17 Best Hiking Sandals for Women (Updated!)

I bought my first set of Chacos at a national retailer’s scratch and dent sale years ago, and they are still one of my go-to selections for kayaking because they stay on my foot without slipping or sliding. The Classic series is comprised of only eight component parts, making for the simple, timeless sandal I’ve grown to love.

Every pair comes standard with adjustable straps that custom-fit to your foot, a toe-loop for additional forefoot control, plus a podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU footbed for all-day comfort and support. To add to their great features as a hiking sandal, they now feature ChacoGrip rubber, an update to the pair I’ve got. Perhaps I’ll need some new ones now.

That grippy outsole means you’ll keep your feet firmly on the ground, even in dicey terrain. And, if you’ve got to portage your kayak or canoe around rapids, you’ll feel secure with these sandals snugged up to your feet. The Chaco ZX/3 Classic features a bit more support around the ankle, while the Chaco Rowan sandal is perhaps more well-suited to simpler urban hikes to the coffee shop or cocktails.

Hiking sandals are created to give your feet support and keep your feet cooler during those warm summer months. Another great addition to your summer hiking gear is bamboo underwear, for its naturally cooling and moisture-wicking comfort. Browse our recommendations for the best bamboo underwear here.

I admit it. I’m addicted to KEEN sandals. I have four different pairs, all in different colors. I wear them for fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking and pretty much everywhere when I’m counting on comfort and function. From hidden coves to rushing rivers, the Whisper sandal from KEEN can manage any water-filled day.

The quick draw elastic cord lacing system adjusts to a comfortable and secure fit. And because you know how bare feet and sandals can create a bit of an odor dilemma, the washable polyester upper features an odor-reducing Aegis Microbe Shield®. The foot-cushioning EVA molded footbed provides comfort on the go. EVA midsoles help to aid in shock absorption according to the experts at Podiatry Today. A non-marking rubber outsole means your floor won’t show back marks, even if you’re a bit of a foot dragger.

This dandy hiking sandal features a metatomical footbed design. That means the internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support and cradle the natural contours of your foot. And because your feet are going to get dirty, sweaty and wet if you’re doing all the fun things of summer, all KEEN water sandals are machine washable.

That’s a hard feature to beat. The KEEN Venice offers more water flow through and is my favorite rafting and kayaking sandal. The KEEN Bali Strap Sandal protects your toes, along with offering dynamite support for your soles and arches.

If you’re planning a trip into terrain that involves lots of river and stream crossings, you want a robust sandal that can take a drenching but stay solidly on your feet. These sandals feature the durability of a shoe, but with all the benefits of a hiking sandal. 

Integrated webbing loops keep them stable and comfortable. Midsole channels and ports allow for water to easily move in and out of your sandals, while also allowing for airflow for quicker drying and increased comfort. The EVA midsole adds to the comfort and stability of this sandal, while the outsole delivers superior traction on rocky and uneven terrain. This is the shoe for serious outdoor adventures.

Get this sandal in three color options and women’s full and half sizes from 6M to 11M. The Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe would be ideal for all your fly fishing adventures when you want to wade in rushing water but stay on your feet.

We love the distinctive braided strapping on the Plaka Explore hiking sandals for women, which makes them look a bit more funky and fashion forward, without compromising on their goodness as a trail and beach sandal. The buckle free stretch straps make for hikes without blisters, so that’s a huge plus in our book. They’re also perfect for women with bunions as they don’t pinch or compromise that pain point on your foot.

They make for kayaking and water sports, but they also feature a high end hiking sole with a bold diamond pattern that keeps you stable on uneven terrain. The Plaka Palm Leaf Sandal offers a pretty swirling braided rope pattern on top, with a less aggressive sole. If you prefer a sandal with thong style toe straps, the Plaka Sea Shell Sandal looks especially cruise worthy.

The Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 is hands down, one of the most comfortable, reliable and best ladies hiking sandals around. Their water-ready polyester webbing upper is extremely durable and dries quickly after getting wet, meaning you can march through creeks and splash along shoreline trails, without feeling like your feet never fully dry.

Their easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly to help you get your fit just right. These awesome sports sandals also feature a cushioned Shoc Pad™ in the heel that helps to absorb the impact where you need it most. This Teva sandal is treated with Microban®, a zinc-based antimicrobial technology that helps prevent stink – a bonus for everyone, especially you.

The Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole is extremely durable and supplies great traction, which can be critically important on those steep mountain trails, or on any rocky terrain that could be slippery with moss or small springs running over the trail. My daughters first made me a Teva convert with their brightly colored Teva flip flops.

The Teva Terra Fi 4 is the perfect water sandal with a quick-dry upper, and a great grippy sole that can take you down that trail to the beach, but is slightly less gnarly than the Hurricane.

Sketchers has come a long way from the reputation as strictly a skateboard shoe company to produce footwear that’s caught on hugely with trend-savvy people. These awesome women’s sport sandals feature fun patterned webbing uppers and a toe ring that comfortably and easily moves to create your perfect fit.

