Typically you simply must let the tootsies wiggle free; we get that. Many individuals select climbing sandals for rafting, informal day hikes, and climbing approaches, however they’ll additionally function a terrific different to conventional climbing footwear for longer treks in significantly sizzling or moist climates.
As a staff, we’ve collectively hiked over 6,000 miles in additional than 40 pairs of adventure-ready sandals—together with huge thru-hikes just like the Appalachian Path—and we’ve realized a factor or two about what makes a sandal really trail-worthy. We lately up to date our information to one of the best climbing sandals for girls with one other spherical of focused testing, critically evaluating every pair throughout six completely different efficiency classes. We measured every sandal’s consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, weight, packability, and ease of use.
We’ll use our experience on this information that can assist you discover your good pair of climbing sandals for your entire adventures—huge and small.
It could be a vogue faux-pas, however pairing your climbing sandals with a great pair of climbing socks will lower down on abrasion from straps and hold your toes hotter. Or when you’re after a pair of comfortable sandals for lounging as a substitute of climbing, you’ll love our checklist of the greatest camp sneakers.
Fast Picks for Girls’s Mountaineering Sandals
Take a look at this fast checklist of our favorites when you’re in a rush, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist of one of the best climbing sandals with in-depth evaluations.
Finest climbing sandals general: Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($80)
Finest price range climbing sandal: Teva Authentic Common ($55)
Most versatile climbing sandal: Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Traditional ($105)
Finest ultralight climbing sandal: Xero Footwear Z-Path EV ($80)
Runner-Up ultralight climbing sandal: Earth Runner Alpha ($94)
Finest climbing shoe-sandal hybrid: HOKA Hopara 2 ($135)
Runner-Up climbing shoe-sandal hybrid: KEEN Newport H2 ($120)
Finest ultralight climbing sandal: Luna Mono Winged Version ($110)
Finest climbing sandal for slender toes: Ecco Yucatan ($140)
Finest closed-toe climbing sandal for slender toes: KEEN Rose ($120)
Finest climbing sandal for informal put on: Astral Webber ($110)
What’s new
We’ve been hitting the path in some new sandals to see how they stack up towards our tried-and-true high picks.
- The Teva Hurricane XLT2 earned the highest spot for its distinctive worth proposition: a flexible, sturdy, and cozy climbing sandal for below $80.
- We added the Teva Authentic Common as our high price range choose, which it earned due to its under-$60 value level and excellence for on a regular basis put on
- The beloved Chaco Z/1 Traditional stays on our checklist, taking the title of “most versatile” for its amphibious nature, number of types, and its capacity to take you from city to path fashionably.
- We stored the Xero Footwear Z-Path EV as our high choose for ultralighters, including the Earth Runner Alphas as a detailed runner-up.
- The HOKA Hopara 2 gained a spot as one of the best sneaker-sandal hybrid for its efficiency on trails and roads alike. The KEEN Newport H2 trails intently behind as its runner-up.
- We added the KEEN Rose as a closed-toe possibility for hikers with slender toes.
Teva Hurricane XLT2
Finest climbing sandals general
CleverHiker Score:
4.8/5.0
Value:
$80
Weight (Pair):
15.5 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (heel, ankle, forefoot)
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Broad footbed creates stability
- Provides sneaker-like assist due to thick midsole
- Rubber outsole gives traction on most surfaces
- Heel-to-toe drop helps with ankle mobility
- Padded heel strap prevents pores and skin irritation
- 3 adjustment factors
- Contoured footbed cradles the heel
Cons
- Heavy and considerably cumbersome
- Outsole lugs are a bit shallow for scree faces
- Broad footbed just isn’t preferrred for slender toes
- Midsole is tough, not plush
Should you love the Teva Authentic Common Sandal however would love it to be a bit extra rugged, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 grants your want. Just like the Authentic Universals in some ways, they preserve the identical simplistic, utilitarian type. In addition they make use of Velcro straps for the closure system, are absolutely open-toe, and have a textured footbed.
Nevertheless, they differ in simply as some ways. Primarily, the footbed is considerably wider, accommodating a better vary of foot shapes, and there’s a notable heel-to-toe drop. We love these as a result of they really feel much like sneakers, due to their chunky midsole and three adjustment factors, which give a locked-in really feel.
