The 9 Best Men's Hiking Sandals of 2026, Tested & Approved

Some variation of the Bedrock Cairn tops nearly every list of hiking sandals, this one included. So why do we like the Cairn Evo Pro the most? Their grippy gray Andesite sole excels in wet conditions, whether you’re rigging rafts or stepping around slippery, wet roots. The contact between your foot and the footbed is stellar and only slips in the muddiest of terrain. They also come stock with Bedrock's G-hook-and-loop heel strap as an alternative to the typical velcro strap, which can break down in sandy or wet terrain.

Some people can’t stomach the thought of toe socks, others detest the feeling of a thong between their toes. Similarly, the Cairn Evo Pro’s toe strap does require break-in time to build up a callus, but after that it’s smooth sailing. This difference is perhaps the biggest divide in the sandal world, and one reason we say there’s no perfect sandal.

For those of us who are open to the flip-flop feel, the Cairn Evo Pro’s offers unparalleled performance and weighs in at a respectably ultralight nine ounces per sandal. They can be both re-strapped and re-soled at Bedrock’s HQ in Missoula, Montana, too, but it’ll take enormous mileage to even get to that point because these sandals are in it for the long haul. (For a little extra support, Bedrock's Cairn Evo 3D PRO is the same shoe but with a contoured footbed.)

A list of top sandals isn’t complete without the Chaco Z/1 classic, though they have some serious old school heft (they weigh nearly two pounds) compared to the more svelte options on this list. That bulk does add up to major gains in durability and anatomical support though, and Chaco's proprietary Luvseat midsole and heel cup have even been certified by podiatrists. These beefcakes have absolutely zero finesse, but they make up for it in their ability to plod through anything in their path.

The high arch support is serious and can be too much for some, but many folks swear by it, and it's complemented by the brand's ChacoGrip outsole, which holds well on slippery surfaces. The Z-shaped strap design keeps your feet from slipping against the footbed and the sandals can be re-strapped, which ensures these sandals will last nearly forever and adds points for sustainability. The straps do have a bit of a learning curve (an adjustment guide can be found on Chaco's website) but they offer respite for those who can’t stand the feeling of a toe loop.

The KEEN Newport Sandals set a gold standard for toe protection. They are designed for watersports in particular, with a stiff, supportive sole and closed toe box that keeps your feet safe from underwater rocks. They’re also extremely comfortable. The closed-cell foam footbed offers plenty of support and I didn’t experience chafing at any of the contact points.

That said: they’re not perfect. The multidirectional lugs and small sipes in the KEEN rubber sole function decently at keeping you from slipping on wet rafts or rocks, but sandals with Vibram Megagrip Outsoles (like the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro) offer more stability. Further, the Newport allows for a lot of debris to get under your feet. I suppose you can expect this from a sandal with open sections along its walls, but having to stop to empty out pebbles and sand from your shoes is no fun.

Finally, the single bungee adjustment point offered by the Newport is fine enough, but multi-strap sandals can ensure you can get a much better fit. Still, all these gripes are minor. The sandal is a true original that has a proven track record of versatility and durability its imitators can only aspire to.

I’ve been a river guide on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park since 2013. While guides come and go, Chacos are a constant. It’s the most common shoe brand worn by my colleagues. Many guides try shoes from other brands, but most revert back to Chacos for the support they offer. There are a bunch of good options from the brand, but the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro sandals stand out to me as the best sandal for water activities like rafting and hiking.

The Z/1 Rapid Pros, released last year, are basically the company’s classic Z/1 sandals, souped up with a sticky Vibram Megagrip sole underneath. The sandals have the standard thick Chaco midsole, which provides a ton of arch support, and a z-shaped webbing strap design that locks your feet into place. With the stabilizing webbing and Vibram Megagrip sole, the Rapid Pros will provide the most support and grip for your feet in every watery scenario.

The shoes are, admittedly, a bit clunky at 15.55oz per sandal but most people seem to value the support Chacos provide over the weight penalty. My only real complaint about the Rapid Pro is that the foot straps start to stretch out over time. I also think the trail strap, especially on men’s Chacos, tends to be too long from the start. You might see it dragging on the ground behind you. It’s a quick fix for anyone with basic sewing skills, but kind of annoying for a nice sandal.

Known for making rugged boots for hikers, hunters, and general outdoors lovers since 1932, Portland, OR-based Danner may be a surprising option to find on this list. But the brand’s first foray into hiking sandals has been a success. The all-new Danner Joseph sandal features innovative features like a FIDLOCK magnetic buckle and beefy Vibram Traction Cascade Outsole.

The magnetic is a welcomed feature that makes putting on Chacos feel laborious. Though the leather straps take more time to dry, I didn't feel discomfort when wet, and the combined footbed and midsole was comfortable for all activities tested, including hiking, biking, and packrafting and SUP paddling.

