H2
The Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro provide a good balance comfort and durability
PRICE – We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Comfort and fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below.
- Best value sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, KEEN Clearwater CNX & KEEN Newport H2
- Best budget hiking sandals:Teva Hurricane XLT2 & Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
- Best high-end sandals: Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II & ECCO Yucatan
Hiking with the budget-friendly Teva Hurricane XLT2 on the Oregon Coast Trail
WEIGHT– Weight carried on your feet zaps about 5 times more energy than weight carried on your back. So swapping a 3-pound pair of boots for a lightweight pair of sandals can conserve a ton of your body’s fuel. Also, nimble feet lead to less muscle fatigue, less stumbling, and over time can help avoid knee and hip flexor problems.
- Best ultralight hiking sandals:Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II & Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
- Best lightweight hiking sandals:KEEN Clearwater CNX & Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
- Best heavy-duty hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud & KEEN Newport H2
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV are our favorite ultralight hiking sandals
DURABILITY & MATERIALS– Many hiking sandals are designed with durable nylon straps and aggressive outsoles. All of the sandals on our list will take you hundreds of miles, but the most durable hiking sandals are those with reinforced webbing and firmer lugs on the sole.
- Most durable hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, KEEN Newport H2, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal & ECCO Yucatan
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
USE – One of the reasons we love hiking sandals is that they’re so versatile. Many models can easily transition from trail, to water, to town and are a simple alternative to traditional hiking footwear.
- Best hiking sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II & KEEN Newport H2
- Best water sandals: KEEN Clearwater CNX & Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
- Best travel sandals: ECCO Yucatan
- Best active lifestyle sandals: Teva Original Universal
The KEEN Clearwater CNX are great for water activities because they’re lightweight and they dry quickly
Best Hiking Sandals of 2023
BEST HIKING SANDALS OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & SUPPORT
MSRP: $100
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 13.8 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Durable, comfortable, adjustable, supportive, excellent traction, lots of colors & patterns to choose from, sweet tan lines
CONS: Straps can cause blisters when they’re wet & sandy, a little heavier than some others, straps can be a little difficult to adjust once dirt builds up in the sole
BOTTOM LINE: For us the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Z/Cloud (below) are the ultimate hiking sandals. 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 your author, who thru-hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Chaco Z/1 Classics.
MORE: If you’re looking for a more locked-in fit, the Z/2 Classics are designed with a loop that goes over the toe. While we prefer the Classics without the toe loop, both are great options.
BEST HIKING SANDALS OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & SUPPORT
MSRP: $100
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 14 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Durable, comfortable, adjustable, supportive, excellent traction, lots of colors & patterns to choose from, sweet tan lines
CONS: Straps can cause blisters when they’re wet & sandy, a little heavier than some others, straps can be a little difficult to adjust once dirt builds up in the sole
BOTTOM LINE: The Chaco Z/Cloud are the same shoe as the Chaco Z/1 Classic above, but with a squishier 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.
BEST MINIMAL HIKING SANDALS
MSRP: $140
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 1.4 oz.
SIZING: Runs a little small, consult the size guide if ordering online
PROS: Lightweight, comfortable, excellent traction, highly adjustable, durable
CONS: Not as supportive as others, expensive, strap between toes can be bothersome for some
BOTTOM LINE: It can be difficult to get into minimalist footwear because 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 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.
BEST WATER SANDAL
MSRP: $120
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 7 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Lightweight, quick-drying, protective, comfortable
CONS: A little bulky, not as breathable as other sandals
BOTTOM LINE: 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 vacay, but it doesn’t have to be like that. The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a lightweight, amphibious sandal that will protect your tootsies from pointy river rocks while you bob around in a tube, and they perform equally well on trail. The Clearwaters are our favorite of the KEEN closed toe sandals because they feel much less clunky than the others in the lineup. We recommend these sandals for anyone looking for a tried and true summer companion for their feet.
BEST CLOSED TOE HIKING SANDALS
MSRP: $125
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 12.3 oz.
SIZING: Runs small, we recommend sizing up ½ size
PROS: Protective, durable, comfortable, excellent traction
CONS: A little bulkier/heavier than some others, expensive, not as breathable as other sandals
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for the freedom of a hiking sandal, but you’d prefer to never experience the stubbed toes or stick 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. For first-time sandal hikers or those who want some extra protection, the Newports are pretty hard to beat.
