Best Hiking Sandals for Summer Walks and Travel
Author: Trekitt Gear Team
With years of experience hiking, hillwalking and exploring the UK’s mountains and trails, we’ve learned that the right pair of hiking sandals can completely change a summer adventure. We’ve tested them on everything from sun-baked footpaths and coastal walks to rocky mountain trails, discovering which models provide the comfort, grip and stability needed for long days on your feet. In this guide, we share our favourite hiking sandals for summer, explain what separates the good from the great and help you find the perfect pair for your next adventure.
Have you ever finished a summer walk wishing you’d left your hiking boots at home? You’re not alone. There’s something incredibly satisfying about feeling the breeze on your feet while still having enough grip and support to keep exploring. Modern walking sandals have come a long way, offering the comfort, traction and stability needed for everything from coastal paths and woodland trails to city breaks and holidays abroad. They’re no longer just for the beach.
Whether you’re looking for comfortable everyday footwear, reliable hiking sandals or versatile travel companions, there’s a pair to suit your adventure. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best walking sandals for every occasion, including popular options from brands such as Teva and Keen.
Key Takeaways
- Learn what makes a great pair of walking sandals. From supportive footbeds and arch support to outsole grip and adjustable straps.
- Find out whether walking sandals or walking shoes are the better choice for your adventures, depending on the terrain and conditions.
- Discover who walking sandals are best suited for, from day walkers and holidaymakers to campers and dog walkers.
- Explore our top walking sandal recommendations.
- Separate fact from fiction as we debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding walking sandals.
- Learn how walking sandals should fit to maximise comfort and reduce the risk of blisters on longer walks.
Our Best Walking Sandals Recommendations
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here’s a quick summary of our top walking sandal picks. Whether you’re planning a summer hike, a holiday abroad or simply want a comfortable pair for everyday wear, these are the models we’d recommend first.
| Best For | Recommendation | Why We Recommend It |
| Best Overall Walking Sandals | Teva Hurricane XLT3 | Excellent cushioning, secure straps and dependable grip make it the most versatile choice for walking, travel and everyday adventures. |
| Best Hiking Sandals | Keen Newport | Rugged construction, a protective toe cap, and a grippy outsole inspire confidence on rocky trails and uneven terrain. |
| Best for Travel | Teva Original Universal | Lightweight, packable, and quick-drying, making them ideal for holidays, sightseeing, and warm-weather trips. |
| Best for Hot Weather | Teva Hydratrek | Designed for warm, wet conditions with fast-drying materials and excellent traction on slippery surfaces. |
| Best Women’s Walking Sandals | Keen Whisper | Women’s fit with great cushioning, support and toe protection for all-day comfort. |
| Best for Long Walks | Meindl Brindisi Comfort Fit | Premium comfort, a generous Comfort Fit last, and a supportive footbed make it ideal for long days on your feet. |
What Makes a Good Pair of Walking Sandals?
At first glance, many walking sandals look surprisingly similar. In reality, small design differences can have a huge impact on how comfortable they feel after several hours of walking. The best pairs don’t just keep your feet cool. They provide the support, grip and stability needed to tackle everything from leisurely riverside strolls to rugged coastal paths and light hiking trails. Before choosing your next pair, here are the features that really matter.
Supportive Footbed
A quality footbed helps distribute pressure evenly across your foot, reducing fatigue on longer walks. Many walking sandals use contoured footbeds that cradle the heel and support the natural shape of your foot for greater comfort.
Arch Support
Good arch support helps keep your feet aligned while walking. It can reduce strain on your ankles, knees and lower back. If you’re planning longer walks or spend hours on your feet, this is one of the most important features to consider.
Outsole Grip
A grippy rubber outsole provides confidence on a variety of surfaces, from wet pavements and rocky paths to woodland trails. Look for deeper tread patterns if you’ll be venturing beyond smooth footpaths.
Adjustable Straps
Feet naturally swell during warm weather and long walks, so adjustable straps make a big difference. Multiple adjustment points allow you to fine-tune the fit, improving comfort and reducing rubbing or hot spots.
Quick-Drying Materials
Whether you’re caught in a summer shower, crossing a shallow stream or wearing them at the beach, quick-drying materials help keep your sandals comfortable. Synthetic webbing and water-friendly fabrics dry much faster than leather, making them ideal for travel and warm-weather adventures.
Cushioning
Good cushioning absorbs impact with every step, helping reduce fatigue during longer walks. Softer midsoles provide extra comfort on hard surfaces such as pavements, while firmer cushioning often offers greater stability on uneven ground.
