Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026

As a team, we’ve collectively hiked over 6,000 miles in more than 40 pairs of adventure-ready sandals – including big thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trail – so we’ve learned what makes a sandal truly trail-worthy. Our gear guide ranks 13 sandals for their comfort, stability, durability, traction, weight, packability, and ease of use. 

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on May 25, 2026, to add five new sandals to our list: the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO, Xero Shoes H-Trail, Tread Labs Salinas, Danner Wallowa, and KEEN Whisper.

How We Test Women’s Hiking Sandals

For our most recent update of this guide, we spent several months hiking in California’s mountainous Eastern Sierra. We hiked five to 15 miles in each pair across varied terrain, from packed dirt to slippery scree, totaling more than 50 miles for the testing period.

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Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Sandals

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best hiking sandals with in-depth reviews.

1. Best Women’s Hiking Sandals Overall: Teva Hurricane XLT3 ($100)

2. Best Budget Hiking Sandals for Women: Teva Original Universal ($65)

3. Most Versatile Women’s Hiking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic ($95 – $105)

4. Best All-Terrain Hiking Sandals for Women: Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO ($140)

5. Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals for Women: Xero Shoes H-Trail ($80) 

6. Runner-Up Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals for Women: Earth Runners Alpha ($94)

7. Most Comfortable Arch Support: Tread Labs Salinas ($130)

8. Burliest Hiking Sandals for Women: Danner Wallowa ($130)

9. Best Hiking Shoe/Sandal Hybrid: KEEN Newport H2 ($130)

10. Best Zero-Drop Hiking Sandals for Women Luna Mono Winged Edition ($115)

11. Best Women’s Hiking Sandals for Narrow Feet: ECCO Yucatan ($140)

12. Best Women’s Hiking Sandals for Casual Wear: Astral Webber ($80)

13. Best Casual Hiking Sandals for the Water: KEEN Whisper ($120)

Analysis & Results

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals are the Best Value?

Our top pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, is arguably the most cost-effective hiking sandal currently available. It combines solid traction, stability, and flexibility at a very reasonable price point. They’re also light enough to pack for water crossings on day hikes and stylish enough to wear around town. 

The Xero Shoes H-Trail sandals also receive strong marks for their value. Though decidedly minimalist, they offer great traction and excellent ground feel in an impressively light and packable design.

Last but not least, the Teva Original Universal is our budget pick – and for good reason. It’s cheaper than both the Hurricane and H-Trail mentioned above while offering solid all-around appeal. These sandals are packable, easy to adjust, and look the part both outdoors and around town.

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals are the Most Comfortable?

Comfort is highly subjective and, in the case of hiking sandals, depends entirely on each person’s foot anatomy and shoe preferences. That said, the following analysis is based on the relatively neutral foot of our lead sandal tester (medium width, average arches, and normal instep). 

We love the wide footbed of the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which provides ample room for feet to expand and toes to splay throughout the day. Plus, the interior of the woven straps is noticeably soft and supple against the skin. The midsole, though not particularly plush, offers a solid amount of support and shock absorption. 

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PROs were also a favorite of ours for their all-around comfort. Slight contouring cradles the foot, and the textured footbed is smooth and breathable underfoot. 

If foot freedom is a concern – i.e., you want to liberate yourself from the constraints of modern footwear – the Xero Shoes H-Trail is a must-try. These minimalist, ultralight sandals feature a nearly imperceptible midsole that bends and flexes with the foot. The straps are soft, flexible, and hardly noticeable. 

For a more secure option, hikers with narrow feet will appreciate the locked-in fit of the ECCO Yucatan. Although the Yucatan squeezed our tester’s toes a bit too tightly, she appreciated the give in the soft midsole on longer treks. 

Another secure-fitting sandal, the Tread Labs Salinas, is particularly comfortable for those in need of targeted arch support. Their insole-like footbed cradles the arch to minimize foot fatigue. 

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals Have the Best Stability?

