Every once in a while, you just can't hold yourself back and you simply need to get out onto the trails that you love so dearly.
But it's blazing hot outside and you don't feel like wrapping your poor feet into a pair of heavy hiking boots. Besides... you're about to hit an easy trail anyway.
What to do, what to do?
Welp... in that case you might as well go for a good pair of hiking sandals. You'll get to wear breathable footwear while enjoying your time outdoors on the warm trails.
It's the best way to get the best out of both worlds, I'm telling you!
Best Outdoor Hiking Sandals For Women
1. KEEN Whisper Sandal
- TRACTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrains; Non-marking rubber outsole leaves no imprint when walking indoors
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way to get them on and off; Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- FIT & INSOLE: Built on a women-specific foot form that is wider than the industry norm for improved fit and comfort; Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort
- PROTECTION: Iconic KEEN toe bumper offers additional safety to help prevent injury
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry
If you love spending some time doing rafting, kayaking, exploring the mountains or hiking, you will realize that these are among the best sandals for these activities. These are specifically designed for women. They appear slimmer and they are lighter than most regular sandals. They are suitable for those summer days when you need something breathable and light on your feet.
These hiking sandals have more protection than most open-toed models on the market. The Whispers are easy to slip on and off and they dry off within a very short period. You might be wondering why these slippers are so popular. The truth is, these are insanely comfortable. Their footbed is universally comfortable. These come with a compression molded EVA midsole, which is lightweight and flexible. It provides just the right amount of support and cushioning for all-day wear. The Whisper are also very stable, thanks to the well-designed footbed, which conforms to the shape of the foot. They are easy to adjust and provide good traction even on steep terrains.
2. Teva Tirra Athletic Sandal
- Sporty sandal featuring logo and multiple straps with hook-and-loop closures
- Nylon stability shank
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Shock Pad heel
- Traction outsole with water-channeling lugs
Whether you are just relaxing around your campsite or taking on those trails, the feminine style, the multisport performance and the mesh fun of the Teva Tirra sandals, make them suitable for anywhere or everyday use. They have all the great features of summer hiking sandals. These outdoor sandals for ladies are lightweight, good in water, breathable and attractive. Additionally, they perform exceptionally well on rough terrain.
It has good support, reliable traction and it comes with super comfortable straps, which keep the foot positioned right where it should be. Their footbed is among the most comfortable you will find in a pair of sandals. If you are looking for a rugged sandal for cruising and mellow summer hikes, with great off-road capabilities and better foot protection, then you should consider these women’s hiking sandals.
As noted above, it is super comfortable. It comes with a soft footbed which feels great, even after hiking or standing for more than 10 hours. What makes them comfortable, is the presence of compression molded EVA footbed that is comfortable enough to conform to the dimensions of each foot, as well as the ergonomic straps that are strategically positioned. They also feature shock pads and stability shanks at the heel. It contains one of the best traction even on steep and wet terrain.
3.KEEN Venice H2 Sandal
- Sport sandal featuring breathable stretch straps with waterproof nylon overlays and rubber toe bumper
- Bungee lacing system
- Easy-on heel loop
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
These water shoes for kayaking feature a front rubber toe bumper, which is not a very common feature in sandals. When you are going to spend your entire summer in the wild, you don’t want to end up with a bruised or broken toe. Having your toes protected in a toe bumper feels incredibly safe. You can walk and relax freely without worrying about your toes for once. You might be thinking that sports sandals cannot smell, just because they are not fully covered. Well, you are wrong. Your feet can still get sweaty. However, with the Venice H2, you don’t have to worry all that.
They come with a hydrophobic mesh, treated with nti-odor AEGIS Microbe Shield. With their perfect strap combination, a V-strap forefoot as well as a toe bumper, your foot remains in place, and chances of sliding are minimal. They are suitable for all types of water adventures, since they do not shrink when exposed to water. Additionally, you do not have to wait the whole day for them to dry. Their metatomical low EVA footbed, combined with compression molded EVA provide comfort and provide relief against knee and foot pain.
4. KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick-dry lining for active use in and out of the water; PFC-Free, durable water repellent helps shed water and prolong the quality and life...
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on slippery wet terrain; Non-marking rubber outsole leaves no imprint when walking indoors; Iconic toe bumper...
- FIT & INSOLE: Built on a women-specific foot form; Removable, dual-density PU insole with arch support provides additional cushioning for long lasting comfort
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way to get them on and off; Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- CARE TIPS & ODOR PREVENTION: Water shoe's are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry; Includes Eco Anti-Odor, a natural, probiotic-based technology for...
