With so many options available, selecting the ideal pair of walking sandals can seem daunting. Whether you’re planning a trek on demanding terrain or a relaxed summer stroll, it’s vital to prioritise comfort, durability and support. Discover our practical guide to choosing your sandals effectively, focusing on key criteria such as arch support, materials, and sole type. Our aim is to help you identify the technical features that deserve special attention for enjoyable walks during your summer hikes or treks in warm weather.
Primary insights
- Opt for sandals that provide good arch support.
- Choose durable materials suitable for wet or rocky terrain.
- Select soles that offer grip and impact protection.
- Favour breathable designs to reduce heat build-up and prevent blisters.
- Ensure a precise fit with adjustable straps for optimal hold.
- Open-toe sandals: maximum ventilation and quick drying.
- Closed-toe sandals: better protection on technical ground.
- Ideal for easy trails, damp areas, and warm climates.
- Not recommended for technical terrain, rocky paths, or dense vegetation.
- Choose carefully based on comfort, support, and intended use to make the most of your outings.
How to choose men’s or women’s walking sandals?
Choosing the right pair of walking sandals is essential for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s about much more than style, comfort and support are crucial for your feet during long walks. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the best sandals, focusing on the most important criteria.
Arch support
The foundation of any well-informed choice in walking sandals lies in the support they provide. Proper arch support is not only about immediate comfort; it also helps prevent pain and long-term injuries. Look for models designed with particular attention to arch stability. The footbed should follow the natural shape of your foot and distribute weight evenly with every step.
Material quality and durability
The best walking sandals are built from high-quality materials capable of withstanding the rigours of challenging terrain. Whether you’re crossing rocky paths or shallow streams, your sandals need to go the distance. Leather, for instance, is known for its robustness and longevity, while synthetic materials offer lightness and quick drying, a major advantage during wet crossings.
Sole: grip and protection
A well-designed sole is crucial. It must provide excellent traction to prevent slipping on wet or unstable surfaces, as well as enough thickness to shield your feet from stones and other trail hazards. Rubber soles with deep tread patterns are often recommended for their ability to deliver strong grip on various surfaces. Remember, these sandals are genuine hiking footwear.
The midsole should provide extra cushioning to ensure comfort. During long walks, repeated impacts with the ground should be absorbed by your sandals.
Breathable and comfortable
Breathability is another essential factor, especially during summer hikes under the blazing sun. Well-ventilated sandals help minimise perspiration and reduce the risk of blisters, ensuring superior comfort on long treks. Models with strategically placed openings or mesh materials can offer effective ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry. Airflow is the main advantage of a sandal compared with a closed hiking shoe.
Fit and adjustability
A proper fit is key to preventing rubbing and ensuring a natural stride. Sandals with adjustable straps or a custom fastening system allow them to adapt perfectly to your foot shape, providing a secure hold without restricting movement. Many models feature hook-and-loop straps for a simple, precise fit. A quick-lacing system makes it easy to adjust the tension as your feet swell throughout the day.
By considering these factors, arch support, material quality, sole design, breathability and closure system, you’ll be able to choose walking sandals that will keep you comfortable on all your adventures. Remember, the right gear can make all the difference to your hiking enjoyment, turning every step into a pleasure rather than a chore.
Neither flip-flops nor slides – genuine summer walking footwear
Hiking sandals are designed to deliver comfort, support and protection, even in hot weather. Far more technical than simple flip-flops, they allow you to explore trails, rivers and rocky areas without sacrificing lightness.
- Breathability: ideal for avoiding overheating and moisture build-up during summer walks.
- Support: adjustable straps and ergonomic soles ensure good stability on varied terrain.
Closed-toe or open-toe: which sandals are more comfortable for walking?
The choice between closed-toe and open-toe hiking sandals depends primarily on the terrain and weather conditions. Hikers seeking lightness and ventilation will prefer open models, while those tackling technical trails should opt for closed-toe designs for added protection.
Open-toe hiking sandals: maximum ventilation
Open-toe sandals are ideal for summer walking on easy trails, coastal paths or in hot climates. Their design maximises airflow and limits perspiration.
- Optimal ventilation: keeps feet cool, reducing overheating and discomfort.
- Enhanced comfort: fewer friction points and irritations thanks to a supportive, lightweight structure.
- Quick drying: perfect for stream crossings or damp environments.
- Grippy soles: effective traction on dry or slightly wet surfaces.
Their light weight appeals to hikers looking to reduce pack load without compromising comfort. The open structure also limits the accumulation of sand and small debris, a genuine advantage on dusty trails or coastal routes.
Closed-toe walking sandals: true hybrid shoes
Closed-toe models are an excellent alternative to traditional hiking shoes. They combine protection, stability and breathability for more demanding use in the mountains or on rugged terrain.
- Enhanced protection: toes are shielded from impacts and stones.
- Superior grip: lugged soles suited to uneven ground.
- Ventilated comfort: breathable materials prevent overheating during long hikes.
- Versatile use: ideal for mountain hikes, wet areas and light water activities.
Thanks to their hybrid design, these sandals combine the sturdiness of a closed shoe with the freshness of an open model. They’re equally suited to rocky trails and shallow river crossings.
Which terrains are they suitable for?
Hiking sandals are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors in lightweight comfort, but they’re not suitable for every environment. Here’s where they perform best and where they should be avoided.
Terrains suitable for hiking sandals
- Easy, well-maintained trails: ideal for forest paths or marked routes, offering good support while keeping your feet cool in hot weather.
- Wet areas and water adventures: perfect for river crossings or coastal hikes.
- Hot, dry climates: when the temperature rises, they reduce perspiration and odour while maintaining solid grip on dry ground.
Terrains to avoid
- Rocky and uneven ground: limited protection exposes feet to impacts and stones. Closed-toe sandals are better, but proper hiking shoes with a toe rand offer maximum protection.
- Steep slopes and technical trails: on such terrain, the stability and superior support of a high-cut hiking boot may be necessary.
- Dense vegetation: in forests or mountains, they don’t protect against branches or insects.
The best hiking and trekking sandals for men and women
We offer a wide range of hiking sandals to suit all preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for men’s hiking sandals or women’s walking sandals, our selection will meet your expectations.
Choosing the right pair of sandals is essential to fully enjoy your outdoor adventures. By considering factors such as strap comfort, support and material quality, you’ll easily find the perfect pair. Don’t let poor footwear spoil your enjoyment of discovering new trails. Visit our website to explore models that combine style, functionality and comfort. We feature many leading outdoor brands such as Columbia, Merrell, Lizard, and Keen.
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