Hiking sandals have one major advantage over traditional hiking boots in that they tend to be cheaper. This makes these footwear options even more desirable among backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts, who may prefer trading the protection and support provided by boots for more freedom in a sandal.
However, hiking requires sandals with great traction and technical, sticky rubber outsoles known as lugs that vary in size and shape to provide grip.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the KEEN Adult Targhee 3 Open Toe.
Best Water Sandals For Hiking Reviews
KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
- WATER-RESISTANT: Quick dry washable synthetic straps and lining for active use in and out of the water
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering quick and easy on...
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi directional lugs with siping channels provide superior grip on slippery...
- FIT & INSOLE: KEEN Original fit with generous space across forefoot for toes to spread out; Non removable...
- CARE TIPS: KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent wash on gentle cycle...
Comfort meets adaptability in this men’s water sandal from KEEN, making it the ideal companion for both trekking along lakeshores and wading into rivers and streams.
The sole is durable enough to protect feet from angular rocks or uneven surfaces while its ventilated upper body quickly dries after becoming wet – perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting adventures alike.
Many satisfied customers praise this shoe for its superior comfort and superior level of traction in both wet and dry terrain conditions, in addition to its sturdy sole material and protective toe box.
Many also lauded its sturdy sole material and protective toe box; though, it should be noted that closed-toe models do not perform as well in hiking over rugged terrain with plenty of small pebbles or debris present.
Water-friendly uppers made of tough polyester webbing feature a waterproof leather overlay. Washable and featuring a secure fit due to their lace capture system, these uppers also offer grippy traction and toe protection, with waterproof material being antimicrobial to minimize odor.
This waterproof sandal from Keen comes in sizes 7-13 and offers a 1-year warranty. Some buyers have found that these Keen shoes run a little big; as a result, you should order one size smaller than usual to ensure optimal results.
This H2 water sandal differs from its counterpart because of its synthetic upper which drains faster and dries more readily than leather versions of similar products.
Serious hikers will appreciate how its cushioned sole provides just the right mix of support and flexibility, quick-drying materials, protective toe box protection, comfortable insoles, an adjustable bungee cord lock system, and a secure footbed make for an outstanding hiking experience!
CHAKIE Men’s Leather Sport Sandals
At an incredible value, CHAKIE’s Bravada sandals provide excellent footwear for light outdoor activities and hiking. Comfortable yet equipped for casual day hikes, their treads offer more grip than water sports models but lighter duty than true hiking options.
Additionally, this Certified B Corporation pays its workers a living wage, further adding value.
All the sandals on our list have top-of-the-line feature sets and should withstand daily wear and tear, though their weight can play an important role.
At the lightweight end, Xero’s Z-Trail EV weighs under 10 ounces per pair; however, such thin designs tend to offer less support and wear out faster than thicker models with similar features.
There are also more specialized choices, like water sports-specific designs from Keen and Hoka that provide superior grip for walking across wet surfaces and support for covering longer distances.
But most of our recommendations are more versatile; for example, Teva Original Universal looks equally at home strolling the beach, or hiking.
Many of the sandals we’ve included on our list feature quick and easy adjustments using bungee systems, though we have yet to discover one that provides as much security as straps do.
While we hope a company will develop a system to combine both elements into one perfect shoe, most of our favorite options still rely on straps alone to keep their feet snug and secure – with the ECCO Yucatan using an innovative tightening mechanism that cradles feet without fuss; its outsole also has small rocking which provides natural walking stride support – and even makes them suitable for kayaking or paddleboarding adventures!
Chaco Women’s Zcloud Sport Sandal
- Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit
- Adjustable and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers
- Women's specific LUVSEAT PU midsole
- anti-lining application for odor control ; Injection-molded ladder lock buckle
- Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole with 3mm deep lug
If you’re in search of sandals that can keep you standing firm on rugged terrain and other difficult surfaces, endure frequent outdoor use without becoming worn in over time, and look great around town as well as on trails, look no further than Chaco Z/Cloud 2 sandals.
While more expensive than some hiking sandals, their microfiber-lined footbed provides maximum comfort while their heavy-duty rubber outsole can withstand some serious abuse.
Chacos’ Z/Cloud sandals stand out as an exception: At 23 ounces per pair, they offer excellent support and rugged construction that make hiking and water sports possible.
Also boasting the APMA seal of approval, these lightweight outdoor sandals boast sturdy polyurethane midsoles with grippable outsoles for creek crossing and even light rock climbing activities.
These sandals make an additional contribution towards environmental responsibility by being made from Repreve polyester – a sustainable material crafted from old plastic bottles – and feature an effective strap layout that prevents pinching or pressure points without pinching against ankles.
Additionally, their lined ankle protection reduces rubbing against your ankle while they also feature effective strap locking without pinching against it or pressing against pressure points.
For those with flat feet, finding sandals with enough arch support is of utmost importance.
