What Are The Best Hiking Sandals for Men in 2022

By Sigita B •  Updated: 11/17/21 •  1 min read

We tested 5 products and found Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal to be the best hiking sandals for men.

The best hiking sandals provide equal security and protection as hiking shoes while being comfortable, convenient, and ideal for hot summer days. They’re a useful pair of hiking shoes because you can walk through dirt and across streams without having to worry about soaking boots at the end of the day.

To bring you this list of the greatest hiking sandals on the market, we trekked thousands of miles over hills and rivers in a variety of shoes, resulting in all sorts of interesting sandal strap tan lines.

The Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal is the best hiking sandal, in our opinion. Zcloud Sandals are unexpectedly comfortable and extremely durable, with a variety of colorful colors and styles to choose from.

Read on to see our top selections for the best hiking sandals for men if you want to enhance your summer hiking game!

Best Overall

Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal

Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal

100% Textile. Rubber sole.
Polyester jacquard webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customised fit.
Luvseat dual-density PU midsole vegan-friendly construction.
Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound 3.5mm lug depth.

Best Closed Toes

Keen Newport H2

Keen Newport H2

100% Polyester. Rubber sole.
Washable polyester webbing upper.
Compression molded EVA midsole.
Non-marking rubber outsole.

Most comfortable

ECCO Men's Yucatan Outdoor Off-Road Hiking

ECCO Men’s Yucatan Outdoor Off-Road Hiking

Leather and Textile. Rubber sole.
Nubuck uppers.
Stretch fit material lining.
Direct injected PU midsole featuring full length RECEPTOR Technology
Dual density footbed for added comfort. Rubber Outsole

Product Mini-Reviews

Man is hiking with the sandals

Best Overall: Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal

The Chaco Zcloud differs only slightly from its Z/1 Classic. 

To begin with, the sandals are made up of three layers. The upper two layers come together to produce a dual-density PU midsole with antibacterial resistance. The sandal’s core is made up of a stiffer PU layer, and the top is made up of a fluffy, spongy, pillow-like PU layer.

Chaco’s Cloud series offers lighter, softer soles designed to provide increased comfort during long hikes. Chaco’s ZCloud Sandals are, in a word, fantastic. After lengthy hikes on the trail or long working hours on your feet, the finely structured yet plush and springy footbed does amazingly for all-day comfort. 

The webbing loops do an excellent job of keeping the sandal firmly in place without sliding and creating blisters. 

Thanks to its tough build and sticky outsole, this sandal can endure everything from water activities to extended hikes on the trail to approaching tasks with fully loaded packs.

If you prefer a lighter, slightly firmer landing while hiking, Z/Clouds is the way to go. They’re rugged, sleek, and versatile, with outstanding breathability and comfort on and off the trail.

Best Overall
Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal

100% Textile.

Rubber sole.

Luvseat dual-density PU midsole vegan-friendly construction.

Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound 3.5mm lug depth.

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Best Economy: Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal 

You’ll discover the men’s and women’s Teva Universal sandals are very versatile and come in a wide variety of colors, at least twelve. 

The Teva Original Universal is a great option for many people seeking a flexible pair of shoes because of its fashionable appearance, soft fabric, and spacious design. A simple design distinguishes this lightweight sandal. 

The Original Universal includes a fixed heel strap and flexible velcro straps on the toe and ankle, unlike other sandals that have more complex strap structures, flashy buckles, and interconnected webbing. 

This makes freeing and fastening a breeze, as well as convenient and simple on-the-go adjustments.

It is praised by critics for its adaptability, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness. 

Both synthetic and plant-based materials are used in this vegan hiking sandal. 

While these aren’t ideal for hiking a lot of miles or crossing slick or rough terrain, their velvety comfort, ease of usage, lightweight construction, and low price make them a flexible all-around sandal.

Best Economy
Teva Men's Original Universal Sandal

Rubber sole.

Heel measures approximately 0.75 inches".

Fabric upper.

Universal strapping system with adjustable hook and loop closure straps for a customized fit.

