During the summer months, backpackers and hikers alike need a good pair of hiking sandals. While hiking boots are always a good choice, hiking sandals are more appealing in the summer. They provide a lot more airflow and breathability, ensuring that your feet don’t overheat even in hot weather. The material must be breathable and lightweight, and it should work well with different types of terrain.
Read our guide on if its ok to wear sandals in hiking to get more insights about hiking in sandals.
The first thing to identify is the type of area you will be hiking. Different types of terrain require different types of hiking sandals. Hikers who will primarily be walking on dirt roads need to have a sturdy heel strap, whereas those planning to hike in rocky or mountainous areas need more durable shoes.
Related: Best Men’s Hiking Sandals
Based on our comprehensive research, we’ve compiled a list of the best walking sandals for women and a helpful buying guide to assist you in the best possible way. You’ll find everything on our list that matches your needs, whether you’re looking for lightweight hiking sandals or waterproof sandals for ladies.
Best Overall Women’s Hiking Sandals
1. Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal
The Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal is a simple, durable sandal perfect for hiking and walking. They are comfortable, and you can walk for hours without pain. Additionally, they don’t cause blisters, a major plus when you’re out on the trail.
Generally, in summer, some boots cause blisters and skin irritation which is painful while hiking. This is so comfortable that even if you have pain or plantar fasciitis, these sandals will help you for a relaxing walk and hike. The weight is just 1.9 ounces, making them some of the lightest sandals on the market. They also come in various color ranges to choose from according to your style.
These sandals provide good arch support and are ideal for backpacking, hiking, and walking. Additionally, you can wear it in waterfalls and on wet trails. However, they are not the best choice for rugged terrain, so if you plan serious hiking, it would be better to opt for hiking boots instead.
Furthermore, straps are adjustable, which is an excellent feature for adjusting what best suits you. Moreover, they are easy to clean. They provide good traction and grip on wet trains. Keep in mind that traction is different from hiking boots. The traction of these sandals is not suitable for rocky or rigorous terrain, which is expected from sandals.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Durable and long lasting
- Easy to wear
- Great arch support
- Come in a variety of colors
- Adjustable straps
- Suitable for formal and casual occasions
- Good for wet conditions as well
Cons
- Might take time to adjust and break in
Best For Water Hiking
2. KEEN Clearwater CNX
We put the KEEN Clearwater CNX sandals to the test and were impressed with their performance. We found that they only needed a little time to break in, and they got better on subsequent hikes. They provide good support and traction, and we especially appreciated the closed-toe design on uneven and rocky trails. The lace capture system is a nice touch to adjust the sandals on your feet.
They provide excellent arch support and allow you to hike without discomfort for extended periods. The EVA insole provides cushioning and support, while the durable outsole helps to protect your feet from sharp objects and uneven terrain. I have worn these sandals on various hikes, and they have performed well in all conditions. I usually get rid of my footwear when I finish long hikes, but these were different and wouldn’t let go.
They provide superior traction to Chaco’s z1 on slim, slippery rocks and stones. They are easy to clean. You can wash them on a hiking trail or at home in the washing machine.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Dry quickly
- Variety of colors
- Non-bulky design
- Fits narrow feet best
- Best for summer
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Fit too small, be careful with the size
- Some stability issues
Best Value For The Money
3. KEEN Women’s Whisper
The KEEN Whisper Closed-Toe Sandal is our all-time favorite sandal for hiking. They fit well on narrow feet, but if you have wider feet, we suggest going with the Newport sandals. The closed toe on the KEEN Whisper sandal protects your toes from stubbing or getting caught on things.
Additionally, they are lighter compared to Newport. These sandals are an excellent choice for wet or light hiking. They also make perfect camp shoes for their comfortable fit and easy portability.
Additionally, these sandals are great for hikes on wet trails, providing good traction and stability. They are easy to clean and dry quickly, making them a good choice for walks in damp or muddy conditions. They also provide excellent comfort and support for longer hikes.
