Best Women’s Hiking Sandals of 2023

Best Women’s Hiking Sandals of 2023

Sometimes you just have to let the tootsies wiggle free, we get that. Hiking sandals are a great alternative to traditional hiking footwear, especially for particularly hot or wet climates.

We hiked thousands of miles through mountains and streams in a plethora of different sandals – getting all sorts of fun sandal strap tan lines – to bring you this list of the very best hiking sandals on the market.

Related:Best Hiking Sandals for Men

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• Best hiking sandals overall for comfort, durability & support: Chaco Z/1 Classic and Chaco Z/Cloud
• Best minimal hiking sandals: Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II
• Best water sandals: KEEN Clearwater CNX
• Best closed toe hiking sandals: KEEN Newport H2
• Best budget hiking sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2
• Supportive sandals for travel & everyday wear: ECCO Yucatan
• Cushy & supportive hiking sandals with a secure fit: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
• Stylish hiking sandals that transition well from trail to town: Teva Tirra
• Best ultralight hiking sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
• Casual hiking sandals that are great on wet terrain: KEEN Whisper

WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A HIKING SANDAL?

COMFORT AND FIT– This is the most important consideration when choosing hiking footwear. Many sandals are adjustable for a dialed-in fit, but different people need different things in shoes (wide fit, arch support, etc.). Finding what makes your feet happy is critical.

• Most comfortable hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal & ECCO Yucatan
• Best hiking sandals for wide feet:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud & KEEN Newport H2

PRICE – We tend to be willing to spend a bit more for quality footwear because we truly believe the success of our adventures depends on having happy, healthy feet. Comfort and fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options at a variety of price points in our top picks below.

• Best value sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, KEEN Clearwater CNX & KEEN Newport H2
• Best budget hiking sandals:Teva Hurricane XLT2 & Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
• Best high-end sandals: Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II & ECCO Yucatan 

WEIGHT– Weight carried on your feet zaps about 5 times more energy than weight carried on your back. So swapping a 3-pound pair of boots for a lightweight pair of sandals can conserve a ton of your body’s fuel. Also, nimble feet lead to less muscle fatigue, less stumbling, and over time can help avoid knee and hip flexor problems.

• Best ultralight hiking sandals:Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV
• Best lightweight hiking sandals:Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II, KEEN Clearwater CNX & Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
• Best heavy-duty hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud & KEEN Newport H2

DURABILITY & MATERIALS– Many hiking sandals are designed with durable nylon straps and aggressive outsoles. All of the sandals on our list will take you hundreds of miles, but the most durable hiking sandals are those with reinforced webbing and firmer lugs on the sole.

• Most durable hiking sandals:Chaco Z/1 Classic, KEEN Newport H2, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal & ECCO Yucatan

USE – One of the reasons we love hiking sandals is that they’re so versatile. Many models can easily transition from trail, to water, to town and are a simple alternative to traditional hiking footwear.

• Best hiking sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic, Chaco Z/Cloud, Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II & KEEN Newport H2
• Best water sandals: KEEN Clearwater CNX & Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
• Best travel sandals: ECCO Yucatan & Teva Tirra
• Best active lifestyle sandals: KEEN Whisper & Teva Original Universal

Best Women’s Hiking Sandals of 2023

Chaco Z/1 Classic

BEST HIKING SANDALS OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & SUPPORT

MSRP: $100

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 5.2 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Durable, comfortable, adjustable, supportive, excellent traction, lots of colors & patterns to choose from, sweet tan lines

CONS: Straps can cause blisters when they’re wet & sandy, a little heavier than some others, straps can be a little difficult to adjust once dirt builds up in the sole

BOTTOM LINE: For us the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Z/Cloud (below) are the ultimate hiking sandals. They’re adjustable to fit all kinds of different foot shapes, surprisingly supportive, and ridiculously durable. We also love that we’re able to show off our personal style with the many stock colors and patterns available. Many hikers swear by Chacos, from day hikers, to minimalist fast packers, to your author, who thru-hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Chaco Z/1 Classics.

MORE: The Classics are available in a whole host of different strap configurations. The Z/2 Classics have an extra loop that goes over the toe and provides a more locked-in fit. The ZX/2 Classics have multiple thin straps and look more stylish. All are great options depending on your personal preference.

