To choose the 11 men’s hiking sandals in 2024, we hiked for miles through streams, mountains, and technical terrain using the hiking sandals listed in the table below. Hiking shoes are the way to go when needing to go the extra mile and climbing cliffs.
Occasionally, feet have to be free, feeling the air and taking in the environment. That is where sandals come in. Hiking sandals, consequently, are a solid alternative to any hiking shoe or traditional hiking footwear. And hiking sandals are great, especially for hot or wet climates.
We even used them in the Sierra Nevada, the California coast, and mountain peaks and watersports. And, we also tested all sorts of strap systems and outsoles to determine the hiking sandals that can take you from trails to the street.
Jump to our List of 11 Best Hiking Sandals Review if you’re to start browsing.
Table of contents
- Staff Favorites and Top Picks
- What are Men’s hiking sandals?
- 11 Best Hiking Sandals Reviewed
- Best Hiking Sandals:
- Most Comfortable Men’s Hiking Sandals
- Best Value-for-Money Hiking Sandals:
- Best Closed Toe Sandal
- Editor’s Choice Runner-Up -Best Hiking Sandals
- Comfort
- Traction
- Stability
- Adjustability
- Versatility
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Staff Favorites and Top Picks
- Best Hiking Sandals: Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure
- Most Comfortable Men’s Hiking Sandal- ECCO Yucatan
- Best Value-for-Money Hiking Sandals- Teva Katavi 2
- Best Closed Toe Sandal- Keen Newport H2
- Editors Choice: Runner-Up -Best Hiking Sandals- Chaco ZVolv 2
What are Men’s hiking sandals?
Men’s hiking sandals are specialized outdoor footwear designed for men that combine the breathability of sandals with the ruggedness of traditional hiking boots. Made to tackle a variety of terrains, these hiking sandals for men offer features like sturdy soles for excellent grip, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and quick-dry materials for added comfort during water crossings or in rainy weather.
Choosing the right pair can revolutionize your hiking experience, granting freedom to your feet while keeping them protected on any trail adventure.
Types of Men’s Hiking Sandals
From minimalist designs to rugged models, the variety is vast:
- Minimalist sandals: These have less cushioning but offer maximum ground feel.
- Closed-toe sandals: Ideal for those who want a bit more protection.
- Water-ready sandals: Perfect for amphibious adventures.
11 Best Hiking Sandals Reviewed
Best Hiking Sandals:
Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure
- Best for: Multisport, Watersports, Hiking
- Footwear Closure: Velcro Strap
- Upper: Vibram XS Trek Vibram rubber
- Midsole: Rubber
- Outsole: Vibram XS Trek Vibram rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open toe
- Weight: 1 lb 1 oz
Likes
- Very comfy
- High performance
- Durable strap system
- Superior traction
- Featherweight
- Great adjustability
Dislikes
- Support could have been better
Despite the tight competition, the Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure might be the best sandal of our day. It has all-around performance, lightweight construction, and excellent grip. On top of that, it impresses on every terrain and climatic condition, boasting a super balance between comfortability and support.
Additionally, it also features a simple yet fully adjustable strap system that provides an extra sense of security. Moreover, the footbed is incredibly comfortable and lighter in weight compared to almost all other sandals on our list.
However, the true game-changer lies in the Cairn’s outsole: the Vibram XS Trek. This remarkable outsole, typically found in trail runners and hiking boots, is specifically designed for those who enjoy hiking and carrying heavy loads.
Not only does this lightweight men’s hiking sandal provide exceptional support, grip, and stability, but it also offers unparalleled traction. With every step you take, you can confidently rely on its secure and steady design.
To find a drawback, we need to dig deep down. Undoubtedly, that would be the thong-style strap system. It’s not the easiest strap system available and, regrettably, cannot work with regular socks as they are too thick. Consequently, casual hikers should go sockless or wear socks for either hiking boots or hiking shoes.
That said, with the versatility offered by the Cairn and the high quality of its materials, this sandal is undeniably our top choice.
