20 Pairs Of Comfy Shoes For All Of Your Summer Travels

Croc platforms that *may* just be cute enough to convert the Never Croc-er™ amongst us. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating, too, if you need to shove them in your backpack's exterior water bottle pouch because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated.
Quick-drying Teva sandals with a grippy outsole that makes them ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities. One reviewer says they averaged 17,000 steps per day on their last trip and were the only one in their group to not get blisters, thanks to these bbs!
Or some extra water-friendly Tevas (they float!) *so* dang comfortable and lightweight, reviewers say they work beautifully for flat feet ~and~ super-high arches as well as swollen pregnant feet and even those with tendinitis.
Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers you can slide on and off in a snap whether you're going through security or just don't have the patience to fuss with shoelaces. Travelers swear by them for their wide toe box, cushioning, flexibility, and removable (aka replaceable) insoles, which one reviewer with plantar fasciitis calls a game-changer!
Super springy Hoka Clifton 9's which provide soft and even cushioning so your feet won't be any worse for wear even after a day of 20,000+ steps.
Birkenstocks Arizona sandals so good, that they've gone practically unchanged since they first started popping up on people's feet in 1973.
Reebok Club C Sneakers that 1) are hella comfy and 2) match just about everything so you have no excuse to pack multiple sets of shoes when one can do the job.
Rothy's slingbacks knit with the brand's supremely comfortable signature thread (which is spun from plastic bottles) that's freaking WASHABLE!!! The second they get ~funky,~ you can just pop out the cushy insoles and toss the shoes into the washing machine for a refresh.
Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
Reviewer-loved flatforms that are *so* comfortable and cute, people just keep returning to buy more colors. Luckily, there are dozens to choose from, so they won't soon run out.
Allbirds Tree Runners should you be the type of person who says "It's only 25 minutes away?? We can totally walk there!" even if you forget you're spending time in the suburbs and not NYC.
Everlane Italian leather "glove" flats that've won over thousands of reviewers thanks to their buttery soft leather design, which eventually molds to the wearer's foot for a custom-like fit.
Handwoven Plaka sandals with stretch-to-fit nylon straps sure to be your foot's BFF — not nemesis.
Simple flats that are easy to slip on and off at the airport and take up next to no room in your bag so you can go ahead and pack that sweater that you def won't need on your Caribbean trip but... like... what if you do and then you regret not bringing it??
Strappy flip-flops for those ready to graduate from Old Navy $1 flip-flops and onto something bigger and better (read: more durable). Baby steps, grasshopper, baby steps.
Iconic Chaco sandals with completely customizable straps so even if someone steps on the back of your shoe, you'll never step out of it! OFC half the fun of these is being left with a signature zig-zagged tan line that says, "Yes, I was vacationing somewhere warm." 😌
Handmade leather sandals that offer a barefoot feel. 🦶 While they're available in standard sizes, there's also an option to get them custom-made if you have particularly narrow or wide feet!
Ergonomic FitFlops if you're simply *not* a sneaker person and are looking for a supportive alternative that lets your dogs breathe. These featherlight sandals are designed with air foam, which retains its cushioning, meaning they'll bounce back from every step you take.
Strappy Sorel sandals with a sporty zigzag sole and "foot-to-floor foam" that ensures ultimate comfort all day long.
And some cute and casual Sperry sneakers with a delightfully durable design that includes rustproof eyelets, an elastic back that won't be easily ruined when you kick them on and off, and a lightweight removable footbed that also offers excellent arch support.

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Tom's Guide

3 days ago

• Tom's Guide

5 tech travel hacks I learned after 2 months backpacking in Asia — don't make the same mistakes as me

