The Best Hiking Sandals, Based On Years Of Testing Experience

Forbes

5 days ago

Hiking sandals have been a part of my warm weather footwear rotation for over a decade. At first, they served as comfy camp shoes—something to lounge in after a long day on the trail. But I quickly realized the best hiking sandals are not only comfortable, but capable, and often all you really need to get out there. I've worn them across the Sierras, along the shores of New England and everywhere in between—backpacking, rafting and even running to find styles that truly hold up. And now, I've put together this in-depth guide to the best hiking sandals. My top recommendation: the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D—it's perfect for most people and environments.
Find the best hiking sandals to explore in capable comfort. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Over the years, I've gravitated toward minimalist sandals that are simple yet skillful, but I recognize that feet are different from one pair to the next. What works for my feet might not work for yours, which is why I reviewed hiking sandals based on a set of shared criteria: traction, durability, fit and stability. In the end, I found great options from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka, Keen and more. Below, the best hiking sandals, and how you can go about selecting a quality pair. Our Top Recommendations Best Hiking Sandals Overall: Bedrock Cairn Evo
Best Budget Hiking Sandals: Teva Original Universal
Best Closed-Toe Hiking Sandal: Keen Newport H2
Best Shoe-Hiking Sandals Hybrid: Hoka Hopara 2
Best Hiking Sandals For Flat Feet: Teva Hurricane XLT2
Best Water Hiking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro
Weight (per pair): 15.6 ounces | Upper: Polyester and nylon | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Buckle | Sizes: 5 to 13 (men), 6 to 14 (women)
The Bedrock Cairn Evo has been my preferred hiking sandal for five years now; others have come along, but none have replaced it. My adoration for this sandal is a result of many things, but it starts with the three-point Y strap up top. By combining a buckle, hook and hook-and-loop systems, it's incredibly easy to dial in the fit, and once you get it right, you never have to adjust it. The straps are also incredibly durable and likely to outlive the sole.
Speaking of the sole, Bedrock pairs a thin EVA midsole with a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole that's durable and grippy. The tread isn't as aggressive as a hiking boot, but it's capable on a variety of surfaces, from loose dirt to wet granite rocks. And after you've worn it down over time, simply send it back to Bedrock as part of the brand's Re-Soul and Repair Program for fresh rubber (a $65 process).
As fond as I am of the Cairn Evo, it's not a perfect adventure sandal. The thong strap between the toes, for example, is polarizing—some love it, others hate it (I fell into the latter camp but eventually moved on). It's also thin and flat, so it doesn't offer the same support as a thicker sandal like the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro. Still, I personally. consider these minor drawbacks. The Cairn Evo's simple, lightweight, repairable design strikes a balance between comfort and capability that meets the needs of most hikers.
REI Teva Original Universal
Weight (per pair): 12.8 ounces (men), 10.8 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Strap (Velcro) | Sizes: 8 to 14 (men), 5 to 12 (women)
Teva's Original Universal Sandal transcends outdoor activities, and because it costs less than a tank of gas these days, we can't help but crown it the best budget pick. So what do you get for $60? Well, the straps are made from recycled polyester, and they secure around the ankle and forefoot with hook-and-loop straps. The EVA midsole adds a bit of cushioning to maintain comfort, and a basic rubber outsole supplies sufficient grip.
Teva doesn't shy away from colors and patterns, which means you can find the Original Universal in a variety of styles. And while the bare-bones footbed might not offer much support for those with high arches, it keeps flat feet comfy for miles on the trail. That said, this is a wallet-friendly sandal, so it may not last you many summers if you hike in it for hundreds of miles, and the outsole isn't as grippy as others in this guide. Really, it's a good option for everyday wear and the occasional hike on a mellow trail. If you're looking for a Teva model with a bit more support and grip, the Hurricane XLT2 might better meet your needs, and it costs just $20 more.
