The best walking sandals for summer, tested on dog walks and long hikes

Telegraph

2 days ago

If you enjoy a hike in the summer but the idea of pulling on walking boots in the heat makes your toes curl, then finding the best walking sandals for your trip can be a good compromise.
Whether you're taking your dog for a walk around the local footpaths, trundling over Hampstead Heath or hiking through the South Downs, walking sandals will help you avoid injury. Their supportive soles can help you grip onto wet grass, while their moulded footbeds keep you comfortable no matter how many miles you do.
From the more expensive trainer-esque sandals like Hoka's, to the open foot casual designs of Teva, walking sandals can range from around £100 to under £50 and can be a handy alternative to your best walking boots. I've spent some very hot weeks testing the best sandals on the market and you can read my reviews below, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at the top five.
The best walking sandals: At a glance
How to choose the best walking sandals for you
Walking sandals aren't just for hiking in the hills, they can come in handy for festivals, beach walks or simply hotfooting it around the city. Whatever you wear them for, it's important to find the right type of support.
Sam Singh, consultant foot and ankle surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, says: 'A strap at the back of the ankle helps as it means that you don't need to grip with the toes to keep the shoe on.
'You also need a thick, strong sole on rough ground and arch support,' he says, adding that most of his patients find it more comfortable to wear a sandal with a slight heel because it helps relieve pressure from your Achilles tendon and arches.
It's also important to consider your intended use. Sandals for city strolls differ from those needed for rugged hikes or water activities, where toe protection or water resistance might be needed.
How we test walking sandals
I tested 12 pairs of walking sandals while out with the dog in parks, on woodland trails and while trekking up and down hills in the South Downs. 11 of those were good enough to make this guide. I tested ladies' walking sandals, but nearly all of these are available for men too.
Primarily I was looking at the comfort, cushioning and arch support I got from each pair and if I could feel how evenly my weight was distributed across the shoes. My second priority was the overall grip to make sure I wasn't slipping around, which can be dependent on the lug depth (how deep the tread is) and the outsole material such as rubber or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which you often find on running shoes.
My dog can happily run through the woods for hours, so durability is an important factor for me, as is how breathable or waterproof the shoe materials are. I need to be sure I won't pick up any blisters while running after him either, so a good fit and an adjustable strap is a must for me.
I tested the cheapest walking sandals to the most expensive, those with open and closed toes, and pairs with plush cushioning to barely any. I've also taken into consideration how they look – not the priority, but most of us still care.
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The best walking sandals of 2025
1. Best Buy Walking Sandals: Hoka Infini Hike TC
Hoka is best known for its ultra-cushioned running shoes and now that technology is available in a sandal, making it the most comfortable I have ever worn.
The thick sole is bouncy and responsive. But despite the high level of cushioning, these Hokas have a wide base so they feel stable during wear. The durable Vibram sole (which you'll recognise from a good pair of Le Chameau or Hunter wellies) has decent lugs for traction and the shape helps to propel you along as you walk. They are among the lightest pairs I tested and my feet didn't get tired or sore after a full day of walking.
If you've got wider feet, these could prove a good fit and are true to size, with half sizes available. They're not as protective as closed-toe sandals, so may not be your first choice for rocky or uneven terrain, but the edge of the outsole sits above the footbed which gives your toes a thin strip of protection. The W strap design adjusts for a close fit, as does the heel strap, and there's a soft panel of breathable material beneath the straps to reduce the chance of rubbing.
The aesthetic is maximal – this is not a day-to-night sandal – but if you are eco-conscious then the materials may be more attractive to you. The outsole can be easily replaced if you wear it out, and Hoka has used natural and recycled materials like sugarcane in the rest of the shoe, including webbing made with a low water usage dying technique. The only downside is that I would prefer more colour options.
Key specifications
2. Best Value Walking Sandals: Columbia Women's Peakfreak Rush Sandal LEA
This mid-range Columbia sandal packs in a lot of technical features for the price. It's billed as a lightweight sandal-sneaker, which is a good description from my experience, because it has the cushioned feel of a trainer with the ventilation of a sandal.
