I've narrowed down the search for the best hiking sandals for women. Here are the Top 10 options…
Hiking season is just around the corner! Unless, of course, you are one of those brave souls that hike during the winter. But spring and summer hiking is always just around the corner.
And with the change of seasons also comes a change of hiking apparel. Instead of hiking boots, you can don hiking sandals and let your toes enjoy the fresh air as much as your lungs.
But which hiking sandals are best for your little piggies?
Before running out to buy a pair of hiking sandals, here are some important factors to consider. So, I have a quick guide to buying the perfect pair of hiking sandals. Then I include my top picks!
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What to Look for in the Best Women Hiking Sandals
When getting the best pair of hiking sandals, there are many important features to consider. What makes the best hiking sandals for women?
Comfort and Fit
When looking for the perfect hiking sandals to replace your hiking boots, you can look for regular sandals or minimalist sandals. No matter what you choose, the most crucial factor is to find a comfortable sandal, especially for long hikes.
Look for options that have adjustable straps to perfectly fit to your unique foot. You can also look for a toe loop or ankle strap (to help keep them on your feet during a river crossing).
Another good option is to find a pair with thick soles that can help you navigate uneven surfaces. Sandals with a rubber outsole are very durable and can handle slippery conditions as well.
Support
Sandals with good arch support can help protect your feet against developing Plantar Fasciitis. This painful inflammation can run across the bottom of the foot and sometimes includes stabbing pain near the heel. Proper support can help support the foot and help you to walk comfortably.
Price
Another thing when looking for the best hiking sandals for women is the price point. Suitable footwear usually does come with a steeper price tag. But that also means that the product is well made with durable materials. It is a balance.
And trust me, you'll be wishing you paid that extra $30 or so after the first couple of miles.
Durability and Materials
Many hiking sandals are constructed with durable nylon straps and rubber outsoles to handle rough terrain. In addition, look for reinforced webbing and firm lugs on the soles.
Weight
Did you know that weight on your feet can take your energy about five times faster than weight on your back? That is why many long-term through-hikers on trails like the PCT wear trail shoes, not boots.
Swapping out heavier shoes with a lightweight pair of sandals can conserve your body's energy. It can also help prevent muscle fatigue, preventing stumbling. In the end, that can help prevent injuries like a sprained ankle or knee and hip flexor problems.
Use
Hiking sandals are versatile. The great thing is that many different sandal models can transition easily from trail to town or water. And as RVers, we're always looking to save space. So, if one sandal can work on the trail and in town, it's a winner!
Best Hiking Sandals for Women
When searching for the best sandals, there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming. So, I've done the research for you, and here are the top picks!
Keen Newport H 2
Many consider this pair the best choice for strenuous hikes. They are durable and provide excellent traction and toe protection against the elements.
However, these sandals are a bit heavier and not as breathable as other brands. So, if you're worried about leg fatigue, these may not be the best option for you.
This is an excellent cross between sandals and shoes. You'll want to purchase a 1/2 size up since this brand can run a little small.
Teva Hurricane XLT 2
These Teva women sandals are an excellent choice for great sandals on a budget. This affordable pair is lightweight with a cushy sole.
The velcro strap makes it easy to get the sandal on and off and can be adjusted to fit your foot.
These are affordable but still offer excellent quality and performance.
Keen Whisper Sandals
These keen sandals are considered by many to be your best option. That is because they provide a comfortable fit and protect your feet when taking long walks in difficult terrain.
If you like to buy based on Amazon reviews, well, these earn 4.5 stars with 18,000 reviews!
The closed-toe protects you when hiking on rocky terrain. But these sandals also have excellent water traction for any river crossing. Or, if you're hiking in the spray of Stunning Waterfalls.
They can be a little bulkier than other brands, but that may be worth it to you for that extra toe protection.
ECCO Yucatan Sandal
These supportive sandals offer excellent traction. And great traction is perfect to handle rocky terrain, especially when hiking long distances.
They also come standard with comfortable straps that adjust to fit your unique foot.
The natural pastel colors are quite nice, too, compared to boring brown or black.
Chaco ZX
If you're looking for super lightweight sandals, Chaco sandals are for you. They weigh in at less than 2 ounces!
Another selling point: high arch support. Between their good traction, arch support, and lightweight, you can even take on longer hikes.
It's no wonder this brand is a favorite among hikers.
Keen Clearwater CNX
KEEN Clearwater is a great all-around shoe. They are close-toed sandals that offer excellent toe protection but are open enough to dry out quickly from those river crossings.