Hiking sandals can be deemed stable if they provide external support for the feet, such as arch support, a sidebar, or a rigid midsole. They can also be viewed as stable if they offer exceptional flexibility, allowing the feet to do what they do best: move and grip the earth. With those characteristics in mind, our testing identified some clear winners: the ECCO Yucatan and Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO for the former and the Xero Shoes H-Trail for the latter. 

A top-tier option for hikers needing ankle and arch support, the Yucatan features a robust upper with an external sidebar, helping to keep the foot secure when stepping at odd angles (as is common while hiking). The contoured footbed adds an element of security, cradling the foot and preventing movement within the shoe. 

Despite being a minimalist sandal, the Bedrocks have practical rubber wings on their sides, which help minimize lateral wobble when hiking. The multi-point system of adjustability also allowed us to dial in the perfect fit, which kept the sandal feeling connected to our foot, enabling us to tackle uneven terrain with secure footing. 

The H-Trail is the Yucatan’s complete opposite. Providing a near-barefoot experience, it’s hard to think of a better shoe if you want a close connection to the earth. While they may lack stability in a traditional sense – that is, they don’t have shanks, sidebars, or arch support – they are a great choice for hikers who have developed strength in their foot and ankle muscles. There are no restrictions, allowing your feet to flex, extend, and grip as intended.

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals Have the Best Traction?

Hiking sandals don’t usually offer the same traction as hiking boots or trail running shoes, and it’s generally not recommended to wear them on particularly steep or slippery hikes. However, it’s still possible to find a pair that keeps you upright on aggressive, slick trails. 

Our top pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, provides respectable traction on most trail surfaces. In fact, their all-around performance in this category is one of the primary reasons they earned our top spot. We’ve worn them on flat, moderate, and steep trail sections and taken them across several terrain types. We’re yet to experience a fall or any anxiety about it due to a lack of traction. 

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO sandals also excel when it comes to grip. Their sticky Vibram sole keeps you stable on a range of surfaces, making them an especially great option for more scrambly hikes. 

For ultralight options with great traction, we recommend the Earth Runners Alpha and Xero Shoes H-Trail. Although these barefoot-inspired sandals are less comfortable than some of the plusher designs on our list, our testers appreciated how they created a feeling of connectedness to the ground and stickiness on bare rock surfaces.

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals are the Most Durable?

Regardless of whether you want an ultralight sandal or an ultra-supportive one, durability is a key factor. We truly have faith in every one of the pairs of sandals on this list to hold up for a minimum of a few hundred miles, if not several hundred or even 1,000-plus. After initial testing, we didn’t notice any signs of premature wear and tear on our featured choices. 

We expect sturdier options to last longer, which is a big reason why sandals with thicker midsoles – like the Teva Hurricane XLT2, Chaco Z/1 Classic, and Danner Wallowa – earned spots on the list. 

That doesn’t mean we’ve counted out minimalist options, though. The Earth Runners Alpha and Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO, though thinner and more flexible, feature long-lasting Vibram outsoles, reinforced stitching, and quality materials that hold up well over the long term.

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals are the Lightest & Most Packable?

It’s hard to argue with a mere 8.8 ounces per pair – that’s what the Earth Runners Alpha sandals bring to the table as the clear winner for weight and packability. 

In second place is the Teva Original Universal at 10.8 ounces, followed by the Xero Shoes H-Trail at 11 ounces. The Luna Mono Winged Edition comes in at a respectable 13.4 ounces. All of these picks are certifiably backpacker-friendly, featuring slim, packable profiles that make them easy to stash in a full pack. 

Though not the lightest option, the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO features a low-profile design that keeps weight to a minimum and is easy to slide into the tightest corner of a pack. 

If packability isn’t a concern, you might consider trading a few ounces for a sturdier sandal with more support, like the Teva Hurricane XLT2. The Hurricane is decently rugged for how light it is. Alternatively, the Chaco Z/1 Classic is a solid all-around pick that provides great stability and durability without being noticeably heavy underfoot (although it is technically the heaviest design to make our list).

