Move over, Birkenstock - hiking sandals are the 'must-have' shoe for style and comfort this summer

Tempting as it is to reach for the walking boots every time you hike, a pair of the best hiking sandals can do the job just as well. There is no need to keep your feet cocooned in socks and hefty footwear when you go off-road, with an impressive array of protective hiking sandals that support your feet and allow them to breathe. 

As a keen hiker who lives near the Pennines and Peak District, I love nothing more than climbing hills, clambering along ridges and hiking over the moors to reap the nourishing benefits of being outside. I always return feeling renewed, even if the elements are sometimes challenging, but the correct footwear is essential if you are going to enjoy the experience. It is why, when it is hot and muggy, and the terrain is not going to be too technical, I recommend swapping out your pick of the best walking shoes in favour of lightweight hiking sandals. With brands like Teva and Birkenstock more popular than ever as well, this could be the new 'practical' footwear trend here to stay.

I have done the groundwork to help you find the right hiking sandals by reviewing over a dozen of the most popular hiking sandals (and shandals - a sandal-shoe hybrid) from big brands like Hoka, Merrell, Teva and Keen. The round-up includes a cross-section of budgets and styles, from minimalist to closed-toe, but they all provide breathability, support and comfort so you can hike with confidence this summer. 

The best hiking sandals for women

The Terra Fi 5 Universal is one of Teva’s bestselling hiking sandals, so it would seem imprudent not to consider them when thinking about what to wear hiking. And having tested them, these hiking sandals do live up to the hype. 

The first thing that struck me is that the Terra Fi 5 is a good-looking sandal, successfully combining practicality and style, which is hard to come by across the wider range of hiking sandals. Plenty of sizing options exist and four colourways, including neutral, blue, red and black. In the sea of pink and purple-tinted women's hiking sandals, these are a welcome addition. 

Two adjustable straps, one on a slant just below the toes and the other over the front of the ankle, provide support, while the midsole arch makes for super comfortable striding even over rockier terrains with plenty of traction provided by the outer sole. Although your toes are exposed, the front of the sandal does lift up a little, which helps to protect them. They are a natural fit for smoother paths and walkways. 

These sandals are more expensive than some others on the list at £90, but as you would hope, these are durable and feel like they are made to last. And unlike some hiking sandals, these can comfortably be worn sightseeing and in social situations, not just out on the trail, so you do get your money's worth. 

If you are looking for versatile hiking sandals that can provide support on an everyday basis, then the Regatta Haris Lightweight Sandal ticks a lot of boxes in my books. These hiking sandals are not as cumbersome as some hiking sandals that I've tried, and the three Velcro straps (behind the ankle, across the toes and the widest width of the foot) make it easy to slip on and adjust the shoe as needed.

True to size, they fit like a dream thanks to the cushioning and shock-absorbing layer under foot, and that remains my experience from wandering in the local park and supermarket to doing a 90-minute walk around a reservoir. The top of the sandal is raised a little, which provides more protection and means you are less likely to stub your toes - much like the Teva sandals, our top pick. There is also plenty of grip on the sole, so you feel secure on the move. 

Functionality should always trump fashion where hiking sandals are concerned - especially as you can pair them with a pair of the best running shorts or workout leggings to complete the look - but the tonal hues and floral design mean these sandals will comfortably take you from a day of walking to a terrace bar for summer drinks, and they won’t look out of place. Although a great all-rounder, I personally think these are more suitable for weekend walks and sightseeing than long hikes. 

These sandals - or shandals to give them their correct title as they are a sandal/shoe hybrid - looked a little out of place when I tried them out on my walks in Greater Manchester. As the name suggests, the Seaside Drainage Shandals in their bright teal colour are made with beach holidays, coastal paths and shoreline strolls in mind.

I might not live near the seaside, but I did wear them to cross a stream during one of my walks and living in the North of England, I'm used to wet weather. They did indeed allow the water to pass through the drainage holes and remained comfortable to wear even when damp. My feet also dried quickly thanks to the synthetic neoprene lining and lightweight outer materials. If I had any niggles about these shandals, it would my middle toe on both sides seemed to be trying to escape through one of the gaps - but it was not uncomfortable and this comes down to more personal fit than anything else. 

I personally love the pop of colour. While it is bold, I'm so used to seeing tonal colours and pops of pink and purple that a bright teal is a welcome sight. Many of the best swimwear brands for 2024 have also included the tone in their palette, so you may find a matching swimsuit too. If tonal is more your style though, the Regatta Haris sandals come exclusively in muted shades, as do the Teva sandals. 

