Best Walking Sandals 2026 | Fully Tested and Reviewed on the Trail
Heading for warmer climes for your adventures? Take on land and sea with our roundup of the best walking sandals for 2026
Now might be a good time to get a pair of the best walking sandals. With summery adventures beckoning on the hazy horizon, the versatility offered by the finest adventure sandals will come into its own. Whether you’ve got your eyes on rocky scrambles or are planning to embark on some water sports, you’ll be surprised at just how well a walking sandal performs across a range of demanding activities.
The best walking sandals are designed to give you the breathability and good looks of a casual beachwear sandal, with the grip and comfort of a hiking shoe. This makes them extremely versatile products that are just as at home on boulder-hopping expeditions as they are exploring rock pools on the beach.
What To Look For When Buying Walking Sandals
As walking sandals are often employed for amphibious outings, they need to be crafted from quick-drying materials that also grip well when wet and won’t wear out after only a few adventures. The excellent traction offered by Vibram rubber soles is used in some of the best models, while padded neoprene and leather are also sandal mainstays thanks to their comfort and durability. The quality of the materials is the main reason that you’ll have to fork out a little more dough for a pair of decent hiking sandals – cheaper models sold to everyday holidaymakers simply don’t stack up.
The best hiking sandals differ in terms of the protection they give your feet. Minimalist models may just feature a grippy sole and a y-strap to hold your foot in place, while some sandals resemble hiking shoes that look oddly unfinished, giving you the breathability and freedom of a sandal with the protective shield and toe box of a trail shoe. If you’re off on rugged scrambles, you’ll want a more maximalist sandal than people who are merely gallivanting around on the beach.
One final note: If you’re looking for some footwear for longer distances and/or trips over challenging terrain, you might also be interested in our best walking shoes round up, or our top 10 guide to the best walking boots.
The Best Walking Sandals We’ve Tested
We’ve gathered together the very best walking sandals. These are firm favourites that, over countless adventures, haven’t let the team at Outdoors Magic down:
Jack Wolfskin Lakewood Ride – Best Walking Sandals Tested Overall
Keen Zionic ADV Open Air – Best Closed Toe Sandals
Columbia Globetrotter – Best Value Walking Sandals
Keen Hyperport H2 – Best Sandals for Water
Bedrock Cairn Pro – Best Lightweight Sandals
1. Jack Wolfskin Lakewood Ride
Chosen as our best all-round hiking sandal
Where To Buy
Jack Wolfskin Lakewood Ride
Our tester’s verdict: “Overall, these are capable, fairly lightweight, and packable sandals. They look subtle enough to wear with shorts or rolled-up trousers too, without screaming “technical sandal” down the pub beer garden.”
Price: £60 Weight: 610g Buy these if: You want something that has a casual look but that also suits trail hiking Don’t buy these if: You want toe protection or something for more technical terrain
Jack Wolfskin categorise these as ‘lifestyle’ sandals, but we think that does them a bit of a disservice because they’ve been able performers on the light hikes we’ve tested them on. We’ve found them to be moderately grippy on damp shorelines and capable of handling relatively muddy trails too.
The comfort was noticeable from the moment we pulled them on, with the ergonomically shaped sole cradling the foot well and a moderately cushioned sole that’s chunky under the heel and quite thin at the ball of the foot. We also found that the straps felt comfortable all around the foot.
OM editor Will with the Jack Wolfskin Lakewood Ride ready for testing.
When wet, we found our feet were held securely without any slippage, and the drying time was very good. Generally, we found these are good sandals to wear in and around water.
Our tester tried these in his usual size and had no issues, wearing them straight out of the box. There’s a touch of arch support, but it’s not something that’s particularly noticeable.
Overall, these are fairly lightweight, packable, and look subtle enough to wear with shorts or rolled-up trousers without screaming “technical sandal.”
2. Keen Zionic ADV Open Air
Our pick as the best closed-toe hiking sandal
Where To Buy
Keen Zionic ADV Open Air
Our tester’s verdict: “A comfy closed toe sandal with a very secure fit. I found them particularly good for moving quickly out on the trail.”
Price: £125 Weight: 235g per shoe Buy these if: You want something fast, light and grippy for trail hiking in the warmer months Don’t buy these if: You’re looking for a more relaxed, wider fit
An expansion of Keen’s popular Zionic NXT hiking shoe, the Zionic ADV open air shoes share the same performance-focused outsole and fast-moving design but in a lighter and more breathable, sandal style. Using an abrasion resistant textile upper and a lightweight mesh lining, the two materials combine to give you a sock-like fit with aerated protection against natural hazards on the trail.