Weight (per pair): 2.5 pounds (men), 1 pound, 6.7 ounces (women) | Upper: Polyester webbing | Midsole: EVA Foam | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Quick-lace system | Sizes: 7 to 15 (men), 6 to 11 (women)
Keen's Newport H2 Sandal just so happens to be our favorite water shoe, but if you're in need of a sandal that offers toe protection, it should also serve you well on hikes. By blending a classic hiking shoe base with a sandal-like strap, Keen submits a piece of summertime footwear that's lightweight, durable and eager to tackle obstacles.
The washable polyester webbing on top allows air to pass through for improved breathability, but it still offers just enough protection to keep most dirt and debris out. An EVA insole provides arch support and cushioning, and a nonmarking outsole adds much-needed grip. But the big talking point here is the closed-toe design that prevents you from stubbing a toe in a rocky riverbed or stabbing it on a sharp root. The toe bumper does its job dutifully.
It's also worth noting that, because this sandal features a shoelike platform, it's incredibly comfortable for miles on end. The Hoka Hopara 2 won us over in the comfort department, but if that sandal doesn't quite meet your needs, consider this one instead.
Weight (per pair): 25.8 ounces (men), 20.8 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled knit, recycled Cordura | Midsole: Sugarcane EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Quick-toggle lace | Sizes: 7 to 14 (men), 5 to 11 (women)
It wouldn't be fair to describe the Hopara 2 as a shoe or a sandal—it's a little bit of both, which is exactly what Hoka was going for. The upper, for example, is made of stronger bits of fabric to give it shoelike structure, but it's finished with mesh to dramatically improve breathability. Underfoot, a chunky sole looks and feels like a classic Hoka running shoe, but it's designed to make the Hopara 2 amphibious, so you can confidently tackle river crossing or rafting trips in comfort. And it's finished with a quick-lace toggle that makes it easy to slip on and cinch in seconds; a hook-and-loop strap around the heel helps tighten things up for a secure fit.
There isn't a whole lot to criticize about the Hopara 2, but it is heavy at 10.4 ounces per shoe (women's), which means it weighs about the same as a running shoe. It's also far more enclosed than most open-toed hiking sandals, which may defeat the purpose of a sandal altogether if you're looking to liberate your feet. Ultimately, it isn't your typical sandal, nor is it your typical shoe, and as a result, it won't be the right option for everyone. But if you're after that sort of balance, there isn't anything else quite like it.
Weight (per pair): 20.5 ounces (men); 15.7 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Strap | Sizes: 4 to 14 (men), 5 to 14 (women)
Teva's Hurricane XLT2 Sandal serves those of us with flat feet. Truth be told, any number of sandals on this list can make a flat foot happy (my flat feet happen to love Bedrock sandals), but if you fancy a sandal that offers more cushioning and support without forcing an arch, this is the one for you.
Not unlike the Original Universal sandal mentioned above, the Hurricane XLT2 uses thick, recycled webbing and hook-and-loop straps to create a secure, comfortable fit, and the patterns are just as eye-catching. But this sandal differs from its sibling below the foot, where thicker EVA material offers a lot more comfort and support. A built-in nylon shank adds more stability as you explore mixed terrain, and Durabrasion rubber is more grippy. Teva even treats these materials with a peppermint-based antimicrobial layer that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
The Hurricane XLT2 is a crowd pleaser, but it's still not quite as durable as a pair of Chacos or Bedrocks. The hook-and-loop straps can also wear down over time and lose their stickiness, which necessitates replacing the sandal altogether—no repair program exists. But this sandal is a step above the Original Universal, which makes it a great option if you like Teva and want something a bit more rugged and reliable than the brand's base sandal. Amazon Promo Codes | 30% Off In April 2024
Chacos Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro
Weight (per pair): 31.1 ounces | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: Polyurethane | Outsole: Vibram Megagrip | Closure: Strap | Sizes: 7 to 15 (men), 5 to 12 (women)
I spent a few days rafting the Tuolumne River in the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pros, and I walked away impressed. If you've worn Chacos before, this sandal looks and feels like its siblings —it's chunky, heavy and incredibly durable. What's new, however, is the outsole designed in collaboration with Vibram and professional raft guides. According to Chaco, the Vibram Megagrip compound has six times the grip on wet river rock compared to other adventure sandals, which is a claim I can back up with anecdotal evidence. Whether I was playing in the river or wading through it, the Z/1 Rapid Pros felt planted, and I never really questioned if they were grippy enough to keep me upright. Others in my raft (who were also wearing this sandal) said the same, so it's a option if you spend time on the water and need the traction.
