Best Hiking Sandals For Women: 7 Ultimate Picks

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2021 @ 12:05 am

What are the best hiking sandals for women? Any hiker will tell you how uncomfortable it can get to hike in hot conditions with closed shoes. Hiking sandals for women are an essential part of your gear.

They offer the under sole protection that you would get from regular hiking shoes. You also get air around your feet, with increased breathability. It makes a world of difference to your hiking experience. I tend to take a pair of sandals together with hiking boots. Being able to change between the two as needed goes a long way.

Best Hiking Sandals For Women

Photo Name What We like
The Keen Newport Comfortable to wear Highly durable and can last long Has waterproof build that can be used in hiking through streams and rivers
The Teva Tirra Lightweight Comfortable to wear Highly durable and can last long
The Columbia Sun-breeze Dries fast Provides well-support to your feet Price-friendly
Merrell Enoki Women Sandal Its waterproof material is best in hiking in wetlands Highly adjustable with the straps Very thick and durable even in rocky lands
Vivobarefoot Kuru Sandal Women’s Shoe Flexible. Durable. High quality.
Duo Sandal Women’s Shoe Reliable. Comfortable. Durable.
Barefoot sand�le Be Lenka Flexi - Black 38
Be Lenka Flexi Barefoot Sandals Beautiful colors. Flexible. Stylish.

Our Top Pick

The Keen New Port is our top pick for this one. This is not just down to the user ratings that it has. We have also considered the fact it offers some coverage for the toes while giving the air that sandals afford us.

Review of the Best Hiking Sandals For Women

The Keen Newport

The Keen Newport

4.4 out of 5.0 stars

New Port 2 is a renowned name in the female footwear hiking industry. They have been one of the top-performing companies for the last few years. The main thing that this shoe offers which make it stand out from the crowd is through providing a cushioning sole second to none.

The sandals are diverse when they can be worn. Whether that be for a stroll down the high-street or even a brisk weekend walk over the mountains. It suits any occasion.

The shoes are made of various lightweight textiles, in four different colours, meaning that they can be tucked away in your bag in case of a change of plan without weighing you down.

The actual shoe itself has an integrated webbing system built into the material to allow for the eventuality that they get wet, meaning that they can dry in a short time.

Another reason why the Keen Newport 2 is proving to be so popular in the marketplace is due to its pricing. They are a cheaper option compared to some of their competitors.

KEY FEATURES:

  • 100% polyester webbing
  • Synthetic sole
  • Features contrast stitching
  • Mesh lining
  • Multi-directional lugs

THE UPSIDE:

THE DOWNSIDE:

  • Reports say that the sandals are too heavy
  • Took a long time to dry up after getting soaked in water

The Teva Tirra

The Teva Tirra

4.6 out of 5.0 stars

This footwear is best known to have the best heel support on the market. This makes them popular to customers who suffer from orthopaedic issues, back pains, and even sciatica issues. The shock absorber in the heel also helps to create a pain-free environment for these users. Also, it creates an even better for everyone else.

What’s even better about these shoes is they consist of 15% textile & 85% leather. This means that they are breathable. That’s why they’re perfect for long hikes, without running the risk of bad odors.

The Teva Tirra has come out on top for having the best impact breaking sole even across the toughest grounds when different shoes were compared against each other. It is suitable for even the most veteran hikers.

Besides, they offer a good grip on the ground so, they handle themselves very well even on what some climbers call “outrageous” trails and climbs.

The other stand out for this shoe is its adjustable ties. These ties assist to keep the foot in correct alignment to prevent complications arising. These Teva Tirra also has a rapid drying time of roughly 30 minutes when left out in the sun.

Meaning, if you are a hiker and you run into some rough weather, don’t worry. These don’t take all day to dry out, only 30 minutes of your time.

This ladies sandal is up there with the market leaders in creating both durable, and lightweight shoes. They will undoubtedly lead themselves, and the competition somewhere even more significant in the coming years. With a customer rating of 4 out of 5, they are a trendy shoe right now within the marketplace.

KEY FEATURES:

  • 100% Textile
  • Rubber sole
  • Multiple adjustable straps
  • Added hook-and-loop closures
  • Nylon stability shank
  • With added Shock Pad heel

THE UPSIDE:

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Highly durable and can last long
  • Has multiple color options

THE DOWNSIDE:

  • Ankle straps are short
  • Other straps can be scratchy
  • Can make your feet sweaty

The Columbia Sun-breeze

The Columbia Sun-breeze

3.2 out of 5.0 stars

Like other marketing campaigns, there will be some ‘glitches’ here and there. Unfortunately, the Columbia Sun-breeze shoe design was one of those as described by some of their female customers. This is not to say that the shoe is unusable, nor is it ineffective in what it claims to do. More so, the actual visual aesthetics.

When the surveys were done one the key thing the ladies were asked about was the looks, and the consensus was that the looks let the product down.

