The Best Hiking Sandals for Women

If you are a die-hard hiker or a regular backpacker, you know how vital your choice of hiking shoes is. Yet, when you are going in the backcountry for weeks or months (say during the deer hunting season), you want a pair of hiking shoes that are protective, comfortable, and offer some luxurious wear. Now, suppose you already have some mountaineering or hiking boots to tackle the stiff terrain and walking sneakers for some off-road stretch. In that case, we recommend adding a pair of hiking sandals for versatility and summertime comfort.

The best hiking sandals for women are your go-to footwear when you want to free your feet after tackling tough terrain. Likewise, unlike before, sandals are no longer reserved for the pool or beach. We now have flip-flop-themed footwear that you can rock on a hiking trip. These sandals use such features as a reinforced top, mid, and outer sole, awesome arch support, and reliable webbing. Hence, you have more options to switch from heavy boots to lightweight, ergonomic sandals without compromising safety or comfort.

This buying guide features some of the top hiking sandals for women who love the outdoors. We analyze the overall construction, material, sole, padding, closure, toe design and even compare some of the leading brands in outdoor footwear. But first, let’s answer six of the most common questions asked by women searching for their best hiking sandals.

Are Sandals Good For Hiking?

Yes. Note that there are different hiking shoes for various hiking styles. These include trail runners, light hikers, approach shoes, mid-weight hiking boots, heavy backpacking boots, and mountaineering boots. Hiking sandals are ideal for trail runners and light hikers. They often have the following attributes:

• Lightweight, low-profile designs that dry fast
• Allow your feet to breathe freely
• The feet remain dry on a hot summer hike
• Have multipurpose use as camp footwear or water shoes
• Prevent nasty blistering, for you can adjust the straps as needed

How do I choose a hiking sandal?

When choosing the best women’s hiking sandals that will fit all of your needs, consider the following factors.

• Your Intended Use: – Do you need hiking sandals for casual wear, watersports, or multisports?
• Weight: Lightweight vs. heavy-duty sandals determine if you will have a fatigue-free trekking experience or not
• Closure Design: Adjustable straps offer a custom fit
• Upper Webbing Material: Opt for polyester or any other fast-drying material
• Sole: The outer, inner, and top soles cushion your pressure points from sharp stones, guarantee traction, and absorb vibration and hard impact

Are Keens hiking sandals or Chacos hiking sandals better?

The KEEN hiking sandals rely on leather uppers and cork midsoles for durability. The downside is that these materials are not appropriate for underwater use. In contrast, Chacos hiking sandals use rubber and polyester, materials that are conducive for underwater use. 

Next, most KEENS sandals have a closed-toe construction, while Chacos opt for an open-toe structure. If you want flexibility for a custom fit, Chacos hiking sandals excel in that, for these sandals, use adjustable straps that will fit any feet. In contrast, KEENS hiking sandals for women aim at covering and supporting the entire foot. They make a great choice for hikers. 

And when you want style and versatility, we think that Chacos are your best pick. All in all, KEEN and Chacos are both terrific outdoor footwear brands, targeting different customer needs. While Chacos targets anyone going to the beach, fishing, or taking part in underwater activities, KEENS are for people going on camping adventures or trekking in the backcountry. Finally, the KEEN sandals take longer to dry and have a rather rigid fitting.

Do Keens Have Good Arch Support?

Yes, KEENS rely on its contoured insoles to align the shoe’s inner section to the shape of your foot. The companies offer replacement insoles that provide additional arch support should you want to switch between low, medium, or high arch support, depending on the target user.

Do Chacos Have Good Arch Support?

Yes. All Chacos sandals include the Ergonomic BioCentric® footbed, an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) certified arch support that prevents pronation. Plus, the sandals have a sculpted, raised heel design for stability and redistribution of the pressure away from the ankle. That way, you are less likely to develop heel pains, ankle pains, or plantar fasciitis.

Are Keens Sandals Waterproof?

Yes. KEEN sandals rely on the waterproof KEEN. DRY® membrane to prevent moisture and water from sipping into the inner sole. That way, it retains its elasticity and lasts for longer.

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1. Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals – Women’s

The Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals for Women are lightweight sandals for hiking and water, retailing in three attractive colour combinations. These sandals feature the robust Mega Z/Cloud midsole, renowned for its proven resilience and superb arch support over lots of mileages. The uppers feature polyester Jacquard webbing that is resistant to harsh handling. Likewise, its ladder lock buckles have contours and moulded teeth that will not slip or creep when wet. For traction, it relies on 3mm lug depth, adequate for all types of terrain. Despite providing optimum ventilation, these sandals have an antimicrobial application that prevents odour-formation.

2. Merrell Women’s Sandspur Rose Leather

Are you a city woman in search of durable, comfortable hiking sandals with a touch of style? If so, consider getting the Merrell Women’s Sandspur Rose Leather sandals in any of the ten colour themes. For starters, these sandals use full-grain leather uppers that require no breaking in, always a nice comfort feature.

These sandals feature a sporty, ergonomic design for a walk on the sandy beach or city streets alike. And, you can rely on the Velcro straps with additional padding on the heel to keep your feet blister-free, dry, and comfortable all day. Besides, they achieve a custom fit using a hook-and-loop closure.

