Men’s Bedrock Cairn EVO 3D Pro Review

Bottom Line

The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro’s are the top pick on our best hiking sandals for men guide. They’re the ultimate mix of minimalism and adventure-ready performance, making this model an all-time team favorite at CleverHiker for lightweight, adjustable footwear. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer is based out of Colorado, and wears his Bedrocks year round. He’s put over 1,000 miles and hundreds of days of wear on his pair and loves their comfort, traction, and style.

Their Vibram XS Trek EVO outsoles provide stellar grip on trails, wet surfaces, and steep inclines, while the highly adjustable strap system ensures a customized fit for nearly any foot shape. The flexible footbed offers excellent ground feel. Their slightly rockered design and ergonomic insole makes them feel comfortable for days on end. Durability is another huge win.

But the Cairn’s minimalist design comes with trade-offs. The toe post is soft, though it can cause some chafing at first and the they may not be supportive enough for some. We find the Cairns are impressively versatile, but they are as airy as sandals get and not very protective for toes. And, these are some of the more expensive sandals on our list. That said, their quality, long-lasting build helps justify the cost. If you’re looking for comfy, minimalist sandals for almost any adventure, the Cairn Evo 3D Pros are an outstanding option.

How We Tested

Editor Ian Krammer hiked over 1,000 miles in the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pros. He’s used them to bag dozens of Colorado peaks over 13,000′ and explore slot canyons and open desert across Utah’s San Rafael Swell. With over two years of experience rafting, paddle boarding, swimming, running, backpacking, and more, Ian has hundreds of hours of experience with these sandals. His in-depth testing has helped him understand how the Cairns rank versus the competition when it comes to metrics like comfort, durability, adjustability, and more.

Comfort

The Cairn 3D Pros earn top marks for comfort thanks to their barely-there feel that doesn’t sacrifice security. Ian’s thorough testing finds the Cairns’ strap system is one of the most nuanced on our list, with multiple tightening points that effectively reduce hot spots and friction. The toe post is soft and pliable to prevent rubbing and hot spots. 

We also love the anatomic footbed. With subtle arch support, a slight toe ridge, and a bit of an upward slope at the front of the sandal, the Cairns cradle our feet with enough structure to prevent fatigue. But, this sandal proves structure doesn’t always mean bulk – they’re some of the lightest on our list, at just half a pound per sandal. 

That said, the toe strap design may not hit the mark for everyone. If you prefer sandals with an over-the toe design, these may not be your first choice. However, we strongly encourage you to try them. Before Cairns, Ian disliked this style of sandals, but this specific model is why he’s converted to a regular Cairns wearer. They’re exceptionally comfortable once broken in.

Our other gripe comes down to support. These sandals offer great ground feel, but they lack the support some hikers need, especially when carrying a heavier load or if you’re prone to arch pain. Without much cushioning, these don’t absorb impact as well as bulkier hiking sandals like the Teva Tera Fi 5 or the Chaco Z/1 Classic, which can lead to sore feet after long days.

Traction

Ian keeps returning to the Cairn EVO Pro 3D because of their exceptional traction. He’s used them to summit more than 50 Colorado peaks over 13,000’, including involved, off-trail scrambles. These have also been Ian’s go-to’s for week-long backpacking trips, swimming in alpine lakes, and daily use in town.

A mix of triangular lugs and stabilizing ridges offer excellent grip on inclines and descents for steady stepping even on sketchy trails. A braking pad at the heel adds control on steep downhill sections, reducing the risk of slipping. 

The verdict? Loose dirt, slick rock, and off-camber routes are no match for the impressive grip of the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pros. The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsoles feature deep, well-spaced lugs that bite into soft terrain while still offering a smooth ride on hard surfaces. The rubber compound balances durability with stickiness, gripping well on wet rock without wearing down too quickly. 

Stability

Balance and security are baked into the Bedrock Cairn 3D ProsOn a 50-mile backpacking trip in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness, Ian found their wide, ergonomic shape offers enough flexibility to keep his stride feeling natural, while still providing a stable platform on uneven ground. 

The reason they’re so stable? Two rubber extensions on either side of the sandal anchor the straps, which gives the sandals excellent lateral stability. Even with a 20-pound pack on, Ian’s feet weren’t wobbling from side to side, even on rocky sections and areas with tree roots. Combined with a zero-drop design and wide-spaced lugs, the Cairns give reliable control on tricky terrain. A bit of arch support and a textured insole add more grip and reduce the chance of slipping inside the sandal.

That said, the zero-drop design and relatively thin sole may take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to more heel support. The toe strap plays a big role in keeping the front of the foot secure, which can create pressure and rub between the toes over long miles.