On the flip side of the sandal spectrum, the Xero Z-Trail sandals are super flexible and wildly light, with the comfort of a sportier sandal and lightweight packability of your old flip flops. It's no wonder I've seen them on the feet of a ton of hikers doing the PCT this year.

Xero's FeelLight sole allows excellent ground feel and coverage and the TrailFoam layer provides a bit of cushion. The dual-direction chevron tread has a solid grip, albeit not as much as most of the other sandals here. Ultimately, the Z-Trails are in their own class, and at 5.4 ounces each, it’s hard to argue with that summertime barefoot feel.

The Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals certainly look unusual, but the striking hybrid sandal-sneaker design has a purpose. The original Hoparas more closely resembled a standard strapped, closed-toe sandal but the updated Hopara 2 incorporates porous Cordura mesh and recycled knit materials that breathe better than other closed-toe strapped sandal. The combination of improved breathability and the signature chunky foam midsole from Hoka’s trail runners makes the Hopara 2 one of the most comfortable sandals on this list.

The Hopara 2 has a lot of room in the forefoot, but it’s not so wide that it’s unstable. The design includes an adjustable heel strap and shock cord system to get a secure fit, which is really my only complaint as someone who prefers to just slide my sandals on. I was actually impressed by how much traction the rubber outsole has - proprietary rubbers tend to fall short of Vibram but the Hopara held up while walking around wet rafts. The Hopara 2 manages to still feel like a sandal while providing a little bit of toe protection and that is an impressive feat.

The Ecco Offroad Sandals are the company’s replacement for its beloved, discontinued Yucatan sandals. Thankfully, the new model is just as comfortable, chunky, and Dad-like as ever, with the same three thick adjustable leather straps and a soft microfiber midsole. They feature a contoured EVA footbed to keep your foot planted and line the inside of the straps with neoprene to prevent hotspots. ECCO also uses a process called “Fluidform” in their shoes to bond their midsole and outsole with more pliable materials than glue or stitching, which it claims creates a more flexible and comfortable sandal.

Compared to a more minimalist sandal, the heel of the Offroads is stacked, which made them a bit of an adjustment for me. The aesthetic, too, is not personally something I would usually gravitate toward. And yet, the sandal is so comfortable, I find myself wearing it all the time. They’re definitely not water shoes, but for hiking or travel with a lot of walking, the Offroads are a durable and comfortable sandal. Especially if you can embrace the look.

The KEEN Uneek "Sneakers" are a little more oriented towards lifestyle wear than performance, but they’re a solid option for everyday sandals that can handle light activity. And as someone who lives in a 20ft Airstream trailer half of the year, multipurpose sandals like the Uneeks are key to keeping my space organized. The upper is made from breathable, flexible cords that provide a snug but comfortable fit, especially thanks to the included bungee and toggle. The midsole is minimalist, without the layers of foam you’ll see on the KEEN Newport H2, but the outsole is constructed of Keen’s proprietary non-marking rubber.

Though the looks can be polarizing, I actually think they nicely disguise some clever design features. The tight cord pattern, for example, is great at keeping out rocks and sticks, a common issue for sandal-wearing hikers. The minimal sole appealed to me as someone who doesn’t need much arch support—I found that the rubber provided plenty of cushion on both pavement and trail. The sandal isn’t all that grippy—if you’re expecting rain or watery conditions on your hike, bring the company’s Newport H2 sandals instead—but it’s good enough to keep you upright at camp. Overall, it’s just a cool sandal that is way more wearable than it looks. You’ll find yourself reaching for it pretty often. Plus, as all KEEN footwear is, the Uneek is PFC-free.

Our Rating Criteria

For each sandal, I provide a rating of the design's toe protection, breathability, arch support, and traction, from 0-10, then explain in detail what makes them special. The overall rating doesn't necessarily reflect our final opinion of each model, since sometimes particular traits that don't show up in numerical ratings can effect our thinking (like weight, or the way the straps feel). Rather, these are meant to provide a quick sense of the model before digging deeper in each write-up.

Each sandal was tested on multiple 7-10 mile hikes and over many days on the river by my partner, Gabriel Adams, a rafting guide on the Snake River in Wyoming. My extensive testing of the best women's hiking sandals contributed as well, as many products are effectively the same, besides colorway differences.

What We Look for in a Hiking Sandal

The primary advantage of sandals is breathability. Traditional hiking footwear can be a heavy, sweaty mess, and even trail runners or walking shoes can feel claustrophobic when the temps kick up. Sandals keep the air flowing and the moisture wicking, so you’ll never have to apologize for your stinky feet again.

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.