The midsole EVA cushioning is listed as medium but I'd say it's nearer maximal. It extends slightly beyond the back of the sandal for a soft heel landing as you walk. Unfortunately, the arch support is at the lower end of the spectrum, with the footbed sitting flatter than others I tested.
That said, the footbed is still comfortable and well-shaped with a secure heel cup. There's also a subtle texture, which gives a secure tacky feeling underfoot. Although these sandals fit true to size, there are also three points of adjustment on the durable nubuck leather straps and soft material between them and the foot to prevent rubbing.
And if you're a rain or shine (in other words, British) type of walker, you'll be pleased to know you can get these wet. While the leather on the straps takes a long time to dry, the lining means it's not in contact with your feet.
The sandals' outsoles have great grip owing to the large lugs and I enjoyed taking them out on dusty trails up and down hills. The soles are also flexible enough for the foot to tread comfortably, heel to toe, still with support. Overall, this is a well-made sandal for light summer adventures.
Key specifications
3. Best Walking Sandals for Long Hikes: Teva Grandview Max Sandal
This comfortable sandal is an open-toed solution for multi-day hikes. This is true as long as the terrain isn't too rocky – I'd still choose a closed-toe sandal for that.
The midsole cushioning is comfortable enough for all day wear; I enjoyed wearing the same shoes for a dog walk in the morning and a longer hike. The platform cushioning does take the foot high off the ground, which reduces ground feel, but its wide base retains stability.
The arch support is excellent and, like an old slipper, I was comfortable from the moment I put them on. This wideness also means that your foot isn't sitting right at the edge of the sandal, which gives welcome protection from roots and debris.
The webbing between the straps is soft and keeps out the worst of debris and there's a mudguard on the outer side. It feels breathable and my feet didn't get hot and sticky when I tested these during the May heatwave. The upper is also entirely made from recycled materials.
There are several Velcro adjustment points which wrap around and across to hold the sandal securely to the foot, whether wide or narrow.
The durable Vibram outsole is expectedly sturdy, with deep lugs for traction on both wet and dry surfaces. This sandal is on the heavier side, but this is because it's a sturdy shoe.
Like our Best Buy Hokas, this sandal has a maximal, technical aesthetic, meaning they're not a day-to-night shoe. But this is an excellent technical sandal that I'd happily hike for hours in.
Key specifications
4. Best Walking Sandals for Foot Protection: Keen Hyperport 2
Keen is one of the best known names in walking sandals and the Hyperport 2 is a bestseller. This is a robust sandal that's surprisingly lightweight, very comfortable and provides good arch support.
It has a closed toe, bolstered by a strongly reinforced toe panel. The sides of the feet are also reinforced with padding. A soft stretchy mesh covers the top of the foot and heel and the laces are held by reinforced webbed panels that quickly and easily pull close to the foot with a bungee cord. This has a sliding adjuster, making it very easy to get on and off.
The midsole has lots of cushioning and feels great to walk on, while the outsole is grippy and durable. The toe box is generous, suiting those with wide feet and it fits true to size.
The aesthetic won't be everyone's cup of tea. This is a chunky technical sandal, but if performance and protection are what you're after, it's great. I found it best suited to walks where I got my feet wet, as the material dries quickly.
I also managed to wear these on rockier, more uneven terrain than other sandals because of the stability and the fact that they protect my foot well. I'd still want the ankle support of a hiking boot for very technical terrain though.
Key specifications
In the same range:
If you're after a slightly lower profile but similar sandal, the brand's heritage Whisper sandal is a great option for long hikes. It's less cushioned but ultra comfortable with a lovely wide toe box and excellent toe protection.
5. Best Walking Sandals for Travelling: Teva Hurricane XLT2
Although similar to the classic Original Teva, this is a more technical hiking sandal with extra cushioning and support. The outsole is made from durable rubber and, while the lugs aren't as deep as others I tested, there was plenty of traction for walking up and down the South Downs hills. There's a reasonable amount of flex so the sandal moves with your foot without sacrificing support.
There is some arch support on the moulded footbed, but not as much as others. It's a wide sandal, with the foot sitting away from the edges, which I like for hiking because I find I'm less likely to bang the sides of my feet (or stub my toe on a wayward rock). Minimal ridging around the footbed means it's really only suitable for light trails rather than anything too rocky or uneven.
The sandal is lightweight enough that it's easy to forget you're wearing it, with three points of adjustment, although it does run large, so I'd size down if you're between sizes. The quick-drying straps mean you can also walk through rivers, but Teva also makes the Hurricane Drift, which is a dedicated water shoe.
Most of your foot is exposed, so ventilation isn't a problem and I like the minimalist aesthetic. If I could only take one pair of sandals camping or on an active holiday, it would be these, both for wearing on walks and to the bar. There's a wide range of great colour combinations to suit your taste.
Key specifications
6. Best Walking Sandals for Ground Feel: Vivobarefoot Tracker
This is the sandal for those who like the barefoot feel, but still want a bit of protection. It has a closed toe and wraps around the foot, leaving some ventilation over the top and at the heel. The material that covers the foot is breathable mesh, which keeps my feet cool during otherwise sweaty hikes.
There's gentle reinforcement over the toes and the sides of the foot to protect from roots and rocks. I found I could wear them on uneven terrain, although given the brand's barefoot premise, there was little support.
The z-shaped strapping system wraps the sandal to the foot securely, and there's adjustment at the soft heel strap. The footbed is smooth and comfortable with a hint of cushioning, and scores an eco point for being made from excess algae biomass.
The outsole is durable and extremely flexible, as per the barefoot ethos, so much so that you can even bend the sandal in half. The deep lugs provide great grip, even on a slippery log that I climbed on in the rain, and the sandal dried quickly after getting wet.
It does come up on the smaller side, so size up if in doubt. I'd recommend easing in and practicing wearing the sandal if you haven't worn barefoot shoes before (the brand has guidance on its website for how to do this) because our feet, ankles and legs need time to adjust to shoes with zero heel-to-toe drop and this level of flexibility.
Key specifications
7. Best Walking Sandals for Narrow Feet: Ecco Offroad Roam
As is the Danish way, this is a minimalist sandal with impressive technical features. I walked happily for miles along Hampstead Heath while wearing them.
The material on the footbed is soft against the skin, although a little narrow and it didn't dry quickly on wet walks. Unlike others I tested, the foot sits against the edge of the sandal which doesn't provide the same protection against roots or rocks.
The outsole is a durable rubber with decent lugs that provide traction. It's a flexible ride and you really feel your foot rolling through with each step, but it's not so flexible as to lose support. It offers excellent ground feel because it's the lowest profile sole of all the sandals I tested apart from the Vivobarefoot, and a firm midsole.
I surprised myself by liking the thin straps of the upper, as thin straps often dig in, but these are well placed with three wrapping across the forefoot with Velcro adjustment and two points of adjustment around the heel and ankle. These will suit anyone not wanting a chunky sandal, and are best suited to long walks on dry, even trails.
Key specifications
8. Best Walking Sandals for a Springy Push-off: FitFlop Neo-D-Hyker (XT)
As with the Skechers pair above, this sandal has the APMA Seal of Acceptance thanks to its well-designed and comfortable contoured footbed. The arch support is ample and will suit you if you don't like the type of footbed that pushes up.
It has FitFlop's neodynamic carbon-plate midsoles, like those seen in marathon running 'super shoes', which give a spring to your step and a sense of propulsion. It has a medium level of cushioning to take the pressure off your feet and balanced flexibility so that you can feel your foot roll as you step.
As for fit, there are three points of adjustment and the straps fit well. A small niggle is that while there's thoughtful padding beneath the heel strap and toe strap, the toe section folds over itself with a Velcro adjustment and I was conscious of the fold on a long walk.
This is not a major problem and it may just be because I have deep feet, but it feels unnecessary given that it has another Velcro adjuster over the top. It suits a wider foot and fits true to size.
The sandal has a durable rubber outsole and lugs for decent grip, although they're not as deep or closely spaced as some we tested. It performed well in wet conditions as both the footbed and straps are water-resistant and dry quickly. I love the look, with a slight platform, and found I could easily wear these as an everyday sandal. I even chose to wear it on days where I wasn't walking.
Key specifications
9. Best Walking Sandals for Wide Feet: Birkenstock Mogami Terra
Better-known for its cork soles, Birkenstock has a lesser-known outdoor range, which features similar moulded footbeds, but uses technical materials and more secure straps. The Mogami Terra is my favourite for hiking.
