The Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026

The Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud ($105) has several outstanding features that made it the best overall in our testing, but let’s start from the ground up. The 3mm lug depth and rugged ChacoGrip outsole made navigating the rockiest terrain a breeze. Its moderate arch support and slightly cushioned midsole provided excellent stability during our demanding 10-hour, 12-mile approach with a 4,500-foot elevation gain over a two-day hike toward the Easton Glacier on Mt. Baker.

All this added up to one comfortable sandal underfoot, but the strap system atop it was equally important in keeping our feet happy. We truly appreciated the capability to loosen the webbing at various points when our feet started to swell — thanks to its interactive one-sole, one-strap design. Another perk was the sandal’s buckle, which didn’t gather dust and debris like Velcro would while bushwhacking through overgrown trails.

However, testing these sandals in water revealed some challenges. The one-strap design, while effective at securing the foot, can become cumbersome as pebbles accumulate in the footbed while wading through riverbeds. Removing these pebbles without taking the sandals off can be tricky, a common issue with other Chaco models that also feature a single adjustment point.

Additionally, while the Z/Clouds excelled in wet conditions, they did require some time to dry. This was a common issue with many sandals, even those marketed as “quick-drying.” Despite this minor inconvenience, the sandals’ reliable traction and the durability of the ChacoGrip outsole offer a compelling combination of grip and longevity. This versatility makes the Z/Clouds an excellent choice for navigating a variety of challenging environments.

Although we thought these sandals were a little heavier than other sandals in the Chacos lineup, such as the Lowdowns or the Bodhis, we nevertheless adored the Z/Clouds for strenuous day hikes, camping, and flaunting them to our friends because of their cute, funky, retro patterns. For just about everything you’re looking to get up to in a pair of sandals, these are the ideal pair to take you there.

The Teva Original Universal ($60) 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, our team highly recommends the Original Universal sandals. 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 ($90) 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 ($140). 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, it requires far less time to break in. After two seasons of testing, we have found that 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.

The Teva Hydratrek Sandal ($85) quickly won us over — especially tester Katie Griffith, who lives beside Washington State’s Skykomish River during the summer, and needed a wet-traction-first sandal for her frequent swimming hole visits. The big news is the outsole of the Hydratrek, which has been tweaked to mimic the pads of tree frog feet, according to Teva.

The top of the outsole has also been primed for enhanced wet traction and hosts a textured surface with dimples to keep your feet firmly planted. The strap system is very on-brand for Teva, porting over similar spacer mesh pads as seen on the Terra-Fi 5 sandals, which help keep rubbing at bay. The Velcro closure system is also the best choice for river hiking, as the straps won’t loosen when they become wet.

The magic of the Hydratrek is really all in the soles, however. Teva uses the same Spider Rubber compound used in the Tirra sandals, but the outsole design makes the difference in wet traction. The circular traction design is meant to grip in any direction and displace water underfoot, and Griffith found it excelled — even on the polished granite boulders of the Skykomish. The only way we could see making this sandal better in wet conditions would be to add cut sipes, such as those seen in water shoes from Astral.

At a smidge over 1 pound, the Hydratreks offer great traction without going overboard and becoming boat anchors. Griffith found that they fit in well between the Bedrock Cairn Evo Cs — sandals that are more all-terrain and better suited for hiking — and her classic Chacos, which provide better arch support and can be dressed up if needed.

Teva also makes a more protective version of this sandal, the Teva Hydratek Closed-Toe Sandal, which we’ve also awarded in our ‘Best Water Shoes’ guide for women. For $15 more, you get additional breathable mesh protection over your toes and a quick-pull lacing system, making that version better for pure water use, where you might be swimming more than river-side hiking.

For hikes where you might spend time on both land and sea, however, the Hydratrek Sandal is a keen choice.

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, allowing the straps to be loosened for added comfort.

For those who prefer a more secure fit without a toe loop, the Chaco Z/Cloud or Lowdown might be worth considering. 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 has 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 facilitate 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 participating in other water activities, or just heading out to meet friends, the Cairn Evo can handle some serious adventures on both dry land and water.

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 its 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.

The Teva Aventrail Running Sandal ($145) is a step in the right direction toward a hiking sandal that can do it all — even trail run. Sporting a thick and supportive midsole mated up to a knit upper harness, these sandals aim to balance foot control with an open-toe design.

In practice, we found running in the Aventrail to be a little different, but not in a terrible way. The high stack height is fairly common in running shoes, but because the harness system on the sandals isn’t as supportive as a traditional trail shoe upper, there’s a little foot rolling to deal with. Our runner did get used to it eventually, but noted that the Aventrail isn’t going to be vis-à-vis to your trusty trail runners.

Even so, there’s a lot to like on the Aventrail. The three-strap system is highly adjustable and overlays a knit upper that feels comfortable both with and without socks. The EVA foam midsole is similar to recovery sandals (like the HOKA Ora) and provides just the right amount of squidge. While we haven’t found Teva Spider outsole rubber to be quite as grippy as Vibram options, it’s pretty dang close, and the lugged design on these sandals bites harder than more subdued designs.

The Aventrail certainly makes a statement, and that extends to the colorway choices: ‘Larkspur/ Scarlet,’ ‘Marshmallow/ Marigold,’ and ‘Burnt Olive/ Vivid Violet’ are all eye-catching color combos. However, if you enjoy the mellow earth tones of something like the Bedrock sandals, you might be out of luck with these.

Overall, we see the Aventrail as a “running possible” sandal, and one that otherwise excels on a lot of different terrain. The knit upper is super comfortable and supports the foot far more than other sandals on our list. Even if you don’t run in them, we think these sandals are prime for folks who might have weaker ankles, or who just want a bit more control in a sandal. The Teva Tirra is another design we enjoy for this, but forget about running in them. For that, it’s the Aventrail.

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 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. 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.