Hiking sandals are perfect for outdoor adventurers seeking a lightweight, breathable alternative to traditional hiking boots. For men, these sandals offer the right mix of comfort, stability, and traction on various terrains, from smooth trails to rugged paths. Whether you’re hitting the beach or crossing streams, these sandals give your feet the freedom to breathe while protecting them during long treks.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best hiking sandals for men, looking at each one’s design, features, comfort level, and terrain suitability. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, these sandals will offer options for every type of adventure.
1. Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
The Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT2 is an iconic hiking sandal known for its ruggedness, support, and comfort. Built for both casual wear and challenging hikes, these sandals excel in versatility.
Key Features:
Comfortable Strapping System: The sandal features adjustable hook-and-loop closures, allowing you to get a precise fit. Its soft heel padding adds extra comfort, preventing irritation.
Cushioned Midsole: Equipped with an EVA foam midsole, the XLT2 offers ample shock absorption, keeping your feet comfortable on rocky or uneven terrain.
Durability: With a sturdy rubber outsole and nylon shank, these sandals ensure stability and durability over long hikes.
Traction: The rugged Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole provides excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces.
Best For: The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is great for those seeking a durable sandal for both water-based and land-based activities. It works well on mixed terrain, offering excellent balance between comfort and performance.
2. KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
If you’re looking for a hybrid between a sandal and a shoe, the KEEN Men’s Newport H2 stands out as one of the best. This closed-toe design protects your toes while keeping your feet cool in hot weather.
Key Features:
Toe Protection: One of KEEN’s signature features is its rubber toe cap, which shields your feet from rocks and debris. This makes it ideal for rougher trails.
Water-Friendly Design: With quick-drying polyester webbing and a hydrophobic lining, this sandal is perfect for water hikes and river crossings.
Arch Support: The sandal comes with a contoured EVA footbed and built-in arch support, ensuring your feet stay comfortable during long walks.
Superior Traction: The rubber outsole features razor-siped pods, giving it fantastic grip on slippery surfaces.
Best For: The KEEN Newport H2 is great for hikers who need more protection and support for technical trails while still enjoying the freedom of a sandal.
3. Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal
For those who prioritize comfort, the Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal is hard to beat. Known for its plush cushioning and custom adjustability, it excels at both casual walks and serious hikes.
Key Features:
Cloud Cushioning: The dual-density LUVSEAT™ footbed offers exceptional comfort, designed to keep your feet supported even on long treks.
Customizable Strapping System: The sandal has a webbing system that wraps around the foot for a secure and personalized fit.
Non-Marking Rubber Outsole: Equipped with the ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, the sandal provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including wet rocks and muddy trails.
Adjustable Heel Risers: The heel riser gives additional support, especially for those carrying heavier packs.
Best For: The Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal is a perfect choice for hikers who want extra cushioning for longer hikes while still maintaining performance on rough terrain.
4. Merrell Men’s Kahuna 4 Strap Sandal
Merrell is well-known for producing high-quality outdoor footwear, and their Kahuna 4 Strap Sandal doesn’t disappoint. This model offers the right blend of minimalism, comfort, and performance, making it ideal for both short and extended hikes.
Key Features:
Supportive Footbed: The EVA midsole provides arch support and stability, ideal for long days on uneven ground.
High-Performance Outsole: The Vibram® TC5+ outsole ensures excellent grip and durability on a wide range of surfaces.
Water-Resistant Upper: The suede upper has water-resistant properties, making it suitable for wet conditions.
Easy Adjustment: The adjustable hook-and-loop closure allows for quick and easy adjustments while ensuring the sandal stays secure during hikes.
Best For: The Merrell Kahuna 4 is perfect for hikers seeking a simple, lightweight design that performs well on dry and wet surfaces.
5. ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal
Combining style, comfort, and performance, the ECCO Yucatan Sandal offers a great balance between a casual sandal and a hiking sandal.
Key Features:
Anatomically Designed Footbed: The molded EVA footbed ensures a snug fit that adapts to the shape of your foot, offering exceptional comfort.
