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Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
The Best Hiking Sandals, Based On Years Of Testing Experience
Hiking sandals have been a part of my warm weather footwear rotation for over a decade. At first, they served as comfy camp shoes—something to lounge in after a long day on the trail. But I quickly realized the best hiking sandals are not only comfortable, but capable, and often all you really need to get out there. I've worn them across the Sierras, along the shores of New England and everywhere in between—backpacking, rafting and even running to find styles that truly hold up. And now, I've put together this in-depth guide to the best hiking sandals. My top recommendation: the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D—it's perfect for most people and environments. Find the best hiking sandals to explore in capable comfort. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers Over the years, I've gravitated toward minimalist sandals that are simple yet skillful, but I recognize that feet are different from one pair to the next. What works for my feet might not work for yours, which is why I reviewed hiking sandals based on a set of shared criteria: traction, durability, fit and stability. In the end, I found great options from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka, Keen and more. Below, the best hiking sandals, and how you can go about selecting a quality pair. Our Top Recommendations Best Hiking Sandals Overall: Bedrock Cairn Evo Best Budget Hiking Sandals: Teva Original Universal Best Closed-Toe Hiking Sandal: Keen Newport H2 Best Shoe-Hiking Sandals Hybrid: Hoka Hopara 2 Best Hiking Sandals For Flat Feet: Teva Hurricane XLT2 Best Water Hiking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro Weight (per pair): 15.6 ounces | Upper: Polyester and nylon | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Buckle | Sizes: 5 to 13 (men), 6 to 14 (women) The Bedrock Cairn Evo has been my preferred hiking sandal for five years now; others have come along, but none have replaced it. My adoration for this sandal is a result of many things, but it starts with the three-point Y strap up top. By combining a buckle, hook and hook-and-loop systems, it's incredibly easy to dial in the fit, and once you get it right, you never have to adjust it. The straps are also incredibly durable and likely to outlive the sole. Speaking of the sole, Bedrock pairs a thin EVA midsole with a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole that's durable and grippy. The tread isn't as aggressive as a hiking boot, but it's capable on a variety of surfaces, from loose dirt to wet granite rocks. And after you've worn it down over time, simply send it back to Bedrock as part of the brand's Re-Soul and Repair Program for fresh rubber (a $65 process). As fond as I am of the Cairn Evo, it's not a perfect adventure sandal. The thong strap between the toes, for example, is polarizing—some love it, others hate it (I fell into the latter camp but eventually moved on). It's also thin and flat, so it doesn't offer the same support as a thicker sandal like the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro. Still, I personally. consider these minor drawbacks. The Cairn Evo's simple, lightweight, repairable design strikes a balance between comfort and capability that meets the needs of most hikers. REI Teva Original Universal Weight (per pair): 12.8 ounces (men), 10.8 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Strap (Velcro) | Sizes: 8 to 14 (men), 5 to 12 (women) Teva's Original Universal Sandal transcends outdoor activities, and because it costs less than a tank of gas these days, we can't help but crown it the best budget pick. So what do you get for $60? Well, the straps are made from recycled polyester, and they secure around the ankle and forefoot with hook-and-loop straps. The EVA midsole adds a bit of cushioning to maintain comfort, and a basic rubber outsole supplies sufficient grip. Teva doesn't shy away from colors and patterns, which means you can find the Original Universal in a variety of styles. And while the bare-bones footbed might not offer much support for those with high arches, it keeps flat feet comfy for miles on the trail. That said, this is a wallet-friendly sandal, so it may not last you many summers if you hike in it for hundreds of miles, and the outsole isn't as grippy as others in this guide. Really, it's a good option for everyday wear and the occasional hike on a mellow trail. If you're looking for a Teva model with a bit more support and grip, the Hurricane XLT2 might better meet your needs, and it costs just $20 more. Weight (per pair): 2.5 pounds (men), 1 pound, 6.7 ounces (women) | Upper: Polyester webbing | Midsole: EVA Foam | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Quick-lace system | Sizes: 7 to 15 (men), 6 to 11 (women) Keen's Newport H2 Sandal just so happens to be our favorite water shoe, but if you're