BEST BUDGET HIKING SANDALS
MSRP: $75
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Affordable, lightweight, cushy soles, adjustable
CONS: Soles may be a little too cushy for some
BOTTOM LINE: 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. These sandals are great in water or on land, and the adjustable straps are comfortable. Pricier sandals may be a little more durable and a little more supportive, but the Hurricane XLTs are one of the best values on the market in our opinion.If you like the look of the Hurricanes, but you want something even cheaper 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 river trips and easy day hikes.
SUPPORTIVE SANDALS FOR TRAVEL & EVERYDAY WEAR
MSRP: $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
BOTTOM LINE: 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.
CUSHY & SUPPORTIVE HIKING SANDALS WITH A SECURE FIT
MSRP: $110
WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 10 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Cushy footbed, secure fit, adjustable, excellent traction, comfy straps
CONS: Soles may be a little too cushy for some, a little heavier than some others
BOTTOM LINE: 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 what we imagine walking on clouds is like, and the straps are the softest against the skin of all the sandals we tested. Don’t let the squishy footbed fool you though, these babies grip like glue to rocks and roots. And with 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, yet rugged sandal, it’s time to wake up and smell the Terra Fi.
BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING SANDALS
MSRP: $80
WEIGHT (PAIR): 10.8 oz.
SIZING: True to size
PROS: Ultralight, affordable, comfortable, adjustable
CONS: Not as supportive as others, not as durable as some others
BOTTOM LINE: 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. The Z Trails may take some getting used to for the first-time sandal hiker, as they’re not supportive or protective. We recommend the Z Trail for minimal footwear aficionados or for use as a comfy shoe to change into at camp.
Hiking sandals are great for hot, summer hikes because they help keep your feet cool
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.
We like pairing the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro with Injinji toe socks to provide some cushion between our toes and the sandal straps on sandy/rocky hikes
CRITICAL FOOTWEAR 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.
The Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro are minimal, yet supportive
SOCKS – We know what you’re thinking… socks and sandals? Really? Yes, really. We’re always willing to commit this heinous fashion faux-pas to keep our piggies warm in the backcountry or to provide a barrier between our skin and the sandal straps if hot spots occur. We always bring along a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks to wear if the weather turns cold. We also like Injinji toe socks because they’re compatible with any strap configuration and they provide nice padding between each dirt-covered toe. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see more of our top picks.
Injinji toe socks help to prevent blisters than can be cause by dirty sandal straps
MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS – We love being able to tromp right through a water crossing on the trail without the hassle of removing shoes and socks, but wet sandal straps tend to cling to dirt and can quickly turn your footwear into sandpaper. We recommend having a small pack towel handy to blot excess water off your feet to prevent hot spots from forming. You should also carry some athletic tape (we like Leukotape or RockTape) to provide a barrier between your skin and abrasive strap debris. Our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post mainly focuses on traditional hiking footwear, but there’s still a lot of great info in there on keeping your feet happy.
One great thing about hiking in sandals is that wet feet will dry much quicker
EXPOSED TOOTSIES – The ability to let your toes wiggle unencumbered is great, however it does leave your little piggies exposed to all sorts of potential 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.
Don’t let a little bit of snow scare you! Every kind of weather is hiking sandals weather
SOME BONUS SANDALS FACTS TO IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS – Hiking in sandals is not only freeing, it’s just plain fun as well. If we didn’t already sell you on how awesome sandals are, here are some fun things that will surely convince you:
- A little known fact about hiking sandals is that many of them have secret names that can only be used when you wear socks with them. We can’t give away everything we know, but we can tell you that Chacos with socks are called “Sockos” and Bedrocks with socks are called “Bedsocks”
- If you’re like us and you love all the hiking sandals equally and can’t decide on a favorite, go with the one that’ll give you the coolest tan lines. The distinct Z-shape of the Chacos tan is our favorite, but there are no wrong answers here.
- All hiking sandals are extremely beautiful. Every. Single. One.
Rocking the “Bedsocks” looks
Need More Gear Advice?
If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:
We own and use all of the hiking sandals we recommend
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
- Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
- We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
- We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
- We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
- We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
- We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
- We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.
MORE INFORMATION
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Thanks for reading and happy trails!
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