Since we live in a world of ever-changing fashion trends how our outfit looks is a huge component of our morning ritual, and unfortunately for the Columbia Sun-breeze, their shoes were reported to be ‘difficult’ to match to a wide selection of outfits, making them less appealing to potential customers.

Now, with that being said, the reason why it remains one of the best sellers on the market is due to its price point compared to its competitors. At a low retail price, customers tend to find themselves overlooking the colour of the shoe since it’s almost half the price of other shoes on the market at the moment.

These shoes have also become popular over the years with hikers due to their flexibility. When you are looking to purchase some hiking shoes, how it feels on your foot is going to be a substantial contributing factor.

This is why the Columbia Sun-breeze has designed a shoe which has the best mobility factor than anyone else on the market making it perfect if you are going for those tricky climbs which require a little more movement in the sole you’re wearing. We couldn’t even believe how quickly these shoes dried out once put in the sun due to their lightweight nature.

If you are looking for a shoe which you could keep on for a lifetime, the Venice H2 is 100% the shoe for you. It is diverse enough to suit any scenario. The waterproof material of the shoe means that if the trail suddenly becomes a waterlogged trench, then there is no need to worry as this shoe has you covered.

KEY FEATURES:

  • 100% Synthetic
  • Rubber sole and outsole
  • Quick dry
  • Added adjustable hook-and-loop straps
  • Airflow and water drainable midsole

THE UPSIDE:

  • Dries fast
  • Provides well-support to your feet
  • Price-friendly

THE DOWNSIDE:

  • Traction is not that good
  • Design can be improved

Merrell Enoki Women Sandal

Merrell Enoki Women Sandal

4.1 out of 5.0 stars

Throughout this article, Teva has stolen the show for females in the hiking shoe department, with over 60% of the market we reviewed coming from them. They have managed to dominate so much of the current market through a great deal of research into the customers’ wants & needs. They then delivered on every single one of those requirements from their consumers.

The Omnium range of shoes differed a bit from the rest of Tevas range as they sat directly in the centre of the market in terms of their price range, with shoes costing roughly $50 per pair at retail price.

While there might be sceptics who question whether they are of the same quality due to the price being slap bang in the middle, I can confirm that these shoes still give you fantastic bang for your buck.

One of the fantastic features on this shoe is the holes dotted throughout the body of the shoe. These are made to help drain out any excess water from the shoe to prevent it from staying in there during water activities, which is by no means pleasant.

There has been plenty of positive reviews from previous and current customers. For example, a customer said that they used these particular shoes for hobbies that are adventurous such as canoeing, and out at sea boating.

They couldn’t have given the shoes a more gleaming review. Customers also added was the changeability of the shoes due to its many holes to adjust their size with, meaning that if they wanted to wear socks with their shoes, or if they wanted to lend them to someone else with slightly thicker ankles, both of those were possible.

KEY FEATURES:

  • 100% synthetic and mesh
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Many openings for breathability
  • Waterproof
  • Sole is manmade

THE UPSIDE:

  • Its waterproof material is best in hiking in wetlands
  • Highly adjustable with the straps
  • Very thick and durable even in rocky lands
  • Grips well on slippery surfaces

THE DOWNSIDE:

  • The coloring dye use can sometimes bleed
  • The dye can stain your feet

Vivobarefoot Kuru Sandal Women’s Shoe

It is more of a sandal that gives you the barefoot experience. You do not feel that you are wearing a shoe. It defies the features of a standard hiking shoe that is supposed to be closed and simple. It has a stylish design that makes you feel that you are wearing everyday shoes. The upper part is made up of the remaining leather material from hand-cut production. The fact that it is handmade makes it unique. It is handmade in Portugal. 

It has a sustainable barefoot experience that will not make you feel uncomfortable. It is artisanally stitched which makes it high quality and durable. The leather construction on the upper part gives it a stylish design. The sole is flexible and foldable. That makes the sandal last longer as it is resistant to wear and tear. It is best described as pain relief which is great for the user who suffers from heel pain or bone spurs. 

You can match them with any denim wear. They are more ideal for warm-weather as they are open. During winter or on a snowy day, you might not survive the cold. The soft leather material gives you more comfort on a warm day. Leather material tends to adapt to the weather of the day. This means that you will not have protection from harsh weather conditions. The arch support is quite impressive. It prevents your foot from any type of bumps and shock. 

There is no distinguished heel that separates the heel from the rest of the sole. This makes the feet more comfortable. Chances are very low that you will feel some sort of elevation on the heel. This makes it strain-free to the feet. The straps are made up of polyester. They give you a custom fit as they follow the shape of your feet. They give you an extra stylish design. There is a finer liner that gives comfort to your toes and the rest of the feet. A great posture is maintained when you have the sandal on. The puncture-resistant sole technology gives you an ultra-thin sole that is highly flexible. 

