Are hiking sandals highly recommended?

Is it a good idea to wear hiking sandals? After reading this article, you will wonder how you could have survived without them.

When the warm weather arrives in full force, it can be difficult to get the motivation to lace up even the best hiking boots and put your feet inside them. Even when the weather is lovely, you probably will not have much fun if you have to trudge through it wearing heavy boots that make your feet hot and sticky. Why not check out some sandals designed for hiking? Wait, so sandals designed for trekking are a decent option? After all, would not that be like going on a hike while wearing sandals? Among the many varieties of hiking shoes, you might be shocked to hear that hiking sandals are a shoe option that holds its own against the competition. As a matter of fact, once you have finished reading this post, you will wonder how you ever walked around without them. That is because we will guide you through the benefits of wearing walking sandals on blazing hot days and explain what to look for when purchasing your first pair.

Do hiking sandals work well?

In a single word, yeah. Your feet will feel cool and unfettered when you trek in decent hiking sandals, but they will still provide adequate support for you to hike through tough terrain. We would not advocate wearing them on high mountain slopes or particularly difficult pathways, especially while carrying a big backpack (where strong ankle support and stability are crucial), but in ideal circumstances, quality hiking sandals with toe protection and good soles are suitable for walking across a variety of surfaces.

Because you do not have to stop and take off your shoes and hiking socks, they work especially well on routes with several river crossings. You can continue walking across the stream or over the estuary, and your hiking sandals will rapidly dry. They perform very well on treks along the coast and clifftops, and if you are going on a serious multiday backpacking trip, it is a good idea to have a pair of sandals to change into once you have finished walking for the day.

Sandals are great for traveling in tropical climates because they are lightweight, easy to pack, and ideal for slipping on quickly for activities such as walking, swimming, or wearing around a campsite. Hiking sandals are also great for people who want to stick them in their backpacks for summer vacations.

And sure, hiking sandals have long been considered a bit of a fashion faux pas (particularly if, brace yourself for this one, they are worn with socks!). However, some fairly chic iterations are currently available to purchase. Teva and Keen are just two examples of brands currently producing seriously stylish sandals. Most people are interested in purchasing more serious and are more concerned with how comfortable they will be while hiking than with how cool they will look in the pub at the end of the day.

Convinced? Continue reading to learn what characteristics to search for in a good pair of hiking sandals.

5 Points to consider before buying Hiking Sandals

Design

Walking shoes come in various designs, and the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck will be the ones that are most suited to the kinds of activities you engage in the most frequently. The ideal hiking sandals in the market are rugged trail-ready designs with thick straps and substantial rubber soles with lugs that will rival the grip of your favorite hiking boots. These hiking sandals are also known as alshandals because they are similar to a cross between a walking shoe and a sandal. Regular hot-weather hikers who like to explore a variety of terrain should look for walking sandals with these features. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time walking on the sand at the beach or going to be gone for a long time, a pair of sandals that is not as heavy would probably be sufficient.

Fit

Choose a model with wide straps that can be adjusted around the heel and across the front of your foot to keep the sandal in place while you walk. Additionally, just as you would when purchasing a pair of hiking boots, check to see that the sandal does not pinch or feel too tight and that it prevents your foot from moving around in it. Certain sandals can be modified using velcro straps or bungee cords, making it simple to acquire a shoe that is the perfect fit.

The most comfortable hiking sandals are the rough trail-ready styles. These are the ideal walking sandals for hikers who often hike in hot weather and prefer to explore various terrain. (Photographer’s credit goes to Getty)

Fabric

Sandals designed for hiking are available in various materials and textures, from smooth leather to neoprene. However, we recommend selecting a hiking sandal made of fabric or nylon because these materials are durable when walking and quick to dry if they become wet.

Assurance of safety

One significant disadvantage to hiking in sandals is the increased likelihood of stumbling or stubbing a toe on uneven terrain, provided that the weathers are appropriate (that is, not subzero temperatures). However, Shandals have this aspect of your needs addressed for you. This type of footwear is a hybrid design that is half shoe and half sandal. It often has a closed rubber toe and a significant amount of coverage around the ankle area. Additionally, it has strappy sides and plenty of vents to keep its feet cool. They are a fantastic compromise for hiking in hot weather when you still want protection. They are also suitable for usage in water when you are wild swimming, crossing a river, canyoning, or coasteering. They are a great compromise for hiking in hot weather when you still want protection.

Value

Good sandals, like those made by Keen, can be rather pricey, but if you plan to trek for a significant distance while wearing them, the additional cost will be well worth it. Your new hiking sandals will inevitably have a shorter lifespan than your hiking boots; therefore, we suggest you invest in a higher-quality pair of sandals. Buying too inexpensive sandals can be a waste of money because they are more likely to break. When shopping for hiking sandals in the early spring or at the end of summer, you can find some excellent deals on these items.

We are confident that whichever pair you choose, you will wonder how you got along without them. However, you should be aware that you may wear your new hiking sandals so frequently that you develop a fascinating tan li.

5 Best Hiking Sandals

Best Men Hiking Sandals: chaco z/1 classic

PROS: Durably built, comfy, adjustable, supportive, plenty of color options, and tan lines for everyone!

CONS: Strap sandals can cause blisters when wet and sandy, a little heavier and harder to adjust than some others, straps may get dirty easily

• Organic Canvas
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Double-strapped polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit with toe loop for guard fit
• Adjustable and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers
• Luvseat dual density midsole
• Non-marking Chaco grip rubber compound with 3.5mm lug depth

Buy here your Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals

Best Women Hiking Sandals:KEEN Clearwater CNX

PROS: Light, quick-drying and protective,

CONS: It’s a little bulky, but it’s comfortable and has a good fit.

If you’re like us, summer means river floating, beach bumming, and lake diving. We’ve had many cheap flip- flop straps break during our summer vacation, but it doesn’t have to be like that! These KEEN Clearwater CNx Sandals are lightweight, water-resistant, and comfortable for walking on trails. They’re perfect for paddling in tubes and kayaks. We prefer the Clearwaters because they’re comfortable, not too clunky, and fit well. These sandals are perfect for anyone who wants a comfortable pair of shoes for the summer.

Buy here your Keen Clearwater CNX for women

Best Children Hiking Sandals:Teva Y Hurricane XLT 2 Sport Sandal

PROS: A variety of colors, Light

CONS: Just for Light hikes

• 100% Synthetic
• Quick dry
• Made from recycled plastic
• Rugged Spider Rubber outsole is extremely durable and supplies great traction

Buy here your this best children hiking sandals

Best Ultralight Hiking Sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV

PROS: Ultra light, adjustable, comfortable, and affordable

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

These Z-Trail EV sandals are among the most minimal shoes we’ve ever tested, but that didn’t mean they were lacking in comfort or performance. The Velcro adjustments make it easy for you to get a custom fit. We were surprised by how strong the soles are despite being so flexible.

Buy Here Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV

Best Budget Hiking Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2

PROS: Affordable and lightweight, cushy soled shoes

CONS: Socks may be too soft for someTextile

• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole
• Water-ready polyester webbing stands up to the elements and dries quickly after getting wet
• EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort

Buy here Teva Hurrican XLT2

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy way to get out into nature, then hiking sandals might be the best option for you. Hiking sandals are a good alternative for people who don’t mind getting their feet dirty or who don’t want to carry heavy packs. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, then investing in a pair of hiking sandals is definitely worthwhile.