RECEPTOR® Technology: This feature provides additional stability and support, ideal for uneven terrain.
Premium Leather Upper: The durable leather straps add style while being soft against the skin, reducing the risk of blisters.
Excellent Shock Absorption: The direct-injected PU midsole provides superior shock absorption, making the sandal comfortable on longer hikes.
Best For: Ideal for hikers who want a stylish sandal that doesn’t compromise on comfort or performance. It’s perfect for light to moderate hikes on dry terrain.
6. Columbia Men’s Big Water Sandal
The Columbia Big Water Sandal is designed with aquatic adventures in mind. This sandal is particularly suitable for hiking in wet environments, providing superior drainage and quick-dry properties.
Key Features:
Quick-Drying Design: With an open-vented construction and hydrophobic webbing, these sandals are built for wet conditions. They dry quickly, ensuring your feet stay comfortable during water-based activities.
Techlite™ Midsole: This lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and high energy return, making each step feel easier.
Omni-Grip™ Outsole: Columbia’s signature rubber outsole provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces such as rocks and wet grass.
Toe Bumper: The integrated toe bumper adds an extra layer of protection when navigating rocky or uneven trails.
Best For: The Columbia Big Water Sandal is ideal for anyone planning to hike through water-heavy environments, such as rivers or coastal trails.
7. Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Men’s Sandal
For minimalist hikers, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV is an excellent lightweight option that provides a barefoot feel without sacrificing protection or support.
Key Features:
Minimalist Design: Weighing only 5.4 ounces, these sandals give you the freedom and flexibility of being barefoot while still providing protection from sharp objects and rough terrain.
TrailFoam™ Midsole: Despite its minimalist construction, the TrailFoam™ midsole provides cushioning, helping to absorb shocks when walking on rocky surfaces.
Flexibility: The sandal is extremely flexible, allowing for natural foot movement while walking on varied terrain.
Vegan-Friendly: The Z-Trail EV is made from vegan materials, making it a great choice for eco-conscious hikers.
Best For: These sandals are perfect for those who enjoy minimalist, barefoot-style hiking, especially on light trails or in warm, dry climates.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Sandals for Men
When selecting a hiking sandal, it’s important to consider the type of hiking you plan to do, the terrain you’ll be covering, and your personal comfort preferences. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to keep in mind:
1. Comfort and Fit
Comfort should always come first. Sandals that are too tight or too loose will cause blisters and discomfort. Look for adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit to your foot. A cushioned footbed and supportive arch are also essential for keeping your feet comfortable over long distances.
2. Traction and Grip
Hiking often involves navigating various terrains, from smooth paths to rocky trails. Ensure that the sandals you choose offer solid grip and traction. Look for sandals with rubber outsoles designed to handle both dry and wet surfaces.
3. Durability
Hiking sandals should be made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand rough terrain. Look for those with reinforced stitching, strong straps, and rugged outsoles.
4. Toe Protection
If you’re hiking on rocky trails or in areas with debris, sandals with closed-toe designs, like the KEEN Newport H2, offer added protection against stubs and scrapes.
5. Water Resistance
If your hiking plans include river crossings or wet conditions, make sure your sandals are water-friendly. Look for quick-drying materials and water-resistant uppers, as seen in the Columbia Big Water or KEEN Newport H2.
6. Weight
Lightweight sandals are ideal for hikers who want to reduce the weight of their gear. Minimalist models like the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV are great for those who want to carry as little as possible without sacrificing comfort.
7. Support
Even though sandals are more open than hiking boots, they should still provide adequate support for your feet. Sandals with arch support, cushioned footbeds, and heel risers, like the Chaco Z/Cloud, will keep your feet feeling fresh even after long treks.
See Also: Is Cycling Good for Your Core?
Conclusion
Hiking sandals provide the perfect balance between comfort, breathability, and protection. Whether you’re trekking through rivers, walking on sandy beaches, or exploring mountain trails, the right hiking sandals can make a world of difference. The 7 best hiking sandals for men we’ve listed above offer a variety of options for every type of hiker, so you can find the right pair that matches your adventure style.