The Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2024

The Teva Original Universal ($55) is a great option for those seeking a comfortable sandal with exceptional value. These sandals provide good support and an adjustable, secure fit thanks to their two adjustment points without feeling bulky or heavy. And weighing in at only 5.5 ounces per sandal (similar in weight to a D-size battery) — the third lightest on our list right behind the Xero Z-Trail EV — we are impressed by their simple yet tough design.

In addition to being inexpensive, comfy, and featuring a simple, streamlined appearance, these sandals are also designed for water activities. The classic style and strong, quick-drying webbing allow for an easy transition from short hiking trails to jumping on a SUP board, as our lead tester Rebecca Ross demonstrated on local riverways and lakes in Washington and Oregon. This adaptability makes them particularly useful for those who frequently move between land and water environments.

However, the budget-friendly price does come with some trade-offs. During our testing, we found that the quality of the soles could be improved. After a few scrambles on some of our favorite local trails in the Columbia Gorge, the exposed foam side walls began to show early signs of wear. While this doesn’t necessarily mean an early demise, it does suggest that these sandals might need a lighter touch when navigating rough terrain. The soles are durable enough for typical use but may wear down faster under more strenuous conditions.

If you don’t want to break the bank but need a sandal that can keep up with water activities and day-to-day errands, the Original Universal sandals come highly recommended by our team. Its combination of affordability, comfort, and versatility ensures you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you’re paddling on a river or running errands around town, these sandals offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for your footwear needs.

The Teva Tirra ($85) is our top pick for high support, thanks to several key features. Each sandal weighs 9 ounces and includes three hook-and-loop closures, a tough contoured midsole, and excellent arch support. These utilitarian sandals are versatile enough to handle various conditions. We’ve tested them on everything from high alpine trails to water activities, and they performed exceptionally well.

Similar to the KEEN Whisper Sandals, the Tirra impressed us with its comfort while being less bulky than the Whispers. A cushioned EVA footbed enhances that comfort and shock absorption, effectively preventing foot fatigue despite its appearance. Unlike the Whispers, the Tirra has three quick-adjusting closure points, providing a secure fit on steep terrain and allowing for easy adjustments during mid-day hikes or tightness while descending scree. 

However, its rugged design left us wishing for a slightly better grip on steep terrain with sketchy exposure, where traction was crucial. In those situations, the Chaco Z/Cloud’s traction really stood out. That said, the Tirra still excels in all-day comfort with its high arch support. And when testing the Tirra in water, we found that they are not fully designed for prolonged exposure and take some time to dry completely. However, we didn’t encounter issues during creekbed crossings or kayaking on the Columbia River, provided they weren’t left soaking.

If you’re looking for a sandal designed specifically for water activities, Teva’s Hydratrek offers similar functionality to the Tirra but with cradled comfort, a lighter build, and better water handling capabilities. Both options are excellent for rugged adventures.

While they may not be the most stylish sandals, the Teva Tirra performs exceptionally well. They are a great alternative when you’re torn between boots and sandals. Their durable construction has held up remarkably well during demanding adventures, including significant elevation changes in Mt. Rainier National Park. Plus, for those concerned about sizing, these sandals are available in half sizes — a surprisingly tough thing to find in a good sandal.

Newly large and in charge, the Bedrock Cairn Evo C Sandals ($135) bump up the cushioning with an updated thicker footbed that we could feel ourselves sinking into. But it’s the trustworthy Vibram outsoles that really make these sandals the go-to option for our off-trail hikes and adventures: Where other sandal outsoles begin to slip, these hold fast.

We put these sandals in the hands (or feet) of climbing guide Katie Griffith this summer, who used them as post-work scrambling footwear around Joshua Tree National Park, and found they stuck like Velcro to the granite there. “I expected the soles to slip on the granite slabs, but the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsoles always stuck to the rock,” she reported. “I felt surprisingly secure the whole way, even as we explored the water-polished caverns.”

In comparison, we found the outsoles on Bedrock sandals to outperform all others in our elevated grade tests, and coupled with the secure Y-strap system, we were locked into these sandals like few others. The outsole on the C variation is 1/4″ thicker than the Cairn Evo sandals we’ve worn before, making them better for high-impact activities like bounding from boulder to boulder. The stack height isn’t enough too much to make these sandals feel off-balanced, however, keeping you planted.

While these sandals strap in much the same way that the Luna Middle Bears do, the midsole is far more comfortable, so if pure minimalism isn’t your bag, these are a great middle ground. The Chaco Z/Clouds are similarly adept at traction, but we found that the Y-strap on these helped to pin down the front of our feet, making for better control when things get a little tricky.

