Are Hiking Sandals Good? The Pros and Cons of Hiking in Sandals

The Pros and Cons of Hiking in Sandals

When it comes to protecting your feet on the trail, you’re not limited to hiking boots and hiking shoes. A footwear alternative is becoming increasingly popular among hikers and backpackers – sandals. But these are a far cry from the flip flops you throw on as you head to the beach… these are hiking sandals and they’re made for adventure. While there is nothing wrong with sporting your old hiking boots, you might want to consider giving hiking in sandals a try.

There are a lot of benefits to hiking in sandals, so long as you get the right pair. While it may take some getting used to, having your feet exposed as you hike can be a refreshing experience. If you’re curious about hiking in sandals, read on, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this backcountry footwear trend.

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What are Hiking Sandals?

If you want to have an enjoyable hike, you won’t try to hike in just any pair of sandals. Crocs, flip flops, or slides aren’t going to do it for you. If you’re hiking in sandals, you need to be using hiking sandals.

These sandals are more technical. They have arch support, tough soles, and sturdy straps. Most styles are adjustable, so you can keep them secure to your feet. Hiking sandals are also built to provide ample support on rugged terrain, unlike those $5 flip flops that aren’t event built to survive a day at the beach.

The Benefits of Hiking in Sandals

Even if you have a pair of trusty hiking boots that you love, it might be a good idea to consider a pair of sandals as well. While a good pair of properly fitted hiking boots are essential for every backpacker and hiker, you may want to switch it up at times. Below are some benefits to hiking in sandals that may encourage you to give those boots a break.

They Are Lightweight

For every backpacker it’s a priority to limit pack weight. Yet for some reason not nearly as much attention is put on reducing the weight you are wearing on your feet!

Heavy shoes or boots can be draining you of your energy on the trail. An extra pound on your feet can really slow you down and make those cross backs even more grueling.

Most hiking boots weigh around 2 – 3 pounds. On the other hand, a pair of hiking sandals will typically weigh less than a pound . That is 1 to 2 pounds less! It might not sound like much to the average person, but it is. They say “a pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back”. While its disputed whether this is accurate or just an expression, it certainly feels true!

They Limit Blisters

Blisters are the worst. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to limit your chances of developing blisters, and wearing hiking sandals is one of them!

The recipe for blisters calls for moisture, friction, and heat. When your feet are wrapped in wool hiking socks inside your sweaty hiking boots as you conquer mile upon mile, it’s no wonder you get a painful blister every now and then. Hiking sandals, on the other hand, allow your feet to stay much drier and cooler.

While you may still develop hot spots where the straps or sole rubs against your foot, those hot spots are easier to access. You’re more likely to address those tender areas early on in your hike when you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing your boots and socks to do it.

They Make Water Crossings Easier

Water crossings can be a pain in the neck no matter how you approach them. Cautiously hopping from rock to rock is a faster method, but even if you have trekking poles you risk falling and getting your gear wet. Removing your boots and socks allows you to slowly walk through with a little more stability, but slick or sharp rocks still pose a threat.

Hiking in sandals allows you to confidently walk through the waterway without missing a beat.

The sole of the sandal protects your feet from sharp or gravely surfaces. The grip on the bottom of the shoes helps to keep you steady on slick, wet surfaces. Your feet will get wet, but they’ll dry quickly and won’t be covered in sopping socks. Hiking sandals are perfect for water crossings.

They Save You Money on Socks

Having good quality socks is important for hiking. They keep your feet comfortable and protected when you’re trekking in boots or shoes.

When you’re hiking in sandals, they’re not as important. You can throw on a pair if your feet are feeling chilly, but most people will go without.

Utilizing hiking sandals for warm weather treks means you can reserve your good hiking socks for the hikes where you’ll really need them, such as for winter hikes. This means your favorite socks will endure less wear and tear, so you can love them for longer.

The Drawbacks of Hiking in Sandals

Getting a pair of hiking sandals can be great, but it certainly won’t cure all your hiking woes. There are some downsides to wearing sandals while hiking that may deter you from investing in a pair.

