7 Best Hiking Sandals For Women, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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.
Table of contents How we test hiking sandalsBest overallBest lightweightBest with closed toeBest closed toeBest for water hikingBest value sandalMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Teva Zymic
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
REI
Free shipping
$50
Outland USA
Free shipping
$50
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$68
CoreScore
- Top 25% in hiking sandals
- Top 14% in Teva hiking sandals
- Top 16% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Super comfy
- Exceptional arch support
- Stable
- Among the lightest
- Quite affordable
- Consistent sizing
- Posh
Cons
- Short toe strap
- Could be stickier
Verdict
The true-to-size Zymic from Teva may just very well be your next go-to sandal this summer. With its supple-yet-bracing underfoot platform and arresting looks, it's not that hard to see why this hiking sandal has been picking up steam since its release. Also, this city-to-trail strappy kick sells for no more than $80 per pair, making it quite attractive to both the eyes and wallet.
Best lightweight hiking sandals for women
Teva Hurricane Drift
Designer Shoe Warehouse
$30
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$32
Outland USA
$40
Backcountry
$45
CoreScore
- Top 7% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Immensely pampering
- Sticky
- Featherweight
- Stable
- Quick-drying
- Stylish
Cons
- Too roomy (women’s version)
- Adjustability issues
Verdict
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.
Best hiking sandals with closed toe for women
KEEN Uneek
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$68
Outland USA
Free shipping
$98
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 2% in hiking sandals
- Top 5% in KEEN hiking sandals
- Top 4% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Breathable
- Excellent grip
- Very supportive
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Needs break-in
- Not for long hikes or technical terrain
Verdict
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.
Best closed toe hiking sandals for women
KEEN Clearwater CNX
Outland USA
Free shipping
$85
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$94
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$125
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 20% in hiking sandals
- Top 29% in KEEN hiking sandals
- Top 30% 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
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.
Best women's hiking sandals for water hiking
KEEN Drift Creek H2
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Backcountry
Free shipping
$66
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$66
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
Pros
- Immeasurable comfort
- Off-the-charts grip
- Thrives in and around water
- 10/10 lightness
- Great for kayaking
- Long-lasting
- Excellent toe protection
- Attractive
Cons
- Underwhelming springiness underfoot
- Lackluster arch support
- Narrow heel and toe box
- A tongue that bunches
Verdict
The Drift Creek H2 from KEEN appears to be the sandal that takes two steps forward and one back. Case in point: its generosity in the areas that matter (i.e., comfort, traction, and durability) is somewhat held back by fit issues and a sole that could be better in certain ways. Nevertheless, there's still a lot to like in this hiker, especially where water is involved.
Best value sandal
KEEN Astoria West
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$65
Backcountry
Free shipping
$78
Outland USA
Free shipping
$96
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
CoreScore
- Top 28% in hiking sandals
- Top 30% in closed toe hiking sandals
Pros
- Plush right from the get-go
- Great traction on wet surfaces
- Incredibly supportive
- Offers forefoot protection
- Built to last
- Glove-like fit
Cons
- Touter-than-usual construction
- Bulky heel
Verdict
If you have been desperately searching for a sandal that puts brawn and femininity in one badass package, then the Astoria West must be for you. Dubbed by KEEN as among their town-to-trail greats, this enduring beauty will keep going as you brave the outdoors. It is not the sexiest hybrid out there, but its combination of toughness and spunkiness is enough to reel you in.
Most popular hiking sandals for women
Hoka Hopara
Outland USA
Free shipping
$130
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$135
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$135
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$135
CoreScore
- Top 6% most popular hiking sandals
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
Verdict
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)!
