With the advent of warmer climes, it’s the ideal time for hitting the beach, going hiking, camping, or just lounging in your backyard. Though shoes do an awesome job, a good pair of outdoor sandals can give you the same traction that you need for outdoor activities and protection without their heat, weight, and fabric. Numerous brands have beefed up the regular flip-flops and revamped it with features like a better arch support, thicker and more cushioned sole, and more secure webbing. Outdoor sandals, especially so in hot or wet climates, are a great substitute for traditional hiking shoes. The right footwear can take your outdoor adventures to a whole new level of enjoyment. So strap on your new footwear and get ready for the time of your life. We hope our review of the 13 best outdoor sandals will help you get an extremely comfortable pair for your next trip.
13 Best Outdoor Sandals
1. Megnya Women’s Comfortable Outdoor Sandals – Black Grey
With a braided rope design, these hiking sandals feature a high quality EVA sole, and a 1-inch high heel. The upper is made with nylon cord that is hand-woven with the utmost attention and care. It features easily adjustable straps that keep your feet in a comfortable position and prevent them from slipping. These attractive and durable sandals are perfect for a cruise, a day trip, a beach holiday, or a day trip out. It’s cushioned and ultra-soft EVA midsole and high-quality rubber outsole are incredibly comfortable. The sole features an arch support, making it ideal for walking long distances without getting tired. They are suitable for water activities like kayaking or walking on the beach as they don’t get ruined by water. PROS:
Skin-friendly straps Anti-slip outsole Suitable for all age groups Available in sizes from 6 to 11
CONS:
Some feel the arch is too far forward.
2. Ecco Women’s Yucatan Sport Sandal – Multicolor
These must-have outdoorsy sandals are suitable for everything from camping to water adventures. Equipped with full length Receptor Technology, it has a direct injected PU midsole that provides stability, natural movement, and a more efficient push-off. It has an exceptionally lightweight and durable shock-absorbing rubber sole and a dual density EVA footbed for added comfort. It features yak leather nubuck uppers with a stretch fit Gore-Tex membrane that is completely waterproof and highly breathable. This technology ensures that your feet are always comfortable, dry, and ventilated. The leather is treated with hydromax to become highly water repellent so that the leather doesn’t harden on drying. Equipped with BIOM natural motion technology, these sandals feature a low to the ground construction for better ground contact and flexibility. PROS:
Extremely durable Soft feel Excellent stretch and return Abrasion-resistant leather 20° angle of ground contact Specially rounded heel Integrated internal midfoot shank for added support Dual flex grooves for efficient push-off
CONS:
Some feel the insole could have more cushioning.
3. Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal – Sun And Moon In
A true icon in the outdoor sandal industry, this product gives you the assurance of comfort and style. The very word ‘teva’ is a reference to nature and is perfect for hiking and water activities. It has a rubber sole for the required traction and support, an EVA midsole for light cushioning, and a spider rubber outsole that is rugged, durable, and has a great grip. It features fast-drying webbing that is crafted from recycled plastic, and bungee cord lace to hold the foot in place securely. PROS:
Waterproof Repreve polyester yarn by Unifi Durable and sturdy Available in a variety of colors
CONS:
Some feel it doesn’t hold the foot well in place.
4. Atika Women’s Outdoor Sandals – Maya Sandals Peach
This stylish and comfortable pair of hiking sandals have an open design with nylon straps that feature extra shock padding for added support and comfort. It holds your feet in place effectively and prevents blisters and cuts. There is velcro on the strap at the back of the foot and ankle for a customized fit. It features a distinct 3D designed foot bed and the inner sole contours to your foot for traction and comfort. Its midsole is extremely lightweight and constructed with compression EVA, offering you superior cushioning, long-lasting comfort, and high energy return. The rubber outsole features a multi-directional lug pattern for extra traction and shock absorption, and is completely safe and suitable for dry and wet surfaces. PROS:
High-quality material Ergonomic arch support Hook-and-loop straps Quick drying Shock-absorbing padded inner sides True to size Available in various colors and designs
CONS:
It may develop an odor when not worn with socks.
5. CIOR Women’s Outdoor Sandals – Black
These smart-looking outdoor sandals have a soft, textured EVA yoga mat insole for extra grip and to absorb impact. The outsoles are designed with rubber that are slip-resistant and flexible. It features a 1-centimeter heel and effective arch support for extra support while standing. It also controls the foot and prevents excess pronation. Soft, padded, woven heel straps are comfortable and durable, and protect your feet from chafing and blisters even on long hikes. It features convenient hook-and-loop closure so that you can put them on and take them off quickly, and get the fit just right. PROS:
Lightweight Waterproof Soft and flexible Available in various colors
CONS:
Some feel the velcro strap could be more securely attached.
