The products below have been sorted from good to best according to criteria such as material, endurance, comfort, and price. Also, bear in mind that we have included an equal number of men’s hiking sandals and women’s hiking sandals in the interest of fairness.

These sandals offer a nice combination of cushioning, water resistance, and flexibility. While maintaining a simple and elegant look, they give your feet a very soft cushion for those long walks.

The tread isn’t great on these sandals, but they have thick bottoms that should hold up well. We particularly like the way that these sandals fasten in place. The thin fold-over tabs are just enough to do the job.

These are a very lightweight and minimalistic pair of sandals. They are an ideal choice for those who want to feel as if they are wearing nothing. The straps are fairly thin, but the sole is almost identical to that of a hiking boot.

Many customers have praised these sandals for their exceptional arch support. Those with ankle problems might do well to give this one a try. With an elegant appearance and a deep tread, they might be the best walking sandals for women when compared to the others on our list.

These nice-looking sandals offer a composite design that attempts to gain the best of both worlds. The combination of leather and rubber make for an exceptionally durable sandal. However, you will pay the price for this extra toughness, and that price is a heavier weight.

This one wouldn’t be ideal for long-distance runners or other speed-based athletes. However, it might be an excellent pair of sandals for that next run through the woods. Another bonus: these sandals are machine-washable in spite of their thickness.

The best thing about these sandals is the deep arch that they provide. Support and springiness are noticeably improved when wearing the Sanborn sandals, and there are plenty of straps to hold everything in place.

However, the front straps cannot be adjusted. This is a slight problem because it reduces the support factor. However, the underside of this sandal is uniquely suited for wet surfaces. These might be the best walking sandals for general use.

These sandals are not open-toed, but they still preserve the ventilation factor with large opening slits on every side. These are great sandals for caving excursions, during which you are likely to run into wet conditions.

At the same time, the enclosed toe and the strange (but effective) tread on the bottom make this one of the more durable pairs of sandals on our list. The Whisper sandals also do a great job of providing durability without excess weight.

This one is made almost entirely from synthetic leather, which means that you get similar durability without the water-sensitive properties of leather. At almost two pounds, these sandals are a little on the heavier side. However, they are some of the best sandals for backpacking.

The treads of the Kunsto sandals are free of smooth surfaces, though you have to look closely to see this fact. This can help a lot when you are boating or fishing, and you need something that will resist slipping.

This one is an excellent take on the classic “water shoe.” Everything about the Swiftwater is meant to deal with wet conditions. At only 7 ounces, this pair will not be cumbersome on a long hike.

The grip on the bottom even looks somewhat like crocodile skin. The only real complaint with these sandals is the fact that they are so enclosed. You might as well be wearing a shoe.

These things provide a great mix of durability and freedom. The look of these sandals reminds us of a high-performance racing tire. With three points of adjustment, it is easy to get the perfect fit for any foot.

Some people prefer a close-toed sandal, but this is one of the best open-toed versions that we have seen. Most of the exterior is made from yak leather, which is noted for its flexibility and longevity.

If you are looking for a simple and traditional choice, these might be the best hiking sandals for you. Rather than attempt to reinvent the sandal. Atika just took the standard sandal and made it beefier and more durable than it would normally be.

With a great arch and thick straps, this one definitely gets points for durability. Also, the complete use of synthetics will make this a great choice for those who expect to deal with wet conditions. The only failing of this sandal is the fact that it’s tread is not the best.

If you want some sandals that match your work boots, these might be just the right pair for you. They have a hard and enclosed toe for increased safety and are made from stylish and durable cowhide leather.

While not as breathable as some others, and probably a little bit heavier, these sandals get major points in the longevity department. With a little oiling, these sandals should serve you well for years to come.

The entire point of wearing a sandal is lightness and ventilation. At the same time, you have to strike a balance between comfort and safety. Your needs will mostly depend on your activities.

If you are the kind of person who likes to stay on well-worn trails so that you can get a good “speedrun,” you will want something that offers optimal traction on the bottom and maximum ventilation on top.

If you are going to be walking on rougher ground, you want something that’s a little heavier and more durable. Also, a deep tread will be even more important for the adventurous hiker.

Here are two of the most common questions that we receive on this subject.

Which Material Does The Best Job Of Resisting Water?

Rubber and other synthetics do the best job of resisting water. However, these materials are less resistant to scuffing, breakage, and other forms of damage.

What Do I Do When The Velcro Wears Out?

All velcro will eventually become worn out. If the sandal is otherwise in good shape, it isn’t that hard to replace the velcro. Buy an inexpensive seam ripper and carefully remove the old velcro patches. Cut a new piece to match the old one, and use a medium-large needle to attach a new patch of velcro.

While we cannot recommend the best hiking sandals for all people, we hope that we have given you a good idea of what your options are. As we said earlier, your needs are determined by your activities. Remember, some of these sandals are kind of expensive. Thus, it is especially important to choose wisely. If you have any insights or experiences to add, please feel free to comment below and join the discussion.