Toe Protection
If you regularly walk on rocky trails or rough terrain, toe protection is well worth considering. Some sandals, such as Keen’s iconic closed-toe designs, feature reinforced toe bumpers that help protect your feet from rocks, roots and accidental knocks.
Weight
Lighter sandals require less effort to wear over long distances and are easier to pack for holidays. However, the lightest option isn’t always the best. Slightly heavier models often provide more cushioning, durability and support for demanding walks.
Stability
A stable sandal keeps your foot securely in place, especially when walking on uneven ground. Features such as supportive midsoles, well-positioned straps and a secure heel fit help prevent excessive foot movement, giving you more confidence on challenging terrain.
Walking Sandals vs Walking Shoes
One of the most common questions we hear at Trekitt is, “Should I choose walking sandals or walking shoes?” The truth is, neither is better in every situation. It all comes down to where you’re walking and the conditions you’ll be facing.
Walking sandals excel when staying cool and comfortable is the priority, while walking shoes provide extra protection and support when the terrain becomes more demanding.
| Choose Walking Sandals If… | Choose Walking Shoes If… |
| You’re walking in warm or hot weather. | You’re heading out in cooler weather. |
| The forecast is dry, and the trails are mostly firm. | You’ll be walking through mud, wet ground or persistent rain. |
| You’re packing for a holiday, a city break, or a cruise. | You’re planning long mountain days on rough terrain. |
| Your walks involve parks, coastal paths or easy countryside trails. | You’ll be carrying a heavy rucksack or tackling technical routes. |
| You want lightweight, breathable footwear that dries quickly. | You need maximum protection, stability and weather resistance. |
For many walkers, it’s not a case of choosing one over the other. Walking sandals and walking shoes complement each other perfectly. Sandals are ideal for summer adventures, travel and relaxed walks, while walking shoes come into their own when the weather turns, or the terrain becomes more challenging. If you enjoy walking year-round, having both in your footwear collection means you’ll always have the right option for the adventure ahead.
Who Should Buy Walking Sandals?
Walking sandals aren’t just for experienced hikers. In fact, they’re one of the most versatile types of outdoor footwear you can own. If most of your adventures take place during spring and summer, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself reaching for them far more often than you expect.
Day Walkers
If your weekends are spent exploring local footpaths, nature reserves or countryside trails, walking sandals provide the ideal combination of comfort, breathability and support. They’re perfect for easier routes where staying cool matters just as much as underfoot comfort.
Holidaymakers
Walking sandals are made for travel. They’re lightweight, easy to pack and comfortable enough for long sightseeing days, whether you’re wandering through historic streets, relaxing by the coast or exploring a new destination from morning until evening.
Dog Walkers
For everyday walks with your four-legged companion, walking sandals offer excellent comfort during warmer months. They slip on quickly, help keep your feet cool, and provide plenty of grip for parks, woodland paths, and local trails.
Campers
One of the first things many campers do after a day on the trail is swap their hiking boots for something lighter. Walking sandals are ideal around the campsite, giving tired feet a chance to breathe while still offering enough support for short walks and exploring nearby.
Water-Based Adventures
If your summer plans include paddleboarding, kayaking, beach walks or routes with river crossings, quick-drying walking sandals are an excellent choice. Unlike traditional footwear, they dry and get wet quickly, so you can keep enjoying the adventure.
Anyone Who Finds Hiking Boots Too Warm
Not every summer walk calls for full hiking boots. If you often find your feet overheating on warm days, a pair of supportive walking sandals can be a far more comfortable alternative. You’ll still enjoy the grip and stability needed for many trails while benefiting from the airflow that only an open design can provide.
For many people, walking sandals don’t replace hiking boots, they complement them. They’re the footwear you’ll reach for on warm, dry days when comfort, breathability and freedom matter most.
Best Overall Walking Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT3
If we had to recommend just one pair of walking sandals to most people, this would be it. The Teva Hurricane XLT3 strikes an excellent balance between comfort, durability and versatility, making it just as suitable for UK walks as it is for holidays, city breaks and everyday wear.
At Trekitt, we’re big fans of gear that doesn’t force you to choose between comfort and capability, and that’s exactly what the Hurricane XLT3 delivers. The cushioned footbed remains comfortable throughout long days on your feet, while the three-point adjustable strap system creates a secure, personalised fit that helps prevent unwanted movement. Underfoot, the durable rubber outsole provides dependable grip on everything from woodland trails and gravel paths to wet pavements and coastal tracks.
