Explore the Great Outdoors with the Best Hiking Sandals 2020
Hiking with the wrong footwear is an absolute nightmare. Wearing low-quality hiking shoes can lead to blisters, infections, and injuries. So, before you buy a pair of sandals for hiking, it’s a good idea to do some thorough research.
What should you look for in a pair of hiking sandals? Are they a better choice than hiking boots?
This article will answer any questions you might have. We will also offer some suggestions that will help you find the best hiking sandals for you. Please enjoy our selection.
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Sandals for Women: Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal
Review:
This pair of closed-toe sandals is extremely versatile. Here is a quick introduction to the Omnium line:
We recommend these women’s sandals to everyone who is looking for endurance. The heels contain a shock-absorbing core which will protect your ankles from pressure. Furthermore, they come with very solid, foam-based arch support.
If you expect to spend your vacation on a lakeside or riverside, these are the best sandals for you. Their surface is partly covered in grosgrain webbing. The sandals are also covered in mesh on the inside, so they are sure to dry out quickly.
This will keep your feet warm and dry. Since the sandals are made from high-quality materials, they provide an anti-bacterial effect as well.
Will these sandals perform well on rough terrain? The synthetic sole is designed to protect you from slipping. You can take them trekking and even mountain-climbing.
Finally, style is an important consideration. These sandals look practical as well as restrained. Additionally, they are fairly lightweight even though they will last a long time.
Let’s look into the pros and cons of the Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal.
Pros:
- Quick-Dry Design
You need a water-resistant pair of sandals even if you’re not planning to engage in water-related recreation. After all, you never know when a summer drizzle might surprise you.
If you decide to go for the Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal, you won’t have to worry about wet feet. These sandals are covered in quick-drying mesh and webbing. They also come with several drainage ports.
There’s another huge upside to having quick-dry hiking sandals. Intensive camping means that you will need to thoroughly wash them at some point. You can do that without having to worry about bacteria or fungi growing in the material of your sandal.
- Good Arch Support
Since these sandals come with 1 1/4-inch heels, they will keep your feet in a healthy position. While they don’t come with extra arch support, the midsole is molded EVA foam. Thus, the pressure will spread out evenly on the whole surface of your sole and you won’t have to worry about blisters.
- Great Ventilation
Overheating can be a serious issue during those hot summer treks. While they’re not as breathable as open-toe sandals are, these sandals are designed to handle muggy weather.
The Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal will also take care of perspiration for you. Hence, you won’t have to worry about toenail infections and other unpleasant issues.
- Shock Absorption
The soles of these sandals can handle intensive trekking. In addition to protecting your foot, shock absorption is good for durability.
- Adjustable Laces
Since this model comes with bungee lacing, you can be sure it won’t slip off your foot at a bad moment. There is also a buckle, in case you need to get out of your sandals very quickly.
Cons:
- A Bad Fit for Hikers with High Arches
These shoes aren’t the perfect fit for everybody.
While most trekkers will consider them to be the height of comfort, some may find them too tight. So if you have high arches, these aren’t the sandals for you. People with very narrow feet may find them uncomfortable as well.
- Some Danger of Blisters
If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to be careful with these sandals. They may exert too much pressure on the back of your ankle. Hence, blisters are a possibility for some hikers.
- The Price
This product isn’t overpriced, but it is still more costly than many other hiking sandals. If durability isn’t your main concern, there are more affordable models you can get.
Materials Analysis:
These sandals are made from water-resistant synthetic material. The Spider Rubber outsole guarantees a sure footing. For extra support, the middle of the sole contains EVA foam.
Who It’s Best for:
We recommend the Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal to serious hikers. These women’s sandals do well on any terrain. They are generally comfortable, though some hikers may require narrower or higher models.
For more information, click here:
Best Hiking Sandals for Men: Keen Newport H2 Sandal
Review:
Here is a sturdy pair of men’s hiking sandals for any outdoor activity. You can use this pair of sandals for kayaking, marathons, and even some extreme sports. Click here for a quick preview:
The rubber outsole is guaranteed to perform well on every terrain. Additionally, the design will provide you with a great deal of stability. The EVA foam midsole makes these sandals comfortable and it’s also great for preventing any pain issues.
Perspiration is inevitable when it comes to summer hikes. These sandals feature a special anti-odor design. Furthermore, the insole is removable, for easier washing.
In addition to providing security and long-lasting comfort, these sandals look sharp and stylish. The leather upper is a particularly nice touch. You can get these sandals in a wide and tasteful variety of colors.
So what are the main upsides? Are there any downsides you should look out for?
Pros:
- High-Quality Outsoles
The outsoles are made from quality, non-marking material.
They are razor-siped, with lugs that are around 3 millimeters deep. Hence, you won’t have to worry about slipping. These are the perfect sandals for crossing streams or dusty terrain.
- Removable and Well-Designed Footbed
For maximum stability, you need a quality footbed that will match the shape of your foot. This is the best way to prevent blisters as well.
