Tested: The 8 Best Men’s Hiking Sandals To Hit The Trails

We can all agree that there’s nothing quite like a good hiking boot. However, when the summer sun starts to rise and we seek to wear something that won’t trap that heat, total foot enclosures may not be the most desirable option. That’s where the more open design of hiking sandals comes in. What may seem like an odd choice at first, this age-old style of footwear has been worn by man for 10,000 years. Predating the laced shoe by around two millennia, sandals were the optimal choice for early humans simply because of how easily they could target points for strap support and how breezy they were. Not much has changed since then, except for technological advancements that have made outdoor sandals today better than ever. In this guide to the best hiking sandals, we’ve tested our favorites and detailed our findings.

How We Tested

Of course, no two pairs of feet are the same, so choosing the best sandals comes down to what’s best for your own situation. Here, we’ve made it a little easier by figuring out which hiking sandals are the best out there, based on criteria such as comfort, traction, drainage, durability, and support. We first surveyed the landscape, looking at the usual suspects as well as some lesser known brands we’ve become familiar with in recent years.

After procuring our units for testing, we spent time with each pair of sandals, taking them out on the trail, going through different situations, such as inclines, declines, uneven terrain, and low waterways. While looking for traction, stability, and comfort, we also wanted to see how well each pair drained water and how quickly they dried. Our results are detailed below, as well as some other notable pros and cons we came across.

What to Look For

Uppers Material: Like most sandals, the uppers on these hiking sandals will be a webbing made of materials like polyester, neoprene, or some other type of synthetic. A lot of times these durable fabrics will be lined on the inside for a softer touch against your skin.

Traction: Since most of these hiking sandals are intended to function well on wet surfaces, their grip and traction will be fairly good. However, some may not handle smoother, flatter wet surfaces as well as mud or wet gravel.

Cushion: If you’re taking these sandals into the outdoors for any amount of time, you’ll want a decent amount of cushioning underneath to ensure your own durability. Yet, you’ll want to find a balance between support and softness.

Drainage: Sandals will drain water by nature, but the ones that cover your feet more may not do this as quickly as the ones that are wide open. On the other hand, the former won’t protect you from debris or trail hazards as well as the latter.

Size & Weight: Like any hiking gear, the size and weight of these hiking sandals will be key for easing the toll of your sojourn. However, you don’t want to lose durability in the process of shedding heft.

Merrell Speed Fusion Web Sport

Best Budget-Friendly Option: With Merrell hiking shoes being as ubiquitous out on the trail as any piece of footwear, you know its sandal will be just as revered. Managing to strike a level of premium quality at a fair price, the Speed Fusion Web Sport features a sturdy webbing upper that you can secure to your foot with an elastic cord and lock lacing system. You can also adjust these on the fly with the quick hook-and-loop closure system. And if you’re looking to be eco-conscious when heading into the wilderness, these sandals feature laces and webbing mostly made from recycled material. For comfort, the integrated insole uses a FloatMax Foam that’s you’d never think was in a piece of hiking footwear of any kind, let alone a sandal.

While other sandals get really sophisticated with their webbing adjustment systems, Merrell keeps it simple. There’s a Velcro strap over the toes in front, a Velcro strap over the top of the foot, and a cinched bungee cord around the back of the heel. This not only lets you fine-tune your fit without overthinking the process but precludes the need for any finicky adjustment straps. Open in the front, you could definitely wear these with socks, which may be preferred if you don’t like the webbing to rub on your skin or you simply have cold feet. Perhaps the most notable part of the Merrell Speed Fusion is the cloud-like comfort of the footbed and midsole, which could arguably be deemed too plush for the trail but can also provide you with more longevity outdoors.

As easily as it is to adjust these sandals, it’s surprising how much the material rubs against your skin. Likewise, there are weird pressure points against your feet. For me, the triangular webbing hardware pressed uncomfortably right below my two smallest toes on both feet. On the other hand, I loved the thick outsoles, which are great for prolonging water entry in lower waterways. Merrell has some great proprietary outsole tech and these sandals get that same treatment. While there may not be any extra precautions taken to combat slicker surfaces, the default material does well against wet surfaces anyway –– even if it’s not as impressive as some higher-end options.