The Mountain Warehouse Seaside Drainage Outsole Shandals also have an adjustable strap around the ankle which can be removed entirely, so the shandal becomes a slip-on shoe, making it a great option to take on and off the beach. There are also elastic bungee laces around the main part of the foot, which can be tightened or loosened as necessary, making them fairly suitable for more challenging terrains. If you plan to spend a lot of time in and around water this summer and enjoy shoreline walks or rock pooling, this lightweight option fits the bill.

If your hike involves long walks or particularly rocky terrains, a closed-toe, supportive sandal like the Keen Hyperport H2 is the best option to avoid lacking ankle support when you need it most - one of the biggest hiking mistakes you can make, in my opinion. It combines the protective elements of a hiking shoe with the open, airy elements of a sandal. I'm a big fan and it rivals the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal for the top spot. 

On first glance, you might think these sandals are "a bit much" since the style and colour options - which include pink, yellow, and tangerine - are eye-catching. However, if you're anything like me, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much you like the look of them when they're on. 

Based on Keen’s Newport sandal, the Hyperport H2 includes additional features that have made this a premium, must-have sandal for those who enjoy hiking longer distances in warmer weather. There is air-injected foam midsole, which I found added comfort to the overall shoe and additional support underfoot on rockier terrains - but are more lightweight than their predecessor. Do not be deterred by the fact they don't have straps either - the mesh upper and mesh heel pull loop means there's plenty of stretch when you put them on, and the one pull bungee races mean you can adjust them for the right fit. Overall, I found them to be incredibly supportive around the midfoot and upper, more so than some other hiking sandals I've tried with velcro and the design looks more seamless and mature thanks to these fixings. 

I found these to be a great fit with plenty of wiggle room for my toes and comfortably snug around my foot and ankle too. I wore them on a two-hour hike, which took in hills, grassland, and uneven pathways. My feet were cushioned throughout, and the grip meant I could walk confidently without fear of slipping. Practical, comfortable, supportive and stylish, I will be wearing these a lot over the summer.

 As you would expect from a trusted brand such as Merrell, the Kahuna III hiking sandals do not disappoint. At woman&home, we're big fans of the brand - with the Merrell Moab Speed 2 and other hiking shoes frequently making the top of our best-of lists. 

I would describe the Kahuna III as grown-up sandals for serious walking, which means they are functional - if not the most decorative - sandals. Despite their bulky appearance, they feel lightweight and agile on foot, even over rockier terrains. 

Available in three tones, there are two adjustable hooks, loop straps, and clasps across the toes and over the front of the foot, so I felt very secure during my walks. Although they provide minimal toe protection, there is plenty of grip on the inner sole and traction grip on the outer sole. They have also been made with waterside activities in mind, which I found incredibly useful when walking on changeable terrain. 

I felt I could walk and walk in these sandals, so they are a great choice for longer hikes or lengthy city walks. On one of my trips, I was out for three hours, which included a pretty steep hilly incline (and descent) but there was no sign of rubbing. At £100, these are one of the more expensive hiking sandal options, but loyal customers will rave about how durable they are, how long they last, and ultimately how wonderfully comfortable they are, so you can think of them as investment footwear.

Decathlon is one of my go-to stores for active and outdoor clothing and equipment - they sell everything from the best sports bras to fitness trackers - so it's rare I don’t emerge from the store clasping a new addition for my hiking or camping stash. I rate this brand so highly because of the quality you can expect at an affordable price point - and the Quechua NH500 sandals are a case in point.

Even at full price, the hiking sandals are under £30. For that, you get cushioning through double EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) soles, a non-slip grip and two adjustable rip tabs, beneath the toes and across the front of the ankle. 

As Decathlon suggests, these hiking sandals are not designed for mountain trails and elevation gains, but they are ideal for days out, sightseeing and weekend walks. As the weather warmed up over the last few weeks, I was grateful to have them on my feet as the two singular straps ensure the sandals are breathable and they don't chafe as you walk. They aren't going to win awards for support or appearance - though they do look similar to some fashionable Teva sandals I've worn - but that's not what they are for. 

They also don't look out of place running errands. While I personally prefer wider straps as they feel more secure, they did not rub or slip on a walk through uneven woodland, so I reckon they could fair well on shorter hikes and through woodland or woody park terrains. In short, these make a great everyday option if you're on a budget. 

 The Wildsole Mamtor Sandals might be minimalist - but don’t underestimate them. They are multi-functional sandals designed to be worn in all elements and on all terrains. Made in Yorkshire, the owners wanted to create the UK’s first barefoot sandals, rather than ship them in from the States to reduce air missiles and associated emissions. There are now seven unisex models, including the Mamtor, which I tried.

