For Your Next Hike, Free Your Feet and Try Sandals

Field magazine

Breathability

Unlike hiking shoes, sandals offer maximum airflow to keep your feet dry, which is a huge benefit on swampy hikes or trails with river crossings. Wet feet are uncomfortable and can quickly lead to blisters, and over time moisture can cause larger issues like immersion foot. The ability to splash in and out of water is freeing, and you won’t miss stepping from slippery rock to rock in order to keep your shoes dry.

Traction

Airflow can be found in your standard flip flops though, so the true test of a sandal’s hiking aptitude is traction and stability. Some rubber is stickier than others and some lug patterns offer better grip. Many companies have stuck with tried-and-true Vibram rubber soles, which offer the tackiness of your favorite hiking boots, but most brands have created their own proprietary grip technology with impressive performance.

Stability

Stability is a subjective issue. Take, for example, how die-hard minimalist hikers balk at the heavy sole of Chacos. Experienced sandal hikers may opt for more flexible soles that offer better ground feel and conform to uneven terrain, but this does require a bit of balance and care. For most people, a thicker sole equals better stability, and often comes with better arch support for those who want it.

Fit

Hot spots are definitely still possible with sandals, but the best hiking sandals come with multiple adjustments to dial in your fit. It’s easy to predict where these hot spots may occur with sandals given the obvious straps, so you can break them in beforehand or carry athletic tape to prevent blisters. You’re also less-likely to experience the painful rubbing of debris in your shoes, as it’s easy to flick sticks and pebbles out of your sandals without stopping.