The 10 Best Trail Hiking Sandals for Women, Tested

Field magazine

What Makes a Good Hiking Sandal?

The primary advantage of sandals lies in their breathability. Traditional hiking footwear can feel burdensome and make your feet sweaty, especially when the temperature soars. With their webbing straps, sandals allow air to circulate freely and effectively wick away moisture, ensuring your feet remain fresh. There’s more to it than that, though.

Breathability

Unlike hiking shoes, sandals provide maximum ventilation, ensuring your toes remain dry. This is particularly beneficial in hot, muggy climates and during hikes in swampy terrain or on trails featuring river crossings. Damp feet can lead to discomfort, quickly resulting in blisters, and over time, excess moisture can lead to more severe issues, such as immersion foot. The freedom to wade in and out of water is liberating, and you won’t miss the need to gingerly step from slippery rocks to precarious logs just to keep your shoes dry.

Traction

While standard flip flops and slip-on slide sandals may offer some airflow, a true outdoor sandal that can stand up to trekking and other outdoor adventures is evaluated based on its traction and stability. The stickiness of the rubber and the effectiveness of the lug patterns are crucial. Several companies continue to rely on trusted Vibram rubber soles, which provide the same gripping power as your favorite hiking boots. However, most brands have developed their proprietary traction technologies that also perform well.

Stability

Stability is a matter of personal preference. For instance, dedicated minimalist hikers likely have a much stronger arch than those who rely on orthotic insoles and don’t need the arch support provided by some sandals. In general, a thicker sole tends to equate to better stability and often includes improved arch support for those who require it.

Fit

While the possibility of hot spots remains, many sandals offer fine-tuning options to customize the fit. Given the evident straps on sandals, it’s relatively easy to anticipate potential hot spots. This allows you to break them in beforehand or carry athletic tape to preempt blisters. You’re also less likely to endure the discomfort of debris rubbing against your feet since it’s a simple task to remove twigs and pebbles from your sandals without the need to stop your hike.

Without further delay, the following are our top picks for the best women’s hiking sandals, tested, photographed, and approved in the wilds of the American West.