9 Best Hiking Sandals in 2024, According to Outdoor Experts

• Toe design and protection

Open-toe sandals are the more breathable option, but they expose your feet to the weather. They’re best for knowledgeable hikers who feel confident on most sorts of terrain and folks who desire a versatile sandal for casual day hikes or walks around town. Closed-toe shoes are a safer option for those who’re climbing in wet conditions or exploring unfamiliar, difficult trails, as they will higher protect your feet from rocks, roots, and fallen debris, Janine Hatch, PT, DPTa physical therapist with the Hartford Healthcare Rehabilitation Network in Connecticut, tells SELF. Just have in mind that they’ll take longer to dry after they get wet.

While we’re with regards to toes, Dr. Hatch recommends selecting footwear that provides them room to wiggle and spread: “A shoe with a wider toe box can also be ideal to forestall skin irritation between the toes and permit for adequate range of motion of toes and forefoot,” she says.

Great traction is vital—especially on tougher terrain. If you propose to enterprise onto steeper trails or wet rocks, search for a pair of sandals made with sticky rubber (Vibram brand soles are an awesome option) and a deep lug pattern that’ll bite into the bottom and make it easier to feel safer. Dr. Hatch notes that it’s also vital to think about the thickness of the sandal’s sole. For climbing on difficult, rocky, or uneven trails, the only real needs to be thick enough to soak up the impact of your steps and stop any debris you step on from piercing your foot, she explains. But for those who mostly plan on wearing your sandals around town, on flat trails, or during water activities, you might not need footwear with the grippiest, most rugged sole.

Having secure straps in your sandals will make it easier to feel comfortable and agile on the trail. If your shoes are too loose, you’ll likely feel unsteady and risk blisters (which might form when your straps have room to maneuver around and rub against your feet) “I’d never buy a climbing sandal without very adjustable straps,” Arianna says.

Also, consider which strap style and material will feel probably the most comfortable. Some sandals have criss-crossing straps, while others feature more of a thong style. Some straps are padded to scale back pressure points on the highest and sides of your feet. This can feel nicer and stop chafing, but the surplus material also means the straps will hold onto water longer. If you desire to be sure your sandals dry quickly, go for a pair with thin, unpadded straps fabricated from moisture-wicking nylon webbing.

The footbed (or insole) is the inside a part of the shoe where your foot rests—and its design contributes to the general comfort and feel of the sandal. Dr. Hatch says built-in arch support is a key component in any good climbing sandal’s footbed. It’ll help stabilize your midfoot and make the shoe feel comfortable for longer hikes. Just be sure the sandal’s arch suits your foot shape (individuals with flatter feet, for instance, will likely discover a shoe with a lower arch more comfortable).

According to Pilson, a sandal with a contoured, structured footbed is the most well-liked style, nevertheless it’s not your sole (heh) option. She says some hikers prefer minimalist sandals, which have a flatter, zero-drop insole that’s intended to have a “barefoot” feel. Which footbed feels higher will vary from hiker to hiker, but for those who aren’t sure what level of support you wish (or if you will have any foot issues), seek the advice of a podiatrist to seek out the best fit.

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