in need of a sandal that offers toe protection, it should also serve you well on hikes. By blending a classic hiking shoe base with a sandal-like strap, Keen submits a piece of summertime footwear that's lightweight, durable and eager to tackle obstacles. The washable polyester webbing on top allows air to pass through for improved breathability, but it still offers just enough protection to keep most dirt and debris out. An EVA insole provides arch support and cushioning, and a nonmarking outsole adds much-needed grip. But the big talking point here is the closed-toe design that prevents you from stubbing a toe in a rocky riverbed or stabbing it on a sharp root. The toe bumper does its job dutifully. It's also worth noting that, because this sandal features a shoelike platform, it's incredibly comfortable for miles on end. The Hoka Hopara 2 won us over in the comfort department, but if that sandal doesn't quite meet your needs, consider this one instead. Weight (per pair): 25.8 ounces (men), 20.8 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled knit, recycled Cordura | Midsole: Sugarcane EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Quick-toggle lace | Sizes: 7 to 14 (men), 5 to 11 (women) It wouldn't be fair to describe the Hopara 2 as a shoe or a sandal—it's a little bit of both, which is exactly what Hoka was going for. The upper, for example, is made of stronger bits of fabric to give it shoelike structure, but it's finished with mesh to dramatically improve breathability. Underfoot, a chunky sole looks and feels like a classic Hoka running shoe, but it's designed to make the Hopara 2 amphibious, so you can confidently tackle river crossing or rafting trips in comfort. And it's finished with a quick-lace toggle that makes it easy to slip on and cinch in seconds; a hook-and-loop strap around the heel helps tighten things up for a secure fit. There isn't a whole lot to criticize about the Hopara 2, but it is heavy at 10.4 ounces per shoe (women's), which means it weighs about the same as a running shoe. It's also far more enclosed than most open-toed hiking sandals, which may defeat the purpose of a sandal altogether if you're looking to liberate your feet. Ultimately, it isn't your typical sandal, nor is it your typical shoe, and as a result, it won't be the right option for everyone. But if you're after that sort of balance, there isn't anything else quite like it. Weight (per pair): 20.5 ounces (men); 15.7 ounces (women) | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: EVA | Outsole: Rubber | Closure: Strap | Sizes: 4 to 14 (men), 5 to 14 (women) Teva's Hurricane XLT2 Sandal serves those of us with flat feet. Truth be told, any number of sandals on this list can make a flat foot happy (my flat feet happen to love Bedrock sandals), but if you fancy a sandal that offers more cushioning and support without forcing an arch, this is the one for you. Not unlike the Original Universal sandal mentioned above, the Hurricane XLT2 uses thick, recycled webbing and hook-and-loop straps to create a secure, comfortable fit, and the patterns are just as eye-catching. But this sandal differs from its sibling below the foot, where thicker EVA material offers a lot more comfort and support. A built-in nylon shank adds more stability as you explore mixed terrain, and Durabrasion rubber is more grippy. Teva even treats these materials with a peppermint-based antimicrobial layer that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Hurricane XLT2 is a crowd pleaser, but it's still not quite as durable as a pair of Chacos or Bedrocks. The hook-and-loop straps can also wear down over time and lose their stickiness, which necessitates replacing the sandal altogether—no repair program exists. But this sandal is a step above the Original Universal, which makes it a great option if you like Teva and want something a bit more rugged and reliable than the brand's base sandal. Amazon Promo Codes | 30% Off In April 2024 Chacos Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro Weight (per pair): 31.1 ounces | Upper: Recycled polyester | Midsole: Polyurethane | Outsole: Vibram Megagrip | Closure: Strap | Sizes: 7 to 15 (men), 5 to 12 (women) I spent a few days rafting the Tuolumne River in the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pros, and I walked away impressed. If you've worn Chacos before, this sandal looks and feels like its siblings —it's chunky, heavy and incredibly durable. What's new, however, is the outsole designed in collaboration with Vibram and professional raft guides. According to Chaco, the Vibram Megagrip compound has six times the grip on wet river rock compared to other adventure sandals, which is a claim I can back up with anecdotal evidence. Whether I was playing in the river or wading through it, the Z/1 Rapid Pros felt planted, and I never really questioned if they were grippy enough to keep me upright. Others in my raft (who were also wearing this sandal) said the same, so it's a option if you