The 6 Best Hiking Sandals of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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For warm-weather hikes, you can’t beat the comfort of our favorite performance sandals.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Zachary Pietryla

With the warmer months comes an insatiable desire to take advantage of the great outdoors. And in recent years, we’ve seen the rise of every size and shape of hiking shoe and boot—but real insiders know that a good old fashioned hiking sandal is a reliable choice for most outdoor pursuits. They’re lightweight, breathable, versatile, and can be worn in a variety of environments. Sure, you can build up your footwear collection with specialized boots for every occasion — but if you’re looking to keep things straightforward this summer and invest in just one versatile, lightweight option that can be worn indoors and outdoors, on the trail and off, hiking sandals are the way to go.

For this guide, we tested ten hiking sandals and 46 pairs of hiking footwear for over five months, judging each pair based on durability, comfort, fit, performance and value. We also interviewed outdoor footwear expert Nathan Buelow, senior brand marketing manager at Merrell. We think you’ll find that everything on this list will serve your adventures well in one way or another. Happy trails!

They’re breathable, comfortable, and come with a durable Vibram sole.

The sizing runs just a bit on the small side.

To score the Best Overall category for something like a hiking sandal, truly every design element needs to be just right, and these trendy trail shoes checked every single box. After testing for five months, we love that they're more durable, but just as simple, as flip-flops. They have a zero-drop low profile design (meaning no difference in height between heel and toe), but the midsoles still conform to the shape of your feet for fantastic ground feel and reliable traction.

The other thing that made this pair a clear winner was the Vibram XS Trek soles, which provide lightweight, rugged grip. We felt like there was no environment in which we couldn’t hike — and their grippy performance was particularly impressive on some wet granite in a river on the California coast. Best of all, we loved how quickly this pair broke in, meaning that there is minimal prep time involved between purchasing this pair and hitting the trails. The only thing to consider is that the sizing runs just a bit on the tighter side. We suggest sizing half a size up from your normal size, and then use the (comfortable, chafe-free, totally adjustable) three-way straps to secure your foot.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 | 1 pound | Three-way strap closure

This pair had outstanding traction and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.

The straps take a bit of finessing to get just right.

Chaco has a reputation for outstanding traction and highly adjustable straps and signature toe loops that contour to any and every foot. The issue with waterproof sandals is they tend to skimp out on cushioning — not the case with these pillowy Z/Clouds. They’re made with a podiatrist-certified polyurethane footbed that will gently mold to the shape of your foot over time, providing support and traction that is stable and versatile and still dries in a jiffy even when you’ve walked through the wettest environments. The only note we really have is that the strap system takes a little time and patience to figure out; but once you do, you’re in for a sandal that’s sure to serve you for many excursions to come.

The Details: Sizes 7-15, medium and wide widths | .97 pounds | Velcro closure | Polyester, nylon, and rubber

These are probably the sturdiest sandals on the market today.

After five months of wear, the velcro straps are beginning to fray.

We absolutely love this bestselling classic from legendary hiking sandal brand Teva. The classic Terra Fi 5 is lightweight, breathable, and it comes with easy to use and adjustable closures that ensure a proper fit. The rugged “spider rubber” outsole promises sure-footedness in both dry and wet environments, and the molded midsole provides both support and cushion so you can walk with confidence even if you’re carrying the heaviest of overnight packs. As part of Teva’s commitment to the environment, this pair comes with all sorts of green touches, such the use of recycled and vegan materials, and they are also treated with Life Naturals, a sustainably sourced, peppermint-based antimicrobial that fights the growth of stink-causing bacteria underfoot. However, some hikers may feel the arch has almost too much support; if you’re not used to sandals that have an abundance of arch support, the feel on this pair might take some getting used to.

The Details: Sizes 7-14 | .89 pounds | Velcro closure | Polyester, PU, and rubber

They’re incredibly comfortable thanks to support-forward features.

After five months of wearing, they do look quite dingy since dirt collects in the sole.

A sandal that offers more support than a shoe? Believe it not, this pair delivers — they’re more comfortable and supportive than most hiking boots. Three adjustable straps ensure that you’ll find the perfect fit, and the molded EVA footbed with a comfy microfiber covering provides excellent cushioning to absorb shock and protect your joints, even on the longest hikes. And despite all that support, this pair still manages to be lightweight enough that you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing mobility for support.

The Details: 6-15 | 1.25 pounds | Velcro closure | Leather and rubber

This pair is made with a quick-drying fabric lining and breathable holes.

After five months of regular wear, the sole is quite worn down.

When it comes to comfort and overall style, this lower-priced option punches far above its weight and goes neck and neck with many of the other pairs we tested — there’s no sense of compromise here. They’re made from a durable rubber outsole, with adjustable straps and added arch support so you can be on your feet all day long. We loved that the straps on this pair come lined with a quick-drying fabric, and the sole is perforated with several small holes to promote airflow, which minimizes stink and maximizes how quickly this pair dries after walking through wet environments. We do have one gripe with this pair of sandals; the traction is somewhat lacking in wet environments, so they aren’t the best choice for hikes that involve water.

The Details: Sizes 7-14 | 1.46 pounds | Velcro closure | Fabric and rubber

This pair is breathable but offers the protection and coverage of a closed toe shoe.

They run large — try ordering half a size down.