Most Comfortable Men’s Hiking Sandals
ECCO Yucatan Sandals ()
Features:
- Best for: Multisport, Watersports, Hiking
- Footwear Closure: Strap
- Upper: Nubuck leather
- Lining: Spandex/nylon
- Topsole: Polyester microfiber/EVA
- Midsole: Polyurethane
- Support: Full-length hard EVA shank
- Outsole: Rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open-toe
- Weight: 13 oz
Likes:
- Very comfy
- High performance
- Durable strap system
Dislikes:
- Traction could be improved
If you are on the lookout for a sandal with quality construction and high-end materials, then look nowhere else than the ECCO Yucatan. With dynamic traction and several innovative technologies, the Yucatan is also the most comfortable sandal on our list.
The contoured microfiber footbed and the nubuck leather straps make a snug fit and give a premium feel. In addition, the Fluid form midsole with Receptor technology provides superior support with each step, while the rockered outsole helps natural footstrike.
Yucatan also is excellent to use in diverse terrains and climatic conditions. It is a seriously high-end model for men’s hiking sandals.
Even though the Yucatan excels in most categories, we would prefer it to have better traction. Likewise, the strap adjustability could have been improved, especially considering the high retail price.
However, the Yucatan still brings on the table amazing comfort, support, stability, and performance. It might be the best sandal choice for consumers seeking a luxurious feel and overlooking slight annoyances.
Best Value-for-Money Hiking Sandals:
Teva Katavi 2 ($68.62)
Features:
- Best for: Multisport
- Footwear Closure: Strap
- Upper: Suede
- Lining: Polyester
- Topsole: Suede leather
- Midsole: Contoured EVA
- Support: Nylon shank
- Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open-toe
- Weight: 11 oz
Likes:
- Light and stable
- Feels very comfy
- Value-for-money
Dislikes:
- Slippery in wet terrain
Teva Katavi 2 is value-for-money. This hiking sandal combines a plush contoured footbed, suede straps, and a durable rubber outsole. It is featherweight too. In fact, the Katavi is a competitive sandal with all-around performance.
Like most traditional Teva hiking sandals, the Katavi has three adjustable Velcro straps that fit every foot type. However, the cushioned footbed and the lightweight design feel mediocre during rough terrain hikes. On top of that, this traditional hiking footwear seems to not offer enough stability in wet conditions. Both outsoles and the footbeds are slippery, and that makes the Katavi slightly inconvenient.
The Katavi hiking sandals feature a three-strap design, which, compared to other hiking sandals with more modern designs, may not offer as much customization as we would have preferred. However, considering its aggressively low price tag, the Katavi still provides fantastic value.
Best Closed Toe Sandal
Keen Newport H2 ($91.76)
Features:
- Best for: Multisport, Watersports, Hiking
- Footwear Closure: Bungee Lace
- Upper: Polyester webbing/hydrophobic mesh
- Topsole: Synthetic
- Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
- Support: Carbon rubber
- Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
- Toe Coverage: Closed-toe
- Weight: 14 oz
Likes
- Good arch support
- Nice grip
- Can be submerged in water
- Protective toe great for water activities
- Soft interior
Dislikes
- Difficult to adjust
Keen Newport H2 is a fantastic hiking sandal option, offering unparalleled performance. With durable rubber outsoles and a hydrophobic EVA-foam midsole, the Newport guarantees absolute protection grip and versatility in both wet and dry activities. At the same time, Newport is comfortable and supportive. That is due to the molded insole, which also gives a lightweight feel.
Starting with a reliable toe loop design, the Keen Newport H2 men’s hiking sandals bring you enhanced stability and top-notch protection when you’re tackling those rugged trails. Not only that, but they also boast a durable construction, which makes them a prime pick for outdoor adventures on various types of terrain.
Adding to their allure, they come loaded with water-resistant capabilities, adjustable straps, and a cushy footbed. No wonder the Keen Newport H2 sandals have carved out a place as a fan favorite among hikers seeking both performance and comfort.
