Best Hiking Sandals in 2026: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide
January 24, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Best Hiking Sandals at a Glance
SandalBest ForWeightPriceChaco Z/CloudOverall Performance1 lb 14 oz$105Bedrock Cairn EvoUltralight Hiking15.6 oz$115Teva Original UniversalBudget Pick13 oz$60Keen Newport H2Toe Protection1 lb 5 oz$120Teva Hurricane XLT2Water Crossings1 lb 4 oz$75ECCO YucatanAll-Day Comfort1 lb 8 oz$140Keen Targhee IIIWide Feet1 lb 8 oz$130
Detailed Reviews: The Best Hiking Sandals for 2026
1. Chaco Z/Cloud — Best Overall Hiking Sandal
The right sandals make Colorado's trails accessible even in summer heat.
Price: $105 | Weight: 1 lb 14 oz (men's) | Closure: Adjustable Z-strap with buckle
Chaco has been the gold standard in adventure sandals for decades, and the Z/Cloud is their most refined hiking sandal yet. The signature LUVSEAT footbed provides excellent arch support that many hikers find comparable to orthotics, while the 3.5mm lugs grip everything from muddy trails to slick river rocks.
What we love: Legendary durability (3+ years with regular use), excellent traction on varied terrain, and Chaco's ReChaco repair service means you can resole them instead of replacing. The antimicrobial footbed also resists odor better than most competitors.
Potential downsides: At nearly 2 pounds per pair, they're the heaviest sandals on our list. Some hikers find the break-in period longer than strappy alternatives.
Best for: Day hikes, water activities, hikers who prioritize durability and support over weight savings.
2. Bedrock Cairn Evo — Best Ultralight Hiking Sandal
Price: $115 | Weight: 15.6 oz | Closure: Buckle + Velcro hybrid
The Bedrock Cairn Evo has developed a cult following among thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers—and for good reason. Weighing just under a pound, it features a premium Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides outstanding traction on technical terrain. The zero-drop design promotes natural foot movement.
What we love: Incredible grip-to-weight ratio, packable design perfect for 14er summit pushes, and the Vibram sole is essentially hiking boot-level traction in sandal form.
Potential downsides: The minimalist footbed lacks arch support—those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis may need insole additions. The Y-strap between toes takes getting used to.
Best for: Ultralight backpackers, minimalist hikers, those who want a camp sandal that doubles as trail footwear.
3. Teva Original Universal — Best Budget Hiking Sandal
Price: $60 | Weight: 13 oz (men's) | Closure: Velcro straps
You can't talk about sport sandals without mentioning Teva. The Original Universal has been a summer staple since 1984, and at just $60, it remains the best value in the hiking sandal market. The EVA foam midsole provides cushy comfort, while Velcro straps make on/off adjustments a breeze.
What we love: Unbeatable price point, lightweight construction, tons of color options, and proven reliability over 40+ years of design refinement.
Potential downsides: The outsole is thinner and less aggressive than premium options—not ideal for backcountry trails. Lacks the arch support of pricier competitors.
Best for: Casual hikers, camp sandals, anyone wanting a reliable sandal without breaking the bank.
4. Keen Newport H2 — Best Closed-Toe Protection
Closed-toe sandals like the Keen Newport H2 protect against stubbed toes on rocky creek crossings.
Price: $120 | Weight: 1 lb 5 oz | Closure: Bungee lace + Velcro
If you've ever stubbed your toe on a trail rock while wearing sandals, you understand the appeal of the Keen Newport H2. This hybrid sandal/water shoe features Keen's signature "toe bumper" protection along with quick-dry polyester webbing that handles creek crossings beautifully.
What we love: The closed-toe design provides boot-like protection while maintaining sandal breathability. The metatomical EVA footbed is one of the most comfortable in the industry. Perfect for trails with water features.
Potential downsides: The closed-toe design traps more heat than open sandals. Not as quick to dry as fully open designs.
Best for: Rocky terrain, water hiking, hikers who want protection without sacrificing sandal comfort.
5. Teva Hurricane XLT2 — Best for Water Crossings
Price: $75 | Weight: 1 lb 4 oz | Closure: Triple Velcro straps
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 takes everything great about Teva's classic designs and adds serious trail capability. The Durabrasion Rubber outsole grips wet rocks confidently, while three-point Velcro adjustment ensures a secure fit whether you're fording streams or scrambling over boulders.