Verdict: Maybe a bit too cushioned underfoot, the Speed Fusion is nevertheless made with the same outdoor expertise that’s made Merrell a household name. With durable webbing, low weight, and an easy and intuitive adjustment system, these hiking sandals are a steal at $80 despite the possibility of some wearers experiencing unwanted pressure against certain parts of their feet.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals

Best Zero Drop: For those who want a lightweight option without sacrificing any comfort or support, Xero Shoes’ Z-Trail EV Sandals are your best bet. The dual-chevron tread and multipoint adjustment allow you to be locked in place when going uphill or downhill. Made so your feet move in a natural way, the flexible Z-Trails are also constructed from recycled water bottles. Utilizing triple-layer FeelLite rubber outsoles, these sandals boast 76% less weight and bulk than your average sport sandals at just under 11oz, and yet the BareFoam footbeds offer a surprising amount of sturdiness and combat moisture exceptionally well.

Since a lot of your everyday sandals have 0mm drops, Xero’s Z-Trail will feel more familiar on your feet than some of their other closed-toe models, albeit with much more grip and a firm fit around your foot. Employing a single-piece webbing on the front of your foot (the heel has a separate adjustment strap), the sandal is really easy to fine-tune to optimize your fit. Likewise, the heel strap is straightforward and secures with a strip of Velcro. In dry conditions, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much traction you get with the rubber outsoles. When taking these into the water, the grip certainly holds on both coarse and slick surfaces. I also have to note that the low price tag on these is superb considering what other brands are charging for inferior models.

The downsides of the Z-Trail are mere quibbles, such as the extra strip of webbing that just hangs there after you’ve tightened and secured the sandal, even after it’s tucked under the built-in rubber band. I was just a bit concerned this would become a tripping hazard. Also, while walking in these sandals feels really comfortable, the webbing closest to my lateral arches (on the outside of my feet) caused this noticeable lifting sensation when I walked, which I eventually got used to the more I hiked. On the other hand, these sandals perform exceptionally well in waterways. While it doesn’t claim to be water-resistant, I was surprised with how quickly these sandals drained and proceeded to dry, even with my foot inside. I also loved how lightweight these felt when I was walking –– almost like I forgot I was wearing them.

Verdict: While a zero-drop shoe won’t be for everyone in traditional closed-toe styles, Xero’s signature construction feels at home in sandal form. We loved the grip underneath, whether wet or dry, and how easy it was to secure these to our feet. Minor complaints aside, such as an extra long webbing strap and a slight lift on the lateral arch when walking, these are an excellent open-toed option for the trail.

Chaco Z/Cloud 2

Best for Speed Hiking: An update on Chaco’s flagship hiking sandal, the Z/Cloud 2 has the additional toe loop this time around for added forefoot control to better traverse any condition. Still constructed using polyester jacquard webbing uppers and an injection-molded ladder lock buckle to help you better customize your fit, these hikers are also as comfortable as ever thanks to the LUVSEAT dual-density PU midsoles that allow them to live up to their namesake. To help you dig into the trails, the 3-mm lug depth on the outsoles offers unbelievable traction.

Of the models I tested, the Chaco Z/Clouds had the best footbed for hiking. Not only did I feel completely supported underfoot when taking on the natural hazards of a hiking trail but they weren’t too rigid where I couldn’t wait to get them off. Likewise, I loved the arch support, which was incredibly firm without annoying my feet. While the outsole wasn’t as grippy as, say, the Merrells or the Bedrocks, they were serviceable enough and even more notable on wetter surfaces. Apparently these used to feature Vibram soles, which are now available through the brand’s custom shop. Aside from the thicker sole which delayed water entry, these sandals had some of the best draining. It was essentially instantaneous. And just the same, the footbed dried very quickly while I was wearing it.

If you’re not used to the toe loop style of sandals, you may not love the Chaco Z/Cloud by default. It’s the only one of its kind on this list and not only is it a acquired taste but the fit of the straps is difficult to get the hang of. I spent way too much time trying to figure out how to fine-tune all five sections of the webbing, including the toe loop, which I was never fully happy with after it was all said and done –– it kept being too tight. I did manage to get most of my foot locked into place, but the heel strap always felt too loose. The laces are loosened and tightened via a single-system webbing that’s integrated into the footbed. It’s an interesting concept but I’d rather there be separate components that could be adjusted individually rather than together.

Verdict: Highly equipped to handle the requirements of rough terrain, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is an incredibly sturdy and supportive hiking sandal that’s comfortable on the bottom of your foot. On the other hand, the intricate webbing adjustment system does more harm than good and puts an extra hurdle for those dubious about a toe loop option in the first place. If you’re willing to face the learning curve required to manage these sandals then you’ll be pleased with how well they perform on the trail.

Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Leather

Best for Long Treks: Since 1984, Teva has made a name for itself as an amazing outdoor brand, especially when it comes to footwear, and it helped to pioneer the sports sandal all those years ago. Made for multi-day adventures, the Terra Fi 5 can withstand the long haul, crafted from a tannery-sourced leather that ensures a small-batch feel with a sturdiness and moldability that’s simply top-tier. The spider rubber outsoles help you take on the slipperiest paths and the PU midsole cushioning molds to your feet without giving way as your hike progresses. The Terra Fi 5 is simply one of the best outdoor sandals out there, which is what we’ve come to expect from Teva.

As one of the first to bring the sandal to the trail, Teva has made an incredibly form-fitting pair of footwear with the Terra Fi 5. Although it’s slightly heavier than some of the lightweight options we tested, we could realistically wear these the longest without complaining. Without any weird pressure points or material irritation, the hiking sandal also just felt like one with my feet when I took these out to the trail, whether I was on uneven surfaces or going up or downhill. The insole is incredibly soft but that plushness doesn’t extend to the midsole to make them any less sturdy underfoot. Surprisingly, they seemed to fit even better the more I wore them. Gripping the important parts of your feet like a glove, the adjustment system is simple here as well. Never overly complicated like some other sandals, it features three Velcro straps: one below your toes, one around the top of your foot, and one around the back of the heel. And what’s more is I didn’t have to unstrap all three of them to take the sandals off; I only had to undo the strap at the top of the foot.

To find a downside to the Teva Terra Fi would be an exercise in nitpicking because there’s just nothing about the sandals that negatively affected my hiking experience. Perhaps the drainage could be better, but not if it means changing the perfectly-contoured footbed and firm arch support. The only complaint I could really have would be the outsole traction on wet surfaces, which wasn’t terrible but could use some improvement. Vibram Megagrip seemed to work best in these situations for other sandals, and is the only thing standing in the way of these being a perfect hiking sandal.

Verdict: Insanely comfortable without sacrificing sturdiness or stability on the trail, the Teva Terra Fi 5 was the best hiking sandal we tested, and at a great price. Feeling like one with the foot, this piece of footwear may not have had the greatest terrain grip of the models we tested but was nearly perfect on all other fronts. And when you’re spending hours, if not days, in the outdoors, you’ll want a pair of sandals that you’re not begging to take off.

Luna Retro Mono 2.0

Best Lightweight Hiking Sandal: Made to order in Wenatchee, Washington, the Luna Retro Mono 2.0 revamps a beloved classic. Minimalist and lightweight at only 5.9oz, yet unbelievably sturdy, these sandals are designed to be your go-to piece of footwear whether you’re lounging at home or going for a weekend hike. The Mono 2.0 has an incredibly flexible outsole to match its Vibram Morflex tread underneath to help you grip any surface, and each point of adjustability stems from one continuous lace of climbing-grade webbing for ultra customization. The footbed is built with Luna’s own Monkey Grip Technology and form-fits to your foot over time for unmatched personalization.

I loved the footbed of the Luna Retro Mono, which definitely formed to my foot as promised. In terms of hiking, or even walking, these are comfortable to wear, especially for longer periods. The thicker midsole serves you well on the trail and these can be a solid option for everyday wear as well. The drainage is very good, as expected, and they dry very quickly. Likewise, the traction isn’t bad on wet or dry surfaces, though it won’t be as great as some other options here. I also liked the padding on the back of the heel, which was great for going up inclines. However, declines proved to be a bit of a challenge with the toe strap and the single-piece webbing system.

Unbelievably lightweight, these sandals are excellent for people who hate any added weight when hiking. That said, there’s a downside to minimalism as well. Luna opts for a single piece of webbing that wraps around your entire foot, from toe to heel. However, this made the sandals rather difficult to adjust, especially on the fly, and with my foot inside. Instead, I had to do more trial and error while taking the sandal off, adjusting, and putting it back on to see if it fit properly. Even then, either the give on the footbed or the natural tension when I walked, or both, caused the webbing to loosen eventually over time, causing the back heel strap to come loose and the sandal to keep coming off when I was hiking. $120 won’t break the bank, especially when considering other hiking sandal options, but these Lunas could still use a bit of a price drop.

Verdict: Competent around the house just as it is on the trail, the Luna Retro Mono is a lightweight, thick-soled sandal with an edge for hiking. While the singular webbing piece may make these difficult to adjust, especially without taking them off, they work great in wet conditions and dry incredibly quickly. Slightly overpriced, these 6-ounce sandals still get you far on their Vibram outsoles alone.

