6 Best Water Hiking Sandals in 2024

We loved wearing this sandal, and it also proved itself in our rigorous lab tests. With its supportive footbed, quick-drying webbing, and plush cushioning, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is, without a doubt, the best overall water hiking sandal.

Flat-footed hikers and overpronators, rejoice! Teva’s beautifully designed contoured footbed with raised arch supports our feet perfectly on hikes, as well as keeping our heel securely lodged into the sandal. The 120 mm platform is 2.1 mm wider than average at the forefoot and 1.9 mm wider at the heel. These two features work together to make a wonderfully supportive hiking sandal that can handle rough riverside paths and maintained forest trails alike.

The quick-drying webbing ensured we didn’t develop blisters after paddling in a stream. We love that all 3 straps can be adjusted, meaning the sandal can adapt to any shaped foot.

We almost forgot we were wearing sandals while hiking in the Teva Hurricane XLT2! With ample cushioning keeping our feet well-protected on rough ground, the heel-to-toe drop makes us feel like we’re wearing hiking shoes. In the lab, we measured an astounding 11.9 mm drop, while the average for sandals is 8.3 mm! Our durometer measurements showed the midsole is much softer than average, at 21.6 HA compared to 28.4 HA. This plushness is a real gift, and we almost didn’t want to take them off at the end of the day!

Weighing in at 10.7 oz (303g), the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is not the lightest sandal on the market. In fact, it weighs 0.5 oz (15g) heavier than average. For hikers looking for a lightweight sandal to complement their collection, we recommend looking at other options.

Hikers looking for a sandal that performs well on the trail as well as boulder hopping around mountain streams can look this way. In our lab and out on hikes, we voted the KEEN Newport H2 the best water hiking sandals with the best protection because of its protective, comfortable midsole, unerring stability, and hydrophobic properties.

There’s nothing minimalist about this sandal when it comes to protection. Our feet felt coddled by the cushioning from mile 1, and when we measured the stack height at the heel, our caliper registered 29.4 mm. With 6.7 mm extra material underfoot than the average for sandals, the Newport H2 is actually snapping at the heels of hiking shoes in terms of protective cushioning! With such a thick midsole that is 35% softer than average, and the closed toe box to eliminate catching our toes on roots and rocks, it’s no wonder our feet felt so pampered and protected!

Our feet felt superbly supported while hiking on rough forest trails or rock hopping. In the lab, we measured the width of the sandal and were stunned at the results. The forefoot measures 121.1 mm and the heel 88 mm. Given that the average width of hiking sandals is 116.9 mm and 85.2 mm, the Newport H2 is significantly wider, which translates to stability on the trail.

The KEEN Newport H2 is the second iteration of this shoe, swapping out the original leather strapping for polyester webbing. We found this performed better when wet, as it dried out much quicker.

With the added comfort and protective toe box, this is not the lightest sandal on the market. It tipped the scales at 13.4 oz (381g) in our lab - 2.3 oz (77g) heavier than average for sandals. Therefore, we don’t recommend it to hikers looking for a lightweight pair of sandals.

After conducting actual hikes and intensive lab analysis, it’s hard to find a sandal that matches Hoka Hopara 2’s comfort and protection. With its cushy platform, efficient drainage, and robust overall build, it’s easily our top pick for the best-cushioned water hiking sandal.

Without being excessively tall, Hopara 2 offers a rare combination of plushness, protection, and bounce that makes us go further. Cutting the shoe in half, we discovered a dual-density foam that brought us all-day comfort in our hikes. Our durometer shows the top is a soft 24.0 HA while the bottom is a firm 33.5 HA that mutes out any trail debris we step on.

Even below, the robust 82.9 HC outsole can take a beating. It resisted our Dremel impressively and showed a minimal 0.7 mm dent compared to the 2.1 mm average. Its 3-mm lugs also kept us surefooted throughout any terrain be it loose ground or wet rocks.

As we passed through deep waters, the sturdy Cordura mesh panels and toe cap ensured our feet were protected from toe stubs and small pebbles. Drying out was also a breeze as the water escaped quickly while air flowed in freely. However, it’s best to leave this pair at home during beach trips as it traps sand inside.

Based on our wear tests and lab results, Teva Hurricane Drift is the best floatable water hiking sandal. Made entirely of foam, this sink-proof sandal feels light and comfortable on foot, while its excellent traction and stable ride give us the confidence to venture into river banks and waterfalls.

With its barely-there feel, we can paddle and swim freely. Drift is among the lightest hiking sandals on the market, tipping the scale at a mere 7.2 oz (240g). Because of its material, it floats right up and the straps don’t stay wet for long.

Its platform strikes a fine balance between comfort, ground feel, and protection. Its 28.9 mm heel is 4.3 mm thicker than average for impact protection, while its forefoot is around the average for enhanced control. We measured its cushion at 23.5 HA, confirming it’s buttery smooth but still has some firmness to shield our feet from sharp rocks.

We can control our balance on rocky underwater surfaces and near-water terrains because of Drift’s grippy bite and spacious platform. Our caliper shows a wide 94.8 mm heel and a generous 105.6 mm toebox for sure-footed strides, effectively avoiding our unwanted foot movements and ankle rolls.

Those with low-volume feet will find Drift’s fit unsecured because we couldn’t adjust the forefoot strap. The only way to tighten it is through the ankle strap.

Looking for an all-rounder that delivers top-notch comfort, a love for water, and exceptional grip? Look no further than the Chaco Z/Cloud – it has all this and more, leading us to dub it the most comfortable water hiking sandal.

The instant comfort of the Chaco Z/Cloud took our breath away. The secret to such plush comfort is hidden in the dual-density Luvseat midsole. The molded midsole strikes the balance between support and shock-absorbing cushioning, leaving our feet feeling pampered throughout our day hikes.

The stylish, patterned webbing of the Z/Cloud makes it an adaptable sandal that fits into city life or out on the trails. Made of polyester, it is suited for paddling as it dries out quickly after getting wet during our stream crossings.

The 3 mm lugs provide excellent slip resistance on loose gravel and soft terrain. On our hikes, we felt secure and confident hiking over uneven ground and up steep inclines.

The Chaco Z/Cloud uses just a ladder lock buckle and not a clip. Whilst it still allows for adjustment once the sandal is on, we found the strap was a little too short which makes it difficult to get our feet in and out of the sandal. Hikers looking for a more easily accessible sandal may want to look at other options.

We couldn’t agree on a better name for the Teva Hydratek because it offered the best versatility among water hiking sandals we brought to our hydro activities and tested in the lab. Stylish for beach trips, comfortable for light hikes, and grippy for water sports, it’s a sandal that can do it all!

The shoe has a classic look that can blend well with casual wear. All its straps are adjustable to accommodate different foot shapes, cementing its versatile nature. It feels easy on the foot thanks to its light 10.8 oz (305g) build and flexible midsole. Our bend test confirms it’s 33.0% more adaptive than average.

The platform felt so pleasant on the foot. Its cushioned heel offers excellent impact protection, while its moderate forefoot delivers ground connectedness, crucial for navigating through rocks. Our durometer confirms its plush sensation with an 18.9 HA reading, the lowest we’ve ever got for hiking sandals.

The outsole is a soft 77.6 HC, enhancing traction with its 2.6 mm lugs. What’s unique about this sandal is the tread pattern has air channels to create a suction effect when dealing with slippery surfaces. The textured topsole also prevented our feet from sliding in the sandal when getting wet.

However, those who need more coverage from bumping into rocks and other debris should find a closed hiking sandal for more protection.