Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2025

Sometimes you just have to let the tootsies wiggle free; we get that. Many people choose hiking sandals for rafting, casual day hikes, and climbing approaches, but they can also serve as a great alternative to traditional hiking footwear for longer treks in particularly hot or wet climates. 

As a team, we’ve collectively hiked over 6,000 miles in more than 40 pairs of adventure-ready sandals—including big thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trail—and we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a sandal truly trail-worthy. We recently updated our guide to the best hiking sandals for women with another round of targeted testing, critically evaluating each pair across six different performance categories. We measured each sandal’s comfort, stability, durability, traction, weight, packability, and ease of use. 

We’ll use our expertise in this guide to help you find your perfect pair of hiking sandals for all of your adventures—big and small.

It may be a fashion faux-pas, but pairing your hiking sandals with a good pair of hiking socks will cut down on abrasion from straps and keep your feet warmer. Or if you’re after a pair of comfy sandals for lounging instead of hiking, you’ll love our list of the best camp shoes.

Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Sandals

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best hiking sandals with in-depth reviews.

Best hiking sandals overall: Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($80)

Best budget hiking sandal: Teva Original Universal ($55)

Most versatile hiking sandal: Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Classic ($105)

Best ultralight hiking sandal: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV ($80)

Runner-Up ultralight hiking sandal: Earth Runner Alpha ($94)

Best hiking shoe-sandal hybrid: HOKA Hopara 2 ($135)

Runner-Up hiking shoe-sandal hybrid: KEEN Newport H2 ($120)

Best ultralight hiking sandal: Luna Mono Winged Edition ($110)

Best hiking sandal for narrow feet: Ecco Yucatan ($140)

Best closed-toe hiking sandal for narrow feet: KEEN Rose ($120)

Best hiking sandal for casual wear: Astral Webber ($110)

How We Test

Our team has collectively hiked thousands of miles in dozens of pairs of hiking sandals across various geographical regions. For our most recent update of this guide, we also undertook a month-long targeted testing period during which we extensively wore the 11 pairs featured here. We hiked a minimum of three miles—only stopping there in the rare case that a pair of sandals was too uncomfortable to continue—with each of the sandals presented in our guide. 

For the vast majority of sandals featured here, we hiked five to 15 miles across varied terrain, both dry and wet, to evaluate how the sandals performed in different conditions, totaling more than 50 miles for the testing period. 

Even if a shoe is uncomfortable for us, we make sure to note characteristics and features of the pair that may better suit other people. Everyone’s foot anatomy is different, and we’re committed to helping our readers find the right shoe for them—not for us.

COMFORT

When evaluating the comfort of a hiking sandal, we consider various elements, including arch support, midsole shock absorption, the softness of the straps (do they cause abrasions or blisters?), and the footbed contour and texture (does it cup the heel nicely?). We also take into account size considerations (would this be comfortable for a narrow, wide, or neutral foot?).

STABILITY

Stability is crucial when hiking, even on easy to moderate trails. For us, testing stability involves measuring a sandal’s support level in terms of rigidity, stability for the foot and ankle on uneven terrain, and the security of the foot within the straps.

We also consider the flexibility of the footbed and straps, as well as connectedness to the ground—does it feel like walking on a gummy bear, or can you feel the ground beneath your feet?

TRACTION

This one’s simple: We evaluate how well the outsole of the sandal performs on various surfaces and under different weather conditions. We consider a sandal’s performance on grades ranging from flat to steep, surfaces from packed to loose, and trails from wet to dry.

If we can hike down a scree slope without sliding all over or busting our butts, it’s a win.

DURABILITY

To determine a pair of sandals’ durability, we look at a few factors. Primarily, this testing category measures signs of wear and tear, especially any indications of premature deterioration during the early stages of testing (if straps are fraying after just a couple of hikes, we consider that poor durability).