What we love: Quick-dry polyester webbing, excellent wet traction, more support than the Original Universal, and the rugged construction handles Colorado's rocky terrain.
Potential downsides: Heavier than minimalist options. Some users report the rear strap can rub on longer hikes.
Best for: River hikes, canyoneering, anyone who regularly encounters water on trails.
6. ECCO Yucatan — Best for All-Day Comfort
Price: $140 | Weight: 1 lb 8 oz | Closure: Triple Velcro straps
If you're planning long days on Colorado trails and comfort is your top priority, the ECCO Yucatan delivers. Premium nubuck leather uppers break in to fit your foot like a glove, while the direct-injected PU midsole provides all-day cushioning without the "bottoming out" feeling cheaper foams can have.
What we love: Exceptional comfort for 10+ mile days, premium materials that age beautifully, and the RECEPTOR technology stabilizes your foot on uneven terrain.
Potential downsides: The highest price on our list. Leather requires longer break-in and more care than synthetic options.
Best for: Long day hikes, hikers who prioritize comfort over weight, those willing to invest in premium quality.
7. Keen Targhee III — Best for Wide Feet
Colorado's rugged mountain trails demand sandals with serious traction and support.
Price: $130 | Weight: 1 lb 8 oz | Closure: Bungee lace + Velcro
Finding hiking sandals for wide feet can be frustrating—most brands run narrow. The Keen Targhee III solves this with Keen's characteristically roomy toe box and a design that accommodates wider feet without sacrificing support. The waterproof leather upper adds durability for rugged use.
What we love: Generous fit for wide feet, excellent ankle support with the rear strap, and the lugged outsole handles technical terrain confidently.
Potential downsides: May feel too roomy for narrow feet. Leather takes time to break in.
Best for: Wide-footed hikers, those who've struggled to find comfortable sandal fits, rugged trail use.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Sandals
With so many options, how do you pick the right sandals for your adventures? Consider these key factors:
Traction
For Colorado's rocky, sometimes muddy trails, traction is non-negotiable. Look for sandals with deep lugs (3mm+) and rubber compounds designed for grip. Vibram outsoles are the gold standard, found on the Bedrock Cairn Evo and other premium models.
Support & Cushioning
Minimalist hikers may prefer zero-drop designs like the Bedrock, but most hikers benefit from arch support and cushioned midsoles for longer distances. The Chaco LUVSEAT footbed and ECCO's PU midsole are standouts in this category.
Fit & Security
A sandal that slips off on the trail is worse than no sandal at all. Look for adjustable straps (preferably at multiple points) and a secure heel cup. Buckle closures typically provide more precise adjustment than Velcro alone.
Water Performance
If your hikes involve stream crossings, prioritize quick-dry materials and drainage. Synthetic straps dry faster than leather, and open designs shed water better than closed-toe options.
When to Choose Hiking Sandals vs. Boots
Sandals aren't always the right choice. Here's when each footwear type excels:
Choose hiking sandals when:
- Temperatures exceed 75°F and breathability matters
- You're hiking trails with frequent water crossings
- The terrain is well-maintained and not overly technical
- You need a camp shoe that doubles as light trail footwear
Choose hiking boots when:
- You're tackling technical terrain with loose scree
- Ankle support is critical (heavy pack, previous injuries)
- You're hiking in cold weather or through snow
- You're attempting Colorado's higher 14ers where conditions change rapidly
Final Thoughts
The best hiking sandal depends on your priorities. For most Colorado hikers, the Chaco Z/Cloud offers the best balance of support, traction, and durability. Budget-conscious hikers will love the Teva Original Universal, while ultralight enthusiasts should consider the Bedrock Cairn Evo.
Whatever you choose, make sure to break in your sandals on shorter hikes before tackling longer trails. Your feet will thank you!
Related Colorado Hiking Guides
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Pants
- Best Hiking Boots for Women
- Top 7 Easiest 14ers for Beginners
- Ultimate Guide to Hiking Food & Trail Snacks
- Insider's Guide to Hiking in Colorado
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