To be honest, it is the first time I have tried barefoot shoes of any kind so I was intrigued to know what they would feel like. So far, after just a couple of walks, I'm impressed. The simple strap sits between your toes (like a flip-flop) and stretches behind your ankle. It can be adjusted if needed. As your toes are not constrained, they can move freely and spread naturally as you walk, which is the benefit of such minimal support.

Though you can technically run and jump in these flexible sandals, it's not something I've tried yet so can't comment on their durability across more vigorous types of exercise. I have spent an entire day walking in them, however, and it's been something of a revelation. On a summer’s walk, it feels incredible to be barefoot but safe in the knowledge your soles are protected from whatever might be on the ground. And as they are so light, you can easily stow them in your rucksack when heading out on adventures or as an alternative shoe on holiday. 

I wouldn't recommend them for any seriously long hikes or walks across any hazardous terrains. As you can probably guess by their appearance, they are better suited to beach and city walks - provided there's little debris on the pavements - and best paired with a pair of black gym leggings, perhaps. For anything more than a walk, I'd suggest an alternative option like the Merrell Kahuna III or the Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal.

My first takeaway on trying Helly Hanse’s Capilano F2F sandals is just how light they are, given that the straps and sole look and feel comparatively substantial. They are sold as a day hiker, which is how I tested them, and I found they did a superb job. 

There are two adjustable straps, one around the front of the ankle, and the other on a slight diagonal beneath the toes, so they are easy to put on. I particularly like the arch and cushioning, which felt plush but incredibly supportive. Combined, it's a design that makes for comfortable walking, especially when you are out for a few hours. My feet did not slip on the inner sole and although my toes were exposed, the sandals provide some toe protection as they lift at the front to help combat stubbing.

They are made from recycled synthetic material and sold as quick drying, which I found true after mistakenly stepping into puddles after a summer shower. I was also impressed that the straps stayed in place and didn't rub my feet when they got wet, which was a huge benefit as this happened earlier in the day. Although support and comfort are always key, I feel points should always be awarded if that can be combined with style - and I think the lighter cactus green shade is a spot-on colourway that's both low-key and unique. Overall, this is a versatile sandal you can wear with confidence.  

Another shandal to add to the mix is Hoka’s super stylish Hopara - a closed toe option that provides the protection of a shoe with the breathability of a sandal. It should be noted, these are the most expensive option in this round-up at £105, but as you would hope at that price, you can expect to wear and wear this footwear and feel assured doing so.  

Sold as a ‘true outdoor explorer,’ these have been created for tackling all terrains and to provide comfort whatever the weather throws at you - thankfully, as I got caught in the rain several times while testing these out. They felt snug around the heel and midfoot when I was walking, offering great support but not feeling too tight. The material also provides flexibility for your foot so you can move with even the most unstable terrain, without losing confidence in your ankles. I've tested many hiking boots and shoes over the last few years and even the most highly-rated of these sometimes fail to deliver on this, so I was very impressed.

Instead of adjustable straps, there is a quick lace system, which you pull to adjust and can then niftily tuck the lace away. Much like the Keen hiking sandals, this makes the design look much more streamlined and mature than some of the other sandals out there with velcro support. There is also plenty of cushioning due to the rubberised EVA midsole, as well as a substantial toe cap to keep your toes well protected.

Admittedly, these are not the most understated footwear and they might be a little too bulky for some people, but they are available in a range of colours and an impressively inclusive array of sizes. Expect compliments when you are on the move too, as these can prove quite the talking point when you are out and about.

Hoka is a top-rated hiking brand around the world and, much like Merrell, we love it's selection of hiking attire here at woman&home. Health Editor Grace Walsh has several pairs of the best running shoes and hiking boots from Hoka, each pair offering comfort and incredible support with every step. 

How we tested the best hiking sandals for women

As a keen hiker, an outdoor enthusiast, and a journalist, I am fortunate to combine my personal and professional interests by trialling products and speaking to industry experts for their insights. For this review, I consulted outdoor professionals on what factors to consider when looking for a first-rate pair of hiking sandals. I then wore each pair of hiking sandals for two walks minimum. The first was a shorter distance, sometimes-early-morning walk to get my initial impressions of the hiking sandals, and the second for a minimum of an hour, often longer, across varied terrain, whether woodland, grass, gravel, tarmac and on occasion through water, too. 