The footbed is sunken, leaving your foot to sit securely cupped. This means that while it is open-toed, your toes are afforded some protection against knocks by the ridge around the edge. The wide straps with buckles and Velcro adjuster on the heel strap do their best to ensure a good fit. That said, I'd only recommend this sandal for wide feet, as the sole is broad and there's no narrow fit available.
The sole is fixed to the footbed in two layers, which makes it feel flexible, allowing for a natural roll through the foot as you walk. It has fairly deep lugs (much deeper than the average Birkenstock) for excellent grip.
While the footbed and sole is waterproof, the straps are made of Birko-Flor. This has PVC (a durable type of plastic) on the outside and has a soft, breathable fleece on the inside. During my testing, I found they were durable and comfortable enough to wear against the skin for long periods, but water didn't repel as easily as the footbed and sole.
There isn't much in the way of cushioning – just enough to take the pressure off your feet. It won't suit those who prefer more maximal cushioning, but I would happily take these on a city break as well as camping or on beach holidays. Perhaps just not a serious hike.
Key specifications
Weight: 338g
Upper material: Birko-Flor
Outsole material: Polyurethane (PU)
Men's version available: It's unisex
Half-sizes available: Yes
In the same range:
There's also a version without the ankle strap, the Birkenstock Mogami Terra Stealth (£85). They're ideal if you don't like the aesthetic of a heel strap, or struggle to bend over so need a slip on shoe.
10. Best Walking Sandals for City Breaks: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 - Annie
This vegan sandal has an elegant, comfortable upper, a beautifully cushioned midsole and a well-designed footbed. It's the lightest of all the sandals I tested apart from the Vivobarefoot. It also has the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which means it's been deemed to promote good foot health, and has podiatrist-certified arch support.
The midsole cushioning is responsive and particularly cushioned in the heel, which is useful for heavy heel-strikers. The outsole has grooves for grip, but the synthetic EVA won't be as durable as rubber, so you might want to keep these for city walks rather than mountainous hikes.
The quick-dry knit upper is simple with only one Velcro point of adjustment at the ankle, but the toe strap has some elasticity and feels soft and supportive.
This sandal could also be good for jobs where you're on your feet all day but want to keep cool in the summer months. It comes up true to size and is machine-washable, which is a bonus for summer sandals.
Key specifications
11. Best Budget Walking Sandals: Regatta Haris
Given the low cost, this pair of Regatta sandals are surprisingly sturdy and practical. With a durable upper and Velcro strapping with three points of adjustment and padding beneath the straps, there's not much to distinguish it from more expensive options.
The contoured footbed cups the heel well, although it does lack arch support so I wouldn't recommend this for long hikes. The footbed also takes a while to dry after getting wet and there's not a lot of cushioning.
The outsole is thermoplastic rubber, which is a combination of plastic and rubber and doesn't offer as much grip. I still found that the lugs provided reasonable grip in dry conditions, and the sandal has a good degree of flexibility when you walk. It comes up on the smaller side and best suits a wide foot.
Key specifications
Walking sandal FAQs
Do walking sandals actually work?
'Yes, a good walking sandal has the chassis of a good shoe,' says Sam Singh, a consultant foot and ankle surgeon. 'It's a great alternative to walking shoes in warm weather.'
What type of walking sandals do podiatrists recommend?
'The sole has to be sturdy,' says Sam. 'You especially need a sturdy sole for hiking, so you don't feel the rocks. The best ones are just an open version of what is a great shoe, like a convertible version of a good sports car. All the performance, just more open to the environment.'
Can you hike in walking sandals?
'For tough terrain, the additional support that an ankle boot offers can't be matched but they are fine for most hikes,' says Sam.
How should you keep walking sandals hygienic when you're wearing them barefoot?
Most sandals, especially leather ones, should not go in the washing machine. It's better to wipe them down with a damp cloth. 'The hygeine benefits of airing your feet in warm weather may outweigh these drawbacks,' Sam says.
Are walking sandals fine for people with foot conditions such as bunions?
'Absolutely,' says Sam. 'If anything, many of my patients with painful bunions can't wait for summer. Finally, they can have footwear that doesn't rub on their bunion or hammertoes.'