Sandals earn high marks for outsole tread that doesn’t wear down too quickly, straps that don’t stretch out, and footbeds that maintain their texture to prevent slipping, among other qualities.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

This metric measures the lightness of the sandals and their suitability for packing on backpacking trips or day hikes as a secondary pair of shoes for water crossings and/or camp. When rating sandals for this category, we consider not only their weight but also their profile.

If a shoe is lightweight yet still clunky, it may still be frustrating to pack. Similarly, a shoe that is flat and slim but heavy might add too much weight to your pack for longer treks.

EASE OF USE

Finally, we evaluate the ease of use for each pair of sandals. They’re sandals, so you might be wondering, “How hard can it be?” However, some strap and buckle mechanisms are more complicated than you might think, and that can be a real burden on the trail if you’re unprepared for it.

We assess whether the sandals are easy to put on and take off, and if the closure or adjustment mechanism is complicated or simple to rate sandals in this category. Believe us: you don’t want to be tinkering with a one-strap system right before fording a river.

Why Trust Cleverhiker

Not only did we hike over 50 miles specifically for this guide, but our team boasts decades of collective trail experience, ranging from easy front-country jaunts to extreme backcountry adventures. Together, we’ve covered thousands of trail miles, many of which were accomplished in sandals.

Our lead tester for women’s hiking sandals is a full-time van-lifer who spends almost every day outside. She’s an experienced hiker who has backpacked the Grand Canyon and summited multiple state high points—Mount Hood and Mount Rainier are on her calendar for 2025. Additionally, she’s a trail runner, triathlete, and fitness expert who has spent nearly a decade testing and reviewing fitness and outdoor gear, including dozens of pairs of shoes.

Analysis & Results

VALUE

Our top pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, is arguably the most cost-effective hiking sandal currently available. It combines solid traction, stability, and flexibility at a very reasonable price point of under $100. We truly believe these are the best-of-all-worlds hiking sandals; they’ll allow you to tackle various trails, from easy to challenging, in differing conditions without any trouble. They’re also light enough to pack for water crossings on day hikes and stylish enough to wear around town. 

The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV sandals also receive high praise for value: They provide an incredible barefoot experience and come with two impressive warranties for budget-friendly hikes. 

Finally, the HOKA Hopara 2 earns points in the value department for excelling in the shoe-sandal hybrid design. We’ve worn the Hopara 2s for hikes, trail runs, road runs, and paved walks, and they have performed excellently in nearly all scenarios.

COMFORT

Comfort is highly subjective and, in the case of hiking sandals, depends entirely on each person’s foot anatomy and shoe preferences. That said, the following analysis is based on the relatively neutral foot of our lead sandal tester (medium width, average arches, and instep). We love the wide footbed of the Teva Hurricane XLT2s, which allows ample room for the feet to expand and the toes to splay, plus the soft interior of the woven straps. The midsole, while not particularly plush, offers a significant amount of support and shock absorption. 

If foot freedom is a concern—a.k.a. you want to liberate yourself from the constraints of modern footwear—the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EVs are a must-try. These minimalist, ultralight sandals feature a nearly imperceptible midsole that bends and flexes with every movement of the foot; the straps are soft, flexible, and hardly noticeable. 

For a more secure option, hikers with narrow feet will appreciate the locked-in fit of the Ecco Yucatan, especially if a soft midsole is also a priority. Although the Yucatan squeezed our tester’s toes a bit too tightly, she values the give in the midsole for longer treks.

STABILITY

Stability comes in two forms when discussing hiking sandals. Hiking sandals can be deemed stable if they provide external support for the feet, such as arch support, a sidebar, or a rigid midsole. They can also be viewed as stable if they offer exceptional flexibility, allowing the feet to do what they do best: move and grip the earth. In each of these regards, our testing has identified clear winners: the Ecco Yucatan for the former and the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV for the latter. 

A top-tier option for hikers needing ankle and arch support, the Yucatan features a robust upper with an external sidebar, helping to keep the foot secure when stepping at odd angles (as is common while hiking). The contoured footbed adds an element of security, cradling the foot and preventing movement within the shoe. 