Chaco Z/Cloud

BEST HIKING SANDALS OVERALL FOR COMFORT, DURABILITY & SUPPORT

MSRP: $100

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 5 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Durable, comfortable, adjustable, supportive, excellent traction, lots of colors & patterns to choose from, sweet tan lines

CONS: Straps can cause blisters when they’re wet & sandy, a little heavier than some others, straps can be a little difficult to adjust once dirt builds up in the sole

BOTTOM LINE: The Chaco Z/Cloud are the same shoe as the Chaco Z/1 Classic above, but with a squishier sole. You’ll still get the same durability and support with the Z/Clouds, and they also come in a plethora of fun colors and styles. You should go with Z/Clouds if you prefer a softer, springier landing while you hike.

MORE: The Clouds are available in many different strap configurations. The Z/Cloud 2s have an extra loop that goes over the toe and provides a more locked in fit. The Z Cloud X & X/2 have multiple thin straps and look more stylish. All are great options depending on your personal preference.

Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II

BEST MINIMAL HIKING SANDALS

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 1.4 oz.

SIZING: Runs a little small, be sure and consult their sizing guide if ordering online

PROS: Lightweight, comfortable, excellent traction, highly adjustable, durable

CONS: Not as supportive as others, expensive, strap between toes can be bothersome for some

BOTTOM LINE: It can be difficult to get into minimalist footwear, because the fit is so much different from what most hikers are used to. The Bedrock Cairn 3D Pros solve this problem with a highly adjustable strap system that makes it easy to get the perfect fit. You can change where your heel sits, where the toe strap crosses the top of your foot, and you can adjust for the volume of your foot. The ergonomic shape of the footbed and the flexible, yet durable design of the sole make these a great option for anyone looking to cover some serious miles.

KEEN Clearwater CNX

BEST WATER SANDAL

MSRP: $120

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 1 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Lightweight, quick-drying, protective, comfortable

CONS: A little bulky, not as breathable as other sandals, a bit expensive

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re like us, summertime means river floatin’, beach bummin’, and lake divin’. We’ve had many cheap flip-flop straps bust during our summer vacay, but it doesn’t have to be like that. The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a lightweight, amphibious sandal that will protect your tootsies from pointy river rocks while you bob around in a tube, and they perform equally well on trail. The Clearwaters are our favorite of the KEEN closed toe sandals, because they feel much less clunky than the others in the lineup. We recommend these sandals for anyone looking for a tried and true summer companion for their feet.

KEEN Newport H2

BEST CLOSED TOE HIKING SANDALS

MSRP: $125

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 6.7 oz.

SIZING: Runs a little small, we recommend sizing up ½ size

PROS: Protective, durable, comfortable, excellent traction

CONS: A little bulkier/heavier than some others, expensive, not as breathable as other sandals

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for the freedom of a hiking sandal, but you’d prefer to never experience the stubbed toes or stick stabs – you’ll love the KEEN Newport H2. With a burly rubber toe cap and a substantial upper, the Newports feel more like a hiking shoe with the spirit of a hiking sandal. Because these shoes are a little bulkier and heavier than some of the others on our list, they don’t work quite as well in the water as they do on the trail. For first-time sandal hikers or those who want some extra protection, the Newports are pretty hard to beat.

Teva Hurricane XLT2

BEST BUDGET HIKING SANDALS

MSRP: $75

WEIGHT (PAIR): 15.6 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, cushy soles, adjustable

CONS: Soles may be a little too cushy for some

BOTTOM LINE: One of the biggest advantages of hiking sandals over more traditional footwear is how much more affordable most sandals are. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 are amazingly priced for the quality and performance. These sandals are great in water or on land, and the adjustable straps are comfortable. Pricier sandals may be a little more durable and a little more supportive, but the Hurricane XLTs are one of the best values on the market in our opinion.If you like the look of the Hurricanes, but you want something even cheaper and less rugged, check out the super affordable Teva Original Universal. The Originals are perfect for those looking for an around town sandal that can handle river trips and easy day hikes.