Whereas they might not be essentially the most shock-absorbing sandals as a consequence of their dense midsole, they provide a substantial amount of power return, serving to you’re feeling lighter in your toes. They supply stable traction on varied surfaces, together with trails with gravel, dust, free sand, or naked rock. Like most climbing sandals, they faltered barely on steep scree slopes, however to not the extent of being a dealbreaker. We consider they make glorious method sneakers, water sneakers, and around-town sneakers—all for a really affordable value, which earns them the highest spot on our information to one of the best climbing sandals.
When you have slender toes, the XLT2s won’t be your greatest match, because the footbed could really feel too roomy for these with slender toes.
Teva Authentic Common
Finest price range climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.7/5.0
Value:
$60
Weight (Pair):
11 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
2
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (forefoot and heel)
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Simply packable for water crossings or as camp sneakers
- Straightforward to get on and off
- Very adjustable
- Versatile, smooth midsole
- Sturdy regardless of their gentle weight
- Able to dealing with minor water crossings
Cons
- Not preferrred for rugged terrain
- Traction isn’t nice on moist or slippery surfaces
- Not beneficial for deep or fast-moving water crossings
The Teva Authentic Common is an impressive selection for these in search of a light-weight, versatile sandal that’s good for a wide range of gentle outside actions and day by day put on. Weighing simply 11 ounces per pair, these sandals are extremely packable and preferrred as a secondary pair for water crossings or camp sneakers. The twin Velcro straps make them straightforward to placed on, take off, and modify, making certain a cushty and safe match each time.
Whereas their traction and assist aren’t sturdy sufficient for rugged terrain or steep, slippery surfaces, they excel on gentle trails, sand, grass, and gravel. The impartial footbed and reasonable midsole assist could not go well with these needing important arch assist or with very extensive toes, however they’re sturdy and versatile, holding up nicely even after years of heavy use. For a relatively low value, the Authentic Common affords glorious worth for adventurers in search of an “every little thing sandal” that performs nicely for errands, river journeys, and lightweight hikes.
Chaco Z/1 Traditional
Most versatile climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.6/5.0
Value:
$105
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Single bar buckle
Professionals
- Sturdy, inflexible midsole gives assist
- Arch assist is substantial
- 3-mm outsole lugs grip most surfaces
- Accessible in a wide range of colorways to indicate off private type
- Textured footbed helps stop slipping when sweaty
- ReChaco program fixes sandals for low charges
Cons
- For low arches, arch assist is likely to be uncomfortable
- Traction lacks on silty surfaces
- Mounted heel strap may trigger match points
A fan favourite amongst hikers and paddlers alike, the Chaco Z/1 Classics sit solidly in our lineup of one of the best climbing sandals. With a thick, sturdy midsole, these widespread climbing sandals supply safety from tough path surfaces whereas permitting your toes to wiggle and your toes to breathe. Our tester has grown to like the one-loop strap adjustment system, which permits for a personalized and safe match for toes of all shapes.
At first look, the Z/1 Classics might sound costly, however we’ve discovered them to be exceptionally sturdy, so we expect they’re definitely worth the value. And in the event that they do break or put on right down to the purpose of being unusable (which might require some critical miles), Chaco will repair them for a nominal price by way of their ReChaco program.
Xero Footwear Z-Path EV
Finest ultralight climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$80
Weight (Pair):
8.6 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
2
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (heel), single bar buckle (ankle)
Professionals
- Glorious for grounding
- Offers full foot freedom
- Delicate footbed wicks away sweat
- Straps are versatile and smooth
- 2-year producer’s guarantee
- 5,000-mile sole guarantee
Cons
- Might not work for slender toes
- No arch assist
- No ankle assist
These climbing sandals are good for you if you wish to put on sneakers with out really feeling such as you’re sporting sneakers. Our tester was shocked the second she wiggled her toes into the Xero Footwear Z-Path EVs: It was akin to wriggling out of a sweaty sports activities bra after an extended, sizzling hike. These sandals present full foot freedom whereas safeguarding the soles of your toes from tough path surfaces.
