7 Best Hiking Sandals For Women in 2026

Our hikes in the KEEN Newport H2 were filled with confidence and ease because we had zero foot pain and unsteadiness. Our lab tests verify its cushioned and protective platform, making it our top hiking sandal that offers the best support for women.

This sandal’s platform feels as cushioned as a hiking shoe, and our caliper shows a generous heel height of 28.0 mm. While it has a well-balanced sensation, as verified by its average 102 SA shock absorption, it has a springy feel that reduces the effort to move forward, as shown by its 57.5% energy return score in the rear.

Besides the well-balanced cushioning, the midsole walls extend and connect to its straps, forming a sturdy framework that keeps us centered. It also features a topsole that’s curved to prevent our arches from collapsing, which suits women who stay long hours on foot. 

Up front is the sturdy KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper, guarding us from painful stabs and extending the shoe’s life.

However, stiffness is the price to pay for this sandal’s protection. Those who prefer a looser and more natural feel should find alternatives.

Durable, steady, and in control, our feet felt so safe exploring the wild using the Teva Hurricane XLT3 Closed Toe. Numbers were cross-checked in the lab, and the outsole offered a reliable grip on a variety of surfaces. It delivered the best traction among women’s hiking sandals we tested.

Whether on wet or rocky conditions, the Hurricane XLT3 Closed Toe took care of our footing. We measured the outsole’s traction in our lab test, and it scored a massive 0.73, underscoring its slip resistance. It features wide, blocky 3.0 mm lugs that are angled to add control on inclined surfaces.

Its outsole is our main defender even against debris and premature wear, as our Dremel only produced a tiny 0.6 mm dent. At this level, it’s 53% sturdier than average. Even the toebox emerged victorious in our abrasion test, earning an impressive 4/5 durability score.

The midsole includes a nylon shank and a raised topline, which creates a steady platform for our feet. It took much effort to twist our ankles or lose balance, as the sandals felt very supportive.

However, this armor is edging closer to hiking shoes, and its 12.6 oz (357g) build shows it. Women who want a more compact or versatile sandal should look for more forgiving models.

Based on our lab results and outdoor wear tests, the KEEN Uneek feels natural and carefree on foot as this sandal adapts to our movement and foot shape. Even as we venture through river banks, lounge by the beach, or walk around town, this sandal does the job of keeping us safe. And it does so as a statement piece, making it our most stylish women’s hiking sandal.

Uneek has a unique design that goes well with many outfits! Its cord upper instantly elevates the look, ensuring women will feel confident in this pair. It feels like an extension of our foot as the free-moving cords stretch to accommodate our own foot shape.

Moreover, its effortless feel comes from its ultra-flexible midsole. Our bend test shows it’s 55% more pliable than average, making it the most adaptive sandal we’ve tested. It has a barely-there sensation, and our scales show it’s lighter than average at 11.1 oz (315g).

We feel at home in the low 20.5/12.9 mm cushion, offering ground feel to navigate uneven paths better. Maintaining our balance is easy since the topsole has a Contour Arch design to prevent our feet from collapsing in. Meanwhile, grip is reliable on hard-packed terrain and wet boardwalks.

Unfortunately, women will need a more heavy-duty sandal on moderately challenging trails. We find the Uneek works best for casual wear and simple water-based activities.

Our near-water adventures with the Hoka Hopara 2 were a stable and comfortable experience while receiving the utmost care and protection. Our lab tests show it has a highly supportive platform, making it our most comfortable hiking sandal for women.

Despite its visual bulk, Hopara 2 is quite light at 11.6 oz (329g) for a closed-toe sandal. Our caliper reveals the stack height is close to the standard at 26.2/23.0 mm, when our feet felt more comfortable than the numbers suggest. Our shock absorption test reveals why: the heel scored a high 123 SA rating, creating a sensation that's 11% more cushioned than average.

The shoe’s design feels inherently stable, notably the midsole sidewalls that cradle our feet and keep us centered. We also measured the base to be a wide 121.9/98.4 mm, ensuring a well-planted feeling, along with the grippy lugs that kept us safe.

The upper showed excellent versatility, which is perfect for multitasking women. The Cordura mesh is highly protective and sturdy, but still offers room for ventilation and water drainage without pebbles and dirt getting in. However, we can’t say the same for sand. We recommend women who visit the beach often to find a more suitable sandal.

Our trail explorations with the HOKA Infini Hike TC felt well-cushioned, springy, and stable, which kept us on foot longer since we didn’t feel the fatigue right away. Of all the best women’s hiking sandals in the lab, the Infini Hike TC stands out with top-tier shock absorption.

We sliced the midsole in half and measured a generous height of 30.2/23.3 mm. However, the cushioning felt much softer thanks to its high level of compression with every stride, evidenced by its insane shock absorption reading of 140 SA. At this rate, it exceeds the standard by 27%!

We liked how the cushioning doesn’t compress drastically under heavy loads, and even has a fun bounce to it. We measured the rear’s energy return at 65%, creating a dynamic sensation and quicker turnover. The MeraRocker also creates smoother transitions.

The buttery foam is complemented by a wide 96.8 mm heel to further stabilize the ride. The design of the heel cup is deeper than usual, which cradles us in place. We never felt like losing our footing while sporting this sandal.

However, the Velcro straps are limited, which leaves those of us with narrow feet swimming inside the sandal. Women with narrow or low-volume feet should find a more secure-fitting or adjustable sandal.

Versatile and wallet-friendly, the Teva Hydratrek is ideal for women on the move, and our lab results confirm its lightweight, carefree style. Simple yet comfortable, it’s only £80, making it our best budget women’s hiking sandal.

Wearing this sandal feels like walking barefoot without the discomfort. Our scales show it’s only 10.8 oz (305), 4% lighter than average. 

Yet its true effortless sensation comes from its forgiving midsole. We could easily bend our feet without resistance. Our 30-degree test reveals it’s 28% more flexible than average! With impressive adaptability, it's easy to use for daily walks and other activities. 

Despite its light build, it actually delivers generous cushioning of 29.2/17.5 mm underneath our feet. Its heel is thicker than average and offers strong shock absorption of 116 SA, allowing us to go on and on without our legs feeling beaten up.

However, the Hydratrek can’t be used for more serious hiking since it lacks sturdy support and protection with its open and vulnerable design. Women who want to explore tougher terrains should find a more protective shoe.