Featuring an all-nylon webbing, the Newport H2 for women provide function, freedom and protection for your feet. They are much lighter than the previous leather version. Uppers are made from nylon webbing, lined with hydrophobic foam to provide fit and comfort. Their strappy uppers are enhanced with elastic cord, then secured with quicklocks reflective pull loops, making it easy to slip them on and off. The Newport H2 also comes with patented toe guards, which protect your feet, whether you are biking or hiking.
Its snug fit, combined with its textured footbed, work in harmony to stabilize your feet perfectly, while preventing them from sliding backwards or forwards, especially on steep terrain. It can comfortable accommodate different types of feet, and the wearer will not encounter any chafing. It also comes with an orthotic footbed, making it one of the best hiking sandals for plantar fasciitis. They have a very aggressive tread pattern, making it almost impossible to slide on wet grounds or loose surfaces. Its closed-toe design ensures that you get excellent foot stability. In short, you will not end up with blisters. They are also stylish and available in a wide range of colors.
5. KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal
- TRACTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrains; Non-marking rubber outsole leaves no imprint when walking indoors
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and easy way to get them on and off; Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- FIT & INSOLE: Built on a women-specific foot form that is wider than the industry norm for improved fit and comfort; Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort
- PROTECTION: Iconic KEEN toe bumper offers additional safety to help prevent injury
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry
Wearing uncomfortable sandals can ruin your entire summer hiking trip. Therefore, you need something comfortable and still stylish, to maintain your feminine appeal. That is what you get when from the KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal. They are light and suitable for hiking in the forest or walking around the beach. These women’s hiking sandals come with a toecap, keeping your toes safe and protected as well as clean from the dirt.
Another great thing about them is that their uppers are made of hydrophobic mash lining. This means that they are water-friendly. This is not to mean that you can swim in them throughout the summer. The thing is, they are not damaged whenever accidentally get water or hike through a puddle. They are also machine-friendly. Therefore, if you don’t have time to clean your sandals manually, just toss them in the machine, sit back and grab a cup of coffee.
These are easy to adjust thanks to the loop closure and their metatomical EVA footbed provides relief from arch and foot pain. The combination of leather and textile on the upper ensures that your feet don’t end up with blisters or hot spots after taking a nature trail. Their non-marking rubber outsole provides the required traction to keep you stable on even and uneven grounds.
Best Outdoor Hiking Sandals For Men
1. KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick-dry lining for active use in and out of the water; PFC, durable, water resistant helps shed water and prolong the quality and life of...
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on slippery wet terrain; Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprint when walking indoors; Iconic toe bumper...
- SUPPORT & COMFORTCompression EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- FIT & INSOLE: This style runs true to size; Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN water shoes and sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry
Constructed with sturdy materials, the Keen Newport H2 is designed to provide freedom, function and protection to your feet. It is supportive, robust and fits like a glove. It feels great the minute you slip it on. Unlike others, it does not require any break-in period. The whole upper is lined using squishy neoprene, which has a soft touch and helps to diffuse the shoe’s pressure. Moreover, it has one of the best footbeds that has a good rebound and a nice squishy feel. The footbed also comes with a nicely designed texture, which helps to secure your foot in position, without irritating the underfoot.
Most closed-design sandals tend to allow in small rocks, sticks, as well as other debris, which are hard to come out without removing the shoe. However, with these outdoor sandals, there is a toecap that protects the foot against any rogue sticks, rocks or small roots. The footbed is also slightly contoured, which does an excellent job in holding your foot in place. The design of the midsole and sole has played a very huge role, towards the stability of these sandals. A great tread design combined with a firm sole helps to dampen impact. It also gives a reliable performance when it comes to traction.
2. KEEN Newport H2 Sandal (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid
- WATER-RESISTANT: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick dry lining and a fully enclosed design for all day use and protection
- TRACTION: Multi directional lugs with quick water channeling help provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrain; Non marking rubber outsole leaves no imprint when walking indoors
- COMFORT & PROTECTION: Compression molded midsole for enhanced long lasting comfort; High abrasion rubber toe cap for added durability and protection
- NO-FUSS FIT: Easy on for them made with a wide, adjustable hook and loop strap (in Toddler and Little Kid’s sizes) to help them gear up and get out the door fast
- CARE TIPS: All KEEN Kids’ water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent wash on gentle cycle and air dry
Let your little one join the fun, with these great summer sandals. They are built similar to the adult version, although tend to be lighter and of course smaller. It comes with a quick-drying webbing, allowing your kids to have fun, in and out of water. With a cushioned EVA footbed, your little one can have all-day comfort. With these sandals, kids will never complain of aching feet or sores. The adjustable loop and hook strap, together with the elastic cord lace allows your kids to put the sandals on or off easily.
