5 Best Hiking Sandals For Men in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
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Do not deny yourself the pleasure of experiencing the backcountry with as much intimacy with the wild as possible. To that end, the best hiking sandals for men are for you.

The selection you see below consists of top picks we have come up with after testing over 80 pairs of men’s hiking sandals. So, whether you prefer something with which to prance around the water or need a mighty protective pair, there is no better place than here.

How we test hiking sandals

Our ad-free site houses thousands of footwear reviews, all of which are written with objectivity in mind. For the curious, we live by this approach:

  • We buy men’s hiking sandals—be they dirt cheap or expensive—using our own funds. Our reviews remain unbiased this way.
  • We hike in every pair on different types of terrain for days, exposing each sandal to the elements along the way.
  • Our hiking sandal reviews reflect findings and reports from hundreds of gear experts and regular trail enthusiasts alike.

Together, these elements produce a CoreScore — a 0-to-100 rating system that helps us determine the best hiking sandals for men in a handful of categories.

Best hiking sandals overall

KEEN Newport H2
89
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
Full review of KEEN Newport H2

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (1001907)
Blue (1001938)
Raven/Aluminum (1008399)
new york at night (1024316)
olive drab/canteen (1025999)
Original Tie Dye (1018822)
Brindle Canteen (1024631)
Camo Olive Drab (1025998)
More colors

Best men's hiking sandals for water hiking

KEEN Uneek
92
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
Full review of KEEN Uneek

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Men
Women
Any color
Banyan Tree (1024309)
new york at night (1024310)
Magnet Black (1026335)
Birch Black (1023045)
Black (1014097)
Blue Depths Red Carpet (1026337)
Black Silver (1026334)
Black/Indigo (1027436)
More colors

Best closed toe hiking sandals

What makes it the best?

The KEEN CNX is a great shoe for regular beachgoers who enjoy activities like beach walking, kayaking, and investigating tidepools. It is also decent for light hiking, especially if you need to follow a trail to the shore. However, I would not recommend buying the KEEN Clearwater CNX for use as a day hiker unless you prefer a minimal shoe without a whole lot of support.

Pros

  • True to size
  • Lightweight
  • Durable, waterproof upper
  • Excellent fit
  • Good arch support
  • Grips well on wet rocks

Cons

  • Too thin for hiking
  • Expensive
Full review of KEEN Clearwater CNX

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Gargoyle (1008660)
Grey (1014456)
Black (1008770)
Steel Grey/Evening Primrose (1025122)
Sky Captain Black (1027407)
Marron Timberwolf Timberwolf (1026310)

Best lightweight hiking sandals for men

What makes it the best?

The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is an exceptional hiking sandal at a bargain price. With superb support, a nicely tractioned outsole and a customizable fit, this sandal is an excellent value product, which can be found at a very reasonable price.

Pros

  • Supportive footbed
  • Grippy outsole
  • Customizable fit
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Water-resistant capacity
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Runs large
Full review of Teva Hurricane XLT2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mirage Multi (1019235MGMT)
Sesame (1019235SSME)
Blue Multi (1019234BLMU)
Layered Rock Black/Grey (1019234LRBG)
Bright Retro Multi (1019234985)
rapids insignia blue (1019234493)
Black (1019235BLK)
Multicoloured (1019234FMNG)
More colors

Best men's hiking sandals with Vibram sole

What makes it the best?

The Cairn Adventure is a comfortable, all-around hiking sandals that delivers grip for light to moderate hiking trails. It has a classic, minimalist style that makes it suitable for all kinds of dirt baggers including hikers and river guides. With the Cairn Adventure, you get both function and fashion.

Pros

  • Aggressive outsole
  • Superb comfort
  • Adjustable fit
  • Durable
  • Versatile use

Cons

  • Thin soles
Full review of Bedrock Cairn Adventure

Today's best price

Unisex

Comparison of the 5 best hiking sandals for men

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.