5 Of the Best Sandals for Hiking – A Must Read Before Your Next Hike (2019)

Open-toe sandals are significantly lighter and simpler in build. It provides excellent ventilation which makes it ideal for use in hot and sunny conditions. They are also easy to dry when you have to walk along a watery trail or when it rains. However, it won’t give a lot of protection, especially at the forefront.

Closed-toe design, on the other hand, has a lot of protection to offer against obstacles like sticks, branches, and rocks. However, with their extra component, this type of hiking sandal can be a little heavier.

The additional panels of cloth and exterior component also make it more vulnerable to tearing and breaking down compared to open-toe with simple designs. Choosing between open-toe and closed-toe design hiking sandals will be based on your preference as each one has its advantages and drawbacks.

The design of the outsole for the Terra Fi 4 is also specifically made to channel the water out, effectively preventing any fall or slip.

In addition to that, it also features the Shoc Pad technology in the heel. This technology combines EVA and PU, making it a unique unit for hiking sandals. Plus, this technology enables even distribution of pressure on the entire footbed, stirring away from putting all the impact on the heel.

The nylon shank of this multi-sport sandal also helps in supporting and stabilizing the foot especially when it comes to bumpy trails. It packs in foot support but is still flexible, allowing the natural foot movements. This component helps reduce foot fatigue by easing the stress from the foot arches.

The Teva Terra Fi 4 also features Microban, a zinc-based and antimicrobial technology which is embedded at both the mid and top soles with the main purpose of fighting mold and bacteria growth. It helps eliminate stains as well as odor, keeping the foot and sandal fresh at all times.

The great thing is that the Microban is already included as a component during manufacturing. It means that this additive will last as long as the sandals last.

In addition, the polyester webbing is also a robust material, making the Terra Fi 4 an excellent choice for use in various outdoor conditions. Thanks to its choice of high-quality materials, the Terra Fi 4 doesn’t stretch when wet as it doesn’t absorb water. It also features abrasion resistance to make it less vulnerable to heat. The open toe design gives it a breathable system to keep water from filling the footwear.

It is made with durable rubber that is fantastic in handling the abuse of treading in various kinds of trails. The heel support also makes the Terra Fi 4 more stable than most. This feature is unique and can’t be found in other hiking sandals. It helps to lock the foot to avoid sliding especially when hiking steep trails.

The outsole of the Newport H2 has also undergone a unique process known as razor siping. It is a process that gives the outsole precise incisions; thus, giving it an ultra-grip when it flexes during maneuvers and transitions.

It is the secret that gives this multi-sport sandal its shock absorption feature as well as its great underfoot cushioning and stability even when used on challenging terrains. Its midsole material is not the typical rubber.

It has enough amount of flex that can allow every user to tread naturally and with confidence even in the most demanding trails. Moreover, the Newport H2 comes with a TPU shank for the utmost stability. It is an embedded component in the sandal, mainly for providing additional support and flexibility.

The Newport H2 also features a Keen-patented insole, the Metatomical footbed that is equipped with a contoured designed to hold the foot in place and provides great arch support.

Also, it is specially created to be odor resistant, but more than that, it has a textured surface, preventing any case of slippage.

The hydrophobic mesh lining also adds to the sandals selling points. It is the component that allows it to easily shed water, making it a good choice for walking through shallow waters.

The Keen Newport H2 also comes with a unique addition, the Keen Protect. It is a reinforced rubber cap that serves as the toe bumper of the sandal. This patented toe guard serves as additional forefront protection to avoid toe injuries.

The Neoprene-backed webbing material of the upper portion of the sandal creates a fantastic cushioning in all parts of the sandal to avoid chafing.

Neoprene makes the Newport H2 a comfortable footgear, but this material also makes the sandal quick-drying and provides great performance when used in watery trails. The closed cell foam technology in the footbed doesn’t only resist water; it also makes the entire system comfortable and supportive.

It also boasts an excellent transition from different surfaces. While the sole might feel light and spongy, its grip is quite intense which is a good choice for various types of trails.

With the combination of its high-quality materials from the stiff and sturdy yet lightweight sole to its toe box reinforced with rubber, the Newport H2 is a trail-ready sandal that is resilient for any hiking abuse.

I find that this pair is easy to adjust with its straightforward approach, but doesn’t provide that custom and snug fit. However, it is easy to slide in and out of which often doesn’t even require any adjustment.

It is reliable both in and out of the water. The only tricky part about the Newport H2 is when small pebbles and sand find their way in as they can be quite hard to get out. Overall, the Keen Newport H2 is quite as adaptable as most hiking sandals.

This kind of sole is what you can find in most high-end walking shoes and boots. The sole offers a good grip and bite on wet rocks with its hollowed lugs which also adds to its lightness. It is great quality and can give excellent performance in all kinds of trails.

It also features an elastic heel also made from neoprene that offers ultimate comfort and extra support. Furthermore, this hiking sandal features a no-scuff toecap which adds protection to the forefront.

Also, it offers great protection and adjustability with both the closure and straps, while still allowing the toes to wiggle free.

It features a completely tractioned rubber sole that is extremely bendable, making it a great choice for use in bumpy and rocky terrains. However, there is a slight disadvantage in the ultra-flexible outsole of the LOUECHY Ponrea Mesh Hiking. Due to its sole’s flexibility, I could still feel the bumps through it.

It might not be able to support the ankle like hiking shoes or boots fully, but it comes with several safety features where it is needed most.

To make it more breathable and airy, the LOUECHY Ponrea is made with a mesh textile upper with hexagonal aperture, creating a stellar airflow while still being snug and custom fit.

The rubber sole is not exactly that thick which made me feel every rock I stepped on. Not enough cushioning can compete with that.

It has a directional pattern which gives it the most traction that can work very well in both dry and wet surfaces.

Luckily, I was not let down. It has a compression-molded midsole that offers not only comfort but also stability and excellent cushioning. It’s not the typical midsole as Keen Whisperer made its thick design, especially at the heel to provide utmost comfort.

It also comes with TPU shank acting as extra support designed for stability. TPU is a rubber material that boasts high resilience, resistance to wear and tear, and flexibility. Furthermore, the Keen Whisper also features Metatomical EVA footbed that is not removable and perfectly fitted which makes an overall cushy midsole.

It is designed with Cleansport NXT technology that can fight odor. The textured design of the midsole also adds additional underfoot grip.

This combination makes it the best of both worlds, offering a washer-friendly, lightweight, and breathable hiking sandal. The numerous vent holes on the upper also give the Keen Whisper sandal extra breathability.

The Lace Capture System the Keen Whisper is made with makes a secure-fit and ankle lockdown. It makes lacing up easy, quick, and smooth especially with the elastic speed laces, adjustable locking clip, and the synthetic hook eyelets.

At the forefront zone, the Keen Whisper features a Keen-patented extension of its outsole acting as toe guard. It adds an extra protective barrier against toe bumps and other forefront injuries. At the heel zone, the Keen Whisper also features a pull tab, making it easy to slip on and off of the sandal.

The forefront zone of the Keen Whisper sandal is made spacious to give an ample wiggle space for the toes. It is also custom-fit, especially with its elastic laces closure system.