We found them comfortable, supportive sandals with good traction. We did not feel the burden on our feet during hiking in these sandals. They also have a lacing system that allows you to adjust the fit to your foot. The KEEN Whisper closed-toe sandal is durable and will last many years with proper care. Furthermore, they look great and can be worn for casual and dressy occasions.
Pros
- Durable.
- Comfortable.
- Knee Comfort
- Stylish and versatile
- Washable upper
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Lack of Back Strap.
- Some quality issues
Best For Arch Support
4. Teva Original Universal Sandal
The Teva Original Universal Sandal is another classic and stylish option for hiking and outdoor uses. Best of all, they’re comfortable right out of the box and don’t require any breaking-in. Additionally, they are suitable for wide feet and can accommodate various foot sizes. Plus, the easy-to-use adjustable straps make it a breeze to get a custom fit.
Teva’s Original Universal Sandal is a comfortable, lightweight option for those looking for a supportive sandal while hiking or walking.
Made with an EVA foam midsole, these sandals provide ample cushioning and support during extended use.
We found them especially helpful during long hikes, as they helped keep our feet comfortable and supported throughout the hike. We even hiked the steep trail, and they held up very well. However, they could perform better on rough trains. They are lightweight and good options for backpacking. We take them with our regular hiking boots.
Additionally, they offer good traction on wet and slippery trails. And easy to clean after hiking on muddy trails. They dry quickly after use in wet conditions. The price is also reasonable, and it’s worth the money. Lastly, walking in Teva sandals is a fantastic option for anyone who regularly wears a flip-flop and wants extra grip and support with minimal weight gain.
Pros
- Can wear with any outfit
- Comfortable and secure
- Affordable and Compact.
- Adjustable strap
- No break in period
- No skin rubbing
- Extremely comfortable
- Perfect for water activities
Cons
- Not good for too much slippery conditions.
- Not so good for too thin feet
Best Waterproof Option
5. KEEN Women’s Newport H2
The KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandals are one of our favorite sandals. They come with a close toe and provide better toe protection, especially on rough trails. The weight per shoe is less than 300 grams. They look beautiful and come in different colors. Additionally, they are sturdy and well-made water shoes.
We put the KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandals through their paces, and they proved to be up to the task. These sandals are not only suitable for hiking, but they are also great for water activities. They have a comfortable fit and are suitable for people with wide feet.
The sandals performed well on wet rocks and in water. They are a bit bulkier than the other sandals we reviewed, but they are still comfortable. We hiked several miles in them and had no problems.
They also have good traction, and we never have to worry about slipping, even on wet surfaces. They took some time to break in, but it was well worth it. They’re incredibly comfortable and provide excellent support for feet. If you have plantar fasciitis, we suggest trying them out.
These sandals are quick-dry, washable polyester webbing, durable water repellent to protect against messy adventures, and quickly pull tabs for easy on and off. Moreover, the outsoles of these sandals wrap up and over the feet for extra safety from pebbles and other trail hazards. Thanks to the midsole system that provides excellent ankle support and conforms to your feet’ shape, these sandals are also quite comfortable and the best hiking sandals for water.
Pros
- Stylish and comfortable
- Versatile sandal
- durable construction
- Adjustable heel strap
- Good arch support
- Waterproof
- Comfortable for everyday use
Cons
- Bit bulkier
- Pricy
Best for Long Distances
6. ECCO Yucatan
The ECCO Yucatan Sandal is another excellent choice for a stylish and functional pair of sandals. These sandals come in different colors and styles. They’re great for hiking, camping, and trail walking. They feature a lightweight EVA footbed that provides excellent comfort and support.
They fit well, and you can also adjust them using straps. The footbed offers excellent arch support. The durable sole is perfect for long walks and hikes, and the sandals don’t require breaking in. If you have narrow feet, the Yucatan sandals are an ideal option. They hold your feet securely without feeling constricting, and their light weight makes them suitable for warm weather days.