The Z-Trail EV is the Yucatan’s complete opposite. Providing a near-barefoot experience, it’s hard to think of a better shoe if you seek a closer connection to the earth. While they may lack stability in a traditional sense—that is, they don’t have shanks, sidebars, or arch support—they are arguably the ideal choice for hikers who have developed strength in their foot and ankle muscles. In the Z-Trail EVs, there are no restrictions, allowing your feet to flex, extend, and grip as intended.

TRACTION

Hiking sandals don’t usually offer the same traction as hiking boots or trail running shoes, and it’s generally not recommended to wear them on particularly steep or slippery hikes. However, it’s still possible to find a pair that keeps you upright on steep, slippery trails. 

Our top pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, provides respectable traction on most trail surfaces. In fact, their all-around performance in the traction category is one of the primary reasons these sandals earned their place as the best overall hiking sandals. We’ve worn them on flat, moderate, and steep trail sections and have taken them across several terrain types; we’re yet to experience a fall or any anxiety about falling due to a lack of traction. 

Plenty of other choices on our list offer great traction, too. The HOKA Hopara 2, for example, scored above average in this department for its performance on trails, forest roads, and pavement alike. (We did experience a bit of slippage on a steep scree slope with the Hopara 2s, but the same is true for almost all other hiking sandals we’ve tested.) 
For an ultralight option with great traction, we recommend the Earth Runner Alpha Adventure Sandals. Although these barefoot-inspired sandals do not win in the comfort department, our tester appreciates how they create a feeling of being connected to the ground and their stickiness on bare rock surfaces.

DURABILITY

Regardless of whether you want an ultralight sandal or an ultra-supportive one, durability is a key factor. We truly have faith in every one of the 11 pairs of sandals on this list to hold up for a minimum of a few hundred miles, if not several hundred or even 1,000-plus. After initial testing, we don’t notice any unusual signs of premature wear and tear on our featured choices. 

We expect hardier options to last longer, which is a big reason why sandals with thicker midsoles, like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 and Chaco Z/1 Classic, have earned top spots on the list. 
That doesn’t mean we’ve counted out minimalist options, though. In particular, the 5,000-mile sole warranty and two-year manufacturer’s warranty on the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV sandals instill in us a high level of hope for longevity. The Earth Runner Alphas, though thin and flexible, feature Vibram outsoles, reinforced laces, and durable canvas footbeds that indicate they’re there for the long haul.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

It’s hard to argue with a mere 7.6 ounces per pair; that’s what the Earth Runner Alpha sandals bring to the table as the clear winner for weight and packability. The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV sandals come in a very close second at 8.6 ounces for the pair. In third are the Luna Mono Winged sandals at 10.8 ounces per pair, followed by our budget pick, the Teva Original Universals, at 11 ounces. 
Any of these four picks are certifiably backpacker-friendly, featuring slim, packable profiles in addition to their lightweight nature. If packability isn’t a concern, you might consider sacrificing a few more ounces for a sturdier sandal with more support, like the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which offers a nice blend of ruggedness and lightness, or the Chaco Z/1 Classic, an all-around solid pick that provides great stability and durability without being noticeably heavy on the feet. Truly, all of the choices on our list are suitable for all-day hiking in terms of weight; it’s more of a concern if you want to bring along a second pair of shoes to slip into for wet trail sections or for evenings at camp while backpacking. 

EASE OF USE

If a pair of shoes is consistently difficult to put on and take off, it’s probably not worth buying—especially if that pair of shoes is meant to be quickly swapped while on a trail, such as before and after wet sections. That’s why we consider ease of use a major factor in our sandal evaluations. 

Our best overall pick, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, couldn’t be easier to use. These sandals feature three independently adjustable Velcro straps. Once you find your fit, you don’t even need to bother with the forefoot or heel strap: Just loosen the ankle strap to get in and out of the sandals. 