Unlike some models with a forefoot strap, these don’t have as much structure over the front of the foot. Overall, they don’t feel as locked-in as options like the Xero Z-Trail or Chaco Z/1 Classics. While the fit is secure, hikers who want an ultra-structured feel may prefer sandals with a more rigid design.

Adjustability

Bedrocks are unique on our sandals list when it comes to their adjustment system, and we give them top marks for this metric. The heel strap and inside of the shoe are adjusted with a plastic hook mechanism that connects to small, individually sewn loops on a nylon strap in half-inch increments.

The toe strap and top of the sandal are fine-tuned with a tension strap and buckle. The result is impressive customizability at three points around the foot, exactly where we want it the most, making for a comfy ride.

Even those who typically shy away from this style of sandals may find these surprisingly comfortable, as the adaptable design prevents pressure points and stays locked in place without loosening over time.

Durability

If you want hiking sandals built to take a beating, you’ve found them. Ian’s racked up over 1,000 miles on his Cairns from sidewalks to summits, and they’re still going strong. The Vibram rubber outsoles are burly enough to withstand hundreds of miles before wearing thin. A textured footbed resists smoothing out over time, maintaining grip and comfort even after multiple seasons of use. Reinforced stitching along the polyester and nylon straps prevents fraying, and the buckles and straps hold strong whether they’re repeatedly soaked, caked in mud, or left baking in the sun.

That said, at 1,000+ miles, Ian’s Cairns are worn on the outsoles, specifically on the lugs, which are flat. Also, the front and rear of the sandals are chewed up from tough terrain. Luckily, Bedrock offers a resoling program for their sandals that swaps out the destroyed outsoles of your sandals for new ones – an economical and environmentally smart option. As long as the uppers are still holding strong, this process costs about half the price of a new pair.

Versatility

For us, Cairns are the kind of footwear we end up rocking everywhere. They’re just as comfortable logging miles on a trail as they are at a backyard barbecue. Their ability to transition seamlessly from hiking to water makes them perfect for creek crossings, packrafting trips, and paddleboarding. They’re lightweight and pack nearly flat, making them easy to toss in a backpack for a backup camp shoe or minimalist travel option. Plenty of color choices means you can go bold or keep it low-key. Whether you’re hitting the trail, the river, or just running errands, they fit right in. 

That said, they aren’t built for everything. With so much of your foot exposed, they’re not the best choice for technical hikes, off-trail scrambles, or routes full of sharp rocks and thorny brush. You’ll feel every jab and scrape that a burlier sandal would block. For maximum toe protection, consider a more protective option like the KEEN Newport H2s.

And while they work in most casual settings, they aren’t exactly “formalwear.” Still, if you don’t care about convention, we’ve seen them in the wild at both weddings and funerals – so wear them wherever you want.

Should You Buy the Men’s Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro’s?

The Cairn EVO 3D Pros are perfect for backpackers and dayhikers who need durable, adjustable footwear for water adventures and go-everywhere versatility. The polyester and nylon uppers are comfortable, and we find the insole and natural foot shape is comfortable thanks to arch support and a textured insole. Multiple points of adjustment, including at the heel and outside of the foot, allow for a dialed-in fit, making them comfortable for a wide range of foot shapes. Their innovative and reliable strap system customizes the fit. Rugged Vibram soles hold up for hundreds of miles, and the reinforced stitching and tough straps mean they won’t fall apart after repeated soakings. Plus, they’re lightweight and easily packable whether you’re traveling or just heading into the foothills for an afternoon.

On the flip side, these aren’t the best choice if you prefer sandals without a strap between the toes, need more support, or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly sandal. The strap between the toes can be abrasive at first, and the design itself may be a dealbreaker for some – although we find these extraordinarily comfortable overall. When it comes to more technical routes or scrambly, off-trail fun, Cairn EVO’s don’t give much protection or ankle support. However, for dayhikers, water adventures, and backpacking, these sandals earn top marks for comfort, durability, and versatility in a way that few others can match – making them our top choice for 2025.

What Other Men’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

Head over to our guide to the best hiking sandals for men to find out how the Cairn EVO’s compare to the others. And consider these other picks:

Luna Mono Winged Review: The Luna Mono Winged sandals offer a similar design to the Bedrock Cairn EVO 3D Pro but are much lighter and more budget-friendly. However, they aren’t quite as comfortable as the Cairns. 

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Review: Like the Cairns, Xero Shoes Trail EV sandals have a zero-drop design with solid adjustability and versatility. They’re more affordable and lighter, although they don’t offer the same durability.

Chaco Z/1 Classic Review: The Chaco Z/1 Classic has a simple, effective strap design and solid durability for various terrains, similar to the Bedrock Cairn EVO 3D Pro. They aren’t quite as adjustable and are much heavier, though.