However, these sandals are a bit pricy but well worth the investment. They provide enough traction to hike on wet trails but are also breathable and stylish enough to wear around town. The rubber insole provides good comfort while walking on concrete, and the adjustable straps make it easy to get a perfect fit.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Very good arch support
- Comfortable even on concrete
- They are attractive
- Easy to adjust
- No break in time
- Perfect for all your activities
Cons
- A bit expensive.
Best For The Budget
7. Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT 2
The Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal is an excellent option for budget-minded hikers looking for a quality pair of sandals at an affordable price. These sandals come with adjustable straps for a better fit. They are reasonably comfortable with good traction on wet trails. The grip is also good on damp and sharp stones.
However, there are some downsides to these sandals. They are not durable as some of the other options on our list. Also, they may provide less support for your feet if you are hiking on longer trips.
We’ve been testing the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal for the past few months. We have put them through a variety of different conditions. We’ve taken them on hiking trails, in wet weather, and camping.
Overall, we’ve found them to be an excellent option for hikers looking for lightweight and affordable sandals. However, we don’t love the design if you plan to wear them daily. They’re sturdy and comfortable, but if you’re not a fan of multiple straps, you might not like the style of these sandals.
Pros
- Budget Friendly.
- The shoes are adjustable and fit great
- They are waterproof and comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Available in Limited Colors
- They can cause blisters
- Not stylish
Best Of The Rest
8. Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal
The Teva Tirra Sandal is an excellent choice for a versatile and stylish shoe. The sandal has adjustable foot and ankle straps that provide a secure fit. The Tirra has a multi-purpose design ideal for hikes, walks, and casual wear. It also features excellent arch support.
They provided excellent support, and we didn’t feel any pain or get any blisters. They’re extra comfortable and held up well during the trek. We were also surprised at how light they are – much more lightweight than boots. So you can hike long trails without feeling like your feet are weighed down.
Do you know what the good thing about these sandals is? They are not ugly compared to some other sandals. But these sandals are beautiful, and you can use them in daily activities. They performed well on wet and even steep hikes. The company also includes a nice tiny EVA footbed that provides cushioning throughout the day. After a few months of regular use, the Tirra is still strong and showing no signs of wear.
They provide good arch support and adjustable strap to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, they offer excellent grip on wet stone and slippery surfaces. However, it is essential to be careful on extremely tricky or rough terrain.
Pros
- Feature comfortable straps
- Inexpensive
- Can be worn all day
- Arch support for high arches
- Durable
- Fit a variety of foot sizes
Cons
- May not fit well for extra wide feet
9. Xero Shoes Z-Trail
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail are some of the lightest women’s sandals on the market, weighing only 4.2 ounces each. They’re perfect for backpacking, as they will only add a little weight to your pack. They’re also great to wear after a strenuous hike when you want to give your feet a break from bulky boots.
The Z-Trails provide natural flexibility and allow your feet to move more freely than heavy shoes, making them ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. They provide enough comfort on trails, even for extended hiking.
Additionally, they provide excellent traction and grip under slippery conditions. Even they are good on wet rocks. Overall in our list, these sandals offer better traction. This helps reduce fatigue on long hikes and provides excellent traction and grip. The sandals are also very versatile and can be used for various activities beyond hiking, such as light running, cross-training, or even walking around town.
