7 Best Hiking Sandals For Women in 2022

Most of the time, ending up with the right pair of outdoorsy sandals requires a drawn-out process. We at RunRepeat know this, which is why we have rounded up and tested over 50 hiking sandals for women to help you cut through the fat.
Our top picks in a variety of categories await you down below. So, whether you require women’s sandals that prove their worth in and around water or something of a jack of all trades, this listing is for you.
How we test hiking sandals
We know empowered women of the trail value objectivity when it comes to footwear reviews. We are laser-focused on that, which is why we:
- Buy all sandals using our own money. This is to ensure that we stay unbiased with each and every review.
- Test every pair. Yes, we hike in the sandals we purchase to see the best of the best, primarily on the basis of comfort, performance, and longevity.
- Gather hundreds of opinions and findings from experts and trail-goers and reflect them in our own reviews.
We then assign a CoreScore to each reviewed hiking sandal. This rating contributes to our verdict, making this female-centric list of top picks possible.
Best hiking sandals overall for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
- Top 3% in hiking sandals
- Top 6% in Chaco hiking sandals
- Top 14% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Attractive colorways
- Great arch support
- Ample traction
- Excellent underfoot cushioning
- Satisfying stability
Cons
- Toe straps tighten while walking
- Not best shoe for flat feet
- Tad heavy
Verdict
The jury has decided. After coming across dozens of extraordinary hiking sandals for women, we give the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 the reigning crown and scepter to rule them all!
Don’t let its sandal status fool you. This enchanting must-have is the queen of the rugged trails. Indeed, we trampled on pointy rocks and gnarly roots, and we didn’t feel any poking sensation underfoot at all.
Now, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is a charmer on the comfort front. Our initial hike in it left us in awe for experiencing superlative plushness right from the off. So pampering was its footbed that we couldn’t stop talking about it as we went along!
But what stole the show for us about the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 was how it effortlessly supported our arches. Those rubbly tracks we negotiated didn’t faze our gait, keeping our strides as confidence-inspiring as could be.
The sandal also stole our hearts with its grippy outsole. Yes, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 granted us slip-free steps, whether in perpetually wet bogs or on the grainy parts of the trail.
A total standout in every way, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is the one true sandal you’ve been looking for. Grab one now!
Women's hiking sandals with best cushioning
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
- Top 8% in hiking sandals
- Top 8% in Keen hiking sandals
- Top 2% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Exceptionally plush
- Incredible grip level
- Supportive
- Stabilizing
- Breaks in quickly
- Light
- Quick-drying
- Stink-proof
Cons
- Frail threads
- Debris-trapping confines
- Sweat-magnet
Verdict
Be prepared to have your minds blown because the Newport H2 is the most powerful water hiking sandal you’ll ever grace your elegant feet with!
It’s true—this gem of a sandal is the one to beat where water is involved. Case in point: Its combination of upper protection and wet-ready outsole kept us feeling mighty in the entirety of our testing.
Speaking of its outsole, the KEEN Newport H2 dominated all sorts of surfaces for us. We went creek-crossing and mindlessly (but joyfully) traversed not-so-murky streams and came out unscathed. Scrambling on moist grass and mulch was also a dream in this amphibious hiker.
We also rate the Newport H2 in the comfort department quite highly. From its rub-free upper to its slightly bordered footbed, the sandal mesmerized us with so much pampering. And the best part? We got all that cozy feeling in a matter of hours. Amazing, right!?
And dare we leave out the Newport H2’s mower of a toe bumper? Never! Trademarked by the brand as KEEN.Protect, this forefoot guard made us feel like we were in a pair of brawny boots for the incredible toe protection it granted us.
So, yes, the Newport H2 is a no-brainer of a choice if your tootsies like being in and around water. Get one and get those splashes going!
Best hiking sandals with closed toe for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
- Top 13% in hiking sandals
- Top 24% in Keen hiking sandals
- Top 17% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- True to size
- Lightweight
- Durable, waterproof upper
- Excellent fit
- Good arch support
- Grips well on wet rocks
Cons
- Too thin for hiking
- Expensive
Verdict
No, your captivating eyes aren’t fooling you. The Clearwater CNX is indeed a double-entry on this incredible list for being such a juggernaut around the forefoot!
Stubbed toes and other similar injuries are things of the past in the KEEN Clearwater CNX. And there’s no sorcery involved here, just pure rubberized goodness that can cut through almost anything you throw at it!