ECCO Yucatan

SUPPORTIVE SANDALS FOR TRAVEL & EVERYDAY WEAR

MSRP: $140

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4.6 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Supportive, comfortable straps, adjustable, durable, casual look

CONS: Expensive, a little heavier and bulkier than some

BOTTOM LINE: Everyone needs a good, sturdy pair of athleisure sandals for summer travel, and the ECCO Yucatans are our go-to. These sandals are solid on the outside and soft on the inside; the quality materials will last for hundreds of miles, and the straps and footbed feel soft against the skin. The material is stretchy and there are several points of adjustment on these sandals, so it’s easy to get the perfect fit for your feet. Because ofthe lug pattern and casual feel, the ECCO Yucatan are better suited to travel and daily wear than hiking.

Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal

CUSHY & SUPPORTIVE HIKING SANDALS WITH A SECURE FIT

MSRP: $110

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 4 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Cushy footbed, secure fit, adjustable, excellent traction, comfy straps

CONS: Soles may be a little too cushy for some, a little heavier than some others

BOTTOM LINE: If you like cushy soles, the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal will probably be the comfiest sandal you’ll ever wear. These sandals feel like what we imagine walking on clouds is like, and the straps are the softest against the skin of all the sandals we tested. Don’t let the squishy footbed fool you though, these babies grip like glue to rocks and roots. And with three points of adjustment – heel, toe, and ankle – it’s easy to get a secure fit. For those who’ve been dreaming of a cushy, yet rugged sandal, it’s time to wake up and smell the Terra Fi.

Teva Tirra

STYLISH HIKING SANDALS THAT TRANSITION WELL FROM TOWN TO TRAIL

MSRP: $85

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 2 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Affordable, adjustable, secure fit, supportive, stylish

CONS: Straps can cause some rubbing before they soften up

BOTTOM LINE: For the fashion conscious adventurer, the Teva Tirra offers a stylish alternative to clunky hiking footwear. While the upper is less sporty, the tread is just as aggressive as the more rugged sandals on our list. The Tirras are supportive and comfy enough for everyday wear around town or long days on the trail, so they’re perfect for active women wanting a sandal for all occasions. Hiking trails may be a far cry from a fashion runway, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to love the way you look out there.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV

BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING SANDALS

MSRP: $80

WEIGHT (PAIR): 8.6 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Ultralight, affordable, comfortable, adjustable

CONS: Not as supportive as others, not as durable as some others

BOTTOM LINE: The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals are some of the most minimal shoes we’ve ever tested, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on comfort or performance. The velcro adjustments make it easy to get a custom fit, and we were surprised to find that the soles are quite sturdy despite being so flexible. The Z-Trails may take some getting used to for the first-time sandal hiker, as they’re not supportive or protective. We recommend the Z Trail for minimal footwear aficionados or for use as a comfy shoe to change into at camp.

KEEN Whisper

CASUAL HIKING SANDALS THAT ARE GREAT ON WET TERRAIN

MSRP: $115

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 1 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Protective, durable, comfortable, excellent wet traction

CONS: A little bulkier than some others, not as breathable as other sandals, a bit expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The KEEN Whispers are durable hiking sandals that excel on wet terrain. These sandals are very similar to the KEEN Newport H2 above, but they’re a little less bulky and work well for post-hike brewery hangouts because of their more casual look. The tread pattern on the Whisper is also less varied than the Newports, so they’re better suited to short hikes with mild terrain. We think this shoe works best for river rats and those who are always down for a day hike to a waterfall.

Some Notes for First-Time Sandals Hikers

If you’re a recent convert to hiking in sandals, here are some things you should know. For even more advice check out our post on the Pros and Cons of Hiking in Sandals.

• Break-in – Many hiking sandals have a short break-in period to loosen up the strap material, so it’s a good idea to wear them around town for a couple of days before hitting the trail.

• Start small – We recommend starting out with shorter hikes to get used to hiking in sandals, it’s quite different from hiking in shoes.

• Avoiding blisters – Bring along a roll of athletic tape (we like Leukotape or RockTape) to address any hot spots that form.

• Try more than one –  If the first pair of sandals you try isn’t exactly right, try a different one! There are so many options out there and they all perform differently.