The Z-Path EVs are a barefoot-inspired shoe, so we don’t suggest them for anybody who requires ankle or arch assist, or any help with stability for that matter. Nevertheless, if grounding is what you’re after, we aren’t certain you will discover a greater possibility. Plus, they’re very fairly priced and include a powerful two-year, 5,000-mile sole guarantee.
Earth Runner Alpha Sandals
Runner-Up ultralight climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.4/5.0
Value:
$94
Weight (Pair):
7.6 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Clamp buckle
Professionals
- Extraordinarily light-weight and simply packable
- Broad footbed permits toes to splay
- Canvas footbed prevents slipping & stickiness
- Efficiency laces are durably constructed
- Permits for unimaginable floor really feel & foot flexibility
Cons
- Toe thong brought about ache for our tester
- No ankle or arch assist
- Canvas footbed may get smelly after some time
If foot freedom is what you’re after and you like a flip-flop type sandal, the Earth Runner Alpha Journey Sandals could also be one of the best climbing sandals for you. An in depth runner-up to our high choose for ultralight sandals, the Alphas really feel virtually like sporting nothing—that’s, if the toe thong doesn’t trouble you prefer it did our tester. In addition they present unimaginable connectedness to the earth beneath your toes and glorious traction on virtually all surfaces regardless of their light-weight construct.
It could not look like you’re getting a whole lot of shoe for the worth (there are a lot hardier climbing sandals accessible for across the identical value) however you’re paying for the design, not a lot the supplies. And that design permits your toes to breathe, flex, splay, and strengthen.
HOKA Hopara 2
Finest climbing shoe-sandal hybrid
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$135
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 4.8 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
2
Closure Mechanism:
Fast-toggle lace (ankle), Velcro strap (heel)
Professionals
- Thick, bouncy midsole gives glorious power return
- Tight-knit mesh higher is versatile but sturdy
- Appropriate for path working and climbing
- Offers nice traction on most surfaces
- Water-repellent with nice drainage
- Ankle collar is smooth & versatile
- Prime-tier toe safety
Cons
- Not packable in comparison with a standard climbing sandal
- Heavy
- Pebbles/silt are arduous to shake out
- Traction isn’t nice on silty surfaces
The HOKA Hopara 2 is our favourite sneaker-sandal hybrid. A far cry from stereotypical water sneakers, these waterproof, protecting kicks can deal with rocky terrain and steep descents simply as successfully as they deal with waterlogged trails and creek crossings. That includes HOKA’s signature chunky midsole, the Hopara 2 is right for hikers who search extra assist and cushioning than typical climbing sandals supply. The thicker midsole and sneaker-like higher make them glorious for rock-hopping and maintaining out most path particles.
Throughout testing, these excelled in varied path eventualities, together with dry dust, gravel, and naked rock. Nevertheless, they struggled to offer traction on particularly silty surfaces. Moreover, whereas we’re huge followers of the roomy footbed and toe field, these gained’t work for hikers with slender toes. Regardless of these few drawbacks, the Hopara 2s firmly established themselves in our guide of top-performing climbing sandals after testing them on a variety of path surfaces.
KEEN Newport H2
Runner-Up climbing shoe-sandal hybrid
CleverHiker Score:
4.2/5.0
Value:
$130
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 6 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
1
Closure Mechanism:
Fast-toggle bungee lace (ankle)
Professionals
- Implausible power return from midsole
- Handles a wide range of terrain exceptionally nicely
- Toe bumper protects toes from rocks & different particles
- May also be worn for path working
- Eliminates have to pack sandals for water crossings
- Slender match is right for slender toes
Cons
- Not packable in comparison with a standard climbing sandal
- Heavy
- Toe field tapers & could not work for wider toes
“Amphibious” is the phrase to make use of to explain the KEEN Newport H2 climbing sandals. A wonderful selection for hikers in search of a sturdy sandal, this versatile sandal-sneaker hybrid handles moist and dry situations equally nicely. With a quick-toggle bungee lace system and a sticky outsole, these sneakers present a safe match and unbelievable traction, even on steep or slippery surfaces. The thick midsole affords spectacular power return, making Newport a sensible choice for these prioritizing consolation on lengthy hikes.