Last year, I backpacked across Asia for two months, and it was the best time of my life. My boyfriend and I started in South Korea (where we'd just spend two years teaching English to kindergarteners), and traveled to Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand before heading back home to the U.K.. The picture you see above is us on the summit of Mt. Batur in Indonesia — look at the clouds! They're so beautiful they don't even seem real. But also... look at my shoes. I'm wearing my Merrell hiking boots (that I love, don't get me wrong). This was a major error — they took up so much space in my luggage and I only wore them a couple of times because it was just way too hot. So I though I'd compile everything I learned while traveling Asia, so you don't make the same travel tech mistakes as me. Please learn from my oopsies. Why was this a mistake? Because I have a MacBook Pro M1 14-inch, which weighs about 3.5 pounds, give or take. That is pretty heavy when you're trying to save as much weight as you can for airplane luggage. What should you do instead? You should definitely take an iPad or just your phone instead. Booking tickets and managing itineraries might be a little tricky on a phone, though, so I'd recommend taking one of the best tablets. I have an iPad 2021 (I took that too!) and I wish that had been the only computer I'd taken. Why was this a mistake? It's all about saving space when you're traveling. What was the point of taking a pair of headphones and earbuds? I never wore the headphones either, because I couldn't be bothered to dig them out of my backpack. What should you do instead? Take the smallest earbuds you can find. I loved the ANC on my AirPods Pro 2 when I was on flights. I can also recommend the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, because the ANC is second-to-none. Alternatively, the Sony WF-C710N could be a good, cheaper option, with great ANC for just $119. These are my favorite earbuds in the world. I used them while traveling, so I can say with confidence that the ANC is good enough to block out airplane engine noises and even loud intercity buses. Why was this a mistake? I guess you're noticing a theme here... taking books was a fool's error! Why did I fill my backpack with paper books when I'm going to be carrying my luggage around? I ended up leaving some at a hotel's book swap. What should you do instead? Definitely use the iPad or tablet you're going to take to read books, or get a Kindle. The best Kindles can be as affordable as $159 these days. I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite (2024): it has an awesome 12-week battery life and is even IPX8-rated so you'll be able to keep reading at the pool without stress. Why was this a mistake? For some reason, I took my Merrell hiking boots. Don't get me wrong, I love my Merrell hiking boots — they are some of the best hiking boots. But they are so big and so heavy. They took up loads of space in my luggage, and I only wore them once because they were so heavy — I resorted to my Teva hiking sandals the rest of the time. What should you do instead? You should get a pair of really good trail running shoes and use them for both walking shoes and hiking boots. I have the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX right now, but I also like the look of the Merrell Moab 3 for something more hardy. If I'd taken these instead, I would've had more space in my luggage, my feet wouldn't have got so hot on hikes, and I would've been able to squeeze a run in, too. I have the Speedgoat 5, but that's because I bought the shoes a while ago. Now Hoka is onto the Speedgoat 6, which are lighter than the 5s (so even better for traveling) and are more durable (so better for more tempestuous environments). Why was this a mistake? For obvious reasons, I wanted to get some shut-eye on various travel days. I traveled by plane, boat, bus, and train on my 2 months in Asia, and I had to suffer through all of them by resting my cheek on the window and begging sleep to come. What should you do instead? You should definitely get a good travel neck pillow. A travel pillow is essential for sleeping on planes. Tempur-Pedic's travel pillow is $69 and is super plush, which will help you sleep on public transport. Tempur-Pedic (yes, the same brand that makes some of the best mattresses in the world) has a plush travel pillow for just $65. This travel pillow is reportedly very firm, which makes it perfect for propping you up on long travel days.