One of the things we like most about the Hurricane XLT3 is how often it becomes people’s go-to summer footwear. Many walkers buy a pair for a holiday or weekend adventures, only to find themselves wearing them almost every day because they’re so comfortable and easy to live with. They pack easily, dry quickly after getting wet and feel equally at home exploring a new city as they do following an easy hiking trail.
It isn’t the most technical hiking sandal available, but that’s exactly why it’s our top overall pick. Rather than excelling in one specific environment, the Hurricane XLT3 performs brilliantly across a huge range of activities, making it the ideal choice if you’re looking for one pair of walking sandals that can comfortably do it all.
Best Hiking Sandals: Keen Newport
If your walks regularly take you beyond well-maintained footpaths and onto rocky trails, woodland tracks or uneven terrain, the Keen Newport is the sandal we’d reach for. It offers much of the confidence you’d expect from a lightweight hiking shoe while keeping your feet cool and comfortable in warm weather.
The first thing you’ll notice is the iconic closed-toe design. Unlike most walking sandals, the Newport features a sturdy rubber toe bumper that protects your toes from rocks, roots and unexpected knocks. It makes a real difference on technical trails. Combined with Keen’s supportive footbed and secure lacing and strap system, your feet stay comfortably locked in place even when the terrain becomes more challenging.
At Trekitt, we’ve always appreciated gear that’s built to last, and the Newport certainly fits that description. Its rugged construction feels reassuringly solid, while the grippy rubber outsole provides dependable traction across loose gravel, muddy paths and damp rocks. They’re also quick to dry, making them an excellent choice for routes involving shallow river crossings or days spent around the water.
While they’re a little heavier than minimalist sandals, that extra weight provides greater protection, support, and stability. If your idea of a summer walk involves exploring proper trails rather than simply strolling around town, the Keen Newport is one of the most capable hiking sandals you can buy.
Best Walking Sandals for Travel: Teva Original Universal
When luggage space is limited, every item has to earn its place, and the Teva Original Universal does exactly that. Lightweight, comfortable and incredibly easy to pack, it’s the sort of sandal you’ll throw into your suitcase for a holiday and end up wearing every single day.
At Trekitt, we love gear that can handle more than one job, and that’s where the Original Universal really shines. It’s equally at home wandering around cobbled streets, strolling along the seafront or heading out for an easy countryside walk. The minimalist design keeps weight to a minimum, while the adjustable straps make it easy to find a secure, comfortable fit that lasts all day.
Another reason these sandals have remained so popular is their simplicity. They dry quickly after an unexpected rain shower or a paddle in the sea, they’re easy to clean, and they pair just as well with hiking shorts as they do with casual holiday outfits. For many travellers, they become the only footwear they need between leaving the airport and returning home.
If your adventures are more about discovering new places than tackling rugged mountain trails, the Teva Original Universal is a dependable travel companion that delivers comfort without adding unnecessary weight to your bag.
Best Walking Sandals for Hot Weather: Teva Hydratrek
If your summer adventures involve soaring temperatures, beaches, paddleboarding or riverside walks, the Teva Hydratrek is built for exactly those conditions. Rather than simply keeping your feet cool, it’s designed to perform when heat and water become part of the adventure.
What immediately stands out is the outsole. Inspired by the grip of tree frog feet, it provides impressive traction on wet rocks, slippery jetties and other slick surfaces where many sandals begin to struggle. Combined with quick-drying materials, the Hydratrek is happy moving between land and water without feeling heavy or uncomfortable afterwards.
At Trekitt, we know that the best summer footwear is the kind you don’t have to think about. Whether you’re wandering along a coastline, exploring waterfalls or cooling off with a paddle through shallow streams, the Hydratrek dries quickly and remains comfortable throughout the day, so you’re never left walking around in waterlogged footwear.
If your adventures regularly involve sunshine, water and warm weather, the Teva Hydratrek is one of the most confidence-inspiring sandals you can choose. It combines the airy comfort of a sandal with the reassuring grip needed for slippery summer adventures.
Best Women’s Walking Sandals: Keen Whisper
Don’t let the name fool you, the Keen Whisper may sound gentle, but it’s built for adventure. Designed specifically around a woman’s foot, it offers a narrower heel, a more contoured fit and excellent support, making it a comfortable choice for everything from summer holidays to full days on the trail.
