Best Hiking Sandals of 2023

JUMP TO: CHACO Z/CLOUD / BEDROCK SANDALS CAIRN 3D ADVENTURE / TEVA TERRA FI 5 UNIVERSAL / HOKA HOPARA / XERO SHOE Z-TRAIL EV / KEEN NEWPORT H2 / TEVA ORIGINAL UNIVERSAL / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Feb 25, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Long associated with beach vacations, gym showers, and suburban dads, sandals are likely not the first thing you think of when it comes to hiking footwear. But that is changing: sandals are fast becoming a hot item. And when the weather gets hot, ditching the socks and cumbersome boots in favor of hiking sandals is a seriously underrated option.

Despite their open-aired comfort and minimal profile, today’s hiking sandals are no flimsy flip-flops. The best ones include trail-worthy features like Vibram outsoles, extra cushioning, arch support, and a comfortable, secure fit that is perfect for all-day hiking. They are perfect for fairweather day hikes, creek crossings, and are even the footwear option favored by some bold thru-hikers and minimalist runners.

Whether you’re looking for ultra-minimalist backpacking footwear or a comfortable and casual option for summer days, you’ll find what you’re after in our roundup of the best hiking sandals for this season.

If you love reading this review of the best hiking sandals, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Are you making the jump to hiking sandals and not sure exactly what you want? Check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article, where we detail all of the features and characteristics to consider when finding the best sandal for you.

 

Best Overall: CHACO Z/CLOUD SANDALS

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb 14 oz / 850 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$

PROS: Durable, supportive, and very comfortable

CONS: Fairly heavy, weigh as much as some trail running shoes

The Chaco Z/Cloud will defy any of your preconceived notions about what sandals are capable of. They feature generous cushioning, contoured arch support, grippy rubber outsoles with 3.5 mm lugs, and Chaco’s highly adjustable Z-strap design.

Put all together, the Chaco Z/Clouds expertly combine the performance of a more traditional hiking shoe with the comfort and freedom of sandals. The dual-density polyurethane midsole is pillowy and forgiving, designed to accommodate a typical heel-striking hiking gait and crush miles in comfort.

The overbuilt design of the Z/Clouds may not be for everyone, though. By aiming to compete with the performance of a hiking shoe, a pair weighs nearly 2 pounds—heavier than the average pair of trail runners. They are too heavy and bulky to be a true minimalist backpacking footwear option, never mind lugging them along as a dedicated camp shoe.

But the extra weight results in one of the most durable, supportive, and versatile hiking sandals around. They are burly enough to withstand full days of hiking, stylish enough to wear around town, and feature outstanding build quality. Chaco even offers in-house repair services for everything from strap replacements to resoling sandals with extra-grippy Vibram rubber.

Best for Backpacking: BEDROCK CAIRN 3D ADVENTURE

WEIGHT: 1 lb 1 oz / 482 g

M/F: Unisex

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Very light, Vibram outsole excellent in variable conditions

CONS: Minimal arch support, zero-drop not ideal for heel strikers

Bedrock Sandals’ Cairn 3D PRO Adventures are all business and no bloat, to the point that their unassuming design belies their performance capabilities as excellent backpacking and hiking sandals.

The Cairn 3D sandals feature a Vibram XS Trek Regolith outsole. They grip as well as any hiking shoe, whether on buffed out singletrack or rain-slicked rock. A step up from the Cairn—Bedrock’s perennial bestselling sandal—the Cairn 3D is a couple of ounces heavier, but the addition of a sculpted footbed and thicker midsole provide some added support and make it our preferred model for longer trips.

Bedrock’s unique Y-shaped strap that secures around the middle toe is a bit of an adjustment, but one easily made once you experience the comfort and customizable fit that this design provides. A buckle on the midfoot and a velcro strap around the heel make it easy to fine-tune the fit on any foot.