Buzz Feed

3 days ago

• Buzz Feed

27 Comfy Shoes From Zappos To Have At The Ready For Your Next Trip

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Blisters are not invited on your summer vacation. Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. 1. A pair of New Balance Classics 327 sneakers that will keep you looking sporty and cute as you log 20,000 daily steps on your long-awaited European vacation. 2. A pair of pull-on Dr. Martens Chelsea boots that truly are made for walking. They'll add some edgy style, and are quick and easy to pull off and put back on when you go through TSA. Zappos Promising review:"Love these, my first pair of Docs! I hope they hold up for a long time. Do not be afraid of how tall these shoes are, they are just right in person! Didn't take much time for them to break in. The leather is good, and on one shoe, I can see a really nice grain texture. (They aren't the type of shoe that looks like plastic.) I am considering putting an insole in them just to make them that much comfier." — Anonymous 3. A pair of Birkenstock Arizonas that never disappoint in terms of comfort or style. They've been a staple sandal for decades now, so why fix something that's not broken? Zappos Promising review:"I was a little hesitant to buy these because it has a man-made upper rather than a leather one. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of the material. I would definitely order them again. In fact, it's hard to tell they are not leather unless I place them side by side with my leather Birkenstocks. The footbed and the sole are the same as regular Birkenstocks. As usual, Zappos sent them to me with lightning speed." — Anonymous 4. An adorable pair of mesh Mary Janes adorned with rhinestones that will perfectly complement your shiny personality. And they're nice and breathable, too, in case you plan on traveling to an especially hot climate. Zappos Promising review:"These shoes are super cute and unique. I enjoy the sparkle and being mesh, they seem really summery. I wear an 8 in sandals and an 8.5 in athletic shoes in most brands. I always take a 7 in a Sam Edelman shoe." — Diane 5. A pair of strappy sandals with a cushioned footbed and a slight wedge heel that you can wear all day while exploring and then to dinner in the evening without having to change. Promising review:"Bought these for my vacation in Portugal and love them. Wanted something a bit dressier for evenings, but still super easy to walk in for miles! These were great, comfortable right out of the box." — Anonymous 6. A pair of Crocs because if you need something lightweight and easy, you can't go wrong with these classic clogs. Go ahead and wear them several days in a row to the beach and on grimy city streets — it really doesn't matter where you wear them because you can just rinse them off and they're good to go! Zappos Promising review:"I wore Birkenstock sandals full time for 40 years. Then my right heel developed a bad case of plantar fasciitis, and I found that ONLY wearing Crocs helped! Now my heel doesn't hurt anymore, and the added bonus is that the Crocs are VERY easy to keep clean!" — Linda G 7. A pair of Vionic loafers that will bring some 24-karat magic whenever you wear them (there are also more neutral colors available in case gold's not your thing). They have arch support, too, so you can rock them all day long. Zappos Promising review:"Very soft leather, wore them all over Spain while on vacation. Good with a light sock; very comfortable. No trouble with my plantar fasciitis." — Diane 8. A pair of Converse high-top sneakers because Chucks are timeless for a reason (aside from the fact that they've been around for over a century). They look good on everyone and go with almost everything. Zappos 9. A pair of Vans slip-ons that are cool even if you never went through a skater era. They're so simple to slide your feet into that you'll have a hard time wearing any other shoes. Zappos 10. A pair of Coach platform loafers for anyone who wants to walk around in flats that aren't sneakers. The leather upper lets you dress them up, too, which is especially ideal for work trips. Zappos Promising review:"I love these shoes!!! They are so cute and comfortable. It fits true to size, and I can't wait for the brown or black to go on sale because I will buy them too. They are a MUST-have!" — Cheryl 11. A pair of Havaianas flip-flops that are an easy addition to any carry-on, tote, or suitcase. They're compact, comfy, and give you an easy change of shoes if your feet need a break from closed-toe shoes and socks. Zappos Promising review:"I was very pleased with these flip-flops. They are durable and do not fade (even the black ones). The straps stay tight, and the foam maintains its shape. I would highly recommend these shoes as your summer footwear." — Anonymous 12. A snazzy pair of Toms platform sandals to give you a lift as you go about your day, exploring a new city. The adjustable ankle strap will make sure they stay securely on your feet for all your activities. Zappos 13. A pair of leather huaraches that are as ready for your next getaway as you are. Their breathable woven upper molds to your foot with each wear, and they have a cushioned sole to keep you comfy, whether you're walking down a cobblestone street or strolling along the beach. Promising review:"Finally, a really comfortable huarache-style shoe! The heels don't slip, moderate arch support and cushioning, and the fit is good overall. The sole provides some cushioning and doesn't slip on pavement like the traditional leather soles tend to do." — Susie 14. A pair of wedge espadrilles that will give you support, height, and some Mediterranean chicness for all your travels, near and far. These plus a red floral sundress? *Chef's kiss!