If you want to push the limits of what sandals can do, the Cairn Evo Cs are the sandals to do it in. The price makes them just about the most expensive in our lineup, but the trade-off is in pure ability.

If you’re looking for a reliable shoe to take with you on overnight camping trips, look no further than the Birkenstock Arizona ($110). This easy-to-slip-on sandal is the perfect footwear to toss on first thing in the morning after you roll out of your tent — sock or no sock! 

Though the price tag is hefty, these sandals are well-made, featuring soft suede and adjustable metal pin buckles. The contoured footbed conforms to your feet for outstanding comfort, and unlike older versions, they require far less time to break in. After two seasons of testing now, we found these sandals make excellent post-hike footwear.

We didn’t test these sandals on our usual rigorous hikes and water outings due to their lack of backings and suede material, but they racked up plenty of miles venturing around our campsites and during countless errands around town. By cinching the buckles tightly, we found that these sandals aren’t just limited to casual wear — they’re adventurous enough to handle light hiking trails, too.

However, the most obvious drawback is that the untreated suede uppers stain easily — especially depending on the color — when exposed to water and grime, making them less ideal for water activities. Unlike Birkenstock’s oiled leather versions, these sandals can benefit from a waterproofing treatment before taking them on your next adventure.

One additional note about Birkenstock Arizonas: You may find that they stretch out over time, like our hiker who wears them nearly everywhere, especially if paired frequently with thick socks. However, if you find that you’ve run out of buckle holes, a few DIY hole punches in the strap can easily adjust the fit.

Yes, while they require some upkeep and aren’t the most rugged hiking sandal, Arizonas are worth the investment if you’re looking for a comfortable and durable lounge or recovery sandal. With proper care, they can serve as your go-to sandal for daily wear for many years. They are also available in two widths and, surprisingly, half sizes.

One of the toughest sandals we tested was the Keen Women’s Whisper ($120). Its rubber bumper offers excellent toe protection, allowing you to tackle any terrain, from scree fields and deep river crossings to long backpacking trips where foot injury is a concern. These sandals are robust enough to handle it all on your adventures and then some.

Even with the extra material, these sandals are lighter than we expected at 17 ounces. They are also quite comfortable, with EVA midsoles that do a great job absorbing shock while hopping over rocky terrain on our hikes in the North Cascades. We also appreciate the Keens’ thinner webbing, which feels less bulky than it appears and more streamlined compared to their cousins — the Newport H2s. 

However, despite their advantages, we found that the Whispers collected quite a bit of pebbles and debris, which are often hard to remove due to their caged-in design. After a quick shake, however, we still strongly recommend the Whispers for those who need a sandal that can withstand rocky excursions. Their quick bungee cinch closing system and handy heel loop make them easy to get on and off in a flash.

The Keen Whispers have a soft mesh liner, which helps prevent blisters and mitigates hot spots on long hikes. However, due to the extra material, they can feel a bit weighed down when wet and can take a few hours to dry. Nevertheless, their traction makes them well-suited for water activities.

While the Whispers are on the pricier side, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers good protection — though without the toe guard but with ample arch support and similar weight — the Teva Tirra Sandal is a good alternative. However, the Keen Whispers stand out for their superior durability and of course, toe protection.

While not the most stylish option, the Whispers are surprisingly less clunky in person than they might appear. With their impressive traction, comfort, and toe protection, they are our go-to sandals when we want to avoid toe injuries but don’t want to wear boots all day. The Whispers are a recommended choice for tackling the most rugged adventures.

With its design inspired by runners in rural Mexico, it’s no surprise that the Luna Middle Bear ($120) is a sandal built to keep up with any adventure. This sandal is a beast when it comes to trail performance thanks to its unbeatable comfort and confidence-inspiring tread. Even after a wet and bushwhacky 10-mile hike in the Olympic National Forest, we’d trust these kicks on any adventure.

Similar to the Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals, the Middle Bears are minimalist. They are a zero-drop sandal with room to spread your toes. The infinite loop strap design means you can adjust these sandals wherever you need them most. They come with a padded heel strap that we found essential to minimizing break-in time, and the soft rubber soles kept us from having achy feet at the end of the day. Our feet simply didn’t get tired of wearing them.

These sandals will grip anything, even wet rocks and roots. The lugs are 1.5 mm deeper than the Cairn Evos, and they’re specially made with extra grip on the toe for power and stability in your stride (especially if you decide to pick up the pace!) The rubber soles and tech straps are durable and thick, meaning they will last your many intense adventures.