OM tester Jazz has been using the Zionic ADV Open Air sandals for the past few weeks, most recently along the Teesdale Way and further south in the Yorkshire Dales. She said: “The really secure fit is a big highlight for me. I often worry about rolling my ankles in sandals but I felt very confident from the get-go in these. The cinch cord helps you really dial in the fit when hiking downhill, for example, and you can always remove the insole for a roomier fit on more relaxed walking days too.”
OM tester Jazz is pictured here using the Keen Zionic ADV Open Air sandals out in the Yorkshire Dales.
She continues: “This, coupled with the lightweight design, really encourages you to move fast out on the trail, something you don’t always find with sandals. I’ve found the grip very promising too. On way-marked trails that have included packed earth, gravel sections, some wet and rocky sections along the River Tees, and grassier sections of farmlands too; I’ve had no problems so far.”
The Zionic ADV sandals might not be as fast drying or breathable as some of the more minimalist options on this list, but they’re definitely not the slowest or the warmest either. They balance protection and breathability quite well in this sense. Their packability was admirable too as, while the sole is harder to bend, the upper can squish down completely flat, making them super easy to stuff into or onto your pack.
“I tried these in a UK size 5.5,” Jazz adds. “While I got on very well with the secure and contoured fit, I do have quite narrow feet. If you have wider feet or simply prefer a roomier fit, I’d recommend trying before you buy, or going up a half size or so.”
3. Meindl Capri
Where To Buy
Meindl Capri
Our editor’s verdict: “I’ve found this great for multi-day hiking trips in particular. The comfort has been great every time.”
Price: £120 Weight: 610g Buy these if: You want a proper trekking sandal with excellent comfort Don’t buy these if: You want something light and packable, or if you’re on a budget
Meindl began making footwear 300 years ago in Germany’s beautiful Bavaria region. Eleven generations on, their products still maintain the same handcrafted quality, and this of course extends to the unisex Capri sandals.
Well named after the rugged yet beautiful Italian island that’s renowned for its quality leather sandals, it’s no surprise that the Capris are designed to take on jagged, watery terrain and, in the spirit of the island, are crafted from high-quality nubuck leather themselves.
The uppers are lined with padded neoprene that, in tandem with the nubuck, gives you an extremely comfortable feel, even after many hours on the trail. Both materials are also ultra quick drying, which is vital for treks that involve the occasional splash in the sea. The chunky outer sole’s tread achieves great grip, while the Capri’s breathable straps are fully adjustable, giving you a customisable fit.
4. Merrell Kahuna III
Where To Buy
Merrell Kahuna III
Our tester’s verdict: “This is a hiking sandal that’s made for big mileage on the trail.”
Price: £100 Weight: 400g Buy these if: You want a proper trekking sandal with excellent comfort Don’t buy these if: You want something light and packable, or if you’re on a budget
This is a hiking sandal that’s made for big mileage on the trail. It has a stable and supportive upper that is very high on comfort and its midsole cushions well, particularly under the heel, while it capably blocks out sharp stuff like rocks and roots underfoot.
During our tests, we appreciated the comfort of the neoprene lining on the straps and we also really liked the amount of arch support too.
OM editor will using the Kahuna III
For water usage, the drying time is pretty good and we found the straps and platform kept our feet from slipping around Still, we’d say this is best used as a hiking sandal for long trail hikes in hot conditions. If you want a sandal from Merrell to use in or on water, you’d be better off opting for the Merrell Speed Fusion.
5. Teva Hurricane XLT2
Where To Buy
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Our tester’s verdict: “The Hurricanes are crafted from Teva’s proprietary Durabrasion Rubber, which is impressively grippy and gives you traction even on wet rock. The sandals hold up very well over time, with next to no loss of cushioning or wear and tear.”
Price: £70 Weight: 255g Buy these if: You want something casual looking that will be fine on groomed trails or on or near water Don’t buy these if: You want toe protection or something light and packable
Hiking is at the heart and soul (or should that be sole?) of Teva’s Hurricane XLT2s. With a sole forged and shaped specifically with the trails in mind, they’re an excellent choice for summer adventures and are reasonably priced too. A heel height of 3cm is enough to absorb all the shock of a day spent trekking, as well as protecting your feet from any spiky encounters.
The Tevas pictured during our Outdoor 100 test trip. Photo: Chris Johnson
All of this would be academic if the sandals didn’t grip properly or weren’t durable enough to keep you going for many trips. It’s a good job, then, that the Hurricanes are crafted from Teva’s proprietary Durabrasion Rubber, which is impressively grippy and gives you traction even on wet rock. The sandals hold up very well over time, with next to no loss of cushioning or wear and tear.
