Our Trail-Blazing Tests Choose the Best Hiking Sandals for 2022
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You may have thought that hiking footwear had to be a bulky, heavy-duty pair of boots that take ages to lace up and break in, but think again. Hiking sandals are very much a thing, and with the right pair, you can trek for miles and miles.
“For me, I love every bit of freedom to feel as close to the earth as possible,” says Emmeline Wang, social media manager at AllTrails, the leading global trail map app. “There’s a sense of freedom of movement and closeness to the dirt that I find to be so valuable when walking and hiking. With the ease of being able to quickly take sandals off, I enjoy literally grounding myself on the trails by taking a moment to go barefoot and feeling the dirt under my feet and between my toes.”
In addition to grounding (which has tons of benefits, BTW), hiking sandals can enhance the sensory experience of hiking, says Christina Parker, Director of Trail Data Integrity at AllTrails. “You can feel the sun and water on your toes and you have to worry a lot less about blisters on your heels and, of course, no sweaty socks!”
However, you can’t just slip on a pair of flip-flops or regular walking sandals and expect to hike comfortably and safely. Hiking sandals that are designed specifically for trailblazing are a must, and you’ll want a pair that’s easily adjustable, stable, supportive, and grippy enough to handle technical terrain.
To help you find the best hiking sandals for your next outdoor adventure, we took to the trails ourselves in some of the highest-rated shoes available. Twenty-two outdoors lovers tested 11 pairs of hiking sandals and scored each one on seven different categories: fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value. After taking detailed insights and spending a full month testing these shoes, these are the hiking sandals we found to be the best of the best.
HOKA has seemingly nailed the ultra-cushioned shoe trend, and the Hopara All-Terrain Shoe is no different. The plump padding catapulted these to the title of overall best hiking sandals.
With a thick, protective layer of cushioning on the sole, we could not stop raving about how comfortable these shoes were for everything from a five-mile hike to a full day of wear. But even with this cushiness, we never wobbled or wavered — which was a pleasant surprise, since stability is usually the first thing that gets sacrificed when you add more cushioning to a running shoe.
In our testing, the outsole was just rugged enough to give us the traction we needed when traversing waterfalls and other tricky surfaces (in fact, the outsole is made of 4mm multidirectional lugs to enhance your grip). The neoprene construction also gave us extra confidence when wearing these shoes in wet conditions; they felt quick-drying and breathable.
Even though there’s not a ton of adjustability (like what you’d see on classic multi-strap Tevas), the Hopara hiking sandals are easy to slip on and off, with a quick-lace system and a pull tab on the heel. We loved that these hiking sandals were closed-toe (for extra protection), but that did cause our feet to get just a tad sweaty.
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 5 | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Quick-lace system
Teva hiking sandals are a go-to for many hikers, and we felt the Universal Women’s Sandal stood out for being the most versatile hiking sandal we tested. The lightweight sole won’t weigh you down over miles, and there are several bright, on-trend colorways to choose from (we counted 27, in fact). “I love that the look of my Tevas is a little more stylish,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “Because they didn’t look like typical hiking shoes, I found myself reaching for them day after day for the dog park, the beach, errands, and more.” They’re easy to clean (just rinse them off in the sink), and we appreciated the crosshatch pattern on the insole, which helped our feet stay in place while walking.
The lightweight aspect of these hiking sandals is definitely a pro, but make sure you understand that they’re not super-cushioned or responsive. “Wearing these Tevas feels like wearing a regular pair of sandals, but with a little more traction and adjustability,” says Geil. “I wouldn’t wear them for a seriously intense hike, but I’d wear them for something low in difficulty.”
If you’re ready to hit “Buy,” make sure you read the reviews and sizing recommendations first, we found that sizing was a bit off (and if you’re typically a half-size, this step is even more important). “I also felt like the heel strap sat a little low on my ankle, and it felt like it was on the verge of slipping off — but it never did,” adds Geil.
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 27 | Material: Webbing made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi® | Closure: Hook-and-loop closure
According to our hikers, the Merrell Barava Backstrap hiking sandals feel like a premium product even though they are priced under $100. The front strap and sole of the sandals are made of high-quality materials, and the sweat-wicking, breathable material is durable enough to withstand walks and water activities. Our testers loved the extra padding inside the heel strap, which prevents blisters or irritation, and all three straps are adjustable for a perfect fit.
These sandals may not be ideal for long hikes on technical terrains due to their thin soles, but they perform well on day hikes and casual walks.
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: 100% recycled webbing mesh upper | Closure: Hook-and-loop closure
The Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal is a plush and stylish hiking sandal that our testers couldn't stop raving about. The sandals offer support throughout the entire foot, including arches and heels, and the chunky cushioning provides extra comfort and a spring in the step. Despite the lack of extra padding on the straps, the sandals are lightweight and comfortable.
However, the sandals are best suited for light hikes, nature walks, and errands rather than long hikes with technical terrains. The plush cushioning may be a bonus, but less cushioning may be more beneficial for foot muscles to feel the ground better and quickly adapt to changing conditions.
Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: 100% recycled webbing mesh upper | Closure: Hook-and-loop closure
For casual day hikes, the Teva Tirra Women’s Sandals offer the right combination of stability and shock absorption. The sandals didn't cause any blisters or irritation, and the straps can be easily adjusted for swollen feet or changes in socks. One of our editors, who suffers from plantar fasciitis, didn't experience a flare-up while wearing these hiking sandals thanks to the supportive sole.
The design and colorways of the sandals may look too much like hiking sandals, so they may not be as versatile-looking as more trendy sandals like the Teva Universal. The editors would like to see more sophisticated colorways offered.
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 12 | Material: Webbing made from recycled plastic using traceable, verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi® | Closure: Hook-and-loop closure
If you're planning to spend time on the water, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 sandals are ideal for kayaking, boating, and other water activities. The outsole is made of a grippy rubber material that provides stability on slippery surfaces, and the sandals offer ample shock absorption and underfoot cushioning. "The shoes are made for comfort and performance," says Eliza Savage, Shape associate editorial director, commerce, who tested the shoes. "I got stuck in a rainstorm while wearing these and didn't feel my feet slip or slide, and I had traction on slick roads."
However, the editors found the fit of the sandals to be challenging, with the placement of the foot in relation to the straps and sole feeling off. The straps were difficult to adjust for a better fit, and the cushioning wasn't what they would consider "pillow-top comfort."
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 8 | Material: Polyester jacquard webbing | Closure: Straps
Although closed-toe shoes with ankle support are recommended for multi-day hikes, hiking sandals can be a suitable option under certain conditions. The Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Women's Sandal provides stability across a range of terrain due to its footbed that curves up around the feet for secure placement. The sandals also offer generous shock support, and their rubber outsole offers traction equivalent to that of a hiking boot.
Opinions varied regarding the straps on these sandals. One editor praised the padding and buckles for feeling comfortable without causing irritation, while another found them to be somewhat abrasive. It is also worth noting that, like other Teva shoes, these hiking sandals do not come in half-sizes, so careful measurement is recommended.
At the time of publication, the price for these sandals was $110. Available sizes include 5-11, with only one color (webbing made from recycled plastic using REPREVE polyester yarn from Unifi), and the closure is a hook-and-loop fastener.
Our team tested 31 pairs of walking shoes for over 1,984 hours to find the best hiking sandals for a wide range of trails and terrains. Each shoe underwent testing by two people to identify which type of hiker it may be best suited for. Then, we narrowed down the options to 11 hiking sandals intended specifically for hiking, basing our evaluations on seven categories: fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value. Testers gave detailed feedback for each pair, and by comparing their responses, we determined which hiking sandals deserved special recognition.
Unlike hiking boots, which provide stability on flat ground by using ankle shafts, hiking sandals are more lightweight and flexible. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful when shopping for them to ensure adequate support. Take the "bend test," as recommended by podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, D.P.M. in New York City. Hold your shoe in both hands and attempt to bend it in half. Verify that the bend occurs at the ball of the foot and toes, not down the middle, to ensure sufficient support.
Parker stated that a stiff sole is necessary to navigate uneven terrain, and open-toed shoes with toe protection are also required. It is crucial to differentiate between support and cushioning since too much cushioning can make it difficult to feel the ground beneath your feet, resulting in slower reactions and potentially causing injuries. The ideal hiking sandal should offer a balance of cushioning, support, and stability.
The upper of a hiking sandal must be both snug and protective. Look for breathable but durable materials to avoid blisters and foot sweat while also shielding your feet from any hazards on the trail. The bottom of your hiking sandal should feature a robust outsole with ample traction to offer stability on technical terrain, with a rubbery feel or lugs for added grip. A variety of closure options are available for hiking sandals, including the hook-and-loop fastener—popular for its easy adjustability for all foot shapes and sizes.
You might also see a quick-lace system, like on the HOKA Hopara All-Terrain Shoe, which lets you slip on the sandals and tighten the elastic laces.
Kristen Geil is Shape’s senior commerce editor, and she specializes in testing and writing about fitness gear, equipment, and apparel, including hiking shoes. She’s tackled several major hikes, including a week-long river rafting trip in Honduras, a mountaineering expedition in Peru, and most recently, a Mount Kilimanjaro summit. She’s also an endurance runner with several marathons and half-marathons under her belt, and she also has her NASM personal trainer certification and USATF running coach certification. Kristen recently led the Shape Best in Fitness Awards and the Sneaker Awards, both of which involved lengthy testing and nomination processes to drill down into the features and differences of shoes.
For this article, Kristen interviewed Emmeline Wang, Social Media Manager at AllTrails, and Christina Parker, Director of Trail Data Integrity at AllTrails. AllTrails is the leading global trail map app dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. AllTrails creates an inclusive space for users to find inspiration, connect with friends, and discover new trails with +400K curated trails accessible through the platform and 50MM users around the world. Emmeline manages AllTrails’ organic global social media channels by day, and is a lover of nature, pursuing advanced hiking, backpacking and rock climbing for 7+ years. Her biggest enjoyment is spending time backpacking into alpine areas to rock climb, and also deeply enjoys the calming health benefits that slow walking that #softhiking and #forestbathing provide. Christina manages the Trail Data Integrity team at AllTrails as they map hundreds of thousands of trails around the world. When she isn’t looking at maps, she’s hitting the trails herself, usually seeking out hot springs or alpine lakes to enjoy with friends.