Nevertheless, the Newport H2 just isn’t preferrred for hikers with extensive toes as a consequence of its slender match, and the heel strap may cause discomfort over prolonged put on. At almost 11 ounces per shoe, they’re heavier and bulkier than typical climbing sandals, making them much less sensible for these needing a packable possibility. Nonetheless, their capacity to exchange a separate water shoe makes them a compelling selection for multi-terrain adventures.
Luna Mono Winged Version
Finest zero-drop climbing sandal
CleverHiker Score:
4.1/5.0
Value:
$110
Weight (Pair):
10.8 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Single bar buckle
Professionals
- Exceptionally smooth & versatile straps
- Steady adjustment system
- Deep outsole lugs present glorious traction
- Outsole gained’t put on down shortly
- Midsole is sturdy and supportive, but minimal
- Toe thong is smooth and cozy
Cons
- Difficult to seek out the proper match at first
- Traction could not maintain up on steep grades
- No arch assist
The Luna Mono Winged version climbing sandals supply an distinctive mix of stability, assist, and foot freedom. With their zero-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, they are often thought-about a minimalist sandal, however their sturdy stack peak of 15 millimeters—together with a 4-millimeter outsole lug depth that digs into the bottom almost anyplace you’re taking these sandals—inches them ever-so-slightly towards the maximalist aspect.
Throughout testing, these earned their place in our checklist of top-performing climbing sandals, as a consequence of their best-of-all-worlds options. Whereas three figures may be thought-about costly for a pair of sandals, these are pretty priced for what they provide. We suggest them to anybody who needs a zero-drop climbing sandal with a rugged outsole, however particularly to hikers who’re new to the zero-drop world and wish to begin that journey with extra assist than typical barefoot-inspired sneakers.
Ecco Yucatan
Finest climbing sandals for slender toes
CleverHiker Score:
4.0/5.0
Value:
$130
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 12.6 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
3
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (heel, ankle, forefoot)
Professionals
- Delicate, padded straps stop blisters
- Plush midsole absorbs shock
- Contoured footbed helps arches
- Three independently adjustable straps
- All supplies really feel high-quality
Cons
- Run very slender
- Straps/higher don’t dry shortly
- Heavy and ponderous
- Costly
We recognize the Ecco Yucatan Mountaineering Sandals for his or her sturdy building, supple but safe straps, and three-point adjustability. They’re a wonderful selection for hikers who want ample assist and help with stability—assuming they suit your toes. Our tester discovered these sandals slender, which restricted their use to straightforward, brief trails or round camp, the place she might swap them out if the squeezing turned too uncomfortable.
Should you’re a narrow-footed hiker who struggles to seek out sandals that don’t really feel like clunky wood moccasins (we all know y’all are on the market), the Yucatans is likely to be a sensible choice for you. They’re expensive when not on sale, however for the proper toes, they’ll show their price. Along with being a top-tier selection for slender toes, they’re additionally a boon for hikers who want a little bit of exterior assist for his or her ankles. The sidebar retains your toes locked in, even when stepping at uncommon angles, and the contoured footbeds present a pleasant cradle on your toes.
KEEN Rose
Finest closed-toe climbing sandal for slender toes
CleverHiker Score:
3.9/5.0
Value:
$120
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 3 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
1
Closure Mechanism:
Velcro (ankle)
Professionals
- Comfortable match for slender toes
- Heel-to-toe drop helps with ankle mobility
- Padded straps stop pores and skin abrasions
- Midsole is appropriate for all-day put on
- Full toe safety
- KEEN ensures towards sole delamination
- Good for a wide range of gentle adventures
Cons
- Too slender for extensive toes
- Shallow lug depth and restricted traction
- Not packable
- Lack forefoot adjustment
The KEEN Rose climbing sandals cater primarily to hikers with slender toes who wrestle to seek out sandals that match snugly and in addition search toe safety. Their slender footbed and single adjustment level create a safe really feel, whereas the midsole is plush sufficient to assist all-day put on. Nevertheless, for anybody with impartial or extensive toes, the KEEN Roses are more likely to really feel restrictive and uncomfortable.