* Zappos Promising review:"So comfortable! Tie the ribbons fairly tight, and the sandal will feel like an extension of the foot. Love these!" — Anonymous 15. A pair of Sam Edelman mules that are not only super easy to slide in and out of (TSA'll be a breeze!) but *look* super sophisticated as well. Are they a sandal? A loafer? A mule? Whatever they are, they'll instantly elevate your look without you even having to try. Zappos Promising review:"These are really cute and feel broken in the second you slip them on. The leather is super soft and they are really comfortable. As many other reviewers have noted, these run a half size large. They fit perfectly." — Azelsm 16. A pair of pointed-toe flats that look like standard flats from the front but have metallic accents on the heel that will catch everyone's eye at the outdoor cafe when you saunter by. Zappos Promising review:"As soon as I tried these on, I went back online to see if they came in other colors. I've never worn ballet flats that ACTUALLY HAVE ARCH SUPPORT!! Love it." — Anonymous 17. A pair of retro Reeboks to give you that cool *I shop vintage* look. You can wear them with practically any outfit and look effortlessly trendy as you gallivant across the city. 18. A pair of flatform Tevas that'll accompany you on all your outdoor adventures and music festivals this season. They're cute with shorts, leggings, jeans, dresses — you name it. Zappos 19. A Sam Edelman slide sandal that is a must for any warm-weather uniform. In fact, you'll probably want to pick up a backup as you'll be wearing these daily. Zappos Promising review:"I have very difficult feet (super high arches and slightly wide feet, but not wide enough for extra-wide shoes). I live in a warm climate, so I can wear these almost year-round. They are very comfortable and I can wear them for short strolls or shopping. They are a stylish and budget-friendly version of similar shoes that YSL and Hermes make. Also great for travel as they take up virtually no room in a suitcase or even a tote bag." — SuzieG 20. A simple pair of Sam Edelman ballet flats that are an essential travel shoe because they're easy on the feet, can be paired with every outfit, and take up practically no room in your luggage (or purse). Zappos Promising review:"You know someone loves a shoe when they buy a second pair of I just ordered my second pair. I got a pair this spring, just before I had some minor foot surgery. It turned out to be one of two pairs of shoes I could wear without pain because it doesn't have any pressure points. I literally wore these for three weeks straight. I love this shoe because I can wear it with jeans or skirts, and it's easy to wear on a plane. They pack great!" — Ann 21. A pair of Hoka Clifton 10 running shoes so comfy and cushy, they might just motivate you to plan a hiking trip just so you can get outside and get moving. These are like, cooler dad shoes, and every step will be nice and bouncy. Zappos Promising review:"Ordered these as a backup to another pair of Hokas that I ordered, but fell in love with the look and especially the comfort!! So I kept BOTH!! Love 'em!" — RB 22. A pair of Frye leather slip-ons for those days when you want something low-effort but still stylish. These are low profile and have a naturally worn-in look that makes them a go-to choice. Zappos Promising review:"I really love this shoe. Nicer than wearing a regular 'tennis shoe' while still being casual and comfortable. Worn right out of the box without any issues. I am usually a size 8 in most shoes, and this fit perfectly in an 8." — Shelley 23. A Superga canvas sneaker because a good pair of white tennis shoes gives you so many outfit options — dresses, skirts, shorts, and jeans will work so well with them! If you're an ultra-light packer and only bring one pair of shoes on trips, consider these your one pair. Zappos Promising review:"I love these sneakers! I was looking for a replacement for my Simple sneakers because they no longer make them, and these are just the ticket. They are well-made, comfortable, and so cute. They have a good full arch support. If your foot is widest at the toes, though, I would recommend going up a half size." — Heidi K 24. A pair of On Cloudmonsters that, true to their name, really make you feel like you're walking on clouds. They're perfect for spending long days exploring new places on foot. Zappos Promising review:"Shoes are really comfortable; they actually feel like walking on a cloud, so expect some bouncing. They are cool but very sporty looking." — Kari 25. A pair of cork sandals with arch support and ankle straps so they'll stay put even if you wander off into an old cobblestone alley somewhere when you're trying to find your hotel. Zappos Promising review:"These sandals were perfect for my two-week trip to Spain. They were comfortable from the first time I wore them, and provided good support and comfort through days of walking on uneven streets. The footbed is super supportive and just the right amount of cushion. The heel is high enough to give a little height, and they are good-looking with everything. Love these!" — JV Price: $140 (available in sizes 5–12 and seven colors) 26. A pair of water-friendly Keen sandals you can wear in a pool, lake, river, or ocean without worrying about losing a shoe to Mother Nature. They also mold to your foot, giving you the ultimate fit. Zappos Promising review:"I bought these for a 25-day trip to Thailand and wore them almost every day. They were fantastic! And my feet never hurt, despite all the walking (so much!), hiking (which included walking through small streams), and elephant riding. And they are very lightweight." — Laurajeanz Price: $119.95 (available in sizes 5–12 and 10 colors) 27. A pair of Adidas Adilette Aqua slides that will bring you back to your carefree soccer team practice days when you didn't have to pay bills and be an adult (which is why you planned a trip in the first place). These sandals are still just as comfy as you remember, btw. Zappos Promising review:"I took others' advice and sized down. Normally, I wear a women's 9.5–10, so I ordered the M8/W9, and the fit is perfect. Flip-flops rub a blister between my toes, so slides are a good alternative. These look sharp, and the price is right." — CMM Price: $25+ (originally $27.95, available in sizes 5–14 and in three colors) The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