In the end, all of the choices on our list are suitable for all-day hiking. Weight is more of a concern if you want to bring along a second pair of shoes to slip into for wet trail sections or evenings at camp while backpacking. 

Which Women’s Hiking Sandals are the Easiest to Use?

If a pair of shoes is consistently difficult to put on and take off, it’s probably not worth buying – especially if that pair is meant to be quickly swapped while on a trail, such as before and after wet sections. That’s why we consider ease of use a major factor in our sandal evaluations. 

Our top overall pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, couldn’t be easier to use. These sandals feature three independently adjustable Velcro straps. Once you find your fit, you don’t even need to bother with the forefoot or heel strap – just loosen the ankle strap to get in and out of the sandals. 

The Teva Original Universal, ECCO Yucatan, Tread Labs Salinas, and Astral Webber all function similarly, though the final two use buckles instead of Velcro. Some options, such as the KEEN Newport H2, include bungee laces, which can be a bit finicky but provide a more secure fit. 

Other choices, including the Luna Mono Winged Edition and Earth Runners Alpha, feature a one-loop system. This design allows for greater fit customization but can be difficult to understand at first. After the initial adjustment, however, you’ll only need to loosen one adjustment point to slip the sandals on and off.

How to Choose Women’s Hiking Sandals

Which Strap Design is Best?

First things first: Ensure the strap configuration jives with your preferences. For instance, if you dislike flip-flops, you’ll likely feel the same about hiking sandals with toe thongs. The strap configuration indicates where the most pressure – and thus the most support – is on the foot. 

Consider strap adjustability, as well. The more adjustment points there are, the better fit you can achieve. The type of adjustment, whether it’s a buckle or Velcro strap, is really a matter of personal preference. If you want sandals you can wear year-round, pairing them with socks when temperatures drop, we recommend selecting a configuration without a toe loop or toe thong. 

Regarding strap construction, most hiking sandals feature some type of woven textile strap, typically nylon, polyester, or a blend. For durability, look for tightly woven textiles and double-stitching.

How Much Midsole Cushioning and Stack Height Do I Need?

The midsole is the part of the shoe located between the footbed and outsole. Typically made from rubber or foam, it is designed to absorb shock, provide support, and protect the soles of your feet from the ground beneath them.

Midsoles comprised of foam materials, such as EVA foam, are plusher and reduce joint impact upon footstrike. Conversely, harder midsoles made from materials like polyurethane are less flexible. However, their rigidity offers more support and stability.

Stack height refers to the thickness of the midsole, footbed, and outsole at their highest point. Generally, a thicker stack height provides greater protection, shock absorption, and energy return (bounciness). Thinner stack heights enhance foot flexibility and help you feel more connected to the ground.

What’s an Ideal Heel-to-Toe Drop?

Like hiking shoes and boots, hiking sandals come with varying heel-to-toe drops. Zero-drop soles cater to ultralighters and barefoot-shoe enthusiasts, while higher drops provide excellent support for individuals who need extra stability or assistance with ankle mobility.

For those looking to start wearing zero-drop shoes, it’s important to transition slowly from your usual styles, as abruptly quitting heel drops can lead to discomfort and pain.

How Aggressive of an Outsole Do I Need?

Many hikers reserve sandals for easier, flatter trails, rainy days, or trails where they will encounter a significant water crossing. Therefore, the lack of traction (compared to boots) is not usually a major concern. 

However, if you plan on venturing out on more strenuous trails – particularly those that are steep and have slippery surfaces like scree fields – it’s wise to choose a pair with a robust outsole. Look for deep lugs of at least 3 millimeters in depth, along with aggressive tread patterns. Chevron and diamond patterns tend to perform best.

How Important are Weight & Packability?

If you ever plan to pack your sandals for water crossings, to wear at camp during backpacking trips, or for travel, weight and packability should be high on your list of priorities.