The Keen Newport H2 Sandal comes with a high-quality metatomical footbed. You can remove it for washing. This is a good way to prevent a number of diseases as well as unpleasant odors.
- Toe Protection
Going for closed-toe models is almost always a good idea. In this case, the toes are extra firm. Thus, you won’t have to worry about stubbing your toes in a moment of inattention.
- Good Ventilation
Getting overheated is an extremely unpleasant experience. But these sandals come with breathable mesh which will guarantee your comfort. They can handle rainy weather too.
- Quality Materials
Every part of the Keen Newport H2 Sandal is chosen for durability. These sandals are sure to last more than one summer. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant chemical reactions even if you have sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Problems with the Sizing
You should always make sure to consult Keen’s sizing chart before you invest in a pair of their sandals. In this particular case, you may want to go for sandals that are half a size bigger than your usual shoe size.
- The Price
Like our previous pick, these sandals are more pricey than average. However, most hikers will find that the durability and clever design make up for the price.
- A Bad Choice for Wide Feet
Hikers who have particularly wide feet might want to look for a different model. After all, tight hiking sandals are an extremely bad idea.
Materials Analysis:
These sandals are made of PFC-free materials. The high-quality rubber outsole will provide excellent insulation and it will protect your foot from injury. Furthermore, the webbing comes with a Keen patented odor protection shield.
Who It’s Best for:
If you consider yourself to be a dedicated hiker, the Keen Newport H2 Sandal is a great choice for you. These sandals will serve you well wherever you go. You also won’t have to worry about perspiration or overheating.
If you think these may be the best hiking sandals for you, go here: https://www.backcountry.com/keen-newport-h2-sandal-mens
Our Second Choice for Women: Viakix Sandals for Women
Review:
Here is a high-quality open-toe sandal for hiking and relaxing on the beach. While we don’t recommend these sandals for mountain-climbing, they are a great choice for most outdoor activities.
If you want a light model that won’t weigh you down, these could be the sandals for you.
They’re a good choice for any foot shape, as there are four straps you can use to find the perfect fit. Additionally, they’re great for women with wide feet.
The Viakix Sandals are extremely stylish and they provide great cushioning. They’re also fully waterproof. The versatility is one of the biggest draws of this model.
Here is a quick look at some of the upsides and downsides.
Pros:
- Durability
You can take these sandals kayaking or long-distance trekking without having to worry about any damage. They also perform well at the beach.
- Comfort
The Viakix Sandals are handcrafted. While they are very stylish, everything about the design prioritizes comfort. The cushioned insole will guarantee good pressure distribution.
- A Good Fit for Any Foot Shape
In addition to the four high-quality straps, these sandals come with wide soles. If you usually have a hard time finding comfortable footwear, the Viakix Sandals might be perfect for you.
Cons:
- Lack of Arch Support
While the soles are cushioned enough for comfort, these sandals lack arch support. This makes them a bad choice for hikers with back pain.
- Sizing Issues
Make sure to consult the size chart before you invest in these sandals. Though they can fit any foot size, they tend to be bigger than expected.
- Insufficient Protection
These aren’t the best sandals if you want to go mountaineering. Additionally, you might find them uncomfortable on very rocky terrain.
Materials Analysis:
The Viakix Sandals have lightweight outsoles and cushioned insoles. There is also water-resistant webbing. The Velcro straps make these sandals very easy to adjust.
Who It’s Best for:
If you’re looking for attractive and durable open-toe sandals, go for the Viakix. This is a great hand-made option for a seaside vacation. However, the lack of protection makes it a bad choice for extreme sports.
For more information, please click here: https://www.amazon.com/Viakix-Sandals-Women-Comfortable-Athletic/dp/B01NB8X3NP/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Our Second Choice for Men: Xero Shoes Z-Trail Minimalist Sandal
Review:
This sandal definitely lives up to its name. The design is minimalist and perfect for trail running. If you want an extremely lightweight option, this is the best sandal for you.
Here is a brief introduction from the manufacturer:
This sandal won’t offer you much protection. So if you’re planning to explore uncertain terrain, you should look into a different model. But if you’re planning to stick to safe trails, you can’t go wrong with the Xero Shoes Z-Trail.
These sandals won’t weigh you down at all. Additionally, they will provide you with the support you need to maintain a good posture.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandal.
Pros:
- Lightweight Design
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail is 70% lighter than most other hiking sandals. Hence, you’ll feel like you’re hiking barefoot through the great outdoors.
- Very Sturdy Soles
Although the sole is very thin, these sandals can withstand a great deal of use. Xero Shoes guarantees that you can walk 5,000 miles without wearing them out.
- Good for Damp Conditions
While these sandals won’t protect you if there’s a sudden storm, you can dry them very quickly. Since they have a good grip, you won’t have to worry about slips and falls.
Cons:
- Too Narrow
Some men may find the design too narrow. You might also find the heel area to be uncomfortable.
- The Straps Aren’t Durable Enough
While the soles of these sandals can endure extended use, you may need to change the straps.