Toddlers are very active. One minute they are trying to master climbing while the next minute they are mudslinging and running around. That is why they need protective and stable footwear, such as the KEEN Newport H2 sandal. Since they are non-slip, your little ones can have all the fun they want and they will not come home with injuries because of slips. These athletic sandals for juniors are easy to clean. Kids engage in all manner of activities. By the time they come home, the sandals are covered in all manner of dirt. You should be happy that your kids are active. On the contrary, these sandals are easy to clean. It is a win for both you and the kids.
3. Teva Hurricane XLT Sandal
- Classic sport sandal featuring nylon straps and lugged outsole. Rugged Durabrasion Rubber outsole is extremely durable and supplies great traction .Weight 10.oz per sandal based on size 10
The Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT are comfortable and roam-ready sandals, which will soon become your staple for all your summer adventures. If you have been wondering why Teva is so popular with men, here are the reasons why. The Hurricane XLT sandals are highly adjustable and sturdy. The midfoot and the heel strapping are integrated in a way that makes it convenient to wear them. Additionally, they also fit comfortably although the material used to make them might appear harsh.
These beach sandals also come with vital features, which allow your feet to move easily for the entire day. They include the high strength Nylon Webbing that supports your whole body weight. Also included are Velcro fasteners, commonly known as buckles. These ones provide you with the tight and firm strap for a secure fit. These beach sandals with arch support contain a comfortable Shaped Footbed made from special Anti-Microbial Rubber. There is also a nice Split Sole tread design and pattern for traction.
4. Teva M Omnium 2 Sport Sandal
- Nylon shank stabilizes and supports your foot on uneven terrain
- Rugged Spider Original rubber outsole is extremely durable and supplies great traction
As much as not everyone loves closed-toe sandals, the Teva Omnium 2 has always been a popular choice among outdoor adventurers looking for breathable and protective footwear. Featuring an upper made of polyester mesh and synthetic leather, these men’s hiking sandals are designed to protect your feet while allowing optimal breathability. Also, the use of mesh makes it easy for water to flow out freely to ensure they dry fast.
These closed-toe hiking sandals come with two points of adjustments. The cordlocks and the drawcords provide fast forefoot adjustment while the instep straps lock the rest of your foot in position. The instep straps also come with quick-release buckles, which mean that you can hop in and out of the sandals with ease. Integrated toe bumpers and polyester mesh linings protect your feet against abrasion and pressure. They also keep trail debris out.
Teva has a reputation for producing some of the most comfortable hiking sandals, and the Omnium 2 is a great example. It features plush, compression-molded EVA midsoles, which supply all-day shock absorption and comfort. On the other hand, the non-marking rubber outsoles bite into all forms of terrain, to give you all the traction you need.
5. KEEN Newport Sandal
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi-directional lugs with razor siping help provide superior grip on slippery or wet terrain; Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprint when walking indoors; Iconic toe...
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering quick and easy on/off; Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- FIT & INSOLE: This style is running a 1/2 size small, we suggest ordering a 1/2 size larger than your usual size; Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort
- WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick-dry lining for active use in and out of the water; PFC-free, durable, water repellent helps shed water and prolong the quality and...
- CARE TIPS & ODOR PREVENTION: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable. Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry; Includes Eco Anti-Odor, a natural, probiotic-based...
The Keen Newport is the sandal that started it all. It is simple yet reliable. It is lightweight, yet strong and supportive. With such a unique combination of features, these athletic sandals are what you need to enjoy your summer adventures fully. The leather uppers are waterproofed, then lined with moisture-wicking and soft polyester for fit and comfort. Better still, this leather can be washed for easier cleaning. Featuring patented toe guards, your feet are protected when biking, hiking, as well as other outdoor engagements.
These hiking sandals for men contain uppers that are laced with elastic cord, and then secured with quicklocks. You might be wondering why all this sophistication in one shoe. Well, Keen takes comfort and ease of use seriously. These features and enhancements are designed to ensure that you get sandals that are fitting, comfortable, easy to walk with and easy to adjust. Additional comfort is provided by the EVA midsoles and topsoles, through their cushioning. They also feature antimicrobial treatment, to keep your feet cool and fresh. For durability and traction, they come with nonmarking carbon rubber outsoles.
