Barefoot hiking sandals pro#

There’s also a nifty neoprene heel pad that protects your achilles from painful rubbing, which is just the kind of detail you can expect after nearly 40 years in the business. The XLT 2's straps are made from Repreve recycled plastic webbing and adjust via simple velcro straps, and the entire package is vegan and recyclable. The EVA footbed and tough rubber outsole are comfortable day after day without feeling clunky and provide great traction for watery endeavors too. The Hurricane XLT 2 sandals feature a classic design with three adjustable straps that provide solid stability while trekking through the backcountry, albeit not quite as much as the Chaco Z-straps. Tevas are generally more budget-friendly than the other sandals, and the Hurricane XLT 2 sandals pair that approachable price point with impressive quality.

Barefoot hiking sandals pro#

(For a little extra support, Bedrock's Cairn 3D PRO II is the same shoe but with a contoured footbed.)īest for: Hiking, backpacking, watersportsīest Budget Hiking Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT 2 They can be both re-strapped and re-soled at Bedrock’s HQ in Missoula, Montana, too, but it’ll take enormous mileage to even get to that point because these sandals are in it for the long haul. This difference is perhaps the biggest divide in the sandal world, and one reason we say there’s no perfect sandal.įor those of us who are open to the flip-flop feel, the Cairn Pro II offers unparalleled performance and weighs in at a respectably ultralight nine ounces per sandal. Similarly, the Cairn Pro II's toe strap does require break-in time to build up a callus, but after that it’s smooth sailing. Some people can’t stomach the thought of toe socks, others detest the feeling of a thong between their toes. They also come stock with Bedrock's G-hook-and-loop heel strap as an alternative to the typical velcro strap, which can break down in sandy or wet terrain.

The contact between your foot and the footbed is stellar and only slips in the muddiest of terrain. So why do we like the Cairn PRO II the most? Their grippy gray Andesite sole excels in wet conditions, whether you’re rigging rafts or stepping around slippery, wet roots. Some variation of the Bedrock Cairn tops nearly every list of hiking sandals, this one included. Read on for an in-depth look at our top picks, with all the nitty gritty details relevant for our fellow adventurers.īest All-Around Hiking Sandals: Bedrock Cairn Sandals

Best Sandals for Trail Running: Luna Mono Winged.

Best Old-School Hiking Sandals: ECCO Yucatan.

Best Ultralight Sandals: Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV.

Best Shoe-Sandals Hybrid: Teva Outflow Universal.

Best Sandals for Water Sports: Chaco Z/Cloud.

Best Closed-Toe Sandals: Keen Clearwater CNX.

Best Sandals with Arch Support: Chaco Z/1.

Best Budget Hiking Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT 2.

Best All-Around Hiking Sandals:_ Bedrock Cairn Sandals.

You’re also less-likely to experience the painful rubbing of debris in your shoes, as it’s easy to flick sticks and pebbles out of your sandals without stopping. It’s easy to predict where these hot spots may occur with sandals given the obvious straps, so you can break them in beforehand or carry athletic tape to prevent blisters. Hot spots are definitely still possible, but many sandals come with fine adjustments to dial in your fit.

For most people, a thicker sole equals better stability, and often comes with better arch support for those who want it. Experienced sandal hikers may opt for more flexible soles that offer better ground feel and conform to uneven terrain, but this does require a bit of balance and care. Take, for example, how die-hard minimalist hikers balk at the heavy sole of Chacos. Many companies have stuck with tried-and-true Vibram rubber soles, which offer the tackiness of your favorite hiking boots, but most brands have created their own proprietary grip technology with impressive performance. Some rubber is stickier than others and some lug patterns offer better grip. TractionĪirflow can be found in your standard flip flops though, so the true test of a sandal’s hiking aptitude is traction and stability. The ability to splash in and out of water is freeing, and you won’t miss stepping from slippery rocks to precarious logs in order to keep your shoes dry.

Wet feet are uncomfortable and can quickly lead to blisters, and over time moisture can cause larger issues like immersion foot. Unlike with hiking shoes, sandals offer maximum airflow to keep your toes dry, which is a huge benefit on swampy hikes or trails with many river crossings. Sandals keep the air flowing and the moisture wicking, so you’ll never have to apologize for your stinky feet again.

Traditional hiking footwear can be a heavy, sweaty mess, and even trail runners can feel claustrophobic when the temps kick up. The primary advantage of sandals is breathability.