The only downsides of the Z/1 Rapid Pro (and Chaco sandals in general) are that they're heavy and thick. To be sure, these qualities are also what make Chaco so popular, but if you have flat feet or prefer a truly lightweight design, you should probably look elsewhere. Otherwise, this new-ish sandal from Chaco is a confidence-inspiring companion.
The Forbes Vetted gear team maintains a sizable library of gear guides, including a plethora of camping and hiking guides that cover the essentials, from the best hiking shoes for wide feet to the best hiking socks. Cam Vigliotta serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and as the author of this guide, he spent time logging hundreds of miles in hiking sandals from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka and more. He holds a degree in kinesiology and understands the pivotal role footwear plays in allowing us to explore in safe comfort.
serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and as the author of this guide, he spent time logging hundreds of miles in hiking sandals from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka and more. He holds a degree in kinesiology and understands the pivotal role footwear plays in allowing us to explore in safe comfort. This article was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby. She has over five years of experience in product testing and recommendations and recently covered the best robotic pool cleaners and spearheaded an extensive test of the best patio umbrellas.
We return to this guide regularly to ensure the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date. In doing so, we provide you with the details you need to find a comfortable, long-lasting pair of hiking sandals. This guide was last updated in July 2025.
We spent time on trails and in rivers near and far to find the best hiking sandals. Here's how we made our picks: We looked into established sandal brands to find styles suitable for hiking based on experience and real-world feedback. Popular sandals like the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro and Teva Hurricane XLT2 were some of the first models we considered, followed by others like the shoe-sandal-hybrid Hoka Hopara 2 and the Keen Newport H2.
We evaluated specific sandals based on a set of key variables, starting with traction and stability. Hiking sandals should have grippy outsoles to help you traverse loose or wet surfaces, though each outsole's construction offers a different experience. Stability, meanwhile, is a result of the outsole material, the shape of the sandal and how much cushioning it offers. Designs with more foam like the Hoka Hopara 2 feel less stable than barefoot-style sandals.
A sandal's upper determines how it secures to your foot. Models like the Bedrock Cairn Evo feature a thong-style strap system. Others like the Teva Original Universal use hook-and-loop straps that are easy to adjust. We considered various options to fit different feet.
When you combine traction, stability and features like strap design, you're left with a sandal that should help you explore the world. By comparing options against one another based on these elements, we gained a better understanding of each style before making our recommendations.
Ready to invest in a pair of hiking sandals? As you weigh your options, keep these variables in mind to ensure the pair you choose meets your needs. Activity
Think about the type of activity you plan to do and the terrains you expect to encounter when wearing your sandals. Will you be exploring rocky trails, sandy beaches, raging rivers or all of the above? Different sandals offer varying levels of grip and protection, which is why we recommend looking at reviews to determine where former buyers have used their sandals to better understand where they shine. Stability
Look for hiking sandals with adequate support and cushioning. A contoured footbed and beefy midsole help reduce fatigue and provide stability on uneven surfaces. And if you prefer a barely there sandal that's solely designed to protect your foot from the ground, consider lightweight or minimalist models. Materials
Look for hiking sandals made from durable and quick-drying materials that include synthetic fabrics, leather and rubber. These materials should also be breathable and water-resistant to ensure long-term comfort. Traction
Pay close attention to the outsole design, including the lug patterns and materials used, to ensure they provide reliable traction on various surfaces. Deep lugs or a grippy Vibram outsole enhance stability on slippery, loose or uneven terrain. Durability
Read the reviews, assess the materials and inspect the construction quality to gauge the durability of a pair of sandals. Hiking sandals should be able to withstand frequent use on a variety of terrain. Consider investing in sandals with repair programs, like those available through Chaco or Bedrock, that allow you to mend and restore your sandals after years of use.