Interior
Moving on to the interior, the structure is padded with neoprene backing. This isn’t just for show; it aids in moisture control and ramps up the comfort level. Additionally, because of its closed design, this sandal offers an extra layer of protection against those sneaky sharp rocks you might encounter on technical terrain.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. On the downside, though, the Newport H2, despite being a closed-toe hiking sandal, isn’t immune to debris, sand, or even snow getting inside. This can be a minor hiccup for hiking aficionados, ultimately affecting the sandal’s maximum performance in challenging conditions.
Furthermore, it is important to keep the big picture in mind. When it comes to watersports, the Newport H2 model truly stands out as the ultimate closed-toe hiking sandal. Overall, it successfully combines solid traction, stability, and flexibility, making it a versatile champion in its field. Whether you’re splashing around or hitting the trails, the Newport H2 is the perfect choice.
Editor’s Choice Runner-Up -Best Hiking Sandals
Chaco ZVolv 2 Mens Sandal ()
Features:
- Best for: Multisport
- Footwear Closure: Adjustable Straps
- Upper: Polyester jacquard webbing
- Midsole: LUVSEAT polyurethane
- Support: Carbon rubber
- Outsole: Non-marking EcoTread
- Toe Coverage: Open-toe
- Weight: 12 oz
Likes:
- Superb traction
- Comfortable
- Foot security
Dislikes:
- Amount of work for minor adjustments
The Chaco Z Volv 2 are great hiking sandals. They may not excel in a specific category, but they manage to pack plenty of exciting features. From outstanding food security and good traction to durable construction, the Chaco is also featherweight. In fact, they are so good overall that we keep coming back to them, as they sport nearly flawless comfort.
On the other hand, the only downside is that you have to adjust all of the pull-through strap system’s straps to make a tiny adjustment to one part of the sandal. This minor issue is kind of a bummer as it makes on-the-fly adjustments more challenging.
The strap adjustment isn’t a deal-breaker, though. On the contrary, this strap system is what makes the Chaco brand unique and distinctive among a sea of similar hiking sandal models.
Teva Terra Fi 5 Hiking Sandals ($129.99)
Features:
- Best for: Multisport, Watersports, Hiking
- Footwear Closure: Hook and loop closure
- Upper: REPREVE recycled polyester
- Topsole: EVA
- Midsole: Molded Polyurethane
- Outsole: Rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open-toe
- Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz
Likes:
- Great traction
- Comfortable
- Flexible
- Cushions under each strap keep them from rubbing your foot
Dislikes:
- Minor chafing
The Teva Fi 5 hiking sandal for men is the newer and sportier member of the Teva family, with a fresh new look and a more rugged spider outsole. Teva Terra Fi 5 sandals feature a toe loop design that enhances stability and prevents slippage during outdoor activities.
In addition, this vegan footwear offers molded PU midsoles to support your feet, on uneven terrain and wet conditions. Together, these two features are perfect for water sports and hiking.
Traditional Teva-style design and universal strap system, are comfy to wear on land and in water. Therefore, this is a great all-around sandal with its stable foundations, reliable performance, and dependable construction.
Indeed, Teva Fi 5 is not all roses. Despite the ultra-grippy rubber outsole and spongy midsole, it can be slippery on concrete surfaces and chafe your ankles when wet. Because of this, you’ll need to allow time for this hiking sandal’s ankle pads and supports to dry. Allow for breaking in time to avoid blisters.
Regardless of the inconveniences, the Fi 5 performs well on slippery rocks, rugged trails, and paddling in the water. In fact, its high-end traction and distinctive comfiness make it suitable for both active and leisure outdoor pursuits. Therefore, Teva Fi 5 is a solid choice for an all-around hiking sandal.
Xero Z-Trail Hiking Sandal ($84.99)
Features:
- Best for: Multisport
- Footwear Closure: Strap
- Upper: Polyester webbing
- Topsole: BareFoam
- Midsole: Trifolium
- Outsole: FeelTrue rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open toe
- Weight: 11.2 oz
Likes
- Insanely light
- Packable and minimalist
- Excellent ergonomics
- Can serve as camp shoes
Dislikes:
- Minimal arch support
- Questionable durability
If you need to hit the trail as lightweight as possible, then the Xero Z-Trail is the hiking sandal for you. It is also one of the best hiking footwear of 2021 for many reasons. Notably, it offers the protection you expect from a sports sandal with 76% less bulk and weight than traditional sandals.