Everything You Ever Need To Know About Hiking Sandals
Summer holidays means getting out and enjoying the warmth and the fresh air that nature has to offer. Part of enjoying this weather, is having comfortable footwear that will take you from the city to the wild. Whether you love hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming or just relaxing on the beach, a good pair of sandals will provide you with that comfort, and still keep your feet protected. They will keep your feet cool, especially during the hot summer days. Properly designed sandals combine style with function to keep your feet comfortable, cushioned, and protected. They are durable, sturdy, and flexible enough to allow free foot movement. On the other hand, ill-fitting or poorly designed sandals will lead to soreness and blisters. It is therefore important to choose sandals wisely and carefully.
How to Choose Outdoor Sandals?
With such a wide range of models and varieties to choose from, it can be a very daunting task, to arrive at the perfect one. Sandals are designed for a specific activity. You need to consider whether you want sandals for hiking, water activities, beach sandals, or just something to wear around the city, as you go about your business. Buying sandals involves identifying the activities and occasions where those sandals will be worn. For example, if you are looking for hiking sandals, you may have to compromise style for comfort. On the other hand, if you want water sandals, you will have to prioritize water resistance and traction over anything else.
Hiking Sandals
During the hot weather, many hikers and trekkers swap their sturdy and trusted hiking boots, for lightweight walking sandals or hiking sandals. Hiking sandals have been around for more than 20 years. However, most people feared using them on the trail because the earlier models were very simple or minimal in design. Therefore, they would not be able to handle the ruggedness and tough conditions experienced on different trails. Today, you can even find sandals for backpacking. You don’t have to wear those heavy boots that leave your feet tired.
Hiking sandals tend to be more robust than your normal walking or water sandals. They provide trekkers with alternative footwear, when it is hot and dry. Some hikers believe that sandals are only suitable for various trails. However, some sandals are designed in a way that they can handle rocky and steep terrain. When choosing hiking sandals, ensure they are sturdy enough so that they can handle the hiking challenges. Additionally, they should provide foot comfort and have good arch support especially if you are backpacking or trekking.
Hiking Sandals Features and Considerations
Uppers
Uppers connect the hiking sandals to the feet. They are therefore important for comfort and safety purposes. There are two main categories of materials used to make the upper. They are synthetic and leather. Synthetic uppers dry fast, although they can get smelly. On the other hand, leather uppers dry slower, but smell less. Leather can stretch on its own. It can also be combined with synthetic to enhance its strength and retain its shape. For hiking sandals, it is preferable to choose waterproof leather.
Straps
Straps position the foot in place. When buying hiking sandals, you should pay attention to the strapping system, the strap integrity as well as the number of straps. A good strapping system should provide support and comfort. You should also make sure that the straps extend all the way to under the forefoot and beneath the heel, to prevent them from pulling out of the sole. Hiking sandals should have at least 2 adjustable straps.
Sole
The sole of hiking sandals should contain three distinct parts. These are the midsole, the footbed sole and the tread sole, also known as the outsole. The tread sole makes contact with the ground or surface. It should therefore have good traction and abrasion resistance. It should also be able to shed mud and dirt easily. Most midsoles are made of EVA. They provide shock absorption and cushioning for the foot. Sandals that have dual-density midsoles are very effective in alleviating the issues of pronation. Lastly, the footbed sole provides a platform for the foot to rest on. It should have proper arch support, a patterned surface for preventing the foot from sliding inside and should come with odor resistance.
Why Sandals are Preferred for Hiking and Walking
Sandals are mainly preferred over conventional hiking boots, due to the following reasons.
Ventilation
Due to their open nature, your feet receive more ventilation, than a traditional hiking shoe or boot. When there is more air to your feet, you feel cool and comfortable. When there is extra circulation around your feet, heat is drawn away while evaporation of sweat or moisture from your feet, induces a cooling effect. Therefore, your feet do not swell or sweat when walking. Apart from that, hiking sandals dry faster than full boots do. They don’t retain moisture and they also have various ports for ventilation.
Lightweight
Since they are made of fewer materials than hiking boots and shoes, they tend to be lighter. This implies that you can cover longer distances with them and you will end up with fewer blisters or sores. As much as there are various lightweight hiking boots on the market, hiking sandals are much lighter. In fact, they are almost half the weight of most hiking boots and shoes.