To avoid weighing down your pack, choose a pair of sandals that weighs less than 1 pound (16 ounces) – for both shoes combined. Also, consider the shoe’s profile, whether it’s slim or chunky, as this will significantly impact how easy (or not) it is to pack. Additionally, lightweight footwear helps minimize muscle fatigue and reduce the risk of stumbling.

Why Trust Cleverhiker

Not only did we hike over 50 miles specifically for this guide, but our team boasts decades of collective trail experience, ranging from easy frontcountry jaunts to extreme backcountry adventures. Together, we’ve covered thousands of trail miles, many of which were accomplished in sandals.

Lead tester Amanda Capritto is a full-time van-lifer who spends almost every day outside. She’s an experienced hiker who has backpacked the Grand Canyon and summited multiple state high points. Additionally, she’s a trail runner, triathlete, and fitness expert who has spent nearly a decade testing and reviewing fitness and outdoor gear, including dozens of pairs of shoes. 

Joining her is gear analyst Marion Tucker, an avid outdoorsperson based in California’s Eastern Sierra. A climber, backpacker, and paddler, she brings years of experience in a variety of outdoor disciplines. She put these sandals to the test through a range of conditions, from high-desert scrub to granite talus fields on climbing approaches.

Testing Methodology

How Do We Assess Comfort?

When evaluating the comfort of a hiking sandal, we consider various elements, including arch support, midsole shock absorption, the softness of the straps (do they cause abrasions or blisters?), and the footbed contour and texture (does it cup the heel nicely?). We also take into account size considerations (would this be comfortable for a narrow, wide, or neutral foot?).

How Do We Measure Stability?

Stability is crucial when hiking, even on easy to moderate trails. For us, testing stability involves measuring a sandal’s support level in terms of rigidity, stability for the foot and ankle on uneven terrain, and the security of the foot within the straps.

We also consider the flexibility of the footbed and straps, as well as connectedness to the ground – does it feel like walking on a gummy bear, or can you feel the ground beneath your feet?

How Do We Test Traction?

This one’s simple: We evaluate how well the outsole of the sandal performs on various surfaces and under different weather conditions. We consider a sandal’s performance on grades ranging from flat to steep, surfaces from packed to loose, and trails from wet to dry.

If we can hike down a scree slope without sliding all over or busting our butts, it’s a win.

How Do We Evaluate Durability?

To determine a pair of sandals’ durability, we look at a few factors. Primarily, this testing category measures signs of wear and tear, especially any indications of premature deterioration during the early stages of testing (if straps are fraying after just a couple of hikes, we consider that poor durability).

Sandals earn high marks for outsole tread that doesn’t wear down too quickly, straps that don’t stretch out, and footbeds that maintain their texture to prevent slipping, among other qualities.

How Do We Measure Weight & Packability?

This metric measures the lightness of the sandals and their suitability for packing on backpacking trips or day hikes as a secondary pair of shoes for water crossings and/or camp. When rating sandals for this category, we consider not only their weight but also their profile.

If a shoe is lightweight yet still clunky, it may still be frustrating to pack. Similarly, a shoe that is flat and slim but heavy might add too much weight to your pack for longer treks.

How Do We Assess Ease of Use?

Finally, we evaluate the ease of use for each pair of sandals. They’re sandals, so you might be wondering, “How hard can it be?” However, some strap and buckle mechanisms are more complicated than you might think, and that can be a real burden on the trail if you’re unprepared for it.

We assess whether the sandals are easy to put on and take off and if the closure or adjustment mechanism is complicated or simple to rate sandals in this category. Believe us: You don’t want to be tinkering with a one-strap system right before fording a river.

Conclusion

Finding the best hiking sandals for you involves several considerations, including your foot shape and anatomy, personal preferences, and the types of adventures you plan to undertake. Ultralight backpackers looking for a minimalist option for camp and water crossings will have different priorities than casual users looking for a dual hiking/everyday sandal. Be sure to consider your specific needs before starting your search, but know that there’s probably a sandal – or two – on our list that will work for you.