When the trail heats up and your feet crave airflow, nothing beats the breathability and comfort of the best hiking sandals. These specialized sandals combine open-air design with rugged performance, letting you tackle warm-weather hikes, river crossings, and casual adventures without compromising on grip or support.
In this guide from the National Park Shops, we've tested and selected the best hiking sandals across categories like protection, value, men’s and women’s fit, and all-day comfort. Each recommendation includes detailed specs, performance impressions, and affiliate links to help you shop smart.
Best for Women: Chaco Z/Cloud 2 ($78.98 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Polyester jacquard webbing upper
- Sole Material: ChacoGrip rubber
- Outer Material: Textured synthetic
- Closure Type: Adjustable buckle + heel strap
When it comes to combining support, comfort, and durability in the best hiking sandals, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 stands out for its highly engineered features tailored to women’s anatomy. The double-strap polyester webbing offers a secure and fully adjustable fit, conforming to various foot shapes and widths. The LUVSEAT PU footbed delivers podiatrist-certified arch support, ensuring stability over long distances and on uneven terrain. Its ChacoGrip rubber outsole provides excellent traction on slick rock and dusty trails alike.
The integrated toe loop delivers extra forefoot control, especially helpful on steep descents or rugged terrain. Despite its supportive build, the sandal remains lightweight, and its cushioning midsole reduces fatigue during full-day treks. These are the best hiking sandals for women seeking high-performance gear that also transitions seamlessly into everyday use. Machine washable and designed for longevity, the Z/Cloud 2 is a smart investment for serious adventurers.
Best for Budget: Teva Original Universal ($35.86 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Recycled polyester webbing
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Quick-drying synthetic
- Closure Type: Velcro hook-and-loop straps
If you're seeking the best hiking sandals that offer excellent value without compromising comfort, the Teva Original Universal is a standout choice. Built with recycled polyester webbing, it’s designed to dry quickly after stream crossings or sweaty hikes, making it ideal for summer conditions. The footbed is molded EVA, providing decent arch support and a soft step-in feel that conforms to the foot over time. Its classic hook-and-loop straps are easy to adjust on the go and hold up well during full-day wear.
Though it’s not made for steep mountain treks, the rubber sole offers reliable grip on park trails, dry paths, and gravel roads. Its ultralight construction and compressibility make it perfect for backpackers or minimalist travelers needing reliable camp or casual hiking footwear. Among the best hiking sandals in the under-$40 price range, the Teva Original Universal is a proven, stylish pick for day hikers, travelers, and everyday explorers alike.
Best for Men: Dream Pairs Adventurous Summer ($29.77 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Durable synthetic leather and textile
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Faux leather
- Closure Type: Hook-and-loop + bungee cord
Men looking for all-terrain comfort and rugged protection will appreciate the Dream Pairs Adventurous Summer, one of the best hiking sandals for men under $30. Its synthetic leather upper offers durability, while the mesh ventilation panels help regulate temperature on hot days. The closed-toe design is ideal for protecting against trail debris, making it a smart choice for uneven terrain or creek beds. A cushioned EVA insole provides decent arch support and impact absorption during longer walks.
The high-traction rubber outsole delivers reliable grip on compact dirt, wet rocks, and paved paths alike, making these best hiking sandals versatile for both nature and city wear. The adjustable hook-and-loop strap combined with a toggle bungee lacing system ensures a snug fit without causing discomfort. Lightweight yet sturdy, this model bridges the gap between hiking sandal and casual outdoor shoe, offering value, performance, and foot protection that rivals more expensive alternatives.
Best Protection: Keen Newport H2 ($89.95 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Polyester webbing upper
- Sole Material: Non-marking rubber
- Outer Material: Water-resistant synthetic
- Closure Type: Elastic bungee lace with hook-and-loop strap
The Keen Newport H2 is consistently recognized among the best hiking sandals for adventurers tackling wet and rugged environments. Its standout feature, the reinforced rubber toe cap, protects against rocks, roots, and other debris, making it a reliable option for technical trails. The elastic bungee lacing system, paired with a secure hook-and-loop strap, allows for a personalized fit while still being easy to slip on and off. Underfoot, the thick non-marking rubber outsole features multidirectional lugs for dependable grip on slick terrain.
