The 12 Best Hiking Sandals For Men
Any serious hiker knows the trepidation of removing hiking shoes/boots after a long day, out in the heat, traversing dusty trails. First, there’s the smell of sweat-soaked leather to deal with, and no matter how expensive or robust your wick-away Smartwool socks are, they cannot totally eliminate the funk. You know what I’m talking about.
Then there’s the grime that not only irrevocably worked its way into every last fiber of your twenty-dollar pair of socks, but somehow also turned your feet into a veritable mud puddle. Even when you scrub off the dirt, you still have to deal with the horror of inevitable redness, swelling, blisters, and toenails starting to lift from the bed.
Well, now that I’ve completely turned some of you off to marathon hiking, I’ll speak directly to those of us willing to suffer every foot-related indignity in order to enjoy the most remote reaches of wilderness on the planet. If you’re tired of suffering saunas on your feet, you’ll be happy to hear there’s an alternative: hiking sandals. Which hiking sandals offer the comfort and support you need, paired with the airflow you crave? Here are the 12 best hiking sandals to consider.
Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals
Hit the trail or lounge poolside in Teva’s finest sandals. The Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals will keep your feet comfortable and protected no matter what you do or where you go. They’re a “multi-sport” shoe you can take hiking, walking, running, kayaking, or boating, and you’ll love how securely they sit on your feet once the straps are pulled tight. The uppers are made with recycled polyester that dries quickly and offers durability you’re guaranteed to appreciate.
Chaco Odyssey Sandals
You might wonder if there’s a hiking sandal that offers all the protection and security of hiking boots with a bit of a breezeway for added comfort. Wonder no more – Chaco has you covered. These hybrid sandal-shoes feature a breathable mesh covering over the foot, paired with straps for security and a slingback design to increase ventilation. ChacoGrip Plus rubber clings to terrain, while the dual density EVR midsole soaks up moisture with antimicrobial and odor control. Water-safe and designed to be durable, this could just be the best of both worlds.
Keen Newport Hydro Sandals
One of the biggest hurdles with hiking sandals is toe protection. All that open air comes at a cost. While the protective rubber toe and reinforced polyester webbing straps are a lot more confining than the average sandal, these are a great option for anyone seeking robust footwear paired with more ventilation than the average hiking boot offers. Straps aren’t adjustable, per se, but the stretchy, secure-fit lacing system allows you to tighten as desired for added stability. Compression-molded EVA midsole offers outstanding cushion and the quick-dry lining is ideal for active hikers.
Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandals
Another impressive offering from Chaco, this classic sandal has everything you need to keep tootsies comfortable during a long day of hiking. Let’s start with the podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU midsole designed to mold around your foot, paired with the ChacoGrip rubber sole for unreal gripping power. This utility is heightened by polyester jacquard webbing straps, including a toe loop to keep your foot from sliding out the front, as well as a secure injection-molded ladder lock buckle for tightening. Hike the Grand Canyon or ford a river – these sandals will get you there.
ECCO Yucatan Sandals
The main difference you’ll notice right away with these open-toed sandals is that much of the upper strap portion is fixed for added stability during wear. Still, you’ll have plenty of options for adjustment with hook and loop straps at the toes and the ankle. Nubuck leather is durable, but hardly waterproof, so you’ll want to weatherproof before wearing these sandals and maybe avoid full submersion. Still, you’ll enjoy moisture-wick linings, a cushy EVA footbed, high-traction rubber outsoles, and direct injection polyurethane midsoles with hard EVA shanks for optimal support on long hikes.
Bedrock Sandals Cairn PRO II Adventure Sandals
Going for low-key, laid-back footwear? Give these Bedrock Sandals a try. The Cairn PRO II Adventure sandals go for trimmed-down comfort and versatility, with the classic “flip flop” style that incorporates forefoot and ankle straps for better stability. The super-sticky Vibram outsole will keep you from slipping by the pool or when scrambling over slick rocks by a waterfall, and the footbed is designed for maximum comfort even after long hours of walking. For a compact, lightweight shoe you can take anywhere, it’s an amazing choice.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
Why not look stylish in a pair of sandals? The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV is built with a unique dual chevron lug pattern that grips any terrain while still offering maximum versatility. The shoes weigh next to nothing – less than six ounces – but still feel ultra-solid with every step. The three-layered sole offers comfort, protection, and excellent grip. Planning on using it in watery conditions? You’ll love the quick-drying nylon – which just so happens to be made from 70 percent recycled materials.
HOKA ONE ONE Hopara Multi-Sport Sandals
Take your outdoor sports to the next level with the Hoka One One Hopara Multi-Sport sandal. These are the perfect midpoint between lightweight sandal and hardcore sports shoe, with a solid upper that provides support and protection for your foot without sacrificing the versatility of a sandal. You’ll love the gusseted neoprene construction, which guarantees stability and cuts friction even if the shoe gets wet. With its quick-tightening bungee lace system, you’ll be able to slip these on and get walking, hiking, wading, or climbing in no time.
Columbia Men’s Santiam Ankle Strap Sandal
Columbia knows how to build a high-quality shoe, even if that shoe happens to be a super lightweight, comfortable, stylish sandal like the Santiam Ankle Strap sandal. The suede leather upper makes it so much more than just a cheap, flimsy sandal, with a soft textile lining that keeps your feet comfortable no matter how hot it gets. It weighs next to nothing, thanks to its hyper-tough Techlite midsole, which offers durability, excellent cushioning, and amazing energy return with every step. With the Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber sole with its unique tread, it’s a shoe that will make you feel steady and stable on any surface, no matter how slick.
KEEN Targhee III Sandals
Keen’s Targhee III is one of their classic offerings, pairing the elegant look of premium leather with its high-resistance, super protective molded rubber sole – including a toe guard that will protect your feet from rocks, dirt, and debris. The EVA footbeds offer amazing arch support, making them perfect for heavier hikers who need that extra cushioning and stability for their feet. With its synthetic inner lining, you’ll love how fast the sandals dry after a heavy rain, a stroll down the beach, or wading across a river.
Teva Hurricane Verge Sandal
Laugh in the face of any storm with the Teva Hurricane Verge Sandal. These bad boys are capable of withstanding any bad weather, thanks to their super-durable lugged rubber sole, breathable mesh straps, and quick-drying upper. They’ll keep your feet comfortable in any tropical rainstorm or desert sandstorm, with a secure design offering maximum stability in wet, dusty, or dirty conditions. With its padded support integrated into the footbed, these shoes will keep you on your feet and walking easy all day long.
Merrell Men’s Breakwater Strap
Merrell is a brand renowned for its tough products, and the Breakwater Strap sandal is no exception to the rule. The woven web upper is resistant to damage, water wear, and high tension, and the hook-and-loop closure will keep the sandals securely on your feet no matter where you go or what you do. Thanks to the Vibram Megagrip rubber sole, you’ll walk across rivers and climb mountains with total confidence in your footwear.
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