- Not Enough Protection
Before you decide on these sandals, consider your hiking routes. The Xero Shoes Z-Trail won’t protect you from excessive undergrowth. Insect bites will be a problem too.
Materials Analysis:
This vegan and latex-free sandal is designed to be as lightweight as possible. The sole contains protective layers of foam.
Who It’s Best for:
If you want the sensation of hiking barefoot, these are the best sandals for you. They’re not a great option for rough conditions. However, they’re very sturdy, so you won’t easily wear them out.
To learn more about the Xero Shoes Z-Trail, click here:
https://www.amazon.com/Xero-Shoes-Barefoot-inspired-Sport-Sandals/dp/B01D22Z8RW
Almost Made the Cut
Before you decide on the best hiking sandals, it’s a good idea to shop around a little. There is a wide selection of quality hiking sandals out there. You are sure to find a model that will fit your taste as well as your needs.
Women’s Hiking Sandals:
If you’d like an open toe model, the Chaco ZX/2 Classic Women’s Sandals might be an appealing choice. These sandals are extremely stylish and they perform well on any kind of terrain. However, the lack of arch support can be a problem for some.
If you want a sportier look, you may want to go for the KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandals. These are a great choice for riverside hiking, due to the quality anti-moisture webbing. While most buyers find them comfortable and enduring, these aren’t good sandals for women who have narrow feet or high arches.
Men’s Hiking Sandals:
Although the Chaco Z/1 Classic Men’s Sandals might look minimalist, they are a good option for any outdoor activity you may choose. The footbeds are podiatrist-approved and guaranteed to prevent blisters. But this isn’t the best pair of sandals for extended use, as the soles get worn out fairly quickly.
The ECCO Yucatan Men’s Sandals are an elegant and comfortable choice. These open toe sandals can handle moisture well and they will keep you comfortable throughout a long hike. Unfortunately, they aren’t durable enough, considering the higher than average price range.
FAQ About Shopping for Hiking Sandals
A good pair of hiking sandals can enrich your vacation in unexpected ways. The relief of having reliable footwear will make all the difference. You won’t have to worry about crossing uncertain terrain and blisters will be a concern of the past.
But what makes a good pair of hiking sandals? Here are some questions you might have about the topic.
Are Hiking Sandals Better Than Hiking Boots?
There are upsides and downsides to both types of footwear.
You should go for hiking boots if ankle support is crucial to you. If you’re mountain climbing or exploring unsafe terrain, hiking boots are the better choice. Additionally, they will protect you from surface injuries and insect bites.
However, sandals can be the better choice in high summer. After all, you are much less likely to overheat or develop an infection if you opt for a pair of sandals. Furthermore, sandals are easier to fit in your luggage, which is crucial for backpacking.
What’s the Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Hiking Sandals?
In general, women have narrower feet and higher arches. There are some style differences as well.
What Kind of Design Should You Look for?
There are various kinds of hiking sandals you can get. The best type for you will depend on your needs. But there is a selection of traits that are extremely important when it comes to outdoor sandals.
- Really Good Arch Support
Since your sandals need to support you throughout a long day of walking, you need quality arch support. This is particularly true for uphill and downhill walks. Additionally, studies find that good arch support is crucial for older people and anyone who has pain issues.
So what do you need to look for? We recommend models that come with footbeds that fit the shape of your feet. While flat sandals look stylish, they’re a bad choice for long hikes.
- Adjustable Straps
You should make absolutely sure that your sandal fits your foot exactly. Thus, you should always take the perfect size for you. People with extra wide or extra narrow might prefer to look for special models designed with unusual foot shapes in mind.
Furthermore, you want a pair of sandals where all the straps are adjustable. After all, swollen feet are a concern in hot weather. Velcro straps are a good solution, though they can cause some chafing on sandy terrain.
- Lightweight Design
If you’re going for a pair of hiking sandals rather than hiking boots, you already know you want light footwear. This is especially important for backpacking. A good pair of hiking sandals shouldn’t be a burden.
- Water-Resistant
We highly recommend going for sandals that can withstand water. Designs with mesh material will make sure that your feet stay warm throughout the day. This is especially important if you’re expecting rainy weather.
Perspiration is another serious concern. Going for anti-bacterial, anti-moisture designs can do a lot to protect the health of your feet.
- Open-Toe or Closed-Toe Sandals?
We recommend closed-toe models for most hikers, as they offer more protection from cuts and scrapes.
But going for open-toe sandals can be a good choice for some. If you have sensitive skin or pain issues near your toes, open-toe models might be better for you. Many find them more attractive as well.
A Final Word
A good pair of hiking sandals is a good investment for everybody.
Do you enjoy hardcore outdoor exploration? Or do you prefer more languid hikes? Either way, your hiking sandals will let you experience an unforgettable and care-free vacation.
Our two top choices for hiking are the Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal and the Keen Newport H2 Sandal for Men. Click here to purchase these sturdy and comfortable options:
https://www.backcountry.com/keen-newport-h2-sandal-mens