7 Best Hiking Sandals For Women in 2022

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!

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!

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!

Individuals who deem comfort and support as must-haves during a water hike may find joy with this KEEN sandal. Indeed, its grippy outsole and lightness may also add to the satisfaction of using this footgear. However, there are some who detest it for offering such a small opening, causing annoyance when getting in and out of this sandal.

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!

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!

For outings that involve the inevitable drench, make a difference in the Teva Hurricane Drift. A performer across shallow waters, this sustainable sandal will transform your hikes into unhindered (a.k.a. boosted) adventures. Yes, you can be a master of the wetlands in this piece of gear, especially if you have stout feet.