According to podiatrists, effective options tend to be stiffer and more structured than others; an easy way to determine whether your shoes offer adequate arch support is to wet your feet before stepping onto hard surfaces.
New York-based podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey suggests this as an easy test – if the shape of your foot resembles an oval then this indicates flat feet structure which requires supportive shoes.
Sandals may not be as straightforward to put on and take off as shoes, so you need to spend some time adjusting their straps until you find a comfortable yet secure fit for hiking or other summertime activities.
Usually, this takes some trial-and-error before finding that ideal balance of loose here and tight there that provides stability, security, comfort, and freedom of movement while out exploring nature or enjoying leisure time activities.
TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals
- Water-ready polyester webbing stands up to the elements and dries quickly after getting wet
- -EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- mloded strap ends for easy pull
- Easy hook and loop closure
- Rugged durabrasion outsole
TEVA’s Hurricane line of outdoor sandals have long been considered classics, and this particular model boasts improved traction, soft heel strap padding, quick-dry webbing made of sustainably produced recycled plastic (REPREVE(r) recycled plastic), Durabrasion Rubber(TM), three independent points of adjustment with contoured antimicrobial EVA footbeds designed to reduce heel strain, while a nylon shank helps secure feet on uneven terrain.
Apart from these features, these shoes stand out for being lightweight enough to hike all day without experiencing foot fatigue, waterproofing properties that allow them to withstand occasional streams or puddles on trails supporting high arches with ample support, along having a sturdy yet comfortable midsole.
The only drawbacks include inadequate grip on hard trails and not providing a barefoot-like feel; for those preferring this feel, consider trying Bedrock Cairn Adventure sandals instead.
Lightday hiking boots and beach adventures make a good pair, yet are unsuitable for more extended hikes as they lack the robustness to deal with more challenging terrain.
Price-wise, the XLT2 model is quite reasonable considering its performance level and materials quality.
One thing that could make it better would be offering half sizes so those with wide feet have extra room in their shoes; otherwise it makes an excellent outdoor sandal, worthy of consideration from any outdoor enthusiast, and comes backed with an extensive one-year warranty from TEVA for added peace of mind.
Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Sandals
- ADVENTURE EVERYWHERE - Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV is the perfect combination of protection, comfort,...
- TRIPLE-LAYERED SOLE - FeelTrue rubber bottom offers great grip; middle TrailFoam layer of TrailFoam...
- XERO DROP SOLE FOR PERFECT POSTURE - The Xero Drop sole offers a non-elevated heel and is...
- VEGAN FRIENDLY - Xero Shoes believes in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles which is why the...
- GET THE RIGHT FIT with FREE Domestic Exchanges - This sandal runs 'true to size." If for any reason...
The Z-Trail EV is the upgraded version of Xero’s top-rated sandal.
This innovative new product cuts down on unnecessary materials found in modern sports sandals by approximately 70% and features soft tubular quick-dry webbing made of recycled water bottles, more flexible 10mm FeelLite soles that offer better traction on rugged terrain than its predecessor and improved quick dry webbing technology sourced from recycled bottles sourced.
These improvements make the new sandal more comfortable, durable, and sustainable than ever.
Like its predecessor, the Z Trail EV is a zero-drop minimalist shoe designed to support natural movement and give hikers a barefoot experience on trails and rugged terrain. The BareFoam footbed provides natural arch support while the Z strap wraps securely around the ankle for a secure fit.
However, due to its slim sole construction, it might not provide adequate protection for users suffering from foot problems or those spending extended time in rivers.
Although its competitor the Keen Newport H2 offers greater stability as well as a waterproof upper for water-based activities and hiking adventures Xero does not feature enough protection in this regard compared with this shoe Xero does in general compared with these traits Xero does when used during water-based activities or hiking trips including stream crossings or water-based activities Xero lacks protection in such situations.
Some reviews have described the Xero Z-Trail EVs as being slippery on the footbed when walking downhill, which may be caused by their minimal design and lack of a stable heel cup – this may also make them less supportive for hikers who prefer more supportive footwear.
Furthermore, due to a slim sole and lack of heel strap, hikers may experience slight friction across their toes when wearing these shoes in combination with Correct Toes or Injinji toe socks.
Xero Z-Trail EE sandals are lightweight and pack small, which makes them an excellent option for ultralight backpackers looking to maximize space on their adventures.
Their flexible soles flex with your foot’s movements for easy hiking. You may find yourself using them even while running; just expect an adjustment period between one week to several months until you become adept at using minimalist running/hiking shoes.
KEEN Adult Targhee 3 Open Toe
- TRACTION: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip Multi-directional lug pattern provides...
- MATERIALS: Water-resistant, recycled PET plastic tubular webbing; Featuring quick dry lining for active...
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Dual-density EVA footbed with arch support offer long-lasting comfort and support; The...
- STYLE & FIT: Featuring a heel-capture system for a locked-in feel; Perfect for a hike on a hot day or an...
- CARE TIPS: We've carefully selected leather uppers designed to last; To treat day to day wear and tear,...