As a zero-drop sandal with a slim 16 mm stack height, the Cairn 3D may feel too minimal if you’re a heel-striker or are used to beefier hiking shoes or trail runners. There is not much arch support, so you do have to ease into these before relying on them for longer adventures. Fortunately, they look good and are a pleasure to wear anywhere.

For hikers with more experience with minimal zero-drop shoes, something like the Altra Lone Peak, you will feel right at home in Cairn 3Ds. Their combination of weight, performance, and comfort make them our favorite hiking sandals for backpacking.

WEIGHT: 1 lb 10 oz / 737 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$

PROS: Soft and comfortable footbed, supportive midsole, easily adjustable

CONS: Heavier, strap connecter can be a friction point on wider feet

If you’re looking for a hiking sandal that maximizes comfort while still holding its own on the trail, it doesn’t get much better than Teva’s Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals.

These burly sandals boast a luxurious, molded polyurethane midsole, lots of arch support, and soft polyester straps. The Velcro straps are easy to adjust and dry quickly, which limits blister and chafing issues. Other features include a heel notch and a nylon shank to provide additional stability and protection on uneven terrain.

Like the Chaco Z/Cloud sandals, the Terra Fi 5s land on the heavier side of the hiking sandal spectrum. The bracket near the ankle bone may also be a potential friction point if your feet run larger. Otherwise, these sandals deliver endless comfort while hiking, traveling, or just running around town.

Best for Cushioning: HOKA HOPARA

WEIGHT: 1 lb 9 oz / 709 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Highly cushioned and supportive, versatile for hiking and watersports

CONS: Expensive, heel strap has some durability issues

Looking like a mashup between Hoka’s classic high-stack trail runners and KEEN water sandals, the Hopara is a maximally cushioned, amphibious beast.

With a thick midsole, heel tab, toe cap, and bungee lace system, the Hoparas toe the line between sandal and shoe. They are perfect for hikers who crave the open-air, sock-free sandal experience but aren’t willing to give up the protection of a traditional hiking shoe.

The durability of the Hopara’s is generally solid, but the heel strap is prone to blowing out quicker than we would like. If you can accept that and their slightly ridiculous appearance, the Hopara’s shine as versatile and supportive multisport sandals. They will serve you well for long day hikes, fly fishing outings, white water rafting excursions, or exploring unpredictable creeks and slot canyons.

Best for Minimalists: XERO SHOES Z-TRAIL EV SANDALS

WEIGHT: 10.8 oz / 306 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$

PROS: Ultralight, comfortable, great value

CONS: Tough to get a secure fit

Borne from the barefoot running movement that was all the rage in the early 2010s, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals have remained a crowd favorite among the minimalist footwear set. And at 10.8 ounces per pair, it doesn’t get much more minimal than this.

The foam footbed is comfortable but not overly supportive. Like the Bedrock Cairn sandals, the Z-Trail EVs are zero-drop and lack arch support. A 10 mm midsole provides just enough protection without sacrificing the exceptional ground feel and flexibility that make these hiking sandals so special.

At a fraction of the weight of some of the burlier sandals on this list, the Z-Trails are not the most supportive, durable, and comfortable option. But devoted minimalists will love these sandals for shorter hikes and trail runs, and they are stylish and packable—a fine choice as a backpacking camp shoe too.

Best for Protection: KEEN NEWPORT H2 SANDALS

WEIGHT: 1 lb 12 oz / 794 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Great traction, burly toe coverage adds protection

CONS: Expensive, less versatile and stylish than other hiking sandals

On trails that combine rooty, rocky terrain with countless creek and river crossings, the KEEN Newport H2 Sandals are your new best friend. Like the Hoka Hoparas, these sandals are overbuilt, swapping out Hoka’s pillowy cushioning to instead prioritize toe protection and traction.

A thick rubber toe cap protects your feet better than any other sandal on this list. With Vibram outsoles, arch support, and a generous molded EVA midsole, the Newports are designed for all-day wear. They grip well even in moving water and drain and dry quickly.