These 10mm thick hiking sandals are exceptional for ultralight backpacking they can be rolled to fit into your back pocket and double as a camp shoe. Aaah, your feet can breathe at the end of a long hike.
As seen on Shark Tank, these Z-Trail sandals are the go-to sandals for gram-counting backpackers and barefoot enthusiasts looking to go minimalistic. Trail runners would also enjoy this running sandal because the heel and webbing straps adjust to secure the feet. Additionally, the Z-Trail outsoles let your feet flex naturally, for that barefoot feel and extra edge during a trail race.
The minimalist design and 3-layer FeelLite soles excel on easy trails, during fly-fishing trips, or when you’re just cruising around town. However, it’s worth noting that there isn’t enough arch support for those grueling long hikes or uneven, rocky terrains.
Especially if you have high arches or sensitive feet, these sandals might not be your go-to choice for those scenarios. Nonetheless, they are still great for casual outings and lighter activities.
Protective Feature
On the flip side, the FeelTrue outsole does a pretty decent job at protecting your feet from debris and those pesky sharp stones you might encounter. But be cautious, since the outsoles and midsoles are not all that beefy, you could find yourself slipping on edges when the foam part of the sole makes contact with the ground.
Nevertheless, the Z-Trails shine when you’re crossing streams. Just swap out those heavy hiking boots, and you’re good to navigate that upcoming river with ease.
In summary, the Xero Z-Trail sandals are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable. While they may not be the ideal choice for intense, soul-searching hikes, they are perfect for light trail runs. To put it simply, these sandals are the kind that you can easily slip on after a long day in sturdy hiking boots, making them a convenient and practical choice.
Overall, they serve as excellent backup hiking sandals, are well-suited for short hikes, and are particularly useful for river crossings. Additionally, their durability and versatility make them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Chaco Z1 Classic ()
Features:
- Best for: Multisport, Watersports
- Footwear Closure: Straps- adjustable
- Upper: Polyester Jacquard webbing
- Topsole: Polyester Jacquard webbing
- Midsole: Luvseat dual-density polyurethane
- Outsole: ChacoGrip rubber
- Toe Coverage: Open toe
- Weight: 1 lb. 13.8 oz
Likes:
- Super durable
- Very supportive
- Good stability
- Wide size options
Dislikes:
- Requires break-in period
- Heavyweight
The Chaco Z1 Classic is a popular men’s hiking sandal choice among outdoor enthusiasts. First, the arch support and thick platform are suitable for walking for long hours. So these two reasons alone, make Chaco Z1 classic ideal for many hiking activities.
Made of only 8 parts, the Chaco Z/1 Classic Sport sandal features a contoured footbed and polyester webbing that guarantees endless comfort whether trekking uphill or descending uneven terrain.
Secondly, the Chaco Z1 Classic didn’t sacrifice style for comfort. The sleek and ergonomic straps tighten or loosen, based on your activity. Indeed, the big advantage of wearing these hiking sandals is that your feet stay cool.
Lastly, the Chaco hiking sandal’s top sole and midsole are made from Luvseat dual-density polyurethane and built-in antimicrobial application for odor control. Translation: your feet won’t stink or be achy after a long day of hiking. This is due to the ChacoGrip rubber with 3mm lug thickness can handle the I’m lost and can’t find the trail” to sandy slogs parts of your hikes.
Whether you’re trekking through muddy rivers or navigating rugged terrain, these hiking sandals are equipped with shock-absorbent soles, providing the utmost protection for your feet. Notably, the adjustable straps provide a secure fit without causing any discomfort or chafing.
The Z1 Classic is comfortable and durable enough to last for many seasons from short summer hikes to long thru-hikes. Ultimately, if you are searching for performance footwear, the Z/1 Classic sport sandal is the one to put on.
Key Features of Hiking Sandals
Strong, sturdy, and ready for anything—that’s what your hiking sandals should be. Look for options with:
- Robust soles: Thick, grippy soles that laugh in the face of slippery surfaces.