spend time on the water and need the traction. The only downsides of the Z/1 Rapid Pro (and Chaco sandals in general) are that they're heavy and thick. To be sure, these qualities are also what make Chaco so popular, but if you have flat feet or prefer a truly lightweight design, you should probably look elsewhere. Otherwise, this new-ish sandal from Chaco is a confidence-inspiring companion. The Forbes Vetted gear team maintains a sizable library of gear guides, including a plethora of camping and hiking guides that cover the essentials, from the best hiking shoes for wide feet to the best hiking socks. Cam Vigliotta serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and as the author of this guide, he spent time logging hundreds of miles in hiking sandals from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka and more. He holds a degree in kinesiology and understands the pivotal role footwear plays in allowing us to explore in safe comfort. serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and as the author of this guide, he spent time logging hundreds of miles in hiking sandals from Teva, Chaco, Bedrock, Hoka and more. He holds a degree in kinesiology and understands the pivotal role footwear plays in allowing us to explore in safe comfort. This article was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby. She has over five years of experience in product testing and recommendations and recently covered the best robotic pool cleaners and spearheaded an extensive test of the best patio umbrellas. We return to this guide regularly to ensure the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date. In doing so, we provide you with the details you need to find a comfortable, long-lasting pair of hiking sandals. This guide was last updated in July 2025. We spent time on trails and in rivers near and far to find the best hiking sandals. Here's how we made our picks: We looked into established sandal brands to find styles suitable for hiking based on experience and real-world feedback. Popular sandals like the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro and Teva Hurricane XLT2 were some of the first models we considered, followed by others like the shoe-sandal-hybrid Hoka Hopara 2 and the Keen Newport H2. We evaluated specific sandals based on a set of key variables, starting with traction and stability. Hiking sandals should have grippy outsoles to help you traverse loose or wet surfaces, though each outsole's construction offers a different experience. Stability, meanwhile, is a result of the outsole material, the shape of the sandal and how much cushioning it offers. Designs with more foam like the Hoka Hopara 2 feel less stable than barefoot-style sandals. A sandal's upper determines how it secures to your foot. Models like the Bedrock Cairn Evo feature a thong-style strap system. Others like the Teva Original Universal use hook-and-loop straps that are easy to adjust. We considered various options to fit different feet. When you combine traction, stability and features like strap design, you're left with a sandal that should help you explore the world. By comparing options against one another based on these elements, we gained a better understanding of each style before making our recommendations. Ready to invest in a pair of hiking sandals? As you weigh your options, keep these variables in mind to ensure the pair you choose meets your needs. Activity Think about the type of activity you plan to do and the terrains you expect to encounter when wearing your sandals. Will you be exploring rocky trails, sandy beaches, raging rivers or all of the above? Different sandals offer varying levels of grip and protection, which is why we recommend looking at reviews to determine where former buyers have used their sandals to better understand where they shine. Stability Look for hiking sandals with adequate support and cushioning. A contoured footbed and beefy midsole help reduce fatigue and provide stability on uneven surfaces. And if you prefer a barely there sandal that's solely designed to protect your foot from the ground, consider lightweight or minimalist models. Materials Look for hiking sandals made from durable and quick-drying materials that include synthetic fabrics, leather and rubber. These materials should also be breathable and water-resistant to ensure long-term comfort. Traction Pay close attention to the outsole design, including the lug patterns and materials used, to ensure they provide reliable traction on various surfaces. Deep lugs or a grippy Vibram outsole enhance stability on slippery, loose or uneven terrain. Durability Read the reviews, assess the materials and inspect the construction quality to gauge the durability of a pair of sandals. Hiking sandals should be able to withstand frequent use on a variety of terrain. Consider investing in sandals with repair programs, like those available through Chaco or Bedrock, that allow you to mend and restore your sandals after years of use.
CNBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Amazon to buy AI company Bee that makes wearable listening device
Amazon plans to acquire wearables startup Bee AI, the company confirmed, in the latest example of tech giants doubling down on generative artificial intelligence. Bee, based in San Francisco, makes a $49.99 wristband that appears similar to a Fitbit smartwatch. The device is equipped with AI and microphones that can listen to and analyze conversations to provide summaries, to-do lists and reminders for everyday tasks. Bee AI CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo announced in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday that the company will join Amazon. "When we started Bee, we imagined a world where AI is truly personal, where your life is understood and enhanced by technology that learns with you," Zollo wrote. "What began as a dream with an incredible team and community now finds a new home at Amazon." Amazon spokesperson Alexandra Miller confirmed the company's plans to acquire Bee. The company declined to comment on the terms of the deal. Amazon has introduced a flurry of AI products, including its own set of Nova models, Trainium chips, a shopping chatbot, and a marketplace for third-party models called Bedrock. The company has also overhauled its Alexa voice assistant, released over a decade ago, with AI capabilities as Amazon looks to chip away at the success of rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude and Google's Gemini. Ring, the smart home security company owned by Amazon, has also looked to introduce generative AI in some of its products. Amazon previously experimented in the wearables space through a health and fitness-focused product called Halo. It sunset the Halo in 2023 as part of a broader cost-cutting review. Other tech companies have launched AI-infused consumer hardware with mixed success. There's the Rabbit R1, a small square gadget that costs $199 and uses an OpenAI model to answer questions, as well as the AI pin developed by Humane, which later sold to HP. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have grown in popularity since the first version was released in 2021. OpenAI in May acquired Jony Ive's AI devices startup io for roughly $6.4 billion. The company reportedly plans to develop a screen-free device.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ex-Waymo engineers launch Bedrock Robotics with $80M to automate construction
Bedrock Robotics, an autonomous vehicle technology startup founded by veterans of Waymo and Segment, has been operating quietly for more than a year. Now, it's breaking cover with an $80 million funding round from investors Eclipse and 8VC. Bedrock Robotics is focused on developing a self-driving kit that can be retrofitted to construction and other worksite vehicles, according to the company. The announcement confirms some of TechCrunch's reporting in May. Bedrock is 'upgrading existing fleets with sensors, compute, and intelligence that understands project goals, adapts to changing conditions, and executes work around the clock,' according to a blog post written by co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman. Sofman previously led Waymo's now shuttered self-driving trucks program. But he's perhaps best known for his role as co-founder and CEO of Anki Robotics, which made the popular Cozmo consumer robot, and shut down in 2019. Other co-founders include Waymo veterans Kevin Peterson, who is now CTO, Ajay Gummalla, who is a VP of engineering, and Tom Eliaz, who previously worked at Segment and Twilio, is also a VP of engineering. The company could not be reached for comment. TechCrunch will update this article with new details once Bedrock responds. Bedrock is the latest company to steer engineers who are adept at robotics, autonomy, and AI toward the off-road environment. Several autonomous vehicle startups have popped up in recent years with an aim to apply their self-driving systems to off-road environments, like construction, mining, industrial sites, and even defense. Earlier this week, Pronto, a San Francisco-based startup that has developed a self-driving system designed for haulage trucks and other off-road vehicles used at construction and mining sites, acquired competitor SafeAI. Other startups that play in the fragmented and broad sector of off-road autonomy include Kodiak Robotics, Polymath Robotics, Seattle-based Overland AI, New Brunswick, Canada-based Potential, and more established companies like Forterra. Bedrock said it's focused on construction sites and is testing in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California with four corporations: Sundt Construction, Zachry Construction Corporation, Champion Site Prep Inc., and Capitol Aggregates Inc.