The Newports do tend to run small, so we suggest sizing up. Again, the shoe-sandal hybrid is perhaps not the most flattering look, but your feet and toes will be eternally grateful for the extra protection. And every hiker knows that’s definitely worth something.

WEIGHT: 13 oz / 368 g

M/F: Both options available

PRICE: $

PROS: Great value, lightweight, comfortable, versatile

CONS: Outsole not great on technical terrain

Living up to their name, Teva’s Original Universal Sandals are capable of almost anything. This classic from the venerable sandal brand is budget-friendly but still packs enough punch for light trail excursions, kayaking, and rafting.

The Velcro polyester straps are comfortable and stylish. Four connecting points make it easy to get a snug and secure fit. The rubber EVA outsoles provide some traction on wet or slippery terrain but are nothing to write home about. Don’t expect them to match the on-trail performance of other dedicated hiking sandals.

But there is a reason this sandal has existed in some iteration for nearly 40 years: they are affordable, stylish, versatile, and durable—what’s not to like about that?

BUYING ADVICE FOR HIKING SANDALS

STABILITY AND SUPPORT: Just like shoes, there is a wide variety of stability and support between hiking sandals. In fact, the spectrum may be even more pronounced. Some hiking sandals are designed like a shoe: with arch support, thick midsoles, and a nylon shank. At the other extreme are the minimalist sandals that are little more than some foam padding and straps.

The Hoka Hopara and KEEN Newport H2 are examples of high stability and support sandals. Bedrocks’ Cairn 3D Adventure and Xero’s Z-Trail EV sandals are on the minimal end, with no arch support and minimal padding. Chaco’s Z/Cloud sandals land somewhere in the middle.

Where you belong on this spectrum is a matter of personal preference. If you want more security in water or over uneven ground, look for more stability. If you’re seeking a minimal, light, and nimble sandal, that means less stability.

FIT: There is nothing worse than hiking in poorly fitted shoes; the same goes for sandals. It is worth trying them in person before you buy if possible, as designs vary between brands and your shoe size might not translate into the ideal hiking sandal size.

Beyond sizing, consider the adjustment system you prefer. Most hiking sandals usually have either Velcro or buckle strap adjustments, and some will have a running shoe-style lacing system. Again, this mostly comes down to personal preference, but we find buckles to be the most durable and adjustable option.

TRACTION: If you want a dedicated hiking sandal, look closely at the outsole material and lugs. Deep 3-4 mm lugs and Vibram or a similar high-quality rubber material make for a sandal with traction that competes with any dedicated shoe. More water-oriented sport sandals, like KEENs Newport H2, dial back the lugs in favor of an outsole that will keep you upright on wet surfaces and through creek crossings.

PROTECTION: Perhaps the biggest downside to hiking in sandals is the lack of protection. This might not be a huge concern on mellower trails, where the added breathability and freedom are worth the tradeoff. But you do always have to be careful. If you spend lots of time on rocky trails or navigating creeks and other water features, you will benefit from a burlier sandal that adds a toe cap and some upper foot coverage.

WEIGHT: Once again, the spectrum of hiking sandal weights is considerable. Some, like the Chaco Z/Cloud and Hoka Hopara, are as heavy as trail running shoes, while the Xero Z-Trail EV is feather-light. Generally, more weight comes with more protection, cushion, and overall durability. For longer hikes and backpacking trips, sandals like the Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure—at a little over 1 lb. a pair—strike the best balance between fleet-footed freedom and trail-worthy build quality. 

DURABILITY: Our gear picks always pay attention to durability and overall quality, but the lifespan of your sandals will ultimately vary depending on what you prioritize. Super lightweight and minimal sandals like the Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure or Xero Z-Trail EVs just don’t have the construction to withstand as many miles as (much heavier) hiking sandals from Chaco, Teva, or KEEN. It’s the same debate you encounter with any ultralight gear: minimal sandals won’t last as long, but sometimes that is worth it.

MORE INFORMATION

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