Price: £80 Weight: 290g Buy these if: You want a packable sandal that can be worn casually or on the trail Don’t buy these if: You prefer a closed toe
Grippy, reasonably light, well-cushioned and quick-drying, in our tests, the Merrell Speed Fusion Web proved to be a useful sandal for trail hiking in hot conditions.
In our tests, the outsole provided good grip on a range of surfaces, including on grit, mud and rock. We also liked the amount of cushioning and shock absorption, particularly under the heel.
Our team testing the Merrell Speed Fusion Web on the coast of Wales
The straps are easy to operate and create a close, comfortable fit. The toggle on the back works well, though it does feel a little flimsy. The drying time was excellent and the platform stayed grippy even when it was wet – those are two aspects that make these great sandals for use on hikes alongside water sources or for things like kayaking or SUPing.
Merrell deserve credit for using a large proportion of recycled materials in the production of this sandal too.
7. Bedrock Cairn Pro
This was chosen as the best lightweight sandal in our tests.
Where To Buy
Bedrock Cairn Pro
Our tester’s verdict: “Minimalist, grippy, and lightweight – the Cairn sandal has been refined over a period of eight years to arrive at the durable, capable sandal it is today.”
Price: $130 Weight: 240g Buy these if: You want something very light and packable Don’t buy these if: You want support and protection
This minimalist offering from Californian brand Bedrock does everything you need an adventure sandal to do, and it does it with assured, understated confidence.
Simplicity is the key here: a high-quality y-strap attached to a Vibram sole gives you a product that’s perfect for wild and wet outings. However, don’t confuse simple with basic; the Cairn Pro has been refined over a period of eight years to arrive at the durable, capable sandal it is today.
The Bedrocks during our Outdoor 100 selection process
Performance wise, the Cairn Pros are reassuringly grippy, with superb traction achieved thanks to their triangular lugs. The minimal footbed is surprisingly comfortable and conforms to your feet with each step. Finally, though they are relatively expensive compared to some, we consider them an excellent investment and, if they do eventually wear out, they are fully re-soleable. Oh, and did we also mention they are 100% vegan friendly.
Selected as the best quick-drying sandal for water use
Where To Buy
Keen Hyperport H2
Our tester’s verdict: “What I liked most about this is its performance in and around water. It holds its shape when wet, it drains quickly, dries quickly and it offers good grip on hard rocky slabs.”
Price: £95 Weight: 345g per shoe Buy these if: You want something for water use and light hikes Don’t buy these if: Ventilation and packability are a priority
The Hyperport H2 is based on Keen’s Newport sandal, giving the old classic a more modern look, a lighter build and a bit of extra cushioning too. We took this out on a road trip around the Brittany coast where it was put through its paces on coastal hikes and days out on the beach and it turned out to be just about the perfect shoe for the job.
Will using the Hyperport H2 on a tour of Brittany’s coast.
What we liked most about this is its performance in and around water. It holds its shape when wet, it drains quickly, dries quickly and it offers good grip on hard rocky slabs. It’s not a great shoe to choose for any muddy hikes, however, as the lugs on the outsole are very shallow.
Here the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals are being used in Bannau Brycheiniog.
There’s a lot of cushioning in the midsole, but also a bit of stiffness so that sharp rocks and roots are blocked out well. As for the fit, it’s super roomy around the toes but pretty normal throughout the rest of the shoe, bringing that classic relaxed and comfortable Keen fit to the table. Just bear in mind that, as this is a closed toe design, you will tend to find yourself taking these on and off fairly often to remove little bits of debris that has found its way in.
This was selected as our pick for the best value walking sandal
Where To Buy
Columbia Globetrot
Our tester’s verdict: “I found the Globetrot to be a useful wear–all-day sandal, and as a packable sandal that serves well as an option to carry in your pack on any hikes where you might be expecting some river crossings.”
Price: £55 Weight: 200g Buy these if: You want a packable sandal that can be worn casually or on the trail Don’t buy these if: You prefer a closed toe
We found the Globetrot to be a great packable sandal that serves well as an option to carry in your pack on any hikes where you might be expecting some river crossings. It’s also useful as a wear–all-day, providing the comfort, grip and support that you want from a sandal for light trail hiking.
Putting the Columbia Globetrotter to the test on the Welsh coast.
It offers good arch support and cushioning, the platform is stable even when wet and the lugs and rubber compound provide grip on a range of different surfaces.
