Podiatrists Are Urging You Not To Wear This Type Of Shoe On Hikes — Try These Instead
Comfort, durability, and support to help you reap the benefits of nature.
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September 6, 2023
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Caitlyn Martyn is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Byrdie, InStyle, Popsugar and more.
September 6, 2023 Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just learning about the benefits of time in nature, you’ll want to take stock of your footwear. While a solid pair of hiking boots is key, the best hiking sandals are essential for any warm weather hike (especially those involving lakes, streams, or rivers). Hiking sandals provide the same sturdy support and grip as boots, while giving your toes the space to breathe. After all, wet feet plus too much friction equals blisters—and blisters are sure to ruin any hike.
What are hiking sandals?
Hiking sandals are shoes designed specifically for hiking in hot, wet climates. They typically feature water-resistant materials; grippy, rubber outsoles; and quick-drying insoles.
For safety and health purposes, it's important not to hike in walking shoes. “Since hiking is completely different from walking, there are certain demands placed upon the feet and legs that we may not normally experience—like dealing with uneven surfaces, inclines, and declines,” explains podiatrist Robert Kornfeld.
“It's important to have hiking shoes that protect against impact (whether that be the action of jumping from low or high ledges, walking through slippery dirt, and potentially losing your footing on small moveable rocks), keep debris out of the shoe, and can support the feet while they are placed under these stresses," he adds.
How hiking impacts longevity
What to look for in hiking sandals
When considering which shoe is best for you, keep in mind your foot type (either narrow or wide), how much walking you’ll be doing when wearing them, and the type of ground you’ll be standing on. Consider the following podiatrist-backed parameters before picking a pair:
How to choose the best hiking sandals
When choosing the best hiking sandals for you, it's best to try on multiple options and decide which feel most comfortable for you. That's why we chose options from brands with generous return policies. Take extra notice of whether or not a shoe offers support, shock absorption, and a durable, non-slip outsole.
To narrow things down before the try-on stage, consider your budget, the shoe's materials, durability, your style preference, and feedback from reviewers.
Our picks of the best hiking sandals of 2023:
Best for plantar fasciitis: Kuru Tread Sandal
Pros:
Designed with heel pain in mindUltra-supportiveExcellent grip strengthCons:
Not the cutest option on this listMaterials:
Waterproof leatherRubber
Colorways:
5, including Multicolor, Merlot Almond, and more
When you have plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to seek out an ultra-supportive pair of sandals. Enter: This pick designed with unmatched heel support and a responsive heel-cushioning technology that protects your feet from impact with each step.
A curved, heel-cupping design keeps your feet comfortable throughout every adventure. The sandal also has loads of traction, thanks to multi-directional lugs. Rugged, waterproof leather and durable rubber come together to form a sandal that fights foot pain one mile at a time.
Customers say this sandal is lightweight, supportive, and incredibly comfortable. Reviewers with wide feet in particular love the fit.
Best closed-toe: Merrell Accentor 3 Sieve
Pros:
BreathableProtective constructionWater-friendlyCons:
Not too many style variationsMaterials:
EVA foam insoleWaterproof suedeMesh upperMesh lining
Colorways:
4, including Monument and Brindle
Best for:
Challenging hikes
Every expert we spoke to recommended closed-toe shoes for most hiking situations. “I like closed-toe [hiking sandals] the most because we have to protect our feet from dangerous terrain,” Lobkova explains.
Lobkova and Kornfeld both recommended several Merrell options, noting that they’re among the best when it comes to cushioning and support. This versatile, breathable hiking sandal features the brand’s signature grippy rubber soles that offer traction and stability, while the insoles cradle the feet for all-day comfort while on the trail.
Despite having a closed toe, these sandals have openings along the sides to ensure breathability and comfort. Plenty of happy customers agree, too, with one explaining that these shoes kept her feet cool during hot summer hikes.
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Best for travel: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal
Pros:
Quick-dryingComfortable contoured footbedRugged slip-resistant rubber soleCons:
Reviews note that debris can get stuck in the strapsMaterials:
100% recycled plastic upperRubber sole
Colorways:
Varied, depending on the retailer
Best for:
Long hiking trips
The sportier version of the brand's classic design, this pick features a soft and comfortable footbed that contours around the shape of the feet, as well as rugged slip-resistant rubber soles. Classic velcro straps keep the foot in place, making these sandals just as comfortable in water as on land.
It’s worth noting that the shoe is made with a lightweight, breathable polyester mesh that keeps feet cool, even during long hikes with heavy backpacks. Also nice: These hiking sandals are treated with Life Naturals, a natural peppermint-based antimicrobial that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
The sandal has garnered hundreds of positive reviews, including from shoppers with high arches—one of which says she's "sold for life."Another with chronic back issues explains that thanks to the excellent footbed, she feels supported on concrete, gravel, or dirt roads.
Best arch support: HOKA Hopara
Pros:
UnisexGood for hikingLow-profile cushionMaterials:
Rubberized EVANeoprene
Colorways:
7, including Limestone, White, and more
Best for:
All-terrain hikes, water-crossings, stability
An ideal pick for arch support, these sandals were featured as best for outdoor activities in our roundup of best arch support sandals. They combine the best part of Hoka sneakers: unparalleled traction, loads of support, and funky modern design.
The style, which comes highly recommended by Loboka, offers everything you’d ever need from a hiking sandal: a water-friendly construction ideal for water-crossing and unexpected puddles, a tread for extra grip, and a load of responsive cushioning.
A toe cap protects feet from the elements you’re bound to face out in the wild, while the quick-lace design makes it easy to slip shoes on and off for campground hangs and quick dips. Best of all, the low-profile cushion bed offers support while still keeping your feet close to the ground for stability.