Pros
- Comfortable and durable
- Perfect for walking
- Good grip on wet rocks
- Long lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bit expensive
Women’s Hiking Sandals: Comparison Table
| SANDAL | PRICE | BEST FOR | CLOSURE | WEIGHT | CLOSED TOE? |
| Chaco Women’s z1 classic sandal | $42.39 – $149.95 | Hiking, For Formal And Casual Occasions | Adjustable Buckle | 1.9 oz | No |
| Keen Clear Water CNX | $83.65 – $197.50 | Hiking, Walking, Water | Bungee | 7.7 oz / 218.3G | Yes |
| Keen Women’s whisper sandal | $116.13 | Hiking, Casual And Dressy Occasions | Quick Lace Bungee | 8.7 oz / 246.6G | Yes |
| Teva Original Universal Sandal | $41.25 – $139.85 | Light Hikes, Water Activities | Bungee Cord Lace | 13.5 oz | No |
| Keen Women’s Newport H2 sandal | $107.79 | Hiking And Water Activities | Lace Lock Bungee | 10. 5 oz / 297. 7G | Yes |
| ECCO Yucatan | $59.97 – $282.77 | Hikes, Campong Long Walks | Velcro and strap open | 10 oz | No |
| Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT 2 – Best Budget Sandals | $64.29 | Multi-sport Day Hiking Light Hiking Water hiking | Easy hook and loop | 312G | No |
| Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal | $46 – $171.24 | Hiking, Festival wear, getting around town, all-day wear | Hook And Loop | 32 oz | No |
| Xero Shoes Z-Trail | $79.99 | Hiking, light running, cross-training and walking | Strap | 4.2 oz each | No |
Our Research, Analysis And Results- Comprehensive Guide
If your vacation involves a lot of hiking and walking, you need more than just your regular sneakers. Hiking sandals are a great option, without any doubt. They provide good grip and traction on various surfaces, are comfortable to walk long distances in, and dry quickly. They are also stylish enough to double as your everyday summer sandals.
We did extensive research and analysis based on our experience to shortlist the best women’s hiking sandals. We kept the performance parameters like grip, comfort, style, durability, etc., while choosing the top from the market. Let’s discuss each point in more detail with examples for your help and understanding.
Material
Material is the first thing you need to look for. Choosing suitable sandals depends on the type of activity you want to do.
- Leather
Leather is the most durable material and has a higher level of water resistance. It also provides a good grip on the sandals and additional arch support. Leather shoes are more suitable for winter as they provide warmth and insulation. So, it is essential to know your destination before you purchase a hiking sandal.
- Fabric
Fabric hiking scandals are mostly made from synthetic materials, nylon being one of the most common. This makes these sandals more flexible and lightweight than leather or rubber boots.
- Rubber
Rubber sandals are not very common among hikers, but they are used for those who need waterproof sandals or a sandal that will provide better traction in specific environments.
Fit
Improper fit can lead to blisters and discomfort. All the sandals on our list have been carefully selected for their ability to provide a comfortable and secure fit, even on long walks.
Although your sandals may feel more relaxed than your walking boots, they still need to fit correctly. Make sure your hiking sandals have broad, supporting straps across the heel and front of the foot, no matter which pair you choose.
When the laces are done up, make sure there’s no tightness or pinching anywhere and that they stay in place while you walk. Your heels should not hang over the back of the sole, nor should your foot flow over the edges, and the soles should feel springy under your feet, not rigid. For example, Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal fits very well for all foot types.
Weight
If you are going on a hike, the weight of your sandals is significant. The heavier they are, the more difficult it will be to walk. They will also make your feet feel tired more quickly. On the other hand, they may need to provide more support for your feet if they are too light. This can lead to injuries such as blisters or sprained ankles. Therefore, finding a pair of sandals that strike the right balance between weight and support is essential.
Below is the performance comparison based on the importance of these sandals:
- Best lightweight: Chaco Z1 Classic Sandal
- Medium weight: Xero Shoes Z-Trail
- Bit at high end: KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
Open or Close Toe
Open design is typically lighter and more essential. People used to opt for it because of its extended lifespan, excellent breathability, and ease. They could dry fast and quickly if they crossed a creek or brook; splashing was not an issue. However, everything has advantages and disadvantages, and the open design is no exception. The absence of protection is one of its disadvantages. Open-toe design has several benefits, but it also has some drawbacks.