These sandals function equally well on land and in water, making them a true amphibious option in the best hiking sandals category. The polyester webbing upper resists water absorption and dries quickly, while the hydrophobic mesh lining prevents uncomfortable chafing. Perfect for kayaking, river crossings, or tropical hiking, the Newport H2 is built to handle mixed conditions with ease. It’s a durable, do-it-all sandal ideal for explorers who won’t settle for compromises in performance or protection.
Chaco Z/2 Classic ($88.87 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Polyester jacquard webbing upper
- Sole Material: ChacoGrip rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Closure Type: Adjustable buckle and toe loop
The Chaco Z/2 Classic is a perennial favorite in the best hiking sandals category, known for its unmatched durability and support over long distances. Its adjustable double-strap system allows for a truly customized fit, wrapping around the foot and through the midsole to provide full foot stability. The LUVSEAT footbed is engineered for long-mile comfort, offering orthopedic-level arch support and a firm foundation for multi-hour treks.
What sets the Z/2 Classic apart is its high-density EVA midsole, which resists compression and maintains form even after extended use under weight. This stiff midsole and the grippy ChacoGrip outsole make it ideal for backpacking, rough terrain, and uneven surfaces. For hikers who want a minimalist design without compromising structural performance, this sandal delivers mile after mile. It earns its spot among the best hiking sandals for those who hike hard and demand gear that can keep up.
Skechers On-The-go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal ($32.54 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Soft mesh fabric
- Sole Material: Flexible rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh textile upper
- Closure Type: Velcro hook-and-loop
Blending athletic functionality with relaxed comfort, the Skechers On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy earns its place among the best hiking sandals for light-duty adventures. Engineered with Skechers' proprietary 5GEN cushioning and a Goga Mat footbed, this sandal delivers cloud-like comfort on sidewalks, boardwalks, and well-groomed trails. The open mesh upper enhances breathability while reducing weight, making it a great option for all-day travel or casual excursions.
Although it’s not built for backcountry hikes or wet, technical terrain, the sandal performs reliably on urban strolls, summer errands, and mild nature paths. The hook-and-loop strap system ensures a customizable fit without fuss. If your idea of the best hiking sandals includes comfort, packability, and a clean aesthetic for everyday wear, the On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy is a smart pick for modern explorers.
UBFEN Women's Hiking Sandals Sport ($39.94 on Amazon)
- Fabric Type: Woven polyester straps
- Sole Material: Rubber + EVA
- Outer Material: Quick-dry textile
- Closure Type: Velcro hook-and-loop
UBFEN’s sport sandal is engineered for active women seeking the best hiking sandals that combine comfort, affordability, and trail-worthy design. Its lightweight construction features woven polyester straps that are both durable and breathable, paired with a quick-dry textile upper ideal for summer hikes. The EVA-cushioned footbed and ergonomic arch support provide lasting comfort, making these sandals a solid option for long days spent walking or exploring.
On the underside, a rugged rubber and EVA outsole with deep multi-directional lugs ensures confident traction across various surfaces, from dry mountain trails to sandy beach paths. The Velcro hook-and-loop system is easy to adjust and holds firm, even during vigorous movement. These best hiking sandals excel for casual hikes, day trips, and warm-weather travel where flexibility, breathability, and budget-friendliness are top priorities.
How We Test and What We Look For
I spend part of the year in Grand Teton National Park, which features rugged hiking trails and slippery glacial rivers. This allowed me to thoroughly test each of these sandals in challenging conditions. My testing included hikes of 5 miles or more, both on and off trail, as well as walking on riverbeds and slippery boat decks. Additionally, I drew on my previous thru-hiking experiences using some of these sandals, along with feedback from fellow long-distance hikers who favor sandals.
One of the main advantages of sandals is their comfort right out of the box, as they have fewer areas that cause rubbing or restriction. My focus was on their durability and how well they held up against developing hot spots. I also paid attention to how sore the soles of my feet were after hiking on rocky terrain and whether the sandals showed any signs of wear, particularly on the edges or soles. Testing in wet and vertically challenging terrains helped assess their performance in these conditions.
Conclusion
The best hiking sandals are lightweight, breathable, and engineered to support you through hot trails, wet crossings, and everything in between. No matter your preference, there's a pair perfectly suited to your outdoor goals. We’ve tested each model above to ensure it offers real value for real adventures. Choose the pair that fits your feet, and your lifestyle, and hit the trail in total comfort.