3. KEEN Newport H2 Sandals – Women’s

Are your feet small, hence always struggling to get the right-fitting hiking sandals? The KEEN Newport H2 Sandals are some of the few cute hiking sandals whose fit is a half size small. You know, now you can opt for a custom fit instead of a smaller size. Besides, these sandals have all the ergonomic attributes necessary for safe, comfortable outdoor wear. These include lightweight polyester webbing uppers with a comfy hydrophobic foam lining and patented toe guards for anyone on biking, trekkers, and runners. The sandals’ durable non-marking carbon rubber outsoles feature a knife-cut sip that will grip on a wet surface.

4. Teva Women’s Tirra Hiking Sandal

Here are some water-ready good hiking sandals matching every woman’s fashion statement. Indeed, the Teva Women’s Tirra Sandals are sporty hiking sandals featuring a 1.5″ heel and a 0.5″ platform, complete with quick-drying multiple straps, rubber traction soles, and an impact-resistant shock pad heel. These are your type of hiking sandals when you plan to go on a summer hike but anticipate some sporadic showers.

5. Teva Sirra Sandal – Women’s Hiking Sandals

If you want to look sexy on your next hiking trip and show a lot of foot (some people are into that sort of thing), then you can rock the black Teva Sirra Sandals. These are low-profile sandals featuring sleek straps, a slim footbed, and a spider rubber sole for functionality. Indeed, they have ample padding at the heel strap and footbed, guarding against blistering and absorbing maximum vibration. And, should you plan to use the sandals at the pool or when out fishing, the spider rubber sole will keep your feet steady on slippery surfaces.

6. KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal

Are you an active woman in need of hiking sandals that are ready in minutes? Think of the KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandals. These are US-made hiking sandals with washable polyester webbing upper, a quick-drying lining, and a secure fit lace capture system. This combination ensures you can easily switch from a muddy stretch to dry concrete and use your favourite sandals for a city walk in no time. Besides, you have at least forty-three colour combinations to choose from. Hence, you can always get the sandal that will match your fashion statement.

7. Merrell Women’s Terran Lattice II Sandal

If you participate in hiking, trail running, or searching for casual sandals for the weekend, consider picking up the Merrell Women’s Terran Lattice II Sandals. These are pure Nubuck leather sandals guaranteed to last a lifetime. The sandals feature a rubber traction sole that will protect your feet from pricks while absorbing all vibrations from below. And for your comfort needs, there is a microfiber soft footbed complete with foam padding to cradle your feet on any terrain.

8. Chaco ZX/2 Classic Sandals – Women’s

Chacos is a renowned brand for quality footwear. And it’s Chaco ZX/2 Classic Sandals are no exception. This timeless design features dual straps for a custom fit, comfy polyurethane footbeds, 3mm lug depth rubber outsoles, and an added antimicrobial application, odour control. Available in four subtle colour designs, these outdoor sandals will keep your feet comfortable all day. At least that’s what all the reviews say.

9. Gold Pigeon Shoes Signature Sandal

Are you a fan of flip-flops but struggle to get the right ergonomic design to protect your pressure points? Consider getting the Gold Pigeon Shoe Signature Sandals. These are functional flip-flops designed to protect your feet from injury. From their varying density of medium, soft, and firm front to heel sections, these sandals feature a textured footbed that keeps the foot intact even when wet. Other features include an ergonomic rubber sole, snap-lock magnetic closure, adjustable straps, and an overall quick-drying synthetic design.

10. KEEN Women’s Venice H2 Sandal

By now, you’ve probably noticed a trend. Yes, I like KEENs. They’re pretty great hiking sandals, and the KEEN Women’s Venice H2 Sandal is another model in their lineup. These sandals sport a 1-inch high hiking sandal comprising of polyester webbing and a rubber sole. They use a protective toe bumper with similar capabilities to a hiking boot, giving you the option to switch from constricting boot wear to casual yet safe outdoor footwear.

11. Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals – Women’s

Are you keen on minimizing your carbon footprint in all you wear? Then, opt for hiking sandals made from recycled materials. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals use materials such as REPREVE polyester originating from plastic bottles. The EVA foam midsoles and injection moulded straps for perfect grip. Further, the sandals rely on an easy-to-use hook and loop closure with adjustable straps for a custom fit. And, its nylon shanks guarantee you arch support when hiking in unfamiliar territory.

12. GRITION Women’s Hiking Sandals

The GRITION Women Hiking Sandals are for any woman who struggles to get the right fitting hiking sandals in the toe area. For, these sandals use cross-tie straps that fit any wide feet. Next, there is a rubber and phylon outsole for better grip and traction. And, its lightweight footbed gives the feeling of a comfy walk despite the uneven surfaces below.

13. KEEN Women’s Uneek Sandal

Were you looking for a uniquely weird and perhaps even awesome-looking women’s hiking sandal? You’ve come across the right design. The KEEN Women’s Uneek Sandals feature the quick-drying polyester braided core on a nylon core, ensuring you have reliable footwear on your next trip to the beach. These braids adapt to any foot shape, giving you a custom fit regardless of your shoe-shape. Still, these sandals serve as excellent companions when used as casual wear. Its other features include a lightweight midsole, high traction outsole, and ample space at the toe area, allowing you to wiggle your feet.

15. AGOWOO Women’s Leather Ankle Strap Beach Hiking Sandals

Here are some summer hiking sandals in a leather and synthetic combination. AGOWOO Women’s Leather Ankle Strap Beach Hiking Sandals are open-toe leather sandals ideal for the summer. They rely on a soft synthetic sole to redistribute pressure from below the feet, hence protecting you from injury or pain over prolonged use.

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