The Teva Original Universal, Ecco Yucatan, KEEN Rose, and Astral Webber all function similarly, though the latter uses buckles instead of Velcro. Some options, such as the HOKA Hopara 2 and KEEN Newport H2, include bungee laces, which can be a bit finicky but provide a more secure fit. 
Other choices, including the Chaco Z/2 Classic, Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV,Luna Mono Winged, and Earth Runner Alpha, feature a one-loop system. This design allows for greater fit customization but can be difficult to understand at first. After the initial adjustment, however, you’ll only need to loosen one adjustment point to slip the sandals on and off.

How to Choose a Hiking Sandal for Women 

Sandals may seem like a relatively straightforward product, but for high-performance hiking sandals, you should consider several key characteristics before choosing a pair. 

STRAP CONFIGURATION AND ADJUSTMENT

First things first: Ensure the strap configuration jives with your preferences. For instance, if you dislike flip-flops, you’ll likely feel the same about hiking sandals with toe thongs. The strap configuration indicates where the most pressure—and thus the most support—is on the foot. 

Consider strap adjustability as well. The more adjustment points there are, the better fit you can achieve. The type of adjustment, whether it’s a buckle or Velcro strap, is really a matter of personal preference. (P.S. if you want sandals that you can wear year-round, pairing them with socks when temperatures drop, we recommend selecting a configuration without a toe loop or toe thong.) 

Regarding strap construction, most hiking sandals feature some type of woven textile strap, typically nylon, polyester, or a blend. For durability, look for tightly woven textiles and double-stitching.

MIDSOLE MATERIAL AND STACK HEIGHT

The midsole is the part of the shoe located between the footbed and outsole. Typically made from rubber or foam, it is designed to absorb shock, provide support, and protect the soles of your feet from the ground beneath them.

Midsoles composed of foam materials, such as EVA foam, are plusher and reduce joint impact upon footstrike. Conversely, harder midsoles made from materials like polyurethane are less flexible; however, their rigidity offers more support and stability.

Stack height refers to the thickness of the midsole, footbed, and outsole at their highest point. Generally, a thicker stack height provides greater protection, shock absorption, and energy return (bounciness), while thinner stack heights enhance foot flexibility and help you feel more connected to the ground.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP

Like hiking shoes and boots, hiking sandals come with varying heel-to-toe drops. Zero-drop soles cater to ultralighters and barefoot-shoe enthusiasts, while higher drops provide excellent support for individuals who need extra stability or assistance with ankle mobility.

For those looking to start wearing zero-drop shoes, it’s important to transition slowly from your usual styles, as abruptly quitting heel drops can lead to discomfort and pain.

OUTSOLE PATTERN AND LUG DEPTH

Many hikers reserve sandals for easier, flatter trails, rainy days, or any trails where they will encounter a significant water crossing. Therefore, the lack of traction (compared to boots) that is typical of hiking sandals is not usually a major concern in those situations. 

However, if you plan on venturing out on more strenuous trails—particularly those that are steep and have slippery surfaces like scree fields—it’s wise to choose a pair with a robust outsole. Look for deep lugs of at least three millimeters in depth, along with aggressive tread patterns. Chevron and diamond patterns tend to perform best.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

If you ever plan to pack your sandals for water crossings, to wear at camp during backpacking trips, or for any other reasons, weight and packability should be high on your list of priorities.

To avoid weighing down your pack, choose a pair of sandals that weighs less than 1 pound (16 ounces)—for both shoes combined. Also, consider the shoe’s profile, whether it’s slim or chunky, as this will significantly impact how easy (or not) it is to pack. Additionally, lightweight footwear helps minimize muscle fatigue and reduce the risk of stumbling.

Conclusion

Finding the best hiking sandals for you involves several factors, including your foot shape and anatomy, personal preferences, and the types of adventures you plan to undertake. Our top choices are based on years of trail experience, including a dedicated testing phase during which we evaluated each pair of sandals for comfort, stability, traction, durability, weight, packability, and ease of use, employing an expert-developed testing methodology.