However, for their price, the Middle Bears offer limited style options, with only three strap patterns available. This can be a drawback, especially during mid-summer hikes. Additionally, we found the footbed to be somewhat slippery when wet, particularly from sweat, which can be inconvenient.

The Xero Z Trail sandals on the other hand are a decent contender to the Middle Bear. Weighing 7.8 ounces less, they offer natural flexibility, support, and affordability. However, they might not provide the same rugged grip or overall durability as the Luna Middle Bears. While the Xero Z Trails excel in flexibility and comfort, the Luna Middle Bears are designed for more demanding terrains with their tough construction.

What truly stands out about the Middle Bear sandals is their blend of minimalism, functionality, and exceptional durability. Their impressive performance and comfort make them a dependable choice for conquering challenging trails, providing a robust and reliable option for any rugged adventure.

A crowd favorite is the Chaco Bodhi ($100) due to its traditional and stylish design, and the high-quality finish many of us expect from a Chaco. A lot of the features we have come to expect in a good sandal can be found on the Bodhi, including a 3 mm lug depth, broad arch support, and no-slip rubber outsoles, all weighing 7.3 ounces per sandal. 

The Bodhi’s design is a classic Chaco style, featuring a one-strap, one-sole construction. This design allows the polyester jacquard webbing to be adjusted for a personalized fit, which held up well during our summer of hot, sweltering hikes around the North Cascades. Similar to the other Chacos on our list, the design accommodates foot swelling, making it possible to loosen the straps for added comfort.

For those who prefer a more secure fit without the toe loop, the Chaco Z/Cloud or the Lowdown might be worth a look. However, if you love Chaco’s signature style and want a sandal that combines both function and flair, the Bodhi is an excellent option. Its retro-inspired strap designs make it not only functional but also a stylish choice for any wardrobe.

What we appreciate about the Bodhi is that, while it isn’t as light as the Lowdown nor as heavy as the Z/Cloud, it strikes a good balance with its traction and added toe support, preventing our feet from slipping off when traversing undulating terrain. However, for long hikes, we found the toe loop less comfortable compared to the other two Chacos.

Among the three Chaco models, the Bodhi truly stands out with its sleek design, effortlessly complementing both casual and adventure outfits. Its retro strap patterns add a stylish flair, and the over-the-toe loop provides extra security, particularly useful during stream crossings where it prevents slippage. These are among the most stylish sandals we’ve encountered, and while it gives up some hiking prowess to do it, we still see many opportunities to break them out.

For those seeking a simple yet supportive sandal, the Bedrock Cairn Evo ($115) truly deserves a spot on our Best Hiking Sandals list. At just 8 ounces per sandal, with a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop and three straightforward adjustment zones, these sandals offer everything needed for trail adventures without unnecessary frills while maintaining all the essential features for proper support.

The Bedrock Cairn Evo quickly became a favorite for Rebecca, who appreciates a natural feeling sandal without compromising on comfort and traction. Tested in various conditions, including log and boulder hopping and local Pacific coast trails, the Cairn Evo excelled. Its Vibram rubber soles are specifically designed for wet and slick surfaces, providing exceptional grip akin to the Luna Middle Bears. The stickiness of the soles ensured reliable traction across diverse terrains, from rocky outcrops to muddy paths.

Beyond its excellent grip, the Cairn Evo features a straightforward design that enhances ground contact and feedback, offering a highly responsive and stable feel. The sandal’s thin yet durable sole and flexible construction facilitates a natural range of motion, making it well-suited for navigating uneven terrain. If the new ‘C’ variation of these sandals feels a little chunky to you, these are the answers for more ground feel.

While the minimalist toe style might not suit everyone, we found it surprisingly comfortable. That said, it doesn’t provide as much support as some other options on our list. And with its unisex sizing, we found the toe coverage lacking, so we recommend sizing up, especially for those with wider feet. 

The Cairn Evos is a standout option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight sandal with exceptional traction and flexibility. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking or other water activities, or just heading out to meet friends, the Cairn Evo can handle some serious adventures on both dry land and water.

The Xero Z-Trail EV ($80) sandal definitely gave us a “Born to Run” vibe, so all those who love to go barefoot will rejoice. It is the lightest and most bare-bones-feeling footwear on our list, weighing a whopping 4.3 ounces per sandal, with an 11 mm sole. Its design is comfortable and flexible, providing a natural, limber feel where you can sense the ground beneath.