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Best for daily wear: Chaco Z/1 Classic
Pros:
Podiatrist-accepted footbedGrippy rubber treadLightweightMaterials:
Polyester webbingLUVSEAT footbedRubber
Colorways:
23, including Curry, Earth Gray, and more
Closure:
Adjustable straps
This list wouldn’t be complete without a pick from Chaco. Selected as the best sandal in our best hiking shoes roundup, the Z/1 Classic model is durable (thanks to the brand’s signature ChacoGrip™ rubber) and great for when you need a high-performing grip on a wet surface.
Plus, the footbed is podiatrist-accepted, so you can expect all-day comfort and support during your adventures. Reviewers say these sandals are super easy to adjust, offering the perfect fit whether their feet are swollen from the heat or cold and wet after hiking through water. Others note the high quality material and how comfortable they are to walk in.
Best fitting: Teva Hurricane XLT2
Pros:
Pretty colorways and patternsNarrow strap and wide strap variations availableCons:
Not the most most supportive on this listMaterials:
Recycled PET polyesterNylon straps
Colorways:
9, including Basil, Black, and more
Best for:
Light hikingPost-hike activities
A true classic when it comes to open-toed, active sandals, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals are a great choice for light hikes, cooling off in rivers and lakes, and any other post-hike adventures you might find yourself in. Four adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, while the soft EVA midsole brings gentle support.
These sandals don’t have a toe post, but feet stay in place thanks to grooves in the sole of the shoe. When wet, the shoes dry quickly, effectively preventing chafing-induced blisters and sores. You can expect great traction, too, which is especially helpful if you’ll need some grip support after submerging your feet.
Plenty of happy shoppers give rave reviews of this model, including a customer who comfortably wore their last pair for 25 years before giving in and purchasing a replacement.
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Best waterproof: KEEN Clearwater CNX
Pros:
Neutral colorwaysAnti-odorCons:
Size availability is inconsistentMaterials:
Polyester upperEVA insoleRubber outsole
Colorways:
3, including Timberwolf/Fawn, Navy, and Black
Best for:
In, on, or near water
During my (the writer's) recent trip to Acadia National Park, I needed a pair of hiking sandals that could handle the rocky beaches, hours of being lapped with rogue waves, and the occasional docking and exploring random little islands along the Mount Desert Narrows.
Thankfully, I packed a pair of these hiking sandals and never once felt unsteady or unsupported. In fact, I reveled at how quickly they dried after being fully submerged in water and how lightweight they felt when climbing up boulders or trudging through the sand.
For such a weightless shoe, I was impressed by how strong the outsole’s grip was and the fact that the non-marking rubber was footprint-free, effectively leaving each place I visited just as beautiful as it was before I got there.
How we picked:
Quality
Quality is key, especially when you’ll be using shoes in potentially dangerous situations like hiking the side of mountains, crossing streams, and more. We chose shoes made from high quality materials that will stand the test of time (and nature).
Expert insight
The hiking sandals on our list fit the criteria outlined by the podiatrists we interviewed. We considered foot health and kept comfort top of mind. Each shoe has a durable sole and sturdy structure.
Reviews
We took customer reviews into consideration when selecting hiking sandals. Many of the styles on our list have five-star reviews from the people who have tried them and wear them on a wide range of outdoor adventures.
Materials
Materials can make or break the experience with the shoe. We considered fabrics and types of material used in each shoe to ensure comfortable, blister-free wear.
FAQ:
Are Tevas actually good for hiking?
A popular option for hikers, Tevas are the sandals most people think of when they think of hiking sandals. They’re durable, comfortable, and dry quickly after getting wet, making them a great choice for people who need to go from land to water and back again easily and comfortably.
Which is better for hiking: shoes or sandals?
According to Kornfeld, closed-toed hiking shoes are recommended for challenging hikes on mountain trails. “It is far too easy to injure toes in an open-toed shoe as you walk by fallen branches and twigs or climb up boulders and rocky mountain terrain,” he explains. “Plus, they protect against bug bites and keep debris from entering the shoe.”
However, both Kornfeld and Lobkova agree that if you’re walking through wet, paved, or flat areas, you can most definitely use open-toed hiking sandals.
“For cold weather, choose a closed-toe shoe. For very hot or water/river hiking, sandals can be used,” Lobkova adds.
Are Crocs sandals good for hiking?
It’s not recommended to walk long distances in Crocs, especially on uneven ground—and that includes hiking trails. They won’t provide your feet with the support you need and you’ll likely feel sore—if you don’t injure yourself in the process. Instead, opt for a tried-and-true hiking shoe or sandal.
What type of footwear is best for hiking?
It is important to have the right footwear for hiking, depending on the terrain. “Hiking in the city? Opt for supportive lightweight shoes. Hiking on sand or soil? Opt for low-cushioned sneakers. Hiking on rocky mountains? Opt for a flexible shoe with a thick rubber outsole, like a climbing shoe,” advises Lobkova.
When in doubt, Kornfeld recommends hiking shoes designed with a semi-firm sole (not rigid, but not overly flexible, he says) with adequate impact cushioning and a high-top upper sole for ankle support. “If hiking trails won’t be too challenging, a low-top style is just fine.”
He adds that if you’ll be in wet, paved, or flat terrain, hiking sandals are a good option.
The takeaway
If your next hiking adventure involves crossing streams or getting in and out of a kayak or boat, you won't regret investing in a pair of hiking sandals. These lightweight, breathable sandals are easy on sore feet and blisters and ideal for hot climates. Before embarking on your next trip, be sure to check out our list of the best hiking boots, as well as a whole slew of sustainable backpacks.
