Best Hiking Sandals for Land and Water

Technically, most companies don't make hike-specific sandals. Instead, the best hiking sandals include adventure sandals and water sandals from brands like Bedrock, Chaco, HOKA, KEEN, and Teva. In the past two years, I've personally tested and reviewed 14 different hiking sandals on a range of hikes in New Mexico. I've tested their comfort and traction on slick rock and steep weathered granite trails, walked desert washes and multiuse trails, splashed through shallow water crossings, and compared their fit and feel side by side. Here are the best sandals for hiking and water that I've tested and reviewed:

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Best Sandals for Hiking 

BEDROCK CAIRN EVO PRO SANDAL

Best Zero Drop Hiking Sandal

After testing two variants of the Bedrock Cairn sandal, I can see why outdoor industry pros—and plenty of average Joes—just love them. The PRO version of the popular Cairn has a minimalist footbed that's thinner and more flexible than the other sandals on this list. That flat (zero drop) base supports a natural footstrike and provides plenty of ground feel for hiking and paddling adventures. For me, though, the Bedrock Cairn Evo Pro most sticks out for its amazing fit and clutch traction on rocks and wet stuff. I was too impressed with how snug those hooks and straps secured this sandal to my feet. The Pro is also highly packable for those who want to stash it on backpacking trips for water crossings and nights at camp. Overall, this is a great hiking sandals for zero drop fans whose feet don't need a ton of protection and support. 

BEDROCK CAIRN EVO C

Bedrock's Most Comfortable Hiking Sandal

If you need more cushioning and support than a minimalist sandal, try the Bedrock Cairn EVO C sandal. The C is for comfort (not cookie)—representing the softer, thicker sole on this comfort-oriented variant of the Cairn. As with the Pro version (above), the Cairn Evo C features a lock-down fit, thanks to three points of adjustment. Plus, the more casual Cairn shares the same Vibram soles of the pro version. In short, this is the best version of the Cairn adventure sandal for those who need more support and a cushier footbed than the minimalist sandal above. As I tested 8 sandals this spring, this was the one I came back to the most. 

CHACO Z/1 RAPID PRO SANDAL

Most Supportive Paddling/Hiking Sandal

The Chaco Rapid Pro is a premium water sandal for whitewater rafters—and a brawler of a hiking sandal, too. This adventure sandal upgrades the popular Chaco Z/1 (no big toe strap) with a Vibram Rapid Pro sole that Chaco claims has 6 times more traction on wet rock than most outdoor sandals. If you're hiking wet rock or crossing several streams, this tread comes in handy. The Z/1 Rapid Pro Sandal also stands out for its significant support. Basically the opposite of the Bedrocks above, these Chacos have thicker, heavier, and more rigid soles for baller foot support. In particular, they deliver outstanding arch support—better for hikers with high arches and possibly uncomfortable for those with flat feet. These are awfully heavy to pack and carry while backpacking. However, if you're looking for beefy adventure sandals for amphibious pursuits, this one kicks more than its fair share of ass. 

TEVA GRANDVIEW MAX SANDAL

Most Cushioned Hiking Sandal

The cushiest hiking sandal I've personally tested and reviewed isn't a HOKA—its the Teva Grandview Max. New for 2025, this squishy sport sandal is a super-comfortable option for hikers who want more cushion for pushin' down the trail. The Vibram MegaGrip outsoles also offer outstanding traction on both wet and dry trails. This sport sandal exceeded my expectations when I tested it this spring and summer. Cushy and grippy, this is a versatile sandal for both hiking and water. If you want more float than feel and value comfort more than weight and packability, the Teva Grandview Max could be a great hiking sandal for you. 

KURU TREAD SANDAL

Best Hiking Sandal for Heel Support

Unlike other sandals on this list, the Kuru Tread Sandal is specifically made for hiking. It's also specifically made to provide more heel support than most outdoor footwear, targeting hikers who've struggled with foot pain, heel pain, and plantar fasciatis. During my testing, I certainly noticed the Tread sandal's sturdy heel pocket and firm arch support—what the brand calls its KURUSOLE technology. This isn't the sandal for minimalists or max cushion fans. It's made to take some heat off your feet and support your heels in a healthy position. If you're looking for orthopedic hiking sandals that emphasize foot support and shock absorption, the Kuru Tread Sandals may be a revelation for you. 

LEMS SWITCHBACK SANDAL

Best Casual Hiking Sandal

If you're more of a minimalist who loves zero drop footwear, I recommend the Lems Switchback Sandal. It's not a supportive sandal, but there's something about its shape and fit that just work for me. During my test hikes, I appreciated its rock traction and—as its name suggests—this sandal also did a decent job on moderate switchbacks in the Sandia Mountains. It's also light enough to pack on backpacking trips for river crossings and down time at camp. I'm not normally a zero drop fan myself, but I've found myself wearing the Lems Switchback more than any other sandal in 2026. For me, the Lems Switchback is best for trail-to-town wear and more casual hikes.

KEEN NEWPORT H2 

Best Closed Toe Hiking Sandal

I've been wearing KEEN Newport H2 sandals for 20 years—wearing them casually, wading rivers for smallmouth bass, and adventuring at Havasupai Falls (where I continously hiked in the Newport for 2 full days of water-filled hikes). This is a comfortable, supportive sandal for water and land with a toe bumper that protects toes from rocks, roots, and underwater hazards. That's a nice feature for hikers. The Newport doesn't feature Vibram rubber or aggressive trail traction. However, the siped outsoles maximize surface area for better traction on wet rock. I've lugged these along on backpacking trips for water crossings, but they're heavy for this use. The KEEN Newport H2 sandals are better for day hikes with regular water crossings. 

KEEN HYPERPORT H2

Lightweight Closed Toe Hiking Sandal

The KEEN Hyperport H2 is a lightweight, closed-toe adventure sandal. The Hyperport isn't as supportive or protective as the classic Newport (above), but it's 6 ounces lighter and more packable, making it a more realistic option to slip into or strap onto a backpack for water crossings or more comfort at camp. In spite of its lighter build, it's also protective. Its protective toe cap and sturdy synthetic straps can fend of rocks and sharp vegetation better than open-toe hiking sandals. If I'm paddling or hiking more tame terrain, I'm more than happy to strap into the KEEN Hyperport H2 sandal for a few hours. 

BEDROCK CAIRN EVO C PRO

Best of Both Worlds Hiking Sandal

New for 2026, the Cairn Evo C PRO combines the best features of the top two hiking sandals on this list—the pro-level traction and straps of the Cairn Evo Pro and added cushion of the Cairn Evo C. For me, it's the best of both worlds. An outdoor adventure sandal with stellar wet/dry traction, a fit that's worthy of whitewater rafting, and a little more comfort and support than pared down Bedrocks. This isn't the best hiking sandal if you're a minimalist or a hiker who wants a ton of support. But it's a well-balanced sports sandal for hiking, paddling, and everyday outdoor use. 

Why buy hiking sandals?

Hiking sandals aren't for everybody. However, they can aerate your feet in hot environments and handle shallow water crossings, too. Plus, people have been hiking in sandals for thousands of years—well before hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runnings shoes got popular. Based on my first-hand experience, the adventure sandals above offer seven solid choices for those of you wanting the best sandals for hiking and water.