They Leave Your Feet Exposed

Wearing boots or hiking shoes will keep your feet covered and protected as you move about the forest. When you’re in sandals, you have more skin exposed. This could lead to some uncomfortable or even painful situations.

The sun is one potential danger. It is incredibly important to protect your skin from the sun when you are out hiking, even if you think you’ll be covered by shade. If you choose to wear sandals, you’ll need to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet every two hours.

Insect bites are another hazard of having exposed feet. Insects like mosquitoes and horse flies have a knack for finding any inch of visible skin to sink themselves into. There is nothing worse than having itchy bites on your toes. Apply bug spray to your feet and check between your toes for ticks regularly.

Other dangers you’ll want to be cautious about are branches and rocks that may scrape or cut your feet as well as poison ivy that will irritate any skin it comes in contact with. Watch where you’re walking!

Their Straps Might Chafe

Hiking in a pair of ill-fitting boots will certainly cause hot spots and points of irritation. Unfortunately, the straps on your hiking sandals may cause similar issues.  

Most quality sandal brands make an effort to develop sturdy yet comfortable straps for their shoes. However, even the best of the best straps can cause pain at times.

When sandals get wet, they can create friction against your skin and cause irritation. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. Though there shouldn’t be too much movement between the straps and your skin if your sandals are snug enough, some people may still experience discomfort.

In addition to the straps, the sand and pebbles that may get caught between the straps and your foot may also cause trouble. Wipe down your feet after stepping in mud or dirt to prevent this from becoming an issue.

They Might Break

You can put your hiking boots through the wringer and still manage to make it back to the trailhead without an issue. Sandals, on the other hand, are far less resilient.

Many sandals come to the end of their lives when one of their straps break. Typically, there is not much you can do to repair them when you’re in the woods. If you’re out in the backcountry and one of your straps snap, you better have a spare pair or some tough feet!

They Aren’t Ideal for Difficult Terrain and Climbing

For people who stick to easy or moderate trails and avoid scrambles or climbs, a pair of sandals will suffice. A pair of boots or shoes may be a better fit for people who want to climb or tackle difficult terrain.

While encountering rugged landscape, it’s important to have durable and protective shoes. Boots or sturdy shoes protect your feet and give you more confidence in your movements.

What to Look for in Hiking Sandals

Ready to find a pair to put to the test? Here’s what you should look out for when shopping.

• Good Grip – The outsole, or bottom of your sandal, should have a bold pattern to help improve grip. Look for sandals that have a lot of bumps, grooves, and indents. Be aware that these will wear down over time, you’ll want to purchase a new pair when these patterns begin to flatten.
• Textured Footbed – The foot bed should also be textured, though not as aggressively as the outsole. This texturing helps your feet stay put. You don’t want to be sliding around in your shoes every time you get wet. Look for a design that is comfortable but keeps your foot in place.
• Good Support – As with any other shoe, you’ll want to consider the type of support your feet need when purchasing a pair of hiking sandals. Some brands have better arch support than others, if this is important to you be sure to try on a variety of pairs to find the right fit. The most common materials for midsoles are EVA and Polyurethane. If you need extra support, look for shoes that use polyurethane.
• Thick Sole – When you’re walking on rocky paths, it’s good to have more material between your foot and the ground. Look for sandals with a thick sole so you won’t get any rocks or sticks poking through them.
• Comfort – With any pair of shoes, comfort is a priority. Be sure to get a pair that is adjustable so you can fully customize the fit of the sandal to your foot. There should be multiple points of adjustability in a good pair of sandals.
• Strong Straps – Save yourself the heartbreak of a broken strap on the trail by making sure you buy high-quality and trusted sandals. They should have sturdy and thick straps than can hold up against the elements.

Our Favorite Hiking Sandals

We do our fair share of hiking in sandals and have tried several brands to see which ones are most fitting for the rugged terrain we love to explore. Below is a list of our favorite hiking sandals. If you want to learn more about these sandals, check out our full article on the best hiking sandals! For now, here’s a sneak peak:

Chacos Z 1 Classic

Teva Original Universal Trail

Keen Newport H2

Xero Z Trail

_{Cover photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash}