Best Women's Hiking Sandals of 2024: Tested for All Terrains | CleverHiker (2024)

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Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Supportive
• Excellent traction
• Lots of colors & patterns to choose from
• SSweet 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

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.

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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.

Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Supportive
• Excellent traction
• Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
• Sweet tan lines

Cons

• Straps can cause blisters when they're wet & sandy
• A little heavier than some others
• Staps can be a little difficult tol adjust once dirt builds up in the sole

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.

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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.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Excellent traction
• Highly adjustable
• Durable

Cons

• Not as supportive as others
• Expensive
• Straps between toes can be bothersome for some

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.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Quick-drying
• Protective
• Comfortable

Cons

• A bit bulky
• Not as breathable as other sandals
• A bit expensive

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.

Pros

• Protective
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Excellent traction

Cons

• A little bulky/heavier than some others
• Expensive
• Not as breathable as other sandals

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.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Cushy soles
• Adjustable

Cons

• Soles may be a little too cushy for some

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.

Pros

• Supportive
• Comfortable straps
• Adjustable
• Durable
• Casual look

Cons

• Expensive
• A little heavier and bulkier than some others

Everyone needs a good, sturdy pair of athleisure sandals for summer travel, and the ECCO Yucatans are our go-to. Much like an M&M candy, 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 of the lug pattern and casual feel, the ECCO Yucatan are better suited to travel and daily wear than hiking.

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

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.

Pros

• Affordable
• Adjustable
• Secure fit
• Supportive
• Stylish

Cons

• Straps can cause some rubbing before they soften up

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.

Pros

• Ultralight
• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Adjustable

Cons

• Not as supportive as others
• Not as durable as some others

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.

Pros

• Protective
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Excellent wet traction

Cons

• A little bulkier than some others
• Not as breathable as other sandals
• A bit expensive

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.