When looking for hiking sandals, the trail conditions come into play. A hiking sandal should have the technical and performance capabilities of a conventional hiking boot. It should also offer more versatility and easier transitioning. Hiking sandals are available in two main designs. These are the closed-toe and the open-toe design. Each design has comes with various benefits and setbacks.
Open Design
Open design sandals are generally more simplistic, lower volume and lighter. You can easily slip them into a backpack and use them as camp shoes. They are incredibly breathable and have a long life. Open designs are also preferred for backpacking trips because they take up minimal space in the pack. This way, you can accommodate all your essential trekking and backpacking gear, together with your pair of sandals. If you cross a stream or a river in them, they dry quickly. You can even swim in them and they will be ready to be worn within the next few minutes. However, as much as they are durable and portable, open designs often lack protection and support.
The thing is, most hiking sandals that come with a toe protection definitely provide superior protection as compared to the webbing-based designs. However, the added protection comes at a cost, and that is weight. Open design manufacturers have realized this weakness, and tried to add in some features and functionalities to eliminate the need for the closed designs. For example, some come with toe loops thus substituting the need for a closed design for those seeking stability. Open designs are not appropriate for technical trails, since they expose your feet to rouge rocks and debris, which might injure your toes or even knock off the toenails. However, if you will be using your sandals for short distance hiking or non-technical trails, then an open design is enough. You just need to be reasonable with your requirements and needs. If you don’t need extra thickness, heft and support, go for lightweight or minimalist designs.
Closed Design
The closed design hiking sandals provide protection against rocks, briars, sticks or whatever you may encounter during your thru-hike. The main problem is that once those materials or annoying items are lodged inside the shoe, it is hard to remove them. Unless you remove them, you will be walking with a lot of discomfort. Those annoying items might even destroy the shoe. The other problem with these designs is taking forever to dry. Closed designs can be used for medium distance hiking, thanks to their support and stability. They can also be worn with socks, and they tend to come with stronger soles.
These ones also use advanced lacing systems and they are consequently heavy. You need to know that with the added features, more failure points are introduced. You don’t expect a shoe with buckles, Velcro straps, laces, midsoles, toecap and insoles to be as durable as an open shoe. Closed hiking sandals are also covered with exterior stitching. These are panels of cloth, which may or may not be important. Closed designs also tend to be worn out faster than the open designs.
Despite their shorter lifetime, there are various applications where are best suited. For example, if you are going for a medium distance hiking, and you want light and breathable footwear, then the closed designs are perfect. They offer more protection than the open design sandals and they are much lighter than normal hiking shoes and boots. If you will be crossing numerous creeks and you will be expecting a technical trail, the closed designs of sandals are perfect for those conditions. They are also ideal for white water kayaking.
Water Sandals
Wearing a pair of flip flops or sneakers is not practical if most of your outdoor activities revolve around kayaking, rafting, or wading along shore lines or river banks. You need water sandals specifically designed and developed for these purposes. Sometimes, your hike might involve a section of the trail where you need to swim across or even pass through streams, shallow rivers or creeks. When you consider those scenarios, you definitely require proper sandals. Water sandals should provide super traction, since these areas are usually slick, wet and slippery. Some of the considerations to make when buying water sandals include:
Traction
This is the most vital aspect of water sandals. They should have the ability to grip surfaces regardless of whether the surfaces are wet, slippery, slick or dry. Good water sandals come with sticky rubber outsoles. Apart from sticking onto surfaces, these soles also have the ability to dispel from beneath the feet, with each step. Just like hiking sandals and shoes, Vibram is one of the best materials for the outsole, when considering water sandals. It provides a superb grip on slippery surfaces. You should also look out for sandals that have razor sipping. It is also dependable when it comes to offering grip and traction.
Foot Protection
When walking along the riverbed, there is a possibility of stubbing your toes against a rock or even slicing them open on sharp objects. Most water sandals provide the much-needed freedom, to roam wherever you want, without worrying about such issues. However, it is important to get a distinction between water sandals and beach sandals. Majority of the beach sandals don’t provide as much protection as you would expect. Most water sandals are even covered with neoprene to heat up as the water gets chilly, thus keeping your feet warm.
Amphibious Use
If you will be wearing your sandals on both land and water, you should then choose a model that is a hybrid between a hiking shoe and a water shoe. Such sandals come with solid insoles keeping you stable on different surfaces. They also provide the required traction, as you transition from water to land or from land to water. Amphibious sandals tend to be sturdier. Just like other water sandals, they dry fast.