It’s very similar to the Merrell Speed Fusion Web, which is also in this round up. The Speed Fusion Web is a little more expensive but it does have the better eco credentials.
10. Danner Joseph Leather Sandal
Where To Buy
Danner Joseph Leather
Our tester’s verdict: “They’re smart, functional, well crafted, and overall a good fit for low level, less technical hikes.”
Price: £140 Weight: 411g Buy these if: You want something that looks smart on and off the trail – and you want high breathability and grip Don’t buy these if: You want high levels of support and stability
These sandals from U.S-based footwear brand Danner showcase some nice materials and design details. One aspect we particularly liked during our tests was the magnetic buckle which snaps quickly, easily and reassuringly into place. We’ve not come across any other sandals with this type of closure before and we like it a lot.
The sole provides a lot of cushioning, particularly under the heel and there’s quite a lot of arch support. This was welcomed amongst our testers but those with flat feet might not appreciate it.
The patterned platform provides a reasonable amount of traction to sweaty or wet feet. There are sandals in this round up with grippier platforms though, with the Meindl Capri and Merrell Kahuna being the main examples there. The outsole is excellent, however. In fact, it wouldn’t look out of place on a hiking boot, offering aggressive lugs and a soft compound that grips well onto hard, smooth surfaces.
The main downside is that the upper straps are quite minimalist and, while you might get a lot of airflow here, we found that you don’t quite get the same levels of support that you’d get from some of the other sandals included here. Still, they’re smart, functional and very well crafted and overall a good fit for low level, less technical hikes.
11. Passenger Monterey Roam Sandal
Where To Buy
Passenger Monterey Roam
Our tester’s verdict: “These offer generally good value for money, bringing a good amount of grip on a range of surfaces along with comfort and protection underfoot.”
Price: £40 Weight: 550g Buy these if: You’re on a budget and want something casual for light hiking Don’t buy these if: You want proper trail performance
At £40, these are some of the lowest-priced sandals in this round-up, and they offer generally good value for money, bringing a good amount of grip on a range of surfaces along with comfort and protection underfoot.
The outsole has a fairly aggressive tread pattern that grips well on muddy surfaces, and the rubber compound is versatile too. There’s a fair bit of cushioning under the heel and quite a bit at the ball of the foot as well, and there’s a nice amount of arch support, which makes these suitable for tackling medium-distance hikes.
OM editor Will tests out the Passenger Monterey on a campout.
Our testers noted how the platform cradled the foot nicely and didn’t get too slippery even when wet. They did note, however, that the straps seem to be made for very large feet, and found it difficult to get a secure and reliable fit without the straps becoming very loose and flappy. The reviews on Passenger’s site confirmed that other people have had this issue. Passenger recommends that anyone who is between sizes should go a size up with these – but we’re not so sure.
Overall, we’ve found them to be a functional pair of sandals for well-groomed trails and casual wear, and the use of recycled content in the soles is good. However, if you want a bit more stability, a more refinable fit, and the same kind of look, we’d advise spending a little more and opting for one of the other similar sandals in this round-up.
12. Quechua NH900
Where To Buy
Quechua NH900
Our tester’s verdict: “A reasonably priced sandal that combines a trail shoe-like sole and closed toe with an upper that mixes mesh and open panels for a nice amount of ventilation and sweat wicking.”
Price: £45 Weight: 360g Buy these if: You’re on a budget and/or want a sandal that offers shoe-like protection Don’t buy these if: Ventilation is key or if you want something for use on or around water
The Quechua NH900 is a reasonably priced sandal that combines a trail shoe-like sole and closed toe with an upper that mixes mesh and open panels for a nice amount of ventilation and sweat wicking.
The Quechua NH900 during our tests. We quickly realised that they’re not ideal for use in water.
There’s a good amount of padding around the ankle cuff and the toggled lace creates a comfortable, precise fit. The sole unit is robust and blocks out roots and rocks well while there’s a bit of cushioning and shock absorption too. We found it to be quite light on arch support; if you like that in a shoe then the Keen Uneek NXIS (also reviewed here), would be a good bet.
The sole, which has 3mm lugs, grips well. We felt confident hiking in these on slightly muddy trails and on boulders too. The insole is quite thin and basic, but it is at least removable, so you can swap it for something more technical if you need to.
We found that these sandals aren’t well-suited to water-based activities or for river crossings as the insole and upper materials aren’t really designed for getting wet. As a shoe for hot weather hiking and casual wear, however, it’s a decent offering, especially given the price.