Fabric strap lining.

Foam cushioned footbed for added comfort.

3/4 inch heel.

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Best Closed Toes Sandals: Keen Newport H2

These sandals are ideal for hikers who find themselves trekking near or through streams. The sandal’s washable netting on top makes it exceptionally durable, and the added padding around the toes will keep you worry-free. There’s an antimicrobial footbed to keep moisture and odor at bay, as well as a razor-siped sole for gripping on wet and dry surfaces.

The wide cushioned casing, quick-drying fibers, and highly gripping outsole make it a favorite for watersports enthusiasts and even those searching for a more protected trekking sandal. 

The Keen Newport H2 features a unique toe pad and an anti-odor treatment that is both eco-friendly and effective. The Newport creates a fine balance both at home, in the forest, or on the lake, with more coverage and safety than most shoes and more flexibility than most hiking sandals.

Best Closed Toes
KEEN Men's Newport H2 Sandal

100% Polyester.

Imported.

Rubber sole.

Washable polyester webbing upper.

Compression molded EVA midsole.

Non-marking rubber outsole.

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Most Comfortable Sandals: ECCO Men’s Yucatan Outdoor Off-Road Hiking

The ECCO Yucatan is our go-to for a comfortable, robust pair of sportswear sandals for summer travel. ECCO’s sandals are designed to look like open hiking shoes.

They’re three-way customizable and are made of high-quality nubuck that’s both sturdy and comfy. The Yucatan sandal is coated with neoprene, so you can wear it in water without worrying about the insides becoming wet.

The EVA footbed is meant to adapt to your foot and provide optimal cushioning, comfort, and support. The high-quality materials will last for hundreds of kilometers, and the buckles and footbed are extremely comfortable. 

The material is elastic, and these sandals have multiple places of adjustment, making it simple to get the perfect fit for your feet.

It’s the only nubuck leather sandal we examined, and it has a striking “dad shoe” style. The design is appropriate for travel, whether on the balcony of a cruise ship or strolling around a golf resort. 

It’s excellent if this what you’re after.

Most comfortable
ECCO Men's Hiking Sandals

Leather and Textile.

Rubber sole.

Nubuck uppers.

Stretch fit material lining.

Direct injected PU midsole featuring full length RECEPTOR Technology.

Dual density footbed for added comfort.

Rubber Outsole.

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Best Leather Sandals : Columbia Men’s Santiam Ankle Strap Sandal

Columbia sure knows how to make good footwear! 

These sandals are lightweight, comfy, elegant, and yes, we are talking about the men’s Santiam strap sandals.

With a velvety fabric interior that leaves your feet relaxed regardless of how warm it turns, the leather upper elevates it above a basic, cheap sandal. Columbia has designed this ultralight, supportive two-strapped sandal to promote all-day comfort while also preventing water buildup. 

The ultra-cushioned sandal is made of water-resistant suede, which is perfect for hikes and travels and is both comforting and useful. 

It’s a sandal that will hold your footings firm and secure on any plane, despite how slippery the trail is, thanks to its Omni-Grip rubber base with its distinctive design.

Best leather
Columbia Men’s Santiam

Leather and Synthetic.

Rubber sole.

Platform measures approximately 0.75 inches.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The water tolerant suede leather with synthetic overlay upper construction features our endurance proven Techlite midsole for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.


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Buying Guide

The Best Hiking Sandals: How to Choose Them

Let’s go over some key factors to consider while selecting the best hiking sandals for your requirements.

The Comfort and Fit

When it comes to hiking footwear, this is the most crucial factor to consider. Many sandals may be adjusted for a custom fit, but different individuals require various features in their footwear. Therefore, it’s important to figure out what makes your feet happy.

It’s necessary to select hiking footwear that is a suitable and comfortable shape for your foot, as it is with any shoes. 

Your hiking sandals must fit properly to be a good walking partner. You want them to be fitting enough to hang on to your feet but not so tight that they poke into your feet. Many hiking sandals include movable straps, allowing you to tighten or loosen them based on your activity.