At Trekitt, it’s one of those sandals that often surprises people. Slip them on for a gentle walk, and you might end up staying out much longer than planned. The cushioned footbed and supportive midsole help keep your feet comfortable mile after mile, while the quick-adjust bungee lacing creates a secure fit in seconds without the hassle of buckles.
The women’s fit is what really sets the Whisper apart. Rather than simply shrinking a unisex sandal, Keen has shaped it to better suit a woman’s foot, helping to reduce heel lift and create a more secure, natural feel. Combined with the brand’s signature closed-toe design, you also get extra protection from rocks, roots and unexpected knocks, giving you the confidence to explore beyond easy footpaths.
If you’re looking for a sandal that feels comfortable right out of the box yet is ready for proper outdoor adventures, the Keen Whisper is an excellent choice. It’s supportive, protective and versatile enough to become your go-to footwear throughout the summer.
Best Walking Sandals for Long Walks: Meindl Brindisi Comfort Fit
If your perfect day involves covering plenty of miles, comfort quickly becomes more important than almost anything else. That’s exactly where the Meindl Brindisi Comfort Fit shines. Built with long-distance walking in mind, it prioritises support, stability and lasting comfort from the first mile to the last.
At Trekitt, we’re big believers that comfortable feet make for better adventures, and the Brindisi Comfort Fit certainly lives up to its name. The supportive, well-cushioned footbed helps reduce fatigue during long days on your feet, while the generous Comfort Fit last gives your toes more room to spread naturally as you walk. It’s a small detail that makes a noticeable difference, especially as feet naturally swell throughout the day.
Unlike sandals designed purely for casual wear, the Brindisi feels reassuringly supportive underfoot. The secure strap system keeps your foot comfortably in place, while the durable outsole provides dependable grip across everything from well-worn footpaths to uneven countryside trails.
If you’re the type of person who sets off for “a quick walk” and somehow ends up out for six hours, the Meindl Brindisi Comfort Fit is an excellent companion. It combines premium comfort with the support needed to keep you enjoying the journey long after others are ready to head home.
How Should Walking Sandals Fit?
A good pair of walking sandals should feel comfortable from the moment you put them on. Unlike hiking boots, they won’t soften dramatically over time, so getting the right fit from the start is essential. A well-fitting sandal should feel secure without squeezing your feet, allowing you to walk naturally without rubbing or slipping.
Heel Position
Your heel should sit comfortably within the footbed without hanging over the back. As you walk, it should remain stable with very little lifting. Excessive movement can lead to rubbing and blisters, especially on longer walks.
Toe Space
Your toes should have enough room to move naturally without extending beyond the front of the sandal. A small gap at the front helps prevent your toes from catching rocks or the ground while walking downhill, while also allowing for natural foot movement as your feet expand in warm weather.
Arch Support
The arch of your foot should sit comfortably over the sandal’s built-in support. When the arch support matches the shape of your foot, pressure is distributed more evenly, making long walks noticeably more comfortable and helping reduce fatigue.
Strap Adjustment
Most quality walking sandals feature multiple adjustment points, allowing you to fine-tune the fit around the toes, midfoot and heel. The straps should hold your foot securely without creating pressure points or digging into your skin. Remember that feet often swell during hot weather. It’s worth leaving just enough room to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Avoiding Rubbing
Before heading out on a long walk, spend some time wearing your sandals around the house or on shorter outings. Check for any areas where straps rub against your skin or where your foot slides around inside the sandal. A secure, low-movement fit is the best way to prevent blisters and hot spots. It allows you to enjoy every mile in comfort.
Walking Sandal Myths
Walking sandals have changed enormously over the last few decades, but some old misconceptions still stick around. Here are a few of the biggest myths and why they no longer hold true.
Myth 1: Walking Sandals Aren’t Supportive
Modern walking sandals are designed very differently from basic flip-flops or fashion sandals. Many feature contoured footbeds, supportive midsoles, adjustable straps and grippy rubber outsoles that provide the comfort and stability needed for full days on your feet. While they won’t replace hiking boots for every adventure, a quality pair offers far more support than many people expect.
Myth 2: You Can’t Hike in Sandals
You certainly can, provided you choose the right terrain and the right sandal. Many walkers happily tackle woodland trails, coastal paths, national parks and easier mountain routes in hiking sandals throughout the summer. Models such as the Keen Newport even include closed-toe protection and rugged outsoles, making them well-suited to more demanding trails.