6. Dream Pairs Women’s Outdoor Sandals – New-Purple
With a durable rubber sole and a heel height of approximately 1-inch, these classic style waterproof hiking sandals are an extremely durable and comfortable option for outdoor activities. It features an ultra soft and cushioned EVA footbed, as well as adequate arch support for underfoot comfort. Bungee elastic lacing gives you flexibility in adjusting the fit, and its hook-and-loop closure at the back makes it easy to put on and take off. Its anti-collision design gives protection from rocks and stones, especially to the toes, and is suitable for rough terrain. So get ready for the outdoors with these comfortable and smart looking sandals! PROS:
Casual and stylish look Sturdy construction Available in a variety of colors Velcro adjustment at the rear
CONS:
No extra arch support
7. Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Outdoor Sandal – Black
This dependable and streamlined pair of outdoor sandals boasts of a timeless and simple design. Every pair features adjustable straps for a customized fit, and a LUVSEAT PU footbed that is podiatrist-certified for all the support and comfort that your feet need. The upper is designed with polyester jacquard webbing that goes around the foot and midsole for a perfect adjustable fit. It also features high tensile, durable, and adjustable webbing heel risers along with an injection-molded ladder lock buckle. The outsole is crafted with non-marking ChacoGrip rubber, and has a lug depth of 3 mm. PROS:
Vegan-friendly construction Waterproof Stylish and comfortable Available in several colors
CONS:
Some feel the sole could be more flexible.
8. Eagsouni Garden Clogs
This innovative outdoor sandal can be used both as garden clogs in all seasons and for all outdoor activities, as well as house slippers or outdoor sandals. The garden clogs can convert into slide slippers and slip-on sandals by simply adjusting the backstrap. The upper has a mesh, hollow-out design which makes them more breathable due to air permeability. The sole is crafted with EVA and rubber, ensuring excellent stability and traction on all terrains and surfaces. Incredibly lightweight, they reduce the stress on your feet, and are very easy to put on and take off. PROS:
Convenient slip on closure Super soft and flexible Weighs 100 to 150 grams True to size Available in a variety of colors
CONS:
They are not waterproof
9. Keen Arroyo II Outdoor Sandal
One of the best sandals for hiking, it’s a perfect combination of all that’s good about a sandal and a hiking shoe, and the hybrid design of this product is incredibly stylish and comfortable. Designed with waterproof nubuck leather, it provides protection against moisture and rain, and prevents the leather from drying out. The upper features open vents for maximum breathability and has 4 mm multi-directional lugs in the rubber outsole for the required traction and grip in rough terrain. Its dual-density, metatomical EVA footbed is removable and promises long-lasting comfort. These sandals also boast of a unique toe bumper that prevents injuries and offers additional safety, while its external stability shank gives the required support for better mobility and control on rough surfaces. PROS:
Long-lasting Very versatile Non-marking soles Hydrophobic mesh lining Available in 3 other colors
CONS:
Shoes may smell on getting wet
10. Saguaro Outdoor Sandals – Pink
These closed-toe sandals are crafted with a mesh and artificial leather upper for enhanced durability and breathability in hot weather. It features a closed-toe design to protect your feet from injuries by stones or rocks. Its elastic band comes with adjustable buckles and hook-and-loop closure at the heels for a customized fit, and to make it easy to put on and take off. These sandals feature a foam footbed with a soft honeycomb hole design, as well as a textile lining for added cushioning, ventilation, and to let water drain out quickly. They also feature round grooves on the rubber outsole for incredible grip, while the thick back heel offers extra stability and cushioning. PROS:
Very versatile Slip-resistant Anti-collision toe cap Detachable hook-and-loop
CONS:
Some feel the ankle straps could have more cushioning.
11. Equick Outdoor Sandals For Women – Black Lattice
With a polyester webbing upper and a high quality rubber sole, these hiking sandals are extremely stylish and comfortable for all day wear. It has elegant jacquard straps that are both comfortable and skin-friendly. The insole of this sandal contours to the foot shape and has adequate arch support to reduce pressure on the foot. It also features hook-and-loop closures which are adjustable for a customized fit. The MD and RB outsole has incredible durability and traction, making it ideal for all terrain. It also features moisture-absorbing and breathable anti-scratch soft pads that are specifically designed to protect your foot while keeping it dry and cool. The adjustable straps across the ankles and toes give these outdoor sandals an extremely comfortable fit. PROS:
Slip-resistant outsole Soft and lightweight Quick drying Tear-resistant Cushioned and shock absorbing footbed Suitable for all terrains
CONS:
Some feel the plastic connectors could be more durable.