Some sandals will adapt to your feet over time, which is a great feature for getting a custom fit. Please bear in mind that depending on the type of setting and environment you’re in, almost all hiking sandals will be worn without socks, so choose the shoe size that will be suitable for the situation.

You should also keep in mind that feet swell in hot weather and when stressed, so you should have enough room in your sandals to accommodate bigger feet without making them uncomfortable.

Arch Support

The robust, high-quality arch support and foundation differentiate hiking sandals from normal beach sandals. Hiking sandals differ from traditional summer shoes in several ways, including arch support. It’s also one of the most significant factors to consider while selecting a pair.

While beach sandals have a thin, frail base, which is fine to wear on the beach, but you’ll want footwear that can hold your feet and tackle the terrain if you’re hiking. It’s critical to have strong arch support if you want to keep your feet comfy, happy, and safe on the path.

Hiking sandals include arch support similar to hiking shoes, which gives your feet that additional bit of padding for the journey.

Sole and Treads

You’ll want to make sure that the hiking sandals you’re thinking about purchasing have a firm sole. Because these aren’t your typical walking shoes, you’ll want something tough, sturdy, and constructed of a renowned material. After a day of exploring, you don’t want to be left with holes in your soles.

Don’t be scared to test the shoe’s flexibility by bending it. You want your hiking sandals to be flexible while still being sturdy enough to handle pebbles and a range of surfaces.

Look out to ensure the sole has sufficient traction. In damp weather, if your shoes don’t have any grooves or grips, your feet will slip over the sandals’ sole, making them bothersome and quite irritating.

You should also seek sandals with substantial treads on the bottom. A deep tread pattern is necessary because it provides grip and friction as you go through various terrains.

Make sure your hiking sandals have substantial treads to keep you balanced when traversing through slick terrain or deep mud.

Toe Protection

You will generally have two choices with sandals; open-toe and closed-toe sandals. 

If you want to travel through rocky or hilly terrain, the extra toe protection will come in handy. This will protect and prevent scratches on your toes. If you want to climb anything high, it will also provide you with more grip.

While not all hiking sandals have a toe cover, some do. This helps to keep your toes safe and secure. Having some toe protection is a smart idea, whether it’s from errant rocks or small creatures. Open-toed Tevas, on the other hand, might be okay if you don’t plan on doing any significant trekking wearing them.

Waterproof / Quick Drying

Your hiking sandals should be mostly waterproof to be very efficient. You’ll obviously come into contact with water if you use it to cross rivers, stroll short sections of trails, or simply walk around a campsite.

Search for a pair with synthetic uppers and rubber soles. If you’re going to be on the trail in wet circumstances, you’ll want to invest in a pair of waterproof or, at the very least quick-drying sandals.

Sandals that stay soaked for an extended period are ineffective since they will rub you the opposite way and stink.

Coverage

You’ll need to consider the types of walks and paths you intend to take so that you can determine how much coverage you’ll require to cover them.

Some hiking sandals, such as Keens, provide a surprising amount of foot coverage. Others are lighter, more accessible, and better suited to a campsite or easy-level treks. If you’re going on short walks that do not have sharp inclines or going through water, go for those hiking sandals that have less coverage.

If you plan on hiking in a colder climate or on a more difficult path, the more expanse you have, the better. Before you buy sandals, make sure you are well aware of what you’re going to do with them.

Conclusion

The Chaco Men’s Zcloud Sandal is a great deal, with identifiable style, minimal weight, and soft comfort – all present in an economical package. The comfort and style are appreciated by many, and you will like the savings. We recommend these if you’re seeking a simple, comfy, and economical sandal.

The Chaco Zcloud’s sole is stiff and hefty, yet it provides good support for lengthy walks. Even for the Chaco course, high arches may not be suitable for all sorts of feet.

The Zcloud is better suited as a hiking sandal because it is more focused on comfort and performance. You can also wear them for long walks and sports fields. It was created to provide stability and ease on any surface. Furthermore, its outside design is outstanding!

Sigita B