I reviewed each pair with the expert’s advice in mind including my recommendations: 

• Comfort: When you are out walking and hiking, it is essential your feet feel as comfortable as possible. I noted how comfortable they were at all stages, from the initial try-on to how my feet felt at the end of a walk, including breathability, slippage and any rubbing.
• Support: Support is essential when buying hiking sandals, so when reviewing the hiking sandals, I considered the sturdiness of the straps, the inner sole and outer sole, including the type of grip offered, and whether there was arch support, too.  
• Materials: Hiking sandals need to be breathable, fast-drying and durable, so I considered the types of fabric (whether synthetic, mesh or leather etc) and how they felt during each walk. 
• Versatility: I wore these hiking sandals on various types of terrain, including pavement, grass, hills and moorland, evaluating how they adapted to the setting, whether they were strictly hiking sandals or could be worn every day, and how easy they were to put on and take off. 
• RRP: As with any outdoor wear, prices for hiking sandals can vary as much as the styles on offer. I took this into consideration when reviewing the hiking sandals, ensuring a wide range of price points were included. 
• Additional details: I have highlighted whether the hiking sandals have any additional details worth noting, for example unique styles and colourways or particularly inclusive sizing. 

How to choose the best hiking sandals for you

• Think about the terrain and distance: "Ensure you choose an appropriate sandal. Do you need sandals for simple terrains, like grass and beach hikes or multi-day long-distance hikes? I don’t wear sandals when hiking over more complex terrain like rocky mountains,” says Carla Khouri, a qualified outdoor instructor and community lead at Merrell Hiking Club. 
• Consider cushioning: “If you are walking longer distances you may want to consider a more cushioned sole, although these can be a little heavier than a non-cushioned sole,” says Khouri. 
• Think about your toes: “If you choose an open-toe sandal, look for a slightly raised area at the front, which will help to protect your toes against rocks and roots. Closed-toed sandals offer more protection and will help prevent small pebbles, twigs, etc, from getting under your foot,” adds Khouri. 
• Focus on functionality over fashion: "Look out for practical materials – either fast-drying synthetics or waterproof leather,” says Steve Davies, the purchasing and commercial manager for Trekitt. "If you are likely getting wet (rivers, beaches, rain), look at materials like neoprene. Some fabric straps are lined with neoprene so that your foot is still held in place even when wet," adds Khouri. 
• Check the sole for grip: "We always advise looking for sandals with a proper hiking sole. When choosing a pair, easy things to look for are the contouring of the sole and whether it offers any arch support around the midfoot. Also underneath, whether it has plenty of tread to ensure the sandals provide good grip on slippery surfaces," says Davies. 
• Socks or no socks: "Wearing socks can reduce the risk of any straps rubbing and causing blisters. They also protect a little more against insects or debris on the path. It might be worth wearing the sandals with socks around the house until you’re confident you’ve broken them in fully,” says Davies. “However, socks limit the breathability of hiking sandals, and if you’re walking near water, they can get wet and dry slowly, which can often cause blisters or rubbing.” 

How should hiking sandals fit?

When trying on hiking sandals, the best plan is to have your feet expertly measured. If this is not an option for you or you're looking to buy online, make sure you measure your feet and check these measurements against the size guide given online as sizes and fits vary between brands, says Davies.

"When trying them on, you want the sandals to fit snugly but not with any pressure points or tight areas. Most models will have adjustable straps, so we advise tweaking these to achieve the right fit and then try walking around on a carpeted area to make sure they feel comfortable," he says. 

"Make sure your heel isn’t lifting at the back of the sandal and that you have plenty of room for your toes at the front. Your toes shouldn’t be right to the edge of the sandal as this reduces how protected they are," he says. 

There also should not be any side-to-side movement of your foot, says Khouri. "Your foot should not slide forward or backward when walking on a slope. Also, look for reviews to find out about a sandal's real-life performance and whether a model is true to size. Also, look at the retailer's return policy so you can replace them if they are not right for you." 

Hiking sandals vs hiking boots

"Unlike a standard sandal or flip-flop, a hiking sandal will be optimised to offer excellent underfoot comfort and greater stability, so they are a really good choice if you’re walking off-road. For more technical terrain or routes that take you into the hills and mountains, we would always recommend wearing a walking shoe or hiking boot which provides greater cushioning underfoot and offers increased protection from scree and loose rock,” says Davies. 

"If you are carrying a heavy backpack (going rucking, for example), hiking sandals will not be suitable and you should ideally choose a higher cut boot that provides maximum stability and ankle protection. You can always take your hiking sandals with you on overnight treks though, they are great for giving feet a rest from your boots while relaxing at camp."