12. Flarut Men’s Outdoor Sandals – D-Black
Crafted with a leather upper, these hiking sandals are incredibly durable and comfortable, feature a breathable lining, and are easy to clean up. It’s slip-resistant rubber sole is flexible, durable, and has strong traction and grip, and its EVA midsole is flexible and lightweight. Its 3D design footbed contours to the foot bottom and offers good cushioning for all day wear. It also features a unique toe cap to prevent injuries from stones and rocks in uneven terrain. PROS:
25-inch platform Open toe design Extremely sturdy Available in a range of colors
CONS:
Some feel it requires better adjustability.
13. Camel Crown Hiking Sandals – Purple
Crafted with a thermoplastic rubber sole, the insole contours to the foot shape which offers support and comfort, and also reduces pressure on the foot. It features adjustable hook-and-loop closures for a customized and adjustable fit. These hiking sandals sport a polyester webbing upper which is tear-resistant, durable, quick drying, and maintains its shape even if it’s exposed to water for a long time. Its foam MD midsole offers cushioning and is very shock absorbent, while its footbed has a waffle-like quilted texture to prevent your feet from sliding and slipping on the footbed. It features a skid-resistant and comfortable outsole crafted with rebound TPR and MD composite, and offers superior cushioning. The middle features an anti-slip grain which along with the surrounding drainage ditch, quickly drains water and sand, making it all the more skid-resistant. PROS:
Versatile use Lightweight Wear-resistant Adequate arch support 3 adjustable magic straps Sawteeth on the rubber outsole
CONS:
Some feel it could have better arch support.
Now that you have been through our review of the 13 best outdoor sandals, let us give you a few tips about what to keep in mind while choosing your pair for the utmost comfort and support during your next outdoor adventure.
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Sandal
Longevity
Lifespan and durability are important considerations while choosing outdoor sandals. Sandals made with an EVA midsole have the same lifespan as a running shoe and thus have to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Though EVA is extremely shock absorbent and cushioned, it tends to mold to the foot and thus loses its effectiveness with time. Hiking sandals with a PU midsole have higher longevity than EVA because of its high resilience and durability, and can last at least a year or more.
Fit
The fit of your outdoor sandals is extremely important so that it doesn’t cause blisters by rubbing in the wrong places. Some sandals mold to your feet for a customized fit, the more you wear them. Feet tend to swell when under stress or in heat, so you should cater for enlarged feet without the sandals becoming uncomfortable. Sandals that feature an adjustable fit are the best for this. Not all hiking sandals are sized equally, so it’s important to check each brand’s size. Some sandals may also be narrower than expected, so remember to check the width and see if that brand is available in wide sizes. Otherwise, sizing up is the best choice, and you will have to tighten the straps for a comfortable fit.
Upper
The uppers for outdoor sandals are usually made of either suede or synthetic material. Suede or nubuck is a softer and thinner type of leather, and usually lasts longer than synthetic materials. The only problem is that they take a long time to dry in case they get wet. Synthetic uppers can be made of nylon, polyester, or microfiber and are lighter and dry quicker than suede. However, they are not as long-lasting as leather. This also makes a good option for vegans.
Midsole
The midsole, as the name suggests, is the middle layer between the topsole and the outsole, and is extremely important as it impacts durability and cushioning. PU and EVA are the most common materials used for designing the midsole. PU is long-lasting, supportive, and extremely durable, but tends to be more expensive, heavier, and requires a longer ’break-in’ period. EVA, on the other hand, is softer, lightweight, and offers more cushioning, but deteriorates between 3 to 6 months, and doesn’t offer support to heavier weights.
Outsole
The outsole is the lowermost layer of the shoe, and as it’s in constant contact with the ground, is usually constructed with a sticky rubber compound as it offers traction. The lugs in the outsole vary in size and shape, but usually deeper lugs give more traction. Blunt and flat lugs are ideal for braking, while pointed shapes are perfect for toeing off. Most outdoor sandals have some sort of channel in the outsole that allows water to escape.
Lacing
Traditional laces are only found in hybrid sandals for added security. Most hiking sandals use webbing in the place of laces. There are usually 3 main straps— 2 that cross over the foot and a third that holds the heel in place. Some brands also have a fourth strap that goes across the foot diagonally for added security. Toe straps are completely the choice of the user, as some hikers opt for a circular strap to separate the big toe while others go for a flip-flop toe style.
Arch support
Arch support is one of the most important features to look at when choosing a pair of hiking sandals. This is important for keeping your feet comfortable, and safe while walking. The arch support of outdoor sandals is very similar to that of hiking shoes and provides extra cushioning.
Toe protection
Some outdoor sandals come equipped with a toe cap to protect your toes. It is very effective protection against loose rocks and insects.
Waterproof and quick drying
If not waterproof, your hiking sandals should at least be quick drying so that you are not uncomfortable if you encounter rain. Wet sandals not only start smelling, but can also rub against your foot, causing blisters.