The adjustable ankle strap also has a buckle and elastic gore to further customize comfort. The memory foam insole literally hugs your foot, which makes for long hikes with happy feet. With a super supportive arch and a bit of a rise at the heel, this hiking sandal is both functional and fun.

The Reggae Slim Keep Close Gladiator Sandal opts out of the toe loops (and I’ll admit, I’m not personally a fan of those) and gives you complete support with lots of crisscrossing straps. Same story with the Reggae-Kooky Flat Sandal, which is another affordable choice if you’re shopping on a budget.

You might think of Merrell as more of a boot than a shoe or sandal company, but the fact is they’ve become big players in all sorts of outdoor shoes and sandals for running, hiking and playing. These terrific hiking sandals are no exception. The breathable mesh-and-nubuck leather uppers, set off with a bright pop of color, keep your feet feeling as cool and carefree as you look wearing them.

The rubber sole provides solid grip to the ground, while the breathable mesh lining keeps your feet from becoming a hot mess. The Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability for even your longest hikes or shortest strolls.

Their Terrain Convertible II Sandal features a Remember Me foam footbed that cradles your tootsies for soft, all-day comfort. The Merrell Women’s Hollyleaf Sandal adds fashion styling to an urban hiking sandal, with a super soft and supple leather upper, and the comfort of flip flops with the stability of the best outdoor sandals.

To find more Merrell women’s hiking sandals and footwear for every season, simply look here.

If you’ve loved the thought of getting your first pair of KEEN sandals, but you’re just not in love with that big clunky toe piece (which is honestly, a huge toenail saver in rocky rivers or on rough steep trails) the KEEN Rose sandal is a great way to break into all the superior technology of this brand, with a little more delicate look on your foot.

The soft poly webbing upper is a little more comfy and cushy than the traditional woven strapping most KEEN sandals sport, but these cuties are adjustable at the ankle and feature that famous anatomic footbed that’s comfy after even hours of wear, and resists foot odor which is super because you’re always barefoot inside them.

These have the EVA outsole that can grip and stick to slippery rocks, which is a mega-bonus when you’re in the water. A multi-directional lug pattern on the sole gives you increased traction on uneven terrain. The KEEN Bali W gives you all the comfort of a flip flop, with that same minimal rubber toe saving toe piece.

Versatile design features make this sturdy sandal great for all your outdoor treks. Lightweight, with a specially designed tread pattern, it provides great stability as you explore. Your feet will stay fresh with the stretch-fit material lining. The dual density EVA footbed gives you added comfort.

These are among the best hiking sandals because they feature a sole that is specially created to ensure increased support and ease of wear. It provides superior grip and traction in all kinds of outdoor terrain. 

For long walks, the foot-friendly ECCO Women’s Terra 3S Athletic Sandal provides easy adjustments at the ankle, toe and heel, with the same great footbed and stability.

The ECCO Women’s Offroad Lite Slide sandal offers an easy slip on kick, with the same great EVA molded footbed for traction and comfort. Great for beach walks, it doesn’t offer a heel strap, so you wouldn’t want to wear them on super challenging terrain.

There are times when you’d like to put your environmental and humanity hat on, before you make a purchase. We agree, making a statement with what you spend is the ideal situation. In the case of these awesome Chaco sport sandals, there won’t be any compromise on quality, but you’ll get some soul salving comfort, knowing that a portion of your purchase goes toward supporting organizations dedicated to caring for people and the planet.

That’s almost enough to make one buy them, but there’s also that famous Chaco comfort factor with the podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU footbed. That super-soft insole, along with great arch support, means you’ll be happy wearing them from dawn to dusk. The toe loop adds stability to the front of your foot, and the performance ChacoGrip rubber outsole means you’ll be able to tackle the trails, as well as those pathless treks to your fave pristine places.

The Z1 Classic skips the toe strap and leaves the front of your foot wide open, which for some women is a lot more comfortable.

We’re always impressed by sport sandals that are comfortable right out of the box, and these Earth Origins sandals feel great from day one. Their soft suede strapping feels good against your feet, but even better, the soft suede footbed is especially comfortable, along with a pronounced arch support that gives your feet an added boost.

These sandals have another sneaky secret – they’re convertible. The heel strap can actually come right off, leaving you with a slide if you prefer. We think that’s pretty cool. The rubber outsole and cushy footbed makes them perfect for urban strolling or easy hikes.

Because of the suede footbed liner, we don’t recommend them for muddy and wet, or extremely strenuous climbs, where serious support and more grippy sole treads are required. These women’s sport sandals come in seven fun color options, and don’t be off put by the sizing chart. Simply scroll to the bottom where all the standard sizes are available.

The Earth Origins Shane Women’s Winona Sandal features narrower straps, with three points of adjustability, and they get even higher reviews, although based upon smaller numbers. We really love that the Earth Origins sandals come in wide, medium and narrow sizes. A huge bonus.

Ma Gert wasn’t messing around when she set out to make some of the world’s best outdoor clothes and shoes. This Sunlight Vent sandal fits right into the Columbia family. It features a PU leather coated upper matched with a responsive midsole that features awesome air-flow to keep your tootsies cool and comfy even in super hot weather.

