Hiking in Sandals are a great way to improve breathability and reduce weight when out on the trails. After researching and taking 7 pairs of sandals out on the trails, beaches, and daily outings we narrowed our selection down to what we believe are the best Hiking Sandals currently out on the market.

During our testing for the best hiking sandals, we focused on sandals that had adequate comfort, durability, weight, and support.

What are the Best Hiking Sandals?

Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro 2 Adventure

Best Overall Hiking Sandal

Our Take: The Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro 2 Adventure secures the position as the best overall hiking sandal. We found the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro 2 to be a fairly balanced sandal overall. It is fairly lightweight, durable, and offers a minimalist design without sacrificing performance. The strapping system felt nice on the feet and kept the toes secure with minimal to no sliding.

One downside is that the y type strap can feel a little uncomfortable to some. Another drawback is the cost, which might be steep for some. However, the superior quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment in our eyes.

Chaco Z Cloud 1

Best for Durability and Support

Our Take: The Chaco Z Cloud 1 is one of our favorite sandals for multi sports. We have used them from thinking trails, hot springs, to paddle boarding. The Chaco Z Cloud 1 really excels in its durability and support, making it an ideal choice for handling uneven terrains during hikes. In additions to having one of the best outsoles in this list of hiking sandals for wet and dry conditions.

However, the big downside we have found with the Chaco Z Cloud 1 and why we don’t use it for backpacking is how heavy they are. Due to the footbed and outsole of the sandal they are well heavier than any other hiking sandal we have worn. Also, they are not very packable compared to other hiking sandals on this list like the Xero Z- Trails Ev or Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro.

Teva Hurricane XLT 2

Best for Comfort

Our Take: The Teva Hurricane XLT 2 is really one of the most comfortable hiking sandals we have tried. The cushioned EVA foam midsole really works well and feels like walking on a soft cloud. The Velcro straps are easy to adjust and work well for quick readjustments out on the trail.

While we did find these hiking sandals super comfy, they may not provide the same level of support as some other options like the Chaco Z cloud 1. Also, we did find that on really wet conditions out on trail the sandal did feel a little slippery and the outsole did seem to slide a little more.

Xero Z-Trail EVs

Best Ultralight Minimalist Sandal

Our Take: The Xero Z-Trail EV is the most lightweight hiking sandal on our list and surprisingly we found them pretty comfortable for a minimalist sandal. Xero Z Trail Ev’s are super flexible and easy to pack into a hiking backpack. We also liked how eco-friendly they are, made with a construction of recycled plastic bottles

Though they have many pros the Xero Z-Trail Ev is not without its cons. We found their thin and flexible design to really be lacking in comfort and protective feel especially on more rugged terrain. The thin and flimsy outsole and straps leads us to have some durability concerns, in fact during our testing one of the straps did begin to fray a little.

Also, the traction did not perform as well as the other sandals on this list. However, despite these drawbacks, the Xero Z-Trail EVs are a fantastic option for those who prioritize lightweight and minimalist footwear.

Keen Newport H2

Best for Toe Protection

Our Take: The Keen Newport H2 is the best hiking sandal especially when it comes to toe protection. Keen has a history of making innovative hybrid footwear like the Newport H2. Which really excels at offering the benefits of a sandal but providing more protection similar to those of a shoe. During our testing we really liked the closed-toe design which kept our toes safe from rocks and other obstacles while hiking.

The bungee lacing system worked well for fast adjustments out on trail and during water sport activities. The only real cons we noticed was how heavy the Keen Newport H2 was and that occasionally small pebbles would get stuck in the shoes and were a little more difficult to get out due to the fabricated cords of the sandal design.

Despite the cons we did find, the Keen Newport H2 was the most versatile sandal on the list. Also, when it came to toe protection this is by far the best.

How to Choose Hiking Sandals

Hiking sandals work well for those wanting a more minimalist, breathable, and lighter type of footwear out on trails or during water adventures. Navigating the diverse market options may seem daunting, but with our expertise, we can help you find the best hiking sandals for your needs or at least help steer you in the right direction.

Intended Use

Before looking into anything else first, consider what your intended use will be of the sandal. This first question can help you answer a lot of your questions when looking into which sandals you will want to consider. Although this list was built on the focus on hiking sandals all of these sandals are very versatile and been tested out on the trails, kayaking trips, paddling, and even on the beach.

Factors to Consider

To evaluate the best hiking sandals, I focused on several factors such as: comfort, durability, weight, versatility, and closure type.

In our testing we put these hiking sandals to the test on the trails, beaches, and daily outings in various conditions. The hands-on testing was supplemented with research and tested in controlled settings as well.

Comfort

Of the factors I believe comfort is the most crucial. When assessing the comfort of the hiking sandals it ideally should feel secure with minimal to no slippage. Hiking sandals should feel lightweight and not restrictive. The straps on the closure system should not cause irritation or discomfort to the feet and the sandals should stay put in wet and hot conditions.

Durability

I have found that durability tends to be very important especially if you are planning to do longer hikes in your sandals. I personally prefer to use hiking or trail runners during my longer hikes due to too many toe stubs on trail. But if you are more careful it could be a great option for you.

Pay attention to the materials used and the build of the shoe. I will say of the hiking sandals on this list the Chacos Z Cloud 1 are by far the most durable on the list but also one of the heaviest. And if you are afraid of toe stubs like me the Keen Newport H2 may be a good bet for you.