Are you in search of sandals with the stability and support comparable to hiking boots? Look no further than KEEN’s Adult Targhee 3. This sandal adopts the rugged design of their popular Targhee boot line for open-toe comfort and top performance.
A thick medium-density foam footbed provides support and cushioning without hotspots during long hikes while multidirectional rubber tread soles will offer reliable traction in various terrain and water conditions.
The men’s version of the Targhee 3 features waterproof leather uppers with quick-dry linings and EVA midsoles with arch supports that offer lightweight cushioning to provide lightweight comfort while hiking or camping alongside lakes or hanging from rope swings.
Furthermore, its durable waterproof leather offers protection from sharp rocks or debris encountered while hiking – not forgetting their lightweight cushioning provided by quick-dry linings and EVA midsoles with arch supports that cradle your feet comfortably and lightweight cushioning from lightweight KEEN All Terrain high-grip rubber outsoles provide superior grip when camping alongside lakes or hanging from rope swings at mountain lakes!
KEEN’s Adulttarghee 3 sandal is one of our more expensive offerings, yet offers shoe-like stability and workhorse traction to tackle nearly any outdoor adventure you might face.
Its rigid construction and heavily contoured footbed make this sandal the ideal footwear solution for those seeking the comfort and versatility of sandals while still wanting the additional support and stability that boots typically provide.
TEVA Women’s Original Universal Comfortable
- Polyester webbing upper
- Hook and loop closure system-
- Universal strapping system
- Eva footbed
- Durabrasion rubber outsole
From floating on a lake to walking along coastal beaches, Teva’s women’s sandals make the ideal partner for water-oriented outdoor adventures. Lighter and slimmer than most other Teva models, the Women’s Teva Waterwalker sandal is designed for water adventures of all sorts.
Not only recyclable via their program but it offers excellent support on uneven surfaces: its molded PU midsole has an instep with an extra cushioned heel cup for stability when walking over rocks or debris while walking.
Plus its nonslip sole keeps you firmly grounded when traversing slippery boat decks or sandy beaches!
These sandals may not offer quite as much protection as some of the more rugged hiking-specific options we tested (like the Keen Newport H2 Sandal), but they still have plenty to offer those seeking water-oriented footwear that enables their feet to breathe and stretch out during a hike.
Their thin straps offer ample padding against pinching around ankles while an inner soft fabric helps avoid chafing against your instep.
These sandals stand out with their convenient adjustment system, featuring four points of hook-and-loop connection to the footbed and two points for fine-tuning the fit with hook-and-loop adjustment.
You’re sure to find the ideal fit for your feet while being secure when trekking on trails or while crossing wet surfaces such as grass. Furthermore, their open-toe design provides good drainage while their contoured EVA footbeds make these an excellent hiking option.
If you plan on undertaking any serious hiking or backpacking with water sandals, we recommend looking into more rugged options, like the Xero Genesis shoes below.
They make for a good alternative to lightweight yet flexible options like the Xero Alpha Adventures above; more supportive for long-distance hikes with thicker outsoles more suited to rough terrain; they’re also more cost-effective which makes them suitable for those uncertain if they will require the full support of more rugged designs.
KEEN Men’s Drift Creek H2 Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick-dry lining for active use in and out...
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Higher-traction TPR outsole provides superior grip on slippery wet terrain;...
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering quick and easy...
- FIT & INSOLE: Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort; Integrated heel...
- CARE TIPS & ODOR PREVENTION: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of...
For the perfect balance of water play and trail hiking, look no further. The Keen Newport H2 sandal is the go-to sandal. It offers both protection and flexibility in one shoe-like package with its adjustable fit and gripped tread soles; and features a convenient bungee closure system that eliminates straps or buckles – not to mention machine washability that helps minimize foot odor!
The Keen Newport H2 has quickly earned itself an avid following among outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers and backpackers.
Users love its amphibious design which allows them to cross rivers without taking their shoes off, as well as its comfortable wearability across terrain and conditions; many satisfied owners report wearing them during hikes, kayak trips, and white water rafting excursions!
This sandal is well suited for hiking due to its excellent grip, stability, and supportive insoles. However, its bulkiness prevents its use on flat terrain or sandy beaches and captures debris like pebbles and small branches which makes walking uncomfortable.
Also worth remembering is that this sandal wasn’t designed to support long-distance treks or backpacking adventures and may therefore be better suited to shorter day hiking excursions.
A key advantage of the KEEN Newport H2 is its waterproof construction. With drainage points to drain off excess water and an aggressive non-marking rubber outsole featuring razor siping to provide ultimate traction control on difficult terrain, as well as being made from PFC-free materials. This means less pollution for our environment!
In terms of durability, most users report them lasting several years at least; some even claim theirs have outlived them! Furthermore, there’s something to suit everyone with different colors and sizes available as well; reviewers have often suggested ordering one size larger than what would normally fit them for optimal fit!
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