CNN

4 days ago

• CNN

I tested the best hiking sandals in 2025 for comfort, traction and more

The best hiking sandals we tested Best hiking sandals: Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandals Best open hiking sandals: Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Classic Sandals Whether you're crossing streams while hiking or love the open feeling they provide, the best hiking sandals are an essential piece of gear for anyone trying to hit the trails this summer. They don't provide as much protection or stability as traditional hiking boots, but in exchange, sandals are lighter, dry faster and give you a much freer feeling. While a pair of cheap flip-flops will quickly break and leave you with a rolled ankle if you take them out on the trails, hiking sandals are designed to be durable and grippy so you can wear them on any kind of hike. To find the best, I wore 12 pairs on trails in my hometown of Boulder, Colorado, and in the raging spring flow of Boulder Creek. After my rigorous testing, I found two of the best hiking sandals you can buy right now. Teva Men's Grandview Max Hiking Sandals Striking the perfect balance between the support of shoes and the openness of sandals, these hiking sandals from Teva were a no-brainer for our top spot. Teva Women's Grandview Max Hiking Sandals The Teva Grandview Max sandals had the best grip and the best support of any hiking sandals I tested. Chaco Men's Z/1 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Classic Sandals If you want a more open feel, the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro sandals are the ones for you. They still have excellent grip and support while exposing your feet more than the Tevas. Chaco Women's Z/1 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Classic Sandals The Z-shaped design of these Chaco sandals provided the most support out of any sandals that didn't have uppers, and the Vibram soles were nearly as grippy as the Grandview Max sandals. What differentiates a good pair of hiking sandals from $10 flip-flops is grip and stability. In my testing, there wasn't a pair of sandals that performed better in those areas than the Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandals. They grip well on rocks and loose dirt, are comfortable and are the only pair of sandals I'd want to wear on intense hikes. The Teva Grandview Max sandals had amazing grip in my testing and the best traction of any pair I tried. Teva utilizes Vibram Megagrip on the outsoles, which provides an incredible amount of grip and durability. I was able to climb up steep rocks without slipping, thanks to this sticky rubber. A couple of other pairs also had Vibram Megagrip, and while they also performed well when testing grip on a steep rock face, the Tevas blew the competition out of the water when it came to hiking in loose dirt. During my tests, I wore each pair while descending and ascending a steep slope filled with rocks, scree and loose dirt, and the Grandview Max sandals had the most grip by far. This is because these hiking sandals have a much more aggressive tread and deeper lugs than any other sandals in my testing pool. The combination of these aggressive lugs and Vibram Megagrip gave them a clear advantage in traction, no matter the terrain. While the Grandview Max sandals provide the same traction as some hiking shoes, you might prefer sandals for their ability to work in the water. Luckily, these Tevas kept their top-notch performance even when I was walking in the knee-deep water of Boulder Creek. Whether I was stomping on slippery underwater rocks or loose dirt by the shore, I had much better grip and traction in these than in any other sandals I tested. Besides grip, stability is a big factor when it comes to hiking sandals. This is typically where sandals fall short compared to hiking shoes, since they have less material surrounding your foot to provide support. However, the Teva Grandview Max sandals have soft, comfortable uppers that also keep your feet locked into place. Whether I was twisting my ankle on tree roots or wading through gushing water, the sandals felt securely attached to my feet and much more supportive than any other pair. The Grandview Max sandals are also some of the most comfortable I tested. I didn't experience any hot spots from the uppers or the straps, and the midsoles are plush and provide tons of cushion underneath your feet. These sandals can also be adjusted in three different ways — at the heel, the toe box and around the ankle — to achieve the perfect, secure fit. If I had to pick one pair of sandals to go hiking in, it would be the Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandals. They provide the best traction and support out the sandals in my testing pool, not to mention they're comfortable. The only real downside? You won't get that open feeling of wearing sandals that many people love. They're not a minimalist pair at all, and your feet aren't as exposed as other pairs. This could be a good thing, since you'll get less dirt and rocks stuck in your sandals while hiking, but some might not like the feel if they're dedicated to letting their toes breathe. If you don't mind a pair with uppers and don't need your entire foot to be exposed in each sandal, the Teva Grandview Max are a no-brainer. I'd feel comfortable wearing them on a relaxed day at the lake or an adventurous alpine hike. And even though they outperformed all their competitors, they're priced right alongside the other performance-oriented sandals at $130. If you don't want your toes to feel claustrophobic at all but still need top-tier performance on the trail, the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pros are for you. They don't utilize uppers like the Teva Grandview Max, and instead have a Z strap that cradles your feet and provides a surprising amount of support. Plus, the Z/1 Rapid Pros also feature Vibram Megagrip, which gives these kicks some of the best grip you'll find in any sandals. While the Teva Grandview Max had the best traction of all the sandals I tested, the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pros weren't far behind. They were identically grippy on my rock tests, and I was able to do my best mountain goat impression up steep slopes. Where they fell a bit short was when I was hiking up and down the hill with loose dirt. They still performed great, but the Chaco sandals don't have lugs as deep or as aggressive as the Tevas, which meant they couldn't dig into the loose ground as well. When I brought these Chacos to the creek, they further cemented their spot as one of the best pairs I tested. Not only did they provide admirable traction when I was hopping from one wet rock to another but they felt very secure and had a decent amount of support. The straps of the Chacos can't compete with the uppers of the Grandview Max, but the Z formation of these Chaco sandals gave the best support of any strap configuration I tried. The straps encircle your feet so no matter what direction your ankle is rolling, they don't slide around too much. My one qualm with the straps is that when I fully tightened everything in preparation for a hike, the tail of the straps were so long that they were dragging on the ground. They could easily be tucked in somewhere, but it's a complaint I also saw on online reviews, and it was a small annoyance in my testing. All in all, though, the support of these straps is what propelled the Z/1 Rapid Pros into our winners circle, even though the Bedrock Cairn Evo Pro were close behind. The only other downside I encountered with the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro might not be a negative for everyone. They have contoured soles to provide ample arch support, so if you have high arches or like that support, you'll love them; however, some may find the extra support uncomfortable if they don't conform to their foot shape. Also, since the contour of the soles is meant to hug your feet tightly, when small pieces of dirt or pebbles inevitably get stuck between your feet and the shoes, the debris is extremely hard to get out. When I was traipsing through the river, a tiny, sharp pebble got stuck underneath one foot and was quite painful until I sat down, loosened the strap on my sandal and shook it out. The Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro offer a freer feeling while you're hiking, and your feet will be able to soak up a lot more sun than in the Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandals. While they have a similar amount of traction, you're giving up the support of the uppers with this Chaco pick. Plus, the contoured design might not be for everyone. But if you don't need that extra support and want to feel the wind between your toes, there's no better pick than the Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pros. I searched the web for the best and most popular hiking sandals on the market, selecting 12 pairs to add to my testing pool. From barefoot and close-toed options to cult-favorite brands like Teva and Chaco, I wore each of the hiking sandals on dry trails and in the raging Boulder Creek to test them for comfort, grip, stability and more. Below are all the tests I completed during testing. Performance Comfort: I wore each pair of sandals for a few days in a row around town and on dog walks to get a general sense of how each pair felt on my feet. Traction: I hiked in every single pair and conducted a series of traction tests on steep rocks and loose dirt on the same hill. After I hiked on dry trails, I took all the sandals to Boulder Creek to test them in the water. Stability and security: While hiking both in and out of the river, I paid attention to how much support each pair of sandals provided. I also paid attention to how secure they felt on my feet. Durability: During and after all testing, I closely examined each pair of sandals for any wear and tear. I also thoroughly tested all straps and closures and judged if they felt durable or not. Design Fit: After wearing each pair of sandals for a few days and on hikes, I judged how well they fit compared to the other sandals. Adjustability: I counted how many ways I could adjust each pair of sandals and used all of them to see how easy those adjustments were to make. Weight: I weighed each pair of sandals using a kitchen scale. Colors and sizing: I counted the number of sizes and colors each pair of sandals is available in. Warranty: I researched the warranty of each pair of sandals and ranked them. Hiking sandals won't ever be as supportive as hiking boots, but if you plan on using them at the beach or lake, or if your route requires a lot of water crossings, they can be a great option. When deciding which pair of hiking sandals is best for you, there are