The Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2024

The Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud ($105) has several outstanding features that made it the best overall hiking sandal in our testing, but let’s start from the ground up. A 3mm lug depth and sturdy ChacoGrip outsole enabled us to traverse even the rockiest terrain — painlessly and easily. Adding to that was its moderate arch support and slightly cushioned and supportive midsole, which delivered stability for more than five hours of 4,500 feet of elevation gain in a single day.

All this added up to one comfortable sandal underfoot, but the strap system atop it was equally important to keeping our feet happy while wearing the Z/Clouds. Something we truly appreciated during the sweltering July heat was the capability to loosen the webbing at various points when our feet started to swell — thanks to its interactive one-sole, one-strap design. Another perk was the sandal’s buckle, which didn’t gather dust and debris like Velcro would while bushwhacking through overgrown trails.

Although we thought these sandals were a little heavier than other sandals in the Chacos lineup, such as the Lowdowns or the Bodhis, we nevertheless adored the Chaco Z/Clouds for strenuous day hikes, camping, and flaunting them to our friends because of their cute, funky, retro patterns. For just about everything you’re looking to get up to in a pair of sandals, these are the ideal pair to take you there.

The Teva Original Universal ($55) is a great option for those seeking a comfortable sandal with exceptional value. These sandals provide good support and an adjustable, secure fit thanks to their two adjustment points without feeling bulky or heavy. And weighing in at only 5.5 ounces per sandal (similar in weight to a D-size battery) — the third lightest on our list right behind the Xero Z-Trail EV — we are impressed by their simple yet tough design.

In addition to being inexpensive, comfy, and having a simple, streamlined appearance, these sandals are also made for the water. Because of the classic style and strong, quick-drying webbing, you can easily switch from short hiking trails to jumping on a SUP board, as our lead tester Rebecca Ross did on local riverways in Washington and Oregon. 

That budget price had to take a bit out somewhere, however, and while putting these sandals to the test, we found the quality of the soles left us wanting something that felt more durable. After a few scrambles, we noticed the exposed foam side walls were beginning to show early signs of wear. Don’t fear an early demise — just understand that these sandals need a lighter touch when cruising around.

If you don’t want to break the bank but need a sandal that can keep up with all of your water activities and day-to-day errands, the Teva Original Universal comes highly recommended by our team. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.

The Teva Tirra ($85) is our high-support choice for several reasons. Weighing 9 ounces per sandal — which includes three simple hook-and-loop closures, a tough contoured midsole, and arch support — these utilitarian sandals can handle just about anything. We know because we’ve tested these sandals on everything from high alpine trails and water activities and they passed with flying colors. 

Similar to the KEEN Whisper Sandals, we were impressed by the amount of comfort these sandals provided, despite looking bulky. However, unlike the Whispers, the Tirras have three quick-adjusting closure points that allow us to travel across steep terrain all day without feeling like our feet were going to slide out of our sandals.

The only downside is that the Tirra sandal is not designed for prolonged water use, but we didn’t seem to have an issue during creekbed crossings or getting them wet while kayaking on the Columbia River. Just don’t leave them soaking.

If you want sandals that can do it all without sacrificing incredible comfort, then the Teva Tirra is an excellent choice. And for those who worry about sizing, these are available in half sizes too — a surprisingly tough thing to find in a good sandal.

With a name like OOahh Luxe Slide Sandal ($75), you’ll undoubtedly be thanking OOFAS for making such an uber-comfortable slide, and your tired feet will be thanking you after a full day on the mountain. These sandals are ideal to have on hand after any expedition because of their trademark OOfoam technology, which absorbs a claimed 37% more impact than other footwear. Can we confirm an exact 37%? Nope — but it was certainly enough for our tired feet.

One of our testers particularly liked switching into the OOahh sandal after hikes while still recovering after years from a broken toe; she noticed the amount of cushion and support helped ease some achy joints in her foot.

Aside from their absurd comfort, these shoes also appeal to us for their ease of slipping on and the way they support our feet for a natural gait. Many of us found ourselves happily wearing them throughout the day when we were relaxing at home. And being machine washable and an easy-to-wipe material, these slides are simple to keep clean. We did find that once these got wet, they were slightly uncomfortable and more challenging to slip into, but once they completely dried, it was no problem.

And for those who want an even more budget-friendly option, you can save with the OOahh Slide Sandal ($60) and still have the same quality and comfort we loved in the Luxe design. But for the uncompromising, the Luxe is sure to live up to the name.

If you’re looking for a reliable shoe to take with you on overnight camping trips, look no further than the Birkenstock Arizona ($110). This easy-to-slip-on sandal is the perfect footwear to toss on first thing in the morning after you roll out of your tent — sock or no sock! 

Though the price tag is hefty, these sandals are well-made and feature soft suede and metal pin buckles that can be readjusted all year round. They sport a contoured footbed that conforms to your feet for outstanding comfort. Unlike older versions, we found ourselves spending less time breaking them in. They’re a great after-hike option too, and are more durable than the OOFOS OOahh Sandal. These also come in two different widths and half sizes.

Unfortunately, the biggest drawback for everyday wear is that these untreated sandals do require special care due to their suede upper, which we discovered the hard way will definitely stain when in contact with water and grime. Unlike some of Birkenstock’s oiled leather versions that can withstand light precipitation, these can’t unless you treat them with waterproofing first. We recommend doing so before packing them in your camping set-up!

So, yes, they do require upkeep, but if you take the precautions to prep and care for the suede, the Birkenstock Arizonas are worth the investment because not only are they comfortable and high-quality, but they can be worn every day for many years to come.

One of the toughest sandals in our testing was the Keen Women’s Whisper ($115). Its rubber bumper keeps your toes protected so you can tackle any terrain, including scree fields, deep river crossings, and long backpacking trips, where a foot injury is the last thing you would want. Luckily, these sandals are capable enough to do it all on your adventures and then some.

And even despite the extra material, these sandals are fairly lightweight and remarkably comfortable, and include a convenient assisted heel loop which we found particularly useful in a closed-toe design. What we also like about the Keens is their thinner webbing, which makes them much lighter and more streamlined compared to their bulkier cousins — the Newport H2s. 

Aside from the price and less-than-attractive look, we found these did collect quite a bit of pebbles and debris on our hikes in the North Cascades — causing us to make frequent stops. But after a quick shake, we still strongly recommend the Keen Whispers for those in need of a sandal that can withstand rocky excursions. Even its quick lace-loop closing system assists you in getting out the door in a flash.

With its design inspired by runners in rural Mexico, it’s no surprise that the Luna Middle Bear ($120) is a sandal that can keep up wherever you take it. This sandal is a beast when it comes to trail performance thanks to its unbeatable comfort and confidence-inspiring tread. Even after a wet and bushwhacky 10-mile hike in the Olympic National Forest, we’d trust these kicks on any adventure.

Similar to the Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals, the Middle Bears are minimalist. They are a zero-drop sandal with room to spread your toes. The infinite loop strap design means you can adjust these sandals wherever you need them most. They come with a padded heel strap that we found essential to minimizing break-in time, and the soft rubber soles kept us from having achy feet at the end of the day. Our feet simply didn’t get tired of wearing them.

These sandals will grip anything, even wet rocks and roots. The lugs are 1.5 mm deeper than the Cairn Evos, and they’re specially made with extra grip on the toe for power and stability in your stride (especially if you decide to pick up the pace!) The rubber soles and tech straps are durable and thick, meaning they will last your many intense adventures.

Surprisingly for their price, these sandals don’t have much variety in styles with only three strap pattern designs to choose from. We also found the footbed to be somewhat slippery when wet, especially from sweat, which is a bummer for mid-summer hikes. However, despite the cons, we’d recommend the Middle Bear for your next rugged adventure. 

A crowd favorite is the Chaco Bodhi ($100) due to its traditional and stylish design, and the high-quality finish many of us expect from a Chaco. A lot of the features we have come to expect in a good sandal can be found on the Bodhi, including a 3 mm lug depth, broad arch support, and no-slip rubber outsoles, all weighing 7.3 ounces per sandal. 

Another feature that’s similar to the Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud is the one strap, one sole technology, which enables the polyester jacquard webbing to be adjusted for the perfect fit, which we loved during hot approaches like Mt. Baker when needing to loosen the straps. Not a fan of the toe loop or want a more secure feel, but still loyal to the Chaco name? The Z/Clouds may be the ticket. But if you like hanging ten, we can’t recommend the Bodhi enough.

One particular characteristic that made this sandal stand out to us is that it’s one of the most stylish sandals on our list. The straps are available in a grip of fun, funky retro designs and the over-the-toe loop added security made us want to throw it into our outdoor wardrobe as part of a fashion statement. 

The Chaco Bodhi Sandals are not only functional for just about anything, but they are also super cute.

For those days when you want a minimal sandal with support, look no further than the Bedrock Cairn Evo ($115). Weighing 8 ounces per sandal with a 0mm heel-to-toe drop and three simple adjustment zones, these sandals have everything you need for trail tromping and nothing you don’t.

With such a sleek and minimal design, we really wanted to see how well they performed in real life. Putting these to the test while log and boulder-hoping and taking to local hiking trails on the Pacific coast, we were especially impressed by the traction on these sandals. The Vibram rubber soles, which are designed for wet and slick surfaces, did not disappoint. Similar to the Luna Middle Bears, we could feel the stickiness of the soles gripping practically everything we climbed on with no concern of slipping. 

Given that the Bedrock Cairn Evos offer less toe coverage than others, a sentiment shared by multiple testers at GearJunkie, we do advise going up a size. The fact that these sandals are unisex, however, makes them ideal for anyone searching for a simple sandal that can hold its own during outdoor activities.

The Xero Z-Trail EV ($80) sandal definitely gave us a “Born to Run” vibe, so all those who love to go barefoot will rejoice. It is the lightest and most bare-bones-feeling footwear on our list, weighing a whopping 4.3 ounces per sandal, with an 11 mm sole. Its design is comfortable and flexible, providing a natural, limber feel where you can sense the ground beneath.

During testing, we felt surprisingly secure while playing outdoor games with friends while car camping or chasing our kiddos at the park. And that’s due in part to the solid adjustment straps, the roomy soles that kept our feet covered, and the deep, multi-directional chevron lugs that gave a decent amount of traction. 

Overall, the minimal feel and the security the sandal provided definitely impressed us. However, we wouldn’t recommend these sandals for anything hardcore due to the lack of solid support. We also aren’t sure how they hold up after heavy use or years of wear. However, the good news is that they offer a 5,000-mile sole warranty. If you’re looking for a zero-drop sandal with a thicker sole and better durability, the Luna Middle Bear might be a better option.

Even though this sandal isn’t the best choice for rocky routes, its packability makes it a fantastic addition to our collection of shoes for when we get to the car and desperately need to change out of our heavy boots. 

For anyone who hates feeling restricted in their footwear, Xero’s Z-Trail EV Sandals cut out any unnecessary or excess material while keeping it eco-friendly with its recycled plastic water bottle nylon. These sandals are the next best thing to going totally barefoot.

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish sandal with a small environmental footprint (pun intended), you might want to pick up a pair of Teva Zymic Sandals ($80). Not only are these sandals a statement piece, but they’re comfortable too. Even better, they are one of the more eco-friendly sandals you can find.

These sandals feel like walking on a cloud, though compared to the OOFOS OOahh Luxe Slide Sandal, they are better suited for longer walks as well as relaxing. The straps are especially comfortable in the heel with their thick, mesh material, making for a short break-in period. They’re also so lightweight you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

These earth-friendly sandals have a collection of styles and colors to choose from, and at only $80 a pair, you won’t break the bank if you want to get a couple of styles (though the Teva Original Universal Sandals are even cheaper!) The most unique part of these sandals is how eco-friendly they are. Each part of these sandals is made entirely or partially of recycled material, and they’re even treated with peppermint oil for a natural, odor-eliminating power.

While these shoes may be comfortable, their super thick soles might offer too much support for some users, depending on preference. Though you won’t feel any small rocks or sticks through their soles, the Zymics aren’t best for tricky terrain as they aren’t very grippy. These shoes aren’t made of the most durable material either, which means they’re more likely to wear out with time. Though, for a casual shoe, you really can’t beat ‘em.

At just $70, these low-cost Chaco sandals are a great way to dip your toes into the Chaco line-up without breaking the bank! Not only are the Chaco Lowdowns stylish, but their adjustable straps and grippy outsoles make them a good option for short hikes and walks on variable terrain. 

These Chacos boast a 3mm-deep lug pattern, which makes them grippy on various terrain. We found they performed well on different trail types, including gravel, rocks, and mud. You can adjust both the toe and heel straps on these shoes, which makes them adaptable to sock-and-sandal weather. They do lean on the narrow side, however, and we found a few hot spots on our pinky toes when wearing these sandals with socks. 

Overall, we found these shoes a bit tricky to size correctly. Like the Chaco Z/Cloud and other Chacos, the Lowdowns have a defined arch, and we found that this one has a particularly high outside arch. For people who prefer low to zero-drop shoes, note that Lowdowns have a greater break-in period. These shoes don’t come in half sizes, but we recommend sizing down to the nearest full size if you usually land in a half size. 

Though this is a tricky sandal to size, if you find that it fits your foot, it’ll be another great reliable trail sandal. They also come in a variety of strap colors which means you can find the right one for every outfit. Though other Chacos like the Z/Cloud and Bodhi are more durable options, these Lowdowns are a lower-cost option with a similar design.