Water drainage ports, and a super gripping outsole, mean you can hike through water and mud without worry. These sporty hiking sandals have three asymmetrical straps that securely adjust to the comfort of your foot and keep them secure through long treks. The hydrophobic lining adds additional cushioning, and combined with the techlite based midsole, which creates remarkable high energy return.

The sandal footbed gives you super shock absorption from heel to toe. The Omni-grip outsole is equally adaptable to water, providing excellent traction and durability paddling, river treks and fishing.

For more of Ma Gert’s excellent outdoor footwear for women, browse here. Look here to discover Columbia’s full line of durable, four season, fashion sportswear for women.

There’s unique, and then there’s Uneek – this new sandal from KEEN. This huarache inspired design sandal uses two cords, woven like macrame, to create the upper and connect to the sole, allowing for a perfectly comfortable fit. The two cords, along with a simple, free-moving cord junction design allow the upper to move and adapt to the shape of your foot.

This innovative construction gives you full freedom of movement, while keeping your feet securely inside this sport sandal, even in the diciest situations. The lightweight polyurethane midsole delivers durability as well as comfort, and the high traction rubber outsole with razor siping guarantees you’ll have sure footing, from slippery rocks to muddy trails.

This hiking sandal comes in a bunch of crazy-cool colors, so you’re sure to find a pair you can’t do without. As always, you can count on KEEN sandals for superior wear, and a great satisfaction guarantee.

The KEEN Unique Rock Sandal switches up the sole with razor siped sides for supreme traction on rocky adventures.

If you’re shopping on a budget, but you need a sandal that offers some of the look and features of the more expensive brands, these lightweight hiking sandals for women could do the trick. Durable webbing straps offer supreme adjustability, meaning you’re going to have more comfortable feet, along with a super secure fit.

This is especially true if you have a somewhat wider than average foot. These won’t require a break in period, when you’re hoping your sandals will stretch. You simply adjust the straps to fit properly, as they have double adjustment at the toe, as well as an ankle adjustment. They come in wide sizes from 5.5 to 11, as well as standard widths.

Cushioned insoles, and lightweight outsoles make them the perfect sandal to toss in your beach bag or backpack, because they’re awesome in the water, and on the trail. The anatomically designed Q-contour footbed features a deep heel cup for extra stability, to help reduce over-pronation and give increased arch contact.

While not as rugged as some other brands, these are perfect for the casual hiker, walker and beachcomber, and at a super reasonable price. The Ryka Women’s Dominica Sandal is a more water worthy option with wider adjustable straps. The Ryka Nora Sandal is a cute fashion choice with added outdoor durability.

Perhaps you’re on a budget, but you still want a reliable and comfortable pair of hiking sandals that can take you through the season. That’s what we like about these. They’re wallet-friendly, but they still have a lot of great features of some of the more expensive brands.

These sandals have a closed toe design, which saves your poor pigs from getting banged on rocks, poked by sticks and in general being vulnerable to sharp objects on the trail or beach. Leather and canvas uppers have velcro closures at the heel, ankle, and front to allow you to adjust the fit to your foot. 

The ergonomic insole adds to your comfort, while the robust tread delivers good traction for uneven terrain. Get them in three colors and full and half sizes from 7.5M to 10M. If you’re not on board with the closed toe design, the AGOWOO Leather Open Toe Hiking Sandals are an equally great find at a reasonable price. They come in nine color options and full and half sizes from 7.5M to 11M. And if you’re more likely to need sandals to walk along the ocean, these beach sandals might be exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s not often I’m compelled to buy on the case of price, but when I found these sport sandals on sale at a retailer who shall remain unnamed, I grabbed them figuring I’d stuff them in our kayaks for spares. Turns out, these Khombu sandals were so comfortable that I kicked around in them constantly.

Their velcro closure at the heel makes them easily adjustable if you need a more secure fit. They had no trouble traversing over rocks down to the creeks and streams where I was fishing.

The super grippy rubber sole was great for many of my outdoor activities, other than the steepest climbs, when a more supportive hiking sandal is required. The nubby insole has a massaging quality, so wearing them for hours wasn’t a problem, and because they were so reasonably priced, I bought a second pair.

You can get a similarly styled, super reasonably priced pair of hiking kicks for the man in your life. The Khombu Men’s Barracuda Sport Sandals come in at under $25.

Lightweight with tons of adjustability, these hiking sandals for women from Viakix get our nod for their non-bunion-binding soft stretchy staps, each with a velcro closure that allows you the tighten or loosen at will. The soft padded heel strap delivers serious comfort as well, and the ankle strap allows you to easily customize your fit.

A super cushy EVA foam midsole delivers tons of arch support as well as serious impact absorption, so you can walk for hours and your feet will still feel fresh. The quick dry webbing makes them ideal for the beach or while you’re slogging through muddy trails. The rugged tread pattern increases your stability on the most uneven surfaces. We give them high marks for a satisfaction guarantee. Our only thumbs down is the super limited size range.