a few things to consider. While normal sandals don't need great grip, traction is of utmost importance on the trail. That's why you should be looking for sandals that use high-quality rubber and have an aggressive tread. The quality of the rubber gives you more grip in general but especially on smooth surfaces like rocks. The tread and lug design can help your sandals dig into loose terrain to keep you on your feet. After grip, you'll probably want to consider stability. This is the area where sandals have the biggest disadvantage compared to shoes and boots, so if you have weak ankles, you might want to look elsewhere. Since most sandals use various configurations of straps instead of rigid uppers, they don't offer much support. However, the design of the straps can make a big difference. Of all the strap designs I tested, I found Z straps to. be the most supportive. Some sandals do have uppers, like the Teva Grandview Max or the Keen Hyperport H2, and these offer much more stability. Adjustability is another key feature of hiking sandals. When there are more points to adjust, it's easier to dial in a fit that feels good on the trail or poolside. Most sandals will have some sort of adjustment around the toe boxes and ankles, but you'll also want to make sure to look for adjustable heel straps. I found these to be very useful in creating a precise, tight and supportive fit. Lastly, the security of your hiking sandals plays a big role in how good they feel on your feet. Especially when wading through water, sandals that feel like they're falling off your feet are less than ideal. And if you're hiking on loose terrain, a loose sandal could get caught up on rocks, roots and other obstacles. Some hikers might also consider weight in their buying decision, as hiking sandals make great camp shoes. Both our winners are on the heavier side, since the extra stability makes them better for the trail. However, I also tested some great lightweight options like the Bedrock Cairn Evo Pro, Xero Shoes Z-Trail, and Teva Original Universal Sandals. Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo Pro Sandals While I love these sandals, they're not the best for everyone. They're thin, which can feel uncomfortable, and the toe thong can dig into your feet. These simple barefoot sandals were nearly one of my winners. They're lightweight, have great grip and provide a minimalist, wide-open feel many sandal wearers are looking for. However, they fell short in comfort and support compared to the Teva Grandview Max and Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro. The Cairn Evo Pro have the excellent Vibram Megagrip but had less grip on the loose terrain than both of our top picks. Plus, the thong style of the Bedrocks can be uncomfortable, especially when hiking downhill. But if you want a more open feel or you're into barefoot shoes, definitely consider the Bedrock Cairn Evo Pro. I personally like them a lot, and while they don't have nearly the same amount of support as our other winners, they are fan favorites for a reason. Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo C Sandals With cushier soles, these barefoot shoes give your feet a bit more protection. But I still think most people will find them uncomfortable. Bedrock's Cairn Evo C Sandals don't have the Vibram Megagrip outsoles (they still use Vibram, just not Megagrip), but they do have a lot more cushion than the Bedrock sandals above. They still have the same issues as the Evo Pro sandals when it comes to comfort and support, but they're a great pair of everyday sandals. Both the Evo C and Evo Pro use thongs that go between your toes to give your feet some stability, but I found it uncomfortable, especially when hiking downhill. Teva Men's Original Universal Sandals These Tevas didn't have grip good enough for the trails, which was the complete opposite of the winning Grandview Max sandals. Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals They're comfortable, stylish and easy to put on, but these simple sandals just aren't built for strenuous hiking. Unfortunately, our pick for the best sandals for men couldn't stack up against the competition when it came to more technical and adventurous activities. While the Teva Original Universal Sandals are simple and comfortable, they had terrible traction and security in my tests. Xero Shoes Men's Z-Trail EV Sandals Even with a Z strap that normally offers great support, these sandals were too flimsy to be stable. Xero Shoes Women's Z-Trail EV Sandals I also found the traction on these sandals to be a bit lackluster. If you're interested in barefoot sandals, you should consider this pair. With an even more minimalist feel than the Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo Pro, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV provide little protection between your feet and the terrain. For barefoot lovers, this is great, but for newbies, make sure to allocate some break-in time. Besides the barefoot design, the Z-Trail EVs didn't have as much traction as the top sandals, and since they're so lightweight, stability was also an issue. Xero Shoes Men's D-Trail Sandals While these make great camp shoes, their lack of traction and support make them less than ideal on hikes. Xero Shoes Women's D-Trail Sandals If you're a barefoot fanatic, you'll probably still love these, but for most, they're a bit too