Its tank-like durability actually comes largely from its rubber toe bumper. But besides that, the Clearwater CNX is also enduring thanks to its scratch-resistant shell, which managed to stay pristine even after days’ worth of knocks and bumps.
In the realm of comfort, the Clearwater CNX made us instant fans. We link this quality to the sandal’s doughy footbed. That said, its protectiveness over more rugged surfaces could be a tad better.
Now, making bigger strides and leaps in the KEEN Clearwater CNX was just amazing. Had we known its weight at the onset, which is at 255 g per shoe, we would’ve been so much more prepared for the lightness it gave us!
And in case you missed it: The Clearwater CNX is a fantastic water hiking shoe. Don’t worry too much about its closed-toe construction, because the sandal will NOT trap moisture in there!
Best women's hiking sandals for water hiking
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 10% in hiking sandals
- Top 12% in Keen hiking sandals
Pros
- Delightfully comfy
- Amazing underfoot support
- Provides grip on slippery terrain
- Dries quickly
- Non-existent break-in period
Cons
- Hard to wear
- Narrow toe box
- Lack of stitching durability
Verdict
Best minimalist hiking sandals for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
Pros
- Exceptionally light
- Minimalist look
- Flexible
- Trendy design
- Highly-adjustable straps
- Versatile
- Grippy
Cons
- Difficult-to-dry straps
- Footbed becomes slippery
- Flimsy straps
- Time-consuming to wear
Verdict
Here it is. After strapping on and testing several dozens of minimalist hiking sandals for women, we give you the Xero Shoes Z-Trail as the cream of the crop!
Obviously, getting in touch with mother nature (we’re talking underfoot) is the name of the game in this barely-there hiker. Trading in support for flexibility, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail caught us by surprise with its ultra-responsive sole unit.
In terms of lightness, the Z-Trail is hard to beat. Indeed, at no more than 150 g(!) per sandal, this barefoot kick pushes itself high on that featherweight bar, which none outside the Xero Shoes brand can reach anytime soon!
But what about its grip performance? Well, let’s just say that nothing made us lose our footing where wet and slick surfaces were involved. Also, over soft soil and low-angled slopes, its low-profile lugs afforded us excellent traction.
Now, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail is a work of wonder in terms of adjustability. Getting in and out of its strappy upper was also among the sandal’s many strengths!
And if you’re wondering whether something this awesome is expensive, stop! The Xero Shoes Z-Trail has an MSRP of $80, and it’s begging you to snag one ASAP!
Best value sandal hiking sandals for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
- Top 25% in hiking sandals
- Top 18% in Teva hiking sandals
- Top 5% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Excessively comfy
- Versatile
- Featherweight
- Breathable
- Spacious
- Simple-yet-elegant
Cons
- Stiff at first
- Short ankle strap
Verdict
Break free from overspending on sandals that might not give you what you deserve. Instead, complete your colorful shopping list by writing the Teva Original Universal on there!
For its maniacally low asking price, the Original Universal can do a lot. We used it on manicured trails and marched in it on city streets, and it stunned us, no doubt. Indeed, every step felt secure, despite its low-profile lugs.
While it comes at an oh-so budget-friendly MSRP, the Original Universal doesn’t skimp on comfort. Right from the get-go, its Teva-style textured footbed exceeded our expectations with plushness galore! Were we walking on cloud nine on it? No, more like cloud TEN!
Now, many hiking sandals offer breathability as advertised. That said, none comes close to the Original Universal on this front with its sweat-free insole. We don’t know how Teva shoemakers did it, but they definitely should work the same magic on future shoes!
Weight-wise, the Teva Original Universal knocked it out of the park for us, as well. Yes, this bad boy weighs no more than 400 g per pair!
We highly recommend the Original Universal for you thrifty ladies out there. We’re absolutely positive you’re going to love it!
Most popular hiking sandals for women
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking sandals.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 11% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfortable
- Adjustable fit
- Grippy outsoles
- Lightweight
- Chaco durability
Cons
- Break-in period
- Heel needs adjustment
- Too long straps
Verdict
What are the most popular women's hiking sandals in 2022?
What are the cheapest women's hiking sandals in 2022?
- Teva Hurricane Drift - from $28
- Columbia Columbia Sandal - from $60
- Teva Tirra CT - from $63
- Teva Hurricane Verge - from $75
- Teva Zymic - from $80
- Teva Jadito Universal - from $90
- KEEN Astoria West - from $91
- Hoka One One Hopara - from $105
- KEEN Ravine H2 - from $130