7 Best Water Hiking Sandals in 2023

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Why trust us
There are times when taking a plunge is far more rewarding than skipping the drench on our daily hikes. In such cases, you are far better off sporting a pair of water hiking sandals.
Having tested 40+ of these incredible water-ready hikers, we are proud to share with you our top picks. We have submerged and flooded these sandals to water to truly know how water-safe they really are. So, whether you need a well-rounded sandal or a barefoot kick to make your day around streams, you are in the right place.
Best water hiking sandals overall






























Teva Hurricane XLT2
89
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is an exceptional hiking sandal at a bargain price. With its superb arch support, nicely tractioned outsole, and customizable fit, this sandal gives excellent value for money. Because of its versatility, we even dare say that this sandal can replace three other types of shoes for your summer adventures.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Well-cushioned
- Supportive footbed
- Durable for the price
- Grippy outsole
- Customizable fit
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Affordable
Cons
- No toe protection
- Runs a little large
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








More colors
REI
$37
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$47
Outland USA
Free shipping
$53
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$57
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$75
Backcountry
Free shipping
$75
Water hiking sandals with the best protection





















KEEN Newport H2
90
Superb!
What makes it the best?
With excessive amounts of comfort, support, and stability, the Newport H2 can be considered among KEEN's must-buys. This lightweight footgear also provides exceptional traction and requires virtually zero break-in time. It comes with a few misfires, yes, but based on performance alone, the Newport H2 is hard not to love.
Pros
- Versatile for various hikes
- Exceptionally plush
- Incredible grip level
- Stable and supportive
- Day-one comfort
- Easy and fast to lace up
- Quick-drying
- Stink-proof
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Traps debris
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Men
Women
Any color








More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$66
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$89
REI
Free shipping
$125
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$125
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$130
Best lightweight water hiking sandals


























Teva Original Universal
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
For $50, we cannot think of a better summer option than the Teva Original Universal! This no-frills sandal delivers all-day comfort while feeling non-existent on the foot. With its stylish and versatile appeal, you can wear this sandal from the trail to the beach or from a paddleboard to a coffee shop without worrying about fitting in.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Versatile in use
- Comfortable strap system
- Affordable
- Cushioned for short hikes
- Durable
- Over 20 colorways and designs
Cons
- Lacks traction
- Texture is felt underfoot
- Back strap is not adjustable
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Men
Women
Any color







ASOS
$36
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Water hiking sandals with the best cushioning

Hoka Hopara
79
Good!
What makes it the best?
This piece is remarkable with its excellence in footing security and lavish provision of comfort. While pricier than most hiking sandals, the Hopara from Hoka can make your hikes quite inspiring (or way less of a slog)!
Pros
- Incredible cushioning
- High level of comfort
- Excellent wet-surface traction
- Rock-solid build
- Accommodating fit
- Supportive for a neutral shoe
- Worth the price
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Gives blisters
- Not for narrow feet
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color






Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$135
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$135
Amazon
Free shipping
$135
Backcountry
Free shipping
$135
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$135
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$135
Water hiking sandals with the best comfort

Chaco Z/Cloud
89
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The excellent craftsmanship of the Z/Cloud is quite evident in the many things it has on offer. From its mesmerizing fit and spectacular level of comfort to its stellar looks and lasting durability, this piece from Chaco is, to say the least, a real standout.
Pros
- Amazing fit
- Fantastic comfort level
- Superbly hip design
- Brilliant surface traction
- Super-tough build quality
- Remarkable versatility
- Keep stink at bay
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short ankle strap
- Too wide
- Lack of stability
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$34
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$74
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$75
Backcountry
Free shipping
$100
REI
Free shipping
$100
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Best floatable water hiking sandals

Teva Hurricane Drift
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
For outings that involve the inevitable drench, make a difference in the Teva Hurricane Drift. A performer across shallow waters, this sustainable sandal transforms your hikes into unhindered (a.k.a. boosted) adventures. Yes, mastering the wetlands in this piece of gear is not a problem, especially if you have stout feet.
Pros
- Immensely pampering
- Sticky
- Featherweight
- Stable
- Quick-drying
- Stylish
Cons
- Too roomy (women’s version)
- Adjustability issues
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








Amazon
Free shipping
$29
ASOS
$30
Outland USA
$34
Backcountry
$45
Water hiking sandals with the best style






KEEN Uneek
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Its comfortable feel, versatility, and breathability were just some of the features that made the KEEN Uneek a likable sandal. A general-purpose hiking sandal, the Uneek works incredibly for short hikes, daily wear, and water sports. Not meant for technical terrain, the KEEN Uneek is still worth checking out as it seems able to tick all the basics, performance-wise.
Pros
- Breathable
- Excellent grip
- Very supportive
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Needs break-in
- Not for long hikes or technical terrain
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$87
Outland USA
Free shipping
$100
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$104
REI
Free shipping
$130
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$130
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
Comparison of the 7 best water hiking sandals
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How we test hiking sandals
Unbiased reviews are getting harder and harder to come by these days. This is not the case for us here at RunRepeat, where our reviews are objective and professionally written. Here is our approach to reviews:
- We buy water hiking sandals using our own money. This is our number one requirement to help us intercept any kind of unfairness when it comes to critiquing footwear.
- We test every pair for days, paying close attention to each sandal’s performance in and around water, as well as on regular trails.
- We get down to real business inside our lab. We get pieces of evidence for the things we encounter in the actual wearing of the shoes by bringing out our weapons (aka tools and equipment)! We measure the different parameters of the shoes. One of which is the weight of the shoes which we obtain using our digital weighing scale. That is not all! We also bust the shoes open and check all that we can examine.