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As you contemplate hitting the trail to enjoy a warm day of hiking this summer, you may have realized that the regular hiking boots or shoes won’t cut it for you. You may be confused about some alternatives.
Any serious hiker knows that hiking with a pair of hiking boots or shoes comes with some discomforts which include blisters, redness and swelling of the feet, lifting of toenails from their beds and smelly socks.
So what is the best alternative to hiking boots or shoes? The answer is hiking sandals. Sandals are very comfortable and allow your feet to breathe when the weather is extremely hot.
The problem is how to choose hiking sandals that are comfortable and supportive. There are hundreds of hiking sandals out there, but we have painstakingly picked the 10 best sandals for hiking to help you make a good choice. It only takes a few minutes to read our review. So let’s go!
Our picks for the Best Slippers for Men
If you are looking for a pair of sandals that is rugged and comfortable, the KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal is highly recommended. These sandals can withstand any terrain whether creeks or rivers. They are made with quick-drying polyester webbing straps that keep the sandals in place. There is also the foot toe cap that helps to prevent injury. With a breathable mesh lining that has been well treated with natural odour control, the sandals can stay fresh even after multiple days of use. The EVA footbed and EVA midsole combine to provide incredible comfort and support. The non-marking design has a good traction in wet and dry conditions.
- Comfortable and supportive
- Quick-drying webbing straps
- Provides great traction
- Breathable mesh lining
- A bit expensive
If you need hiking sandals that are really budget-friendly, the KIIU Closed Toe Sandals are your best bet. These sport hiking sandals are ideal in both humid and hot climates. Available in different colours such as black, blue and brown, the sandals are an excellent alternative to expensive hiking sandals. The webbing straps are lightweight and quick to dry. They come with breathable mesh lining to prevent moisture. The lacing system gives you a secure and tight fit with no discomfort.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Affordable and comfortable
- Quick-drying webbing straps
- Durable sole
- Fits well
- They soles are sticky at first
These sandals combine skilled craftsmanship with innovative technology to deliver extremely comfortable footwear. The open-toed upper is made with quality leather Nubuck. With three fully adjustable straps, the sandals provide incredible fit. They have an excellent supportive dual-density footbed that keeps you comfortable all day. In summer, the soft microfiber foot lining makes your feet fresh for a longer period. The polyurethane midsole reduces muscle fatigue while improving stability and support. They come with outsoles that provide exceptional traction.
- Comfortable and supportive
- Durable and sturdy rubber sole
- Relieves muscle fatigue
- Perfect for hot weather
- Fully adjustable straps
- It is pricey
- Not machine-wash safe
If you are in search of hiking sandals that look good as they feel, you will fall in love with the Chaco Z2 Sport Sandals. These sandals are made for the style-conscious hikers. They come in a variety of colours to suit your style. The uppers of the sandals are made with quick-drying polyester jacquard webbing straps. You can secure the straps with the injection-moulded, ladder lock buckle for a custom fit. The footbed and outsole are both made of durable polyurethane. With a rubber outsole, these sandals provide you with perfect traction.
- Durable polyurethane midsole
- Easily adjustable straps
- Comfortable and supportive footbed
- Rubber outsole provides traction in wet conditions
- Perfect for every adventure
- Not pocket-friendly
- May expand after sometime
These sandals provide you with the best of both worlds if breathability and lightness are what you are looking for. Designed to be worn in water, these shoes will serve you with a lot of comforts. The sandals have waxy leather uppers that protect both the bridge and toes. Wearing these shoes make you comfortable because of the cutouts that provide ventilation to prevent sweaty feet. The cutouts also allow debris and sand to fall out easily. They look appealing with a lacing system that gives you a precise fit.
- Antimicrobial agents reduce odour
- Breathable and light
- Provides comfort and support
- Water-friendly
- Protective leather uppers
- Not suitable for machine wash
- It is costly
Crocs Swiftwater is not called Fisherman for the sake of it. These sandals are extremely water-friendly. The sandals are robust and tough enough to take on any outdoor activities. Swiftwater has an outsole that serves as a channel that funnels out water with ease. With a bolstered toe cap, the sandals are able to protect your toes adequately. The straps are fully adjustable to give you a custom and secure fit. They are lightweight and durable.
- Water-friendly
- Quick-drying leather
- Soft inner padding
- Flexible sole with incredible support
- Too narrow at the top for some foot shapes
- The mesh does not stretch for easy entry
Atika Men’s Sandals exemplify comfort, durability, functionality and stability. The lacing system is tug-and-secure to provide you with a personalized fit. They are made with synthetic polyurethane upper with EVA midsole to bring comfort and support. With triple toe protection, your toe is well protected against injury while the open strap system provides ventilation. The multi-directional lug pattern of the rubber sole gives the needed traction in muddy surfaces.
- Durable and comfortable
- Functional and lightweight
- Provides toe protection
- Improves ventilation
- EVA midsole
- Inexpensive
- Not safe for machine wash
- Can slip in wet conditions
Made with thick leather straps, these sandals are strong enough to withstand the elements. The two adjustable straps help to give you a perfect fit. The memory foam material conforms to the shape of your feet. When it comes to comfort, the sandals are comfortable in all directions thereby eliminating the possibility of foot pain. These sandals are impressive and they are slip-resistant.
- Comfortable and durable
- Slip-resistant
- Two adjustable straps
- EVA midsole and rubber outsole
- Absorbs light shock
- Not recommended for machine wash
- Not much grip on a wet surface
The Chaco Zvolv Sandals provide a lot of foot protection especially when you are negotiating through uneven terrain or walking long distances. These sandals are light making them comfortable to wear for a longer period. With an outsole that is made from 25% rubber, this footwear is built with durability in mind. The polyurethane midsole provides for a springy step that allows you to walk in confidence.
- Extremely light
- Comfortable and durable
- Adjustable buckle closure
- Protects the feet adequately
- Webbing straps provide an excellent fit
- Slips easily
- The sole is thin
If you are looking for a machine washable hiking sandals, look no further than the CNX Clearwater Sandals. These sandals are durable, comfortable and lightweight. The lacing system provides a nice fit for your feet. With a lightweight design, the sandals won’t weigh you down. They provide great traction on slippery surfaces. The contoured arch provides extra midfoot comfort. With Aegis microbe shield, the sandals help to prevent harmful microbes that may infect your feet.
- Comfortable and sturdy
- Ultra-light
- Provides toe protection
- Machine washable
- Fights microbes
- A bit pricey
- Not good on hard rocks