During testing, we felt surprisingly secure while playing outdoor games with friends while car camping or chasing our kiddos at the park. And that’s due in part to the solid adjustment straps, the roomy soles that kept our feet covered, and the deep, multi-directional chevron lugs that gave a decent amount of traction. 

Overall, the minimal feel and the security the sandal provided definitely impressed us. However, we wouldn’t recommend these sandals for anything hardcore due to the lack of solid support. We also aren’t sure how they hold up after heavy use or years of wear. However, the good news is that they offer a 5,000-mile sole warranty. If you’re looking for a zero-drop sandal with a thicker sole and better durability, the Luna Middle Bear might be a better option.

While this sandal isn’t the best choice for rocky routes, its packability — unlike our beloved, yet bulky Birkenstock Arizona — makes it a fantastic addition to our shoe collection. It’s perfect for when we arrive at the campsite and desperately need to swap out of our heavy boots or when we reach the car and need a quick change for comfort.

For anyone who hates feeling restricted in their footwear, the Z-Trail EV Sandals cut out any unnecessary or excess material while keeping it eco-friendly with its recycled plastic water bottle nylon. These sandals are the next best thing to going totally barefoot.

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish sandal with a minimal environmental footprint (pun intended), the Teva Zymic Sandal ($80) might just be what you’re looking for. Not only are these sandals a statement piece, but they’re comfortable too. Even better, they are one of the more eco-friendly sandals you can find.

These sandals feel like walking on a cloud, thanks to their cushioned footbed and lightweight construction, making them ideal for both extended walks and relaxation. The straps, made from thick mesh material, are particularly comfortable around the heel, leading to a short break-in period. They’re so lightweight you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them. Another sandal that offers cloud-like comfort is the Teva Women’s Hydratrek Sandal, but it doesn’t quite match the cushioning of the Zymic.

These earth-friendly sandals have a collection of styles and colors to choose from, and at only $80 a pair, you won’t break the bank if you want to get a couple of styles (though the Teva Original Universal Sandals are even cheaper!) The most unique part of these sandals is how eco-friendly they are. Each part of these sandals is made entirely or partially of recycled material, and they’re even treated with peppermint oil for a natural, odor-eliminating power. 

However, it’s worth noting that the Zymic Sandals might not be for everyone. Their thick soles, while providing ample cushioning, can feel overly supportive for some users, especially those who prefer a more natural foot feel. The sandals are designed for comfort on smooth surfaces, but their lack of grip means they may not be ideal for uneven or tricky terrain. Additionally, the materials used, while eco-friendly, may not be the most durable, potentially leading to wear and tear over time.

Overall, the Zymic Sandals are a good choice for those who value style, comfort, and environmental responsibility. They won’t be the best hikers out there, a fact that keeps them lower in our lineup, but despite a few minor drawbacks, they offer a solid combination of features at a reasonable price, and make them a standout option in the eco-friendly sandal market.

At just $70, these low-cost Chaco sandals are a great way to dip your toes into the Chaco lineup without breaking the bank! Not only are the Chaco Lowdowns stylish, but their adjustable straps and grippy outsoles make them a good option for short hikes and walks on variable terrain. 

These Chacos boast a 3 mm-deep lug pattern, which provides excellent grip on various surfaces. We found they performed well on different trail types, including gravel, rocks, and mud. And in water crossings, they definitely performed, although, like other sandals on our list, the webbing did take some time to fully dry. Additionally, the adjustable toe and heel straps make these sandals adaptable to sock-and-sandal weather.

However, they do lean on the narrow side, and we noticed a few hot spots on our pinky toes when wearing these sandals with socks. Also, with their firmer footbed, they didn’t keep our feet feeling completely fatigue-free, especially toward the end of longer treks. We also found that the straps were somewhat restrictive and not long enough, leading to frequent stops to tighten them, which slowed us down while hiking.

Overall, we found these shoes a bit tricky to size correctly. Like the Chaco Z/Cloud and other Chacos, the Lowdowns have a defined arch made with high-rebound EVA and more contoured arch support, with a particularly high outside arch. For those who prefer low to zero-drop shoes, note that the Lowdowns will have a longer break-in period. They don’t come in half sizes, but if you usually land in a half size, we recommend sizing down to the nearest full size.

Though sizing can be tricky, if you find the right fit, the Lowdowns will be a reliable trail sandal or for casual everyday use. They also come in a variety of strap colors, allowing you to find the perfect match for every outfit. While other Chacos like the Z/Cloud and Bodhi offer more durability, the Lowdowns are a lower-cost option with a similar design.