Pros

  • Flexible
  • Durable
  • High quality
  • Stylish design
  • Everyday shoe

Cons

  • Elastic straps could have been more secure

Duo Sandal Women’s Shoe

What separates the Duo sandal from the Kuru sandal is the fact that it has an elastic heel strap. This allows the straps to extend or contract depending on the size of your feet. Adjustability is made easier with elastic straps. There is a great balance maintained between adjustability and comfort. 

The elastic feature makes your feet secure comfortably even if the shoe is a bit big or small. The heel strap gives the sandal a modern design that is ideal for ladies. You feel like you are barefoot even if you have the sandal on. You have more contact with the surface and this gives you a natural feeling on your feet. This is more like barefoot summer sandals. You might not enjoy the features on a cold or snowy day. 

You will have your feet frozen which might be unhealthy. It is more reliable and comfortable. The wild leather that is used to make up the sandal lasts longer. It does not easily wear and tear. The sandal does not only blend with casual wear but it also matches with sportswear. Luxurious comfort is all that it caters for hence a great combination with loose clothes. The leather footbed takes the shape of your feet, molds them, and gives it a perfect fit. 

Unlike the above-reviewed women’s shoe, it is made up of animal skin. This might not be good for some users who have problems with animal skin. A classic barefoot style is what you get from the sandal. The leather linings allow your feet to breathe. This keeps your feet dry and fresh, especially on a hot day. The cushioning lining gives comfort to all the pressure points of your feet. These include; the heel, inside and outside ball. The Soft Step gives you a firm contact with the wide base given by the sole. This maintains stability and absorbs shock. 

Pros

  • Reliable
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Elastic heel strap
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Simple design

Be Lenka Flexi Barefoot Sandals

Barefoot sand�le Be Lenka Flexi - Black 38

These are highly flexible sandals that make your feet feel every terrain. What makes them flexible is the fact that they have an elastic top strap that keeps your sandal stay in shape. The shoe takes the shape of the feet rather than the feet taking the shape of the shoe. They are also stylish which makes them both hiking shoes and fashionable shoes. The multiple colors that you have to choose from are very beautiful. 

Colors like pink show that the sandal was manufactured with the woman in mind. Not only is it stylish but it is also durable. High-quality materials used to make the sandals make the shoe last longer. These include the rubber sole that can be folded and the leather lining. The sole makes you feel like you have no shoes at all. This is great for ladies with joint problems. They can walk in the sandals with ease. 

They are perfect for casual wear. They fit well as they are meant to accommodate any type of feet. The sole is 4mm which is ultra-thin. You have a natural experience to the surface. This thin sole gives you a very comfortable experience. Your feet are not restricted to a certain type of movement. The leather and textile material is highly breathable. This keeps your feet fresh and dry. The fabric makes the whole sandal lightweight.  The spring and summer seasons suit well the construction of the sandal. You can have them for everyday use as you walk in the park, city and even at the beach. 

The adjustable straps give you a secure fitting that fits well with any type of foot. A natural movement of the foot is ensured. You can have comfort throughout the whole day. You are not limited to a certain way of walking. The same way you walk barefoot is the same way you walk with the sandals on.  Heavy-duty activities can destroy the sole in a short space of time. 

Pros

  • Beautiful colors
  • Flexible
  • Stylish
  • High quality
  • Ultra-thin

Cons

  • Not ideal for heavy-duty activities

Buyer’s Guide

How do I choose a hiking sandal?

When you are choosing a hiking sandal, there are factors that you cannot compromise such as under sole protection, increased breathability, comfort, durability and adjustability. The reason why you need to go for open shoes is that closed shoes are uncomfortable. The fact that you might have to use different terrains makes you go for sandals that absorb shock so that you will not feel all the bumps and rocks on harsh surfaces. 

How should walking sandals fit?

When you want to be sure about a perfect fit on your sandals, you can use your thumb to measure the width between the gap of your toes and the end of the sandal. This is very important in the manner that it ensures full protection of your toes and your heel. In some instances that your size is giving you problems, I advise you buy a bigger size. The reason is that you will have more room for your toes. 

Do you wear socks with hiking sandals?

What determines wearing socks with hiking sandals is comfort, size, weather and preference. Some users just feel comfortable when they are wearing socks with sandals even though it looks weird to some users. As much as the sandals are perfect for warm weather, you might have an extra pair for winter and socks will prevent your feet from the cold. When you are struggling with a perfect size, you might for a bigger one. Socks might make the sandals fit better. 

Conclusion

To sum up the above discussion on hiking sandals, a perfect size will make you have a perfect fit and comfortable feeling. It is quite disturbing when you have sandals that cause discomfort when hiking. There are factors such as style and color that you might compromise but you would not want to buy several pairs of hiking sandals in a year. A pair of sandals should last longer, quick to get rid of water and dirt, reliable and adjustable. 

Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.
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