Myth 3: Walking Sandals Are Only for the Beach
Although they’re brilliant for seaside holidays, walking sandals are much more versatile than that. They’re equally at home on countryside walks, city breaks, campsite adventures and sightseeing holidays. For many people, they become their most-worn footwear throughout spring and summer.
Myth 4: Walking Sandals Cause Blisters
Blisters are usually caused by a poor fit rather than the type of footwear. A well-fitting walking sandal with adjustable straps should hold your foot securely while allowing enough room for natural movement. Spending a little time adjusting the fit before a longer walk can make all the difference.
Myth 5: They’re Not Suitable for the UK
Walking sandals aren’t just for hot climates. During late spring and summer, they’re an excellent choice for many UK adventures. From the South West Coast Path and the Norfolk Broads to woodland walks, river trails and sunny days in the Lake District. As long as conditions are warm and relatively dry, they can be every bit as enjoyable as walking shoes.
Final Thoughts
The best walking sandals are the ones that match the way you explore. From the all-round versatility of the Teva Hurricane XLT3 to the trail-ready protection of the Keen Newport and the outstanding comfort of the Meindl Brindisi Comfort Fit, there’s a sandal to suit every type of walker. Think about where you’ll spend most of your time, choose the features that matter most, and you’ll have footwear that you’ll look forward to wearing all summer long.
Visit Our Hereford Store
Still not sure which walking sandals are right for you? Visit our Hereford store and chat with our friendly team of outdoor experts. You can compare different models, try them on, and get personalised advice based on the type of walking you enjoy most. There’s no substitute for finding the right fit, and we’re always happy to help you choose footwear you’ll feel confident wearing on your next adventure.
FAQ
What are the best walking sandals?
The best walking sandals depend on how you plan to use them. If you’re looking for an all-round option, we’d recommend the Teva Hurricane XLT3. They have excellent balance of comfort, grip and versatility. For hiking, the Keen Newport is hard to beat, while the Teva Original Universal is a fantastic choice for travel and holidays.
Yes, provided they’re designed for hiking rather than casual wear. Hiking sandals typically feature supportive footbeds, durable outsoles and secure straps that help reduce fatigue during long days on the trail. Choosing the right fit is just as important as choosing the right model.
The Keen Whisper is one of our favourite women’s walking sandals. It combines a women-specific fit with excellent cushioning, support and toe protection, making it suitable for everything from everyday walks to longer outdoor adventures.
Yes. Models such as the Teva Hurricane XLT3 are excellent for easy to moderate hiking, countryside walks and coastal paths. If you’re tackling rougher, rockier terrain, you may prefer a more protective hiking sandal such as the Keen Newport.
Absolutely. Keen sandals are known for their supportive footbeds, durable construction and signature closed-toe protection. They’re particularly popular with walkers who want extra confidence on uneven terrain without wearing full hiking shoes.
It depends on where you’re walking. Hiking sandals are ideal for warm weather, easier trails, and routes with water crossings. Walking shoes generally provide more protection and support for technical terrain, colder conditions, and year-round hiking.
Yes. A well-designed pair of walking sandals with good cushioning, arch support and a secure fit can comfortably handle full days of walking. Many people happily wear them for sightseeing, holidays and long countryside walks.
They’re one of the best footwear choices for warm conditions. Their open design allows air to circulate around your feet, helping them stay cooler and more comfortable than traditional walking shoes or boots.
Yes, particularly during late spring and summer. They’re perfect for lower-level walks, coastal paths, woodland trails and easier mountain routes in dry conditions. For more technical terrain or poor weather, hiking boots or walking shoes remain the better choice.
Ideally, yes. Good arch support helps distribute pressure more evenly across your feet, improving comfort and reducing fatigue on longer walks. It’s one of the key features we recommend looking for when choosing a pair.
Most modern walking sandals are designed to cope with water. Models made from synthetic materials dry quickly after rain, river crossings or a day at the beach, making them ideal for summer adventures.
Walking sandals are designed specifically for covering longer distances. They usually offer more supportive footbeds, better cushioning and grippier outsoles than basic sports sandals. It makes them more comfortable and stable for extended walks.
For many people, yes. Closed-toe designs, such as the Keen Newport and Keen Whisper, protect your toes from rocks, roots and other trail hazards while still providing the ventilation of a sandal. They’re particularly useful on rocky or uneven terrain.
No footwear can guarantee blister-free walking, but a well-fitting pair of walking sandals can significantly reduce the risk. Choosing the correct size, properly adjusting the straps, and ensuring minimal foot movement will help prevent rubbing and hot spots during longer walks.
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