Keen Newport H2

Best Enclosed Sandal: Some hikers want a little more toe protection in their footwear. And if you’re familiar with the closed-toe hiking sandal in any capacity, you’ll surely recognize the KEEN Newport, which essentially invented the style around two decades ago. Self-proclaimed as the “World’s Ugliest Sandal,” the original Newport changed the hiking game in that it allowed sandal-loving users a compromise when traversing the outdoors. It’s now been improved with its latest iteration, known as the H2, thanks to a larger toe box to spread your digits, anti-odor properties, a lace-locking bungee system, and a high-traction rubber outsole featuring razor siping for ultimate grip and traction.

By design, the Newport H2 provides you with fantastic cushioning in every step and firm arch support. The most supportive underfoot of any sandals we tested, these sandals feel at home on the trail and support a natural gait with its spacious toe box. Even if you’re on a slope or uneven terrain, these shoes did really well. To be clear, these sandals won’t supplant hiking boots if you need something for more intense hikes but they’re a more than adequate replacement for lower-profile hiking shoes. Like the billing states, these sandals aren’t designed to be attractive but they’re also responsible for making us accept this specific style as a culture. As such, these sandals may have their stylistic limitations off the trail but still can accompany you on certain casual outings.

For testing, I was working with a size 13, which fit well despite being a half-size too big, which means they might run a bit small. To help optimize their fit, the bungee lace system is easy to adjust, whether you’re tightening or loosening. On the other hand, the cinching button gave me trouble when undoing the laces –– no doubt a design that prevents it from accidentally coming loose when you need it to stay firm mid-hike. The thicker soles gave me an extra buffer when it came to traversing lower waterways in that they didn’t let water in right away compared to other models with thinner soles. When it comes to draining moisture, the open-slot webbing prevents some of the water from draining completely, with water trapped underneath my arches initially. This continued draining the more I walked and the shoes dried relatively quickly after I took them off. Another thing I had an issue with is the coarseness of the polyester webbing, which was plenty durable enough when combating trail hazards but didn’t feel terribly comfortable against my skin, especially the back of the foot and my ankle. Conversely, the nature of the shoes allows you to opt for socks rather than going barefoot.

Verdict: Legendary for a reason, the KEEN Newports are the perfect blend between hiking shoes and sandals, with a breathable design that’s both rugged and spacious. While slight drainage issues and webbing that rubs against your skin aren’t ideal, they can be combated with some adjustments. For the kings of enclosed hiking sandals, these shoes are terrific.

Hoka Hopara Multisport Sandals

Best for the Rain: Another toe-guarded model that provides total safety and security on the trails, the Hoka Hopara sandals possess versatile functionality no matter the situation. Built with strategically-placed cutouts for easier drainage and ridged uppers for better water runoff, these sandals are optimal for wet conditions. Positioned atop 4mm lugs and a thick rubberized EVA midsole, the low-profile footbed is cushioned and comfortable, yet firm and responsive enough to provide sufficient support when pushing off. Additionally, the bungee laces can be cinched up quickly and stored away so you don’t have to worry about them throughout the day.

Hoka’s quick rise to becoming one of the most ubiquitous shoes on the trail is no accident. Not only does the brand just know how to make incredibly comfortable footwear but they also have a remarkable design language that spreads across their entire range. Case in point is the Hopara sandal, which takes the hybrid foam sandal concept and actually makes it look attractive. Running true-to-size, the Hopara I tested was a size 13 and thus slightly too large. Regardless, I could tell how cushioned and supportive these sandals were, fitting firmly into my arches with some serious sturdiness despite only weighing 12oz. I loved how supportive they were on various trail conditions and, unlike other sandals that may have thinner soles, these shoes delayed water entry in lower waterways. And when moisture did intrude, the side slots drained it incredibly well. Providing you with great balance in uneven terrains, the wider profile is supplemented with the 4mm rubber lugs that give you fantastic traction whether you’re on slick or rough surfaces.

While not necessarily as comfortable underneath the foot, I loved how comfortable the webbing on the uppers were against the tops and sides of my feet (unlike the KEENs above) thanks to the polyester lining, which enables you to wear these with or without socks. However, some users have noted that, without socks, this upper polyester might feel hot on your feet. Likewise, the tops of my arches needed some breaking in and weren’t very comfortable at all. On the other hand, the insole contours well to the bottom of your feet despite the irritating material. Since these were slightly big on me, the bungee laces were helpful to a point, but they maxed out before I got them as tight as I wanted them to be. Unlike the KEEN Newports, the button on the cinch loosened too easily, although I appreciated the built-in loop used to tuck the extra laces away –– even if this should have been slightly lower down to be more effective.

