3 Best Closed Toe Hiking Sandals

In a combination of lab tests and hiking, the KEEN Newport H2 is a cut above the rest when it comes to the best closed-toe hiking sandal overall. We experienced first-rate stability and amazing traction, all while keeping our toes well-protected from sharp objects.

The Newport H2 takes protection seriously, and it’s not just about the rubber-coated toe cap. We measured the stack height at the heel at an incredible 29.4 mm. It’s 6.7 mm thicker than average, and we experienced unmatched protection from sharp rocks underfoot.

In our stability tests, the KEEN Newport H2 passed with flying colours. Its stability is, in part, due to the width of the platform. Our callipers registered 121.1 mm at the forefoot and 88.8 mm at the heel. This is as wide as some of our winter hiking boots and 4.2 mm and 3.6 mm wider than the average for hiking sandals! It’s no surprise then that we felt so supported underfoot.

We hiked confidently on wet rock and dry gravel, and this sandal tackled it all without problems. We measured the depth of the lugs, finding them to be 4.1 mm deep. That’s almost in line with hiking shoes which average 4.3 mm, and it explains why we could trust the sandal on any terrain.

This is not the most flexible sandal, as we discovered in our lab. We bent the sandal to 90° and our force gauge measured 36.2N. Since the average is 21.9 for hiking sandals, this is certainly a stiffer ride. We don’t recommend it to hikers who prefer a more natural flex to their footwear.

After thorough testing on the trails and in the lab, the Hoka Hopara 2 stands out as the best-cushioned closed-toe hiking sandal. Protection is the name of the game with its sturdy upper, tough outsole, and superior cushioning that also delivers unparalleled comfort. To top it off, it’s complemented by substantial lugs.

True to Hoka's legacy of comfort, the cushioning offers optimal support and plushness without excessive height, making it a joy to wear all day long. Our cut-in-half shoe reveals a soft 24.0 HA cushion sitting atop a firmer 33.5 HA foam. Together, they create a comfy and bouncy ride that mutes out underfoot trail debris.

The spacious closed-toe box, fortified with an oversized toe cap, ensures comprehensive protection for our feet. Even in less high-wear areas, Hopara 2 has sturdy Cordura mesh panels that bring unobstructed airflow and water drainage.

Underfoot, Hopara 2 continues to shine. The rubber resisted our Dremel impressively showing a minimal 0.7 mm damage vs. the 2.1 mm average, promising durability. Lab tests reveal its multi-shaped 3-mm lugs, gripping firmly on various terrains from loose ground to smooth rocks.

However, we don’t recommend this sandal to narrow feet as its 121.9/98.4 mm platform is by far the widest we’ve measured vs. the 119.6/91.8 mm lab average.

On the hunt for a sandal that can do it all, we came across the KEEN Newport. Delivering superior comfort perfect for full-day hikes, this ultra-protective kick gives us the peace of mind of a hiking shoe with the airy sensation of a sandal. To top it all off, it’s got plenty of extra space in the toe box, leading us to vote for the KEEN Newport as the most comfortable closed-toe hiking sandal.

There’s nothing minimalist about the footbed of the KEEN Newport, as we discovered on our test hikes and lab checks. We measured an average heel stack height of 27 mm and a forefoot stack of 17.7 mm, only 0.9 mm less than average. This decent stack is perfectly offset by the soft midsole. Pressing a durometer to the midsole in the lab, we measured a plush 22.4 HA, significantly softer than the average 27 HA. On our hikes, we feel as protected as if we are wearing hiking shoes, yet deliciously coddled by the soft midsole.

The closed toe box of the KEEN Newport is a significant factor in its shoe-like feel. It stood up well to bumps and scuffs while out hiking, protecting our toes from painful stubs, so we subjected it to a ferocious Dremel test to see how it would fare over time. After 12 seconds at 5K RPM at 3.2N, the rubber toe cap displayed minimal damage, earning the highest score of 5/5 for durability.

We like to have space around our toes while wearing sandals. While the widest part of the sandal is on a par with the average of 102.2 mm, the space at the big toe remains a spacious 95.9 mm. For reference, hiking shoes measure an average of 81.6 mm around the big toe. Claustrophobic the KEEN Newport is not!

It is to be expected that such a sturdy hiking sandal will have to pay the price in weight. Our scales showed it to be 31% heavier than the average for hiking sandals. Hikers looking for a lightweight sandal can look instead at the Teva Hurricane Drift.