Hiking sandals with a closed design entices hikers with robust and firm safety against unwanted impediments such as rocks, bushes, briars, twigs, and everything else they may meet. It is ideal for persons who are thorough and conscientious. With a closed-design sandal, you may enjoy your hike without worry. Below are the two prominent closed-toe sandals and the remaining are open-toe sandals.
Close Toe Women Sandals:
Traction
Footwear is one of the most important considerations for any hiker. It can mean the difference between an enjoyable trek and a miserable one. Traction is perhaps the most critical among the many factors to consider when choosing hiking footwear. A shoe or boot with good traction will stabilize even the most slippery and wet surfaces, preventing slips and falls. In contrast, footwear with poor traction can quickly lead to a nasty spill, especially on treacherous terrain.
For this reason, we have selected only sandals with high traction for our top pick of women’s sandals. Whether traversing a muddy forest trail or climbing a rocky hillside, these sandals will help you keep your footing.
Durability
The sandals you buy must be durable because you will use them much more than average shoes. You are much more likely to use your hiking sandals every day, all day, in different weather conditions, and on terrain that can be challenging. This means that you need sandals that will last longer than average footwear.
Straps
When selecting sandals, women should consider strap considerations. Most Importantly, women with wide feet or high insteps need to pay more attention to the straps of their sandals. You don’t want them digging into your skin or cutting off circulation. Shoes with a snug fit and neutral arch support are less likely to cause discomfort when worn for extended periods.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure you can wiggle your toes comfortably inside the sandal. If the straps are tight enough, they may provide adequate support on uneven terrain. Likewise, they may cause pain or numbness in your feet if they’re too close. With so many different sandal styles on the market, it’s essential to try on a few pairs before making a purchase. This will help you find a pair that offers both comfort and support.
We considered this factor as well while shortlisting these sandals. We advise you to read the reviews carefully to understand more about the straps and fitting for each sandal.
Price
While price is undoubtedly an essential factor to keep in mind while purchasing hiking sandals, it is not the only thing to consider. First, think about where you will be wearing them. Suppose you only plan on hitting the occasional easy trail. In that case, you won’t need as much support or durability as someone who regularly tackles more challenging terrain.
Second, consider how long you want to be able to use your sandals. You may be OK with a lower-priced option if you replace them every season. However, if you want a pair that will last for years, you’ll need to be willing to invest a bit more.
Finally, take into account the type of trails you’ll be hiking. If you’re primarily on even ground, you can get away with less support than if you’re regularly trekking over rocky or uneven terrain. Considering all of these factors, we compiled our list of different sandals.
- Best budget friendly: Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT 2
- Best at higher end: KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
FAQs
Are Keen sandals suitable for hiking?
Keen sandals have become a popular choice in recent years thanks to their combination of durability and comfort. While they may not be suitable for every hike, they can be an excellent option for specific trails. Keen sandals have a reputation for being especially tough and supportive, making them ideal for walks that involve scrambling over rocks or root-covered ground.
They also provide good ventilation, which can be significant on hot summer days. However, they may not provide enough warmth or protection for hikes in cold or wet conditions.
The company claims to handle the most challenging terrain globally, including snow-covered streets, rocky trails, and hot desert sands. Keen sandals are also water-resistant, making them great for hiking in rainy weather or when rivers start to overflow their banks.
Can you hike in Teva sandals?
Yes, I can. Hiking in Teva sandals is no problem. Teva sandals were created to be used while hiking or going on a long adventure outdoors. In fact, they are the perfect choice for hiking sandals.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to assist you in your search for the best women’s hiking sandals. Keep in mind that, as we already stated, each product on our list has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. After extensive testing, every product’s description was prepared, so you don’t have to buy each one. When selecting a product from this list, read the report carefully to see which one best matches your needs.
Read Next: Are Tevas Good For hiking