Business Wire
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Securiti AI Announces Availability of Security for Amazon Q in the New AI Agents and Tools Category of AWS Marketplace
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Securiti AI, a leading provider of an integrated DSPM & AI Security platform, today announced the availability of Security for Amazon Q in the new AI Agents and Tools category of AWS Marketplace. Customers can now use AWS Marketplace to easily discover, buy, and deploy AI agent solutions, including Securiti's DSPM & AI Security solutions, using their AWS accounts, accelerating AI agent and agentic workflow development. Security for Amazon Q helps organizations to accelerate the adoption of Enterprise AI agents like Amazon Q and foundation model platforms such as Amazon Bedrock by enforcing proactive data security hygiene and controls. By remediating risks such as over-permissioning or leakage of sensitive data, and minimizing redundant or obsolete data, Securiti ensures Q or Bedrock users access only authorized, high-quality data, enabling customers to scale AI across the enterprise with confidence. "By offering Security for Amazon Q through the AWS Marketplace, we're providing customers with a streamlined way to access our Data+AI Security solution, helping them buy and deploy AI agent solutions faster and more efficiently," said Rehan Jalil, CEO of Securiti AI. "Our customers in financial services, healthcare, telco and airlines are already using these capabilities to unblock AI projects and enable safe adoption of enterprise AI with Amazon Q and deploying foundation models with Bedrock, demonstrating the real-world value of Data+AI security." Powered by Securiti's Data Command Graph, Security for Amazon Q delivers essential capabilities including automated data access governance, file-level risk intelligence, sensitive data classification, and policies for remediation. These features enable customers to accelerate Amazon Q deployments while simultaneously improving AI response quality. With the availability of AI Agents and Tools in AWS Marketplace, customers can significantly accelerate their procurement process to drive AI innovation, reducing the time needed for vendor evaluations and complex negotiations. With centralized purchasing using AWS accounts, customers maintain visibility and control over licensing, payments, and access through AWS. To learn more about Securiti in AWS Marketplace, visit Security for Amazon Q site. To learn more about the new AI Agents and Tools storefront in AWS Marketplace, visit the new marketplace category. Resources About Securiti AI Securiti is the pioneer of the Data Command Center, a centralized platform that enables the safe use of data+AI. It provides unified data intelligence, controls and orchestration across hybrid multicloud environments. Large global enterprises rely on Securiti's Data Command Center for data security, privacy, governance, and compliance. Securiti has been recognized with numerous industry and analyst awards, including ' Highest Rated DSPM Leader ' by GigaOm, ' Customers' Choice for DSPM ' by Gartner Peer Insights, " Cool Vendor in Data Security" by Gartner, ' AI Governance Leader ' by GigaOm, " Privacy Management Wave Leader" by Forrester, ' Worldwide Leader in Data Privacy Compliance ' by IDC, "Most Innovative Startup" by RSA, "Top 25 Machine Learning Startups" by Forbes, and "Most Innovative AI Companies" by CB Insights. For more information, please visit or follow us on LinkedIn or X.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sneaky trick to find buried treasure in Bedrock that Minecraft doesn't tell you
When it comes to finding buried treasure in Minecraft, one game player and forum fan has a key piece of advice for Bedrock players - read on for the full lowdown Minecraft is a simple, block-based world that offers never-ending play. A staggering 204 million people reportedly play the addictive game every month, with obsessed youngsters and grown-ups alike gaining skills in problem-solving, creativity even team work. Minecraft 's virtual landscape sees people dig holes to collect blocks from which they can create anything from a simple hut to a complex city. And while the game, which is available on every mobile device and video game console, is easy to pick up, it's full of secrets. Thankfully, there are loads of handy tips and tricks online to help gamers in their individual quests. One Redditor posted a PSA or Public Service Announcement for Bedrock players, meaning those who have a multi-platform version of Minecraft rather than the original Java Edition, who are struggling to find buried treasure... READ MORE: Minecraft Movie on brink of box office history as Warner Bros bosses confirm sequel is coming 'imminently' "As you may have heard from Java players or the Wiki, buried treasure always spawns at 'chunk coordinate 9 on both the X and Z axes'," the forum user explained. "For those of us who play Bedrock and therefore don't have access to all that handy debug info, that basically means an odd multiple of 8 (chunks are 16 blocks wide, and chunk coordinates start at 1 instead of 0). "Stated in mathematical language, {X,Z} mod 16 = {8,8}. You can calculate this easily in a web browser by typing X % 16 or Z % 16, where % is the modulo operator; e.g. 152 % 16 = 8, -56 % 16 = 8, etc." The helpful Redditor explained it was also possible for the chest to spawn underneath stone-type blocks, urging Bedrock players to trust the coordinates. "Go to the X on the map, do the modulo math, and dig straight down, and you'll find the chest every time," they said. And the Minecraft advice-giver had one final note for people looking to enhance their game. "ALWAYS BREAK THE CHEST," they said. "Bedrock tends to have issues with multiple maps pointing to the same chest, even if there's another one closer to where the map was found." Earlier this year, with the help of the Mirror revealed 18 secrets Minecraft doesn't tell you. They included: Llamas can be handy to have around if you find you keep running out of inventory space. If you click on a llama while holding a chest, that chest becomes the animal's inventory space. When you break a block, the breaking pattern always appears on its north side. This can come in handy if you need to quickly orientate yourself. In earlier versions of Minecraft, diamonds were most likely to appear between five and 12 levels down. Now, they appear between 15 and 63 levels down - and the deeper you dig, the more likely you are to find them.
