Are Hiking Sandals Good For Hiking?

The idea of hiking is that you can spend some time in nature to relax and enjoy your sights. While it might seem simple, you have to consider a couple of important gear items, and hiking shoes are one of them.

Are Hiking Sandals Good For Hiking?

Hiking sandals are great for hiking, especially if you don’t have waterproof shoes. The combination of wet weather and shoes can often lead to blisters. However, the sandals are great to ensure that you have air passing through that could potentially dry out your feet and prevent any of these things from happening.

To help you understand the hiking sandal a little better, we have created this article to educate you on all the information you might need for sandals. We will look at some of the key characteristics of these sandals and how to choose them.  Additionally, we will show you which features are the most important.

What Do You Need To Look For When Buying Hiking Sandals?

Since hiking is a sport of active moving and you will constantly have to move around, you have to look at hiking sandals as the things that will either give you comfort or take it away. The comfort factor is by far one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind, and it will ensure that you can persist when you are hiking.

It might take some time to get used to this shoe form if you are used to closed shoes. However, the ventilation will make it much easier to dry the shoes, and it will also promote additional comfort due to the lack of water. The only things that we believe are important are comfort and traction to add more stability when hiking.

Detailed List Of The Key Features To Look For In Hiking Sandals

By now, you should have a decent idea of what is important when looking for some of these sandals. However, this list will emphasize some of the important features you have to consider. You can look at some of these features to ensure you get the best sandals for your money and have better overall comfort when hiking.

Materials

One of the first things that you will want to look at is the materials of the sandals. The best sandals are often made from leather, and while leather can offer the most durability, it often does not hold up well in the wet unless treated. Microfibers are the best material to ensure you have comfort and to wick away some of the moisture.

Inner sole

You have to understand that with most shoes, the sole is split into two. The inner sole and the outer sole are often different to make the shoe more comfortable on the inside. While PU is used for most inner soles, it does not mold your feet in the same way as EVA. EVA or memory foam is the best for comfort.

Outer Sole

The outer sole should be made from rubber, and since you are using the shoes for tough terrains, you will have to consider looking at a harder form of rubber. Lug rubber is often the best material to consider, and it is much harder than some of the alternatives. It should provide you with additional grip and traction.

Ventilation

Having a ventilated sandal is important, and it will ensure that air can comfortably pass through without any issues. These shoes tend to have straps, and the straps have an opening between them that will ensure you have additional ventilation to allow the air to pass through. It is also great for making the water pass through.

Waterproof

Since you will be using these shoes in all weather conditions, they must be waterproof. The waterproof feature will make it possible for the shoes to remain durable when entering a wet area. We would recommend that you look for materials and components that tend to be waterproof for the most part.

Top 3 Hiking Sandals

Now that you have seen some of the features that make these sandals stand out, you might also wonder which sandals we would recommend. Fortunately, we have done some additional research to find some of the top sandals on the market today. Here are some of the best sandals that you can rely on when it comes to hiking:

KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal

Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon

Pros:

• Waterproof design
• Supportive arch design
• Ridge support
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Sizing runs a little small

Bottom Line: If you are looking for the best of the best, the KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal is one of the best sandals on the market today. It features a waterproof design, and the materials tend to hold up well in all conditions. These sandals are lightweight, and while they might be a bit expensive, they offer good value for your money.

KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal

Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon

Pros:

• Reliable brand
• Ideal for all weather conditions
• Multi-directional traction lugs
• Anti-odor protection

Cons:

• Expensive

Bottom Line: The KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal might be another one from the KEEN brand, but they are known for the quality sandals they provide. It is one of the most durable options, and it features great ventilation. The omnidirectional lugs on the outer sole should also be great for providing you with optimal traction.

CAMEL CROWN Waterproof Hiking Sandals

Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon

Pros:

• Comfortable fit
• Inexpensive
• Shock-absorbing midsole
• Multifunctional

Cons:

• Lacks durability

Bottom Line: The CAMEL CROWN Waterproof Hiking Sandals might not be some of the most popular sandals on the market today. However, they offer some great value for your money, and you will notice just how durable they can be. These are affordable, and they should work great for beginners that love to hike.

Hiking Sandals Summary

Having comfortable hiking sandals is always important, and while it is often hard to find them, they will bring a new dimension to your hiking. They offer some great value for the money, and you will notice the ventilation you get. Let us know in the comment section if we have missed any of your favorite hiking sandals.

Need Help Preparing for a Hike or Backpacking Trip?

Check out our Hiking Equipment Guide for Beginners.  It’s a complete list of gear that every beginner should have!