Some adventures require the protection and added coverage of a closed toe sandal, and this Keen style’s signature rubber toe bumper is renowned. Large vents on the uppers keep plenty of ventilation moving throughout the rest of the shoe so they dry in just minutes. It comes with a unique bungee closure that tightens up in a jiffy. However, even on a well-fitted pair with the bungee strap properly adjusted, we experienced a slight amount of heel slippage, which could lend itself to chafing and blisters on longer hikes. But no worries — with this pair, you’re probably sticking to water sports and wet environments anyway.

The Details: Sizes 7-16 | 0.95 pounds | Bungee closure | Polyester, EVA, and rubber

Travel + Leisure / Alexandria Stratton

A few other hiking sandals we tested didn’t quite earn a spot on this list, but scored high marks and are worth considering nonetheless.

Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals: This one scored neck and neck with the original Z/Cloud Sandals that did end up making the list, falling short by just the slimmest margin. We felt that this model would lend itself to the occasional dirt clod or pebble getting stuck under your toes because of the extra strap.

Keen Arroyo II Closed Toe Hiking Sandals: This is a highly functional sandal, offering the breathability of a hiking sandal, the protection of a closed-toe shoe, some lightweight cushioning, and an adjustable bungee that’s a cinch to use. Unfortunately, they caused some slippage at our heels.

Travel + Leisure / Jill DeForest Colvig

We closely examined ten hiking sandals and 46 total pairs of hiking footwear over a five-month period in consideration of this guide, judging each pair on its durability, comfort, fit, performance, and value, and assigning numerical scores in each category, on a scale of one to five.

We started by inspecting each pair manually, taking careful note of the laces or straps, soles, the fit and performance of any fabrics or materials, as well as any hardware on the hiking sandals. After a visual exam, each pair was worn during the course of a normal day at home or the office for at least one hour in order to break them in. At this stage, we recorded whether the sandals felt comfortable, gauged whether there was any arch or heel support, and noted whether the sandals rubbed or chafed in any places.

At that point, each pair was worn on at least two hikes for at least two hours per use, as well as during a variety of day-to-day activities such as running errands, walking the dog, and so forth. Sandals were judged based on their comfort, whether there were any abnormal signs of wear and tear that might signify poor quality, and whether they held up to any promises of being water resistant, and the like. After rating their on-the-trail performance, we thought about whether each sandal was priced appropriately given the market range. For low-priced sandals to receive a high value score, their quality had to be surprising given the competitive cost, and we would be willing to pay more for them. We scored more expensive sandals highly in the value category when we could thoroughly defend the extra cost based on performance, manufacturing processes, and the quality of materials used.

Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

Maneuvering up a steep scree? Stepping gently over the slickest wet granite? No matter the environment or the degree of difficulty, your hike requires footwear with solid traction. The quality that by and large separates most sandals from hiking sandals, in particular, is their ability to provide grip strength underfoot. The most important thing to look for in a good pair of hiking sandals is that they can, in fact, withstand the rigors of hiking.

Testing your shoes at home before hitting the trail is crucial; this way, they can break in and mold to your foot, and you can take note of how the shoes perform on your individual foot, especially with respect to any pinch points or hot spots. The experts agree. “It is in a consumer’s best interest to…wear them around their house a little bit just to kind of get formed to your foot,” said Buelow, senior brand marketing manager at Merrell. “I like to tell friends or people that are asking, [to] wear the shoe around [their] house for an hour so it just sets into your foot a little bit.”

Even when you feel ready to hit the trails having broken the sandals in around your house first, it could still be worth it to go slow; the next step should be a half-day hike, not a full-blown Appalachian Trail journey. “You’re going to find out a lot…in that time about whether or not your foot gets hot, whether or not it’s breathable, whether or not you’re going to get blisters,” said Buelow.

“There's no one single right way because it really does depend on kind of your personal style,” said Buelow. But no matter which type of closure you select, whether it’s a bungee-style, velcro, or something else, make sure it’s comfortable on your foot. “Having a comfortable pair of hiking shoes is absolutely essential,” said Buelow.

Travel + Leisure / Katie Rousso

Wear hiking sandals when breathability is a concern. The issue with hiking boots is they can sometimes cause sweat to get trapped in your footbeds, which can lead to chafing, blisters, and unpleasant odors; especially on longer multi-night hikes, it’s important to have footwear that is supportive and grippy but won’t weigh you down. Hiking sandals are the perfect solution.

This has a lot to do with personal preference and how often and challenging your hikes will be. There are, of course, budget options such as the one we included here, but by and large, based on the top scorers from what we’ve reviewed for this guide, it seems like a quality pair of hiking sandals will set you back in the $100 to $120 range. Some brands, of course, can cost substantially more, because the most durable, versatile styles tend to cost more; they’re made with more expensive materials, and can feature more sophisticated design details, such as latest-technology foam midsoles that provide support without adding too much weight, or high-performance materials used in the uppers. More ethical manufacturing processes and using recycled materials can also increase prices. If you’ll make use of all those features, then absolutely invest in them. But if you’re a casual hiker just looking for something to wear hiking just a few times a year, the $100 range will be more than sufficient.

This is largely a matter of personal preference. If you find it more comfortable to wear socks, especially for preventing blisters or keeping your feet warm in cooler weather, it's appropriate to slip them on. However, you'll want to avoid wearing socks when your feet might get wet, as the extra moisture can be uncomfortable and make you more prone to developing blisters or rashes.

Todd Plummer is a Boston-based attorney and writer who covers travel and menswear. He has been writing professionally since 2010 and product testing for nearly ten years. Todd worked with T+L’s editors to determine the best hiking sandals based on a series of tests completed by expert product testers in our New York City lab.

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