Critical Footwear Considerations

SIZING – Sandal sizing is a little different than traditional footwear, and there isn’t really a standard way to tell what size you’ll need. Some sandal sizes are determined by where your arch lands, and some sizes are determined by how much space there is between the tip of your foot and the front and back edges of the shoe. It’s always best to try them on in person before purchasing whenever possible. One of the great things about sandals is that many of them are adjustable, so it’s easier to get a more dialed-in fit.

TRACTION– Traction is one of the most important aspects of backpacking and hiking footwear. Your shoes will take you over narrow and rocky ridgelines, through slippery water crossings, and across loose scree fields. Knowing that your footwear will keep you from slipping is crucial, especially over washed out or exposed sections of trail. We heavily factored quality traction into all of our footwear recommendations.

SOCKS – We know what you’re thinking… socks and sandals? Really? Yes, really. We’re always willing to commit this heinous fashion faux-pas to keep our piggies warm in the backcountry or to provide a barrier between our skin and the sandal straps if hot spots occur. For cold weather trips, we always bring along a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks or Smartwool Mountaineering Socks depending on the temperature and snow level. We also like Injinji toe socks because they’re compatible with any strap configuration and they provide nice padding between each dirt-covered toe. Check out our Best Hiking Socks list to see more of our top picks.

MANAGING MOISTURE & BLISTERS – We love being able to tromp right through a water crossing on the trail without the hassle of removing shoes and socks, but wet sandal straps tend to cling to dirt and can quickly turn your footwear into sandpaper. We recommend having a small pack towel handy to blot excess water off your feet to prevent hot spots from forming. You should also carry some athletic tape (we like Leukotape or RockTape) to provide a barrier between your skin and abrasive strap debris. Our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post mainly focuses on traditional hiking footwear, but there’s still a lot of great info in there on keeping your feet happy.

EXPOSED TOOTSIES – The ability to let your toes wiggle unencumbered is great, however it does leave your little piggies exposed to all sorts of potential dangers. Sun, loose rocks, thorns, poison ivy, the cold, and snakes are just a few of the potential hazards you leave yourself open to when hiking in sandals. You can reduce the risk from most of these perils with a few precautions.

• Sun– Make sure you carry a good SPF sunscreen and apply it every few hours to keep the tops of your feet from burning.

• Loose rocks– There’s nothing worse for a sandals hiker than kicking a loose rock into your heel or squishing your toes under a rock. Make sure you step carefully in rocky areas to prevent these pains.

• The cold– The fear of cold feet is one of the most common reasons people get… well, cold feet… about hiking in sandals. This one is easily prevented with a quality pair of socks. For mildly chilly hikes, we like to bring a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks. For winter and for crossing snowfields and glaciers, we bring a pair ofSmartwool Mountaineering Socks to keep our tootsies toasty. Toe socks can also be a good choice for hiking sandals depending on your sandal straps. For more awesome sock options, check out our list of the Best Hiking Socks.

• Snakes– Snakebites are rare no matter what footwear you have on, but sandals do leave more exposed skin at risk. The most important thing to remember is that snakes don’t want to interact with you, so long as you don’t try to interact with them. Never approach wildlife – give all critters a wide berth on the trail. For more information on snake safety, check out our Snake and Cougar Safety video.

SOME BONUS SANDALS FACTS TO IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS – Hiking in sandals is not only freeing, it’s just plain fun as well. If we didn’t already sell you on how awesome sandals are, here are some fun things that will surely convince you:

• A little known fact about hiking sandals is that many of them have secret names that can only be used when you wear socks with them. We can’t give away everything we know, but we can tell you that Chacos with socks are called “Sockos” and Bedrocks with socks are called “Bedsocks”
• If you’re like us and you love all the hiking sandals equally and can’t decide on a favorite, go with the one that’ll give you the coolest tan lines. The distinct Z-shape of the Chacos tan is our favorite, but there are no wrong answers here.
• All hiking sandals are extremely beautiful. Every. Single. One.

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

• 10 Best Hiking Shoes
• 10 Best Backpacking Tents
• 10 Best Sleeping Bags
• 10 Best Sleeping Pads
• 10 Best Backpacking Packs
• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves
• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

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