uncomfortable. Similar to the Z-Trail EV, the Xero Shoes D-Trail provide a lightweight, barefoot feel but lack in comfort, traction and stability. I liked this pair slightly more than the Z-Trail EV because I found them easier to slip on and off quickly, and since they're so light, they're going to be my new go-to pair of camp shoes. However, I wouldn't want to hike very far in them. Chaco Men's Z/Cloud Adjustable Strap Cushioned Sandals These sandals, just like the Z/1 Rapid Pro, offer the best stability out of any sandals I tested that didn't have uppers. However, the soles on this pair have less traction than the winners. Chaco Women's Z/Cloud Adjustable Strap Cushioned Sandals Basically identical to the Z/1 Rapid Pro except for the rubber on the outsoles, the Z/Cloud are a good choice for less technical endeavors. The Chaco Z/Cloud utilizes the famous Z strap that I loved so much on the Z/1 Rapid Pro; however, this pair doesn't have Vibram outsoles. It was quite astonishing how much of a difference the Vibram rubber made, as I was slipping a lot more during my traction tests while wearing these compared with the winning pair. If you want a pair of comfortable Chaco sandals and don't necessarily need top-tier grip, these are a good choice. Chaco Men's Bodhi Adjustable Strap Classic Sandals I didn't like the toe loop of these sandals, and they weren't grippy enough to be considered for either of our top spots. Chaco Women's Bodhi Adjustable Strap Classic Sandals Because of the design of the straps, these sandals lack support, which is a big negative when hiking on uneven terrain. Some people may like the toe loops of the Chaco Bodhi, but I hated them. When hiking downhill and on uneven terrain, they put so much pressure on my big toes that even after just a few minutes of hiking, I found it uncomfortable. They might be an okay pair of sandals for normal walking if you like the toe loops, but their design and slippery outsoles didn't perform on the trails. Hoka Men's Infini Hike TC Sandals These cushy sandals are comfortable but fall short compared with the Teva Grandview Max. Hoka Women's Infini Hike TC Sandals If you're a die-hard Hoka fan, you'll be happy with these sandals; however, they didn't have the same grip as the winning Tevas, and they didn't feel as secure either. These Hoka sandals have a similar design to the winning Teva Grandview Max sandals and utilize soft uppers that provide more support and security than most of the sandals I tested. However, I found the outsoles of these Hokas weren't as grippy as the Teva sandals, even though they both use Vibram Megagrip. The adjustability of the straps also wasn't as easy to use, and the pair I got fit bigger than the other sandals in my testing pool. The Hoka hiking sandals aren't a bad pair, but if you're interested in them, I think you should get the Teva Grandview Max sandals instead. Keen Men's Newport H2 Sandals If you want to keep your toes protected more than they would be with the other sandals in our testing pool, these should be your pick. Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandals While they had great stability, they didn't have nearly the same amount of traction as the top performers in testing. The two pairs of Keen shoes had some of the best security of all the sandals I tested since they're designed like shoes instead of sandals. The closed-toe design can help protect your feet from rocks and debris, but they didn't perform as well as other sandals in my traction tests. Keen Men's Hyperport H2 Sandals These secure shoes didn't have enough traction to stand out. Keen Women's Hyperport H2 Sandals I also didn't love the adjustability of Keen's sandals. I didn't feel like I could customize the fit as well as others I tested. Between the Newport H2 and the Hyperport H2, I liked the Hyperport H2 a bit more. They were easier to put on, lighter and $10 cheaper than the Newport H2. However, in both wet and dry traction tests, they couldn't compete with the other sandals I tested. Most others also had better adjustability, touting multiple customization points instead of Keen's single bungee. How should hiking sandals fit? How should hiking sandals fit? Hiking sandals shouldn't be too big or too small. If they're too big, the extra foam that pokes out in front of your toes and behind your heels can get caught on rocks while hiking and cause you to trip. If they're too small, your toes could hang off the edge of the sandals. Most sandals I tested fit true to size and had a good amount of adjustability to customize the perfect fit. Are Teva sandals good for hiking? Are Teva sandals good for hiking? Some Teva sandals are good for hiking, yes. The Teva Grandview Max Hiking Sandals are my pick as the best hiking sandals, thanks to their outstanding grip and stability. The original Teva sandals, however, don't have the same grip and aren't good for hiking. Are Keen sandals good for hiking? Are Keen sandals good for hiking? Keen sandals are a great choice for hikers because they have a lot of stability, similar to hiking shoes; however, in my tests, they didn't have the same amount of grip as the winners. CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this best-tested product review, CNN Underscored's outdoors editor Kai Burkhardt hiked in all 12 pairs of the sandals included in this article and judged each on comfort, traction, stability and more.