Verdict: Perhaps a bit pricier than it needs to be, the Hoka Hopara sandal is an attractive take on the hybrid style and features superb draining. Feeling secure on the trail, they may take some time to break in for comfort and have some issues with insole comfort. Also, these run true-to-size or a tad large, so keep that in mind as well.

Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro Adventure Sandals

Best Flip-Flop: It’s hard to find a sandal that can anatomically mold to the bottom of your feet while still maintaining a 0-mm heel-to-toe drop. However, Bedrock has been perfecting the craft for over a decade with its Cairn 3D Pro Adventure Sandals. Featuring sole-hugger wings and sticky Vibram Megagrip on the soles, these minimalist shoes ensure a rugged, yet lightweight tour of the outdoors. The unique triple-adjustment straps (patent pending) and sturdy arch support keep you going for hikes both big and small.

Of all the sandals we tested, the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro has the best adjustment system. From a single pull, the entire flip-flop tightens around the top of my foot, with the lateral side of the foot and the heel each getting their own adjustment system that can be loosened or tightened with a low-key G-hook. While this isn’t terribly easy to manage when the sandal is actually on your feet, it’s not something that needs to be continually adjusted once you’ve gotten it locked in. In terms of grip, the Vibram outsoles do really well on wet and dry surfaces, and notably well on smoother ground that you’d normally expect to be slick. While it took some extra time to get fully dry when worn on the foot, the sandals drained very well after water got inside. These flip-flops also feel well-suited for the outdoors with their rugged construction, and without adding any extra weight in the process. With a soft footbed thate elt great when I was hiking, these sandals could realistically be worn all day if it weren’t for one major complaint…

While the Cairn 3D Pro fired on most cylinders, I couldn’t stand how the toe thong felt against my skin. Perhaps I’m not used to this style as much as other sandals but the thicker cord-like build of this material didn’t sit well with me. In fact, I couldn’t wait to take these off. The sensation was only heightened when going downhill (although uphill eased the irritation). It’s unfortunate because this was one of my only complaints, and it’s kind of a big one. It’s also important to note that for flip-flop-style sandals, these Cairn 3D Pros are a bit pricey (it’s why they’re last on our list). And while it’s true that the tech on these models is superior to most other flip-flops, the higher price tag still feels egregious.

Verdict: Featuring some of the best hardware and technology of any flip-flop you’ll find, the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro sports an impressively secure fit around your entire foot, and with easy adjustment. It also handles most surfaces well, whether well or dry. On the other hand, the cord toe thong was irritating against the skin, which might be an issue for some wearers, especially those not used to this style of sandal.

Hiking Sandals Comparisons Chart

Why Wear a Sandal for Hiking?

It’s a fair question to ask, since a shoe or boot may seem to provide better support. While not for everyone (i.e. people with ankle issues might want to stick with shoes), sandals offer a great way of evading a sweat-soaked sock or traversing through low rivers and streams without needing to wait for your shoes to dry off before using them again.

Sandals are also significantly easier to clean and more versatile than boots. If your feet are up to it, you can do essentially anything in a sandal that you can in enclosed footwear.

Honorable Mentions

Nike’s ACG line blends form and function incredibly well and this Air Deschutz+ is the case in point, with an incredibly stylish silhouette and at just $80. We couldn’t secure a unit for testing but still felt the sandal deserving of a mention here.

Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 aren’t quite as well-known as the Terra Fi above but these are still good sandals for off-trail wear as well as a solid budget-friendly pick.

If you’re looking for another well-cushioned option with heavy webbing, check out the ECCO Yucatan, a soft yet sturdy sandal similar to the Teva Terra Fi but not quite as affordable.

These minimalist sandals won’t be for everybody, but Earth Runners’ Alpha Adventure Sandals still provide a sturdy and long-lasting sole made from Vibram Morflex and are responsibly sourced from small batch, low impact dyes.

Chaco’s Z/Cloud sandals are a popular choice for a reason but the brand’s Bodhi silhouette shouldn’t be slept on. They’re a lighter option but surprisingly supportive nonetheless.

If you’re wondering why Salomon’s Techamphibian 5 missed the cut above it’s simply because they were out of stock as of this writing. However, if you can find them, you’ll be in for high protection, low weight, and an affordable outdoor option that looks unlike most other hiking sandals out there.

Tested: The Best Water Shoes

If you’re looking to dive deeper into shoes designed to take on wet surfaces, check out our recent guide to the best water shoes where we tested our favorites.