This pair is also lightweight and stylish. You can choose from many different colors.
While they aren't quite water shoes, they can easily get wet and dry out quickly. That means they are excellent for outdoor activities where your feet get wet.
Teva Original Universal
These sandals are another good option for water wear or easier hikes. They come in various styles and are good, solid classic sandals.
They are quick-drying (depending on the material you choose), making them suitable for water sports or other water activities.
They also come in a variety of different colors and materials. There are vegan options available.
Bedrock Cairn Adventure Sandals
Cairn sandals definitely look minimalistic at first glance, but the straps are far from simplistic. These sandals have an exclusive strap system that allows you to adjust the heel strap and top strap for the perfect fit.
In addition to their secure fit, Cairn Adventure Sandals have a Vibram® sole, known for its deep tread. This specially-designed tread makes Vibram soles special, and they have an interesting history behind them, too. The creator made them in response to the tragic loss of six of his friends in a mountaineering accident.
These Bedrock sandals are a favorite of hikers. Though, they do come with a pretty big price tag at over $100.
Teva Tirra
Teva makes the list again with their Tirra sandal. It's widely popular, especially among women with wide feet.
This style is a little less minimalistic than others on the list because of its multi-strap design. However, the multiple straps have hook-and-loop closures and a shock pad heel that add to your comfort.
These comfortable sandals also come in over a dozen colors and come in as small as size 5.
Dream Pairs Adventurous Summer Sandals
These closed-toe sandals are one of the least minimalistic on the list, but they rate so high that they're worth including. Since they are closed-toed and have a 1″ heel height, not as many pebbles and twigs sneak in.
Their lightweight, flexible, and durable rubber outsole makes them a great option for outdoor adventures.
You can choose from several colors with a size range from 5-11.
Have you found the Best Hiking Sandals for Women?
Let us know about it in the comments or in our social posts!
Our Favorite Hike at Yellowstone National Park
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There's plenty of hiking trails at Yellowstone National Park. In this video, Jennifer and I show you our favorite hiking trail called Trout Lake.
We love to hike to and from Trout Lake, in the northeast part of the park near the Lamar Valley. It's only 1.2 miles roundtrip but because you spend the first part climbing, it's officially classified as moderate in difficulty.
There's lots of wildlife attracted by the abundant cutthroat trout that gives the lake its name. So take bear spray…and a camera!
Mike and Jennifer Wendland's Yellowstone Travel Guide
At the top of every RVers bucket list, it is a place so majestic, so wild, and so big that it calls us to return, to explore, to get to know the diversity of its land and animals over and over again.
Everywhere you look are waterfalls, fast-moving rivers, geysers, sheer rock faces, towering lodgepole pines, all framed by mountains under the bright blue cloudless sky.
It’s spectacular for those who love the wilderness and getting up close and personal with it. Enjoy Yellowstone for RV travel.
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January 05, 2023at8:57 am, Debbie Wolfe said:
I prefer warm-weather-near/in-water hiking shoes (not just sandals) that have a mesh covering so water drains but mud and stones/rocks don’t get under my feet.
January 05, 2023at2:35 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Thanks for sharing, Debbie! Team RV Lifestyle
February 04, 2022at9:34 pm, Jean Smiley said:
I love my Teva sandals all summer for walking and easy trails. I wear Eddie Bauer hiking shoes for moderate to intense hiking.
February 02, 2022at8:20 pm, Susan S said:
I love Teva Sandals. I have lived in them for years, except in the snow! I would have chosen the Teva Tirra sandal though because of more adjustable straps. I have terrible bunions and cannot wear Keens. Also, the Keens are so enclosed that if pine needles or pebbles, etc get in your shoe you have to take them off to get them out.
May 03, 2022at12:49 pm, Elizabeth Harrelson said:
I have a terrible time with shoes due to bunions. Which Teva sandals work best for you?
February 01, 2022at11:18 pm, Bev Parkison said:
Keen brand footwear is a great choice for hiking. You really need the toe protection. The Teva and Chaco brands are for water sports and offer no protection. I rarely hike in sandals because rocks and sand work their way in between the straps. Anyone that has done much hiking will know this.
February 01, 2022at2:28 pm, Tere Hoffhine said:
I’m a big fan of Chacos. I’ve had the same pair for 5 years and plan on purchasing another pair this coming season. I get the ones with the toe hold, but I know a lot of people prefer them without.
January 30, 2022at8:00 am, M S said:
I have had KEEN sandals for years and they are great. I keep a pair at the sliding door of the ban at all times.