- Adjustable straps: Because one size does not fit all, especially on the trail.
- Toe protection: To keep those twinkle toes safe from unexpected stubs.
Comfort
It shouldn’t be a surprise, but sandals are inherently meant to be comfortable. Moreover, most hiking sandals excel in rugged conditions, despite their easy-going nature.
When we tested each of the sandals for comfort, we, therefore, paid attention to how snuggly our feet felt inside them, especially after prolonged use. For this reason, the contact points between the arch, the straps, the footbed, and the buckles influenced our opinion on sandal comfort to a great extent.
In general, we are fond of ergonomic designs as they offer more for a relatively low price. After opening the hiking footwear, we tested if the sandals required breaking in before taking them on our next hiking adventure. When we detected some weakness, we noticed that it was caused by poor design or low-quality materials.
Finally, keep in mind that comfortability is a preference and depends on factors like foot shape and width. That said, traditional hiking footwear offers more significant stability and traction and is sure to make your feet feel happier and cozier.
Traction
The best men’s hiking sandals should provide both solid traction and not be slippery. Nowadays, most sandals are made with Vibram materials, ensuring top-notch grip. As a result, hiking footwear not only offers fantastic traction but is also super versatile and easy to use in technical terrain or rough conditions.
Our sandals were tested in wet feet conditions next to the beach and on the sand to see if we could maintain balance and stability. Additionally, we tested each for grip and traction on granite floors, debris, and mossy pathways. Each sandal was subjected to the crudest conditions possible. Moreover, we had to verify whether they could be a true hiking partner and an alternative to heavyweight hiking footwear.
Stability
If a hiking sandal isn’t stable, that’s a problem because stability is a crucial feature of technical footwear. Moreover, stability also enhances performance. To assess the stability of the hiking sandals, we conducted tests to evaluate the balance, sturdiness, and security of our feet while wearing them on rough terrain.
Thick midsoles, firm straps, and arch support contribute highly to stability, and, therefore, we took them under serious consideration. The best sandals in this category offered users both confidence and a stable feeling in almost every outdoor activity.
Adjustability
Adjustability is about the interaction of sandals with the feet. Importantly, it is interconnected with comfort.
Every hiking sandal that we tested was evaluated for ergonomic function, customization, and strap system security. Moreover, we tested how easy it is to adjust the straps and how often they need re-strapping during constant use.
We prefer strap systems that are easy to adjust for a different fit to allow more hiking enthusiasts to take advantage of the hiking sandals. Finally, several adjustment areas mean that even consumers with odd feet can feel snugly inside the sports sandals.
Versatility
Hiking sandals are from their nature versatile. And that’s great! A pair of durable sandals should be capable of going through streams or trails filled with debris and sharp stones so that you can traverse with ease and without struggle.
But, that’s challenging. Since we’re focusing on hiking sandals instead of hiking boots, finding the perfect balance between utility, performance, adjustability, and comfortability can be quite a stretch. However, to assess their versatility, we’ve put these hiking sandals to the test in a variety of activities, from backpacking to rafting.
Conclusion
All in all, every men’s hiking sandal featured on the list, seems fantastic for hiking and multisport activities. They are comfortable, flexible, durable, and have enough adjustability to satisfy even the most demanding critics. We found that they were a solid alternative to traditional footwear when it came time to take off our boots at camp after the day’s hike was done.
However, some options seem to stand out, like the Bedrock Cairn Adventure. For instance, the Cairn offers solid traction, a lightweight design, and unparalleled performance in both dry and wet conditions.
Indeed, the Cairn hiking sandal not only offers exceptional support but also provides a sense of security and unparalleled comfort. With these remarkable features in mind, our choice for the best hiking sandal for men in 2024 is undoubtedly the Cairn Bedrock 3D Adventure sandal.
Which pair of hiking sandals has become one of your favorites? Let us know by commenting below!
FAQs
Rinse with water, use mild soap if necessary, and let them air dry.
es, especially those designed for durability and comfort.
Absolutely, many are specifically designed to handle wet environments.
Check for any slipping or excess pressure points when walking.
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API