With a considerable heel-to-toe drop and padded straps, they excel in shock absorption and heel consolation, making them a wonderful selection for gentle trails and concrete walks. Their cumbersome building and common traction imply these sandals aren’t appropriate for technical hikes or as a light-weight secondary possibility: At 19 ounces per pair, we consider they’re a terrific possibility for low-key adventures.
Astral Webber
Finest climbing sandal for informal put on
CleverHiker Score:
3.9/5.0
Value:
$110
Weight (Pair):
14.6 oz.
Adjustment Factors:
2
Closure Mechanism:
Double bar buckle
Professionals
- Nice for informal put on
- Zero-drop sole helps foot well being
- Contoured footbed helps with safety
- Straps are created from sturdy woven nylon
- Fashionable design
Cons
- Raised texture on footbed is sharp
- Straps loosen on their very own whereas climbing
- Traction is disappointing
The Astral Webber climbing sandals are greatest suited to gentle hikes on largely flat terrain, leisurely walks round city, seaside outings, and water actions. Throughout testing, we discovered that the traction isn’t ample for climbing on moderate-to-steep grades, significantly if these slopes are coated in slippery sediment. Moreover, hikers could discover that the Webbers lack stability as a result of forefoot straps, which are likely to loosen on their very own, in addition to the mounted heel strap.
We contemplate them considerably overpriced for the efficiency they supply, however it’s not all unhealthy: Our tester loved sporting the Webbers round city and loves the fashionable, utilitarian design. We consider they pair nicely with errands and river days, and they’d additionally make a pleasant pair of camp sneakers. Their slim profile makes them straightforward to slide into storage compartments in most packs, and we expect hikers will recognize the liberty for his or her toes after an extended day on the path in boots.
Product Comparability Desk
| oSort | Product | Value | Weight (Pair) | Adjustment Factors | Closure Mechanism | Consolation | Stability | Traction | Sturdiness | Packability | Ease of Use | 0 |
Teva Hurricane XLT2 View at REI View at Amazon |
$80 | 15.5 oz. | 3 | Velcro (heel, ankle, forefoot) | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 5.0 | 1 |
Teva Authentic Common View at REI View at Amazon |
$60 | 11 oz. | 2 | Velcro (forefoot and heel) | 4.5 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 2 |
Chaco Z/1 Traditional View at Amazon |
$105 | 1 lb. 5.2 oz. | 3 | Single bar buckle | 4.4 | 4.5 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 3 |
Xero Footwear Z-Path EV View at REI View at Zappos |
$80 | 8.6 oz. | 2 | Velcro (heel), single bar buckle (ankle) | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 4 |
Earth Runner Alpha Sandals View at Earth Runner |
$94 | 7.6 oz. | 3 | Clamp buckle | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 5 |
HOKA Hopara 2 View at REI View at Zappos |
$135 | 1 lb. 4.8 oz. | 2 | Fast-toggle lace (ankle), Velcro strap (heel) | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6 |
KEEN Newport H2 View at REI View at Amazon |
$130 | 1 lb. 6 oz. | 1 | Fast-toggle bungee lace (ankle) | 3.3 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.2 | 7 |
Luna Mono Winged Version View at Amazon View at Backcountry |
$110 | 10.8 oz. | 3 | Single bar buckle | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 8 |
Ecco Yucatan View at Amazon View at Zappos |
$130 | 1 lb. 12.6 oz. | 3 | Velcro (heel, ankle, forefoot) | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 9 |
KEEN Rose View at REI View at Amazon |
$120 | 1 lb. 3 oz. | 1 | Velcro (ankle) | 3.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 10 |
Astral Webber View at REI View at Amazon |
$110 | 14.6 oz. | 2 | Double bar buckle | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
|---|
var resetClicked = false;
// When the Reset Desk button is clicked, use sortable to reset to the oSort column.
doc.querySelector(‘#resetSort’).addEventListener(‘click on’, operate() {
// If reset has been clicked, do nothing
if (resetClicked) {
return;
}
// Get the defaultSort ingredient and click on it to reset kind to the unique load order.
const el = doc.getElementById(‘defaultSort’)
if (el) {
el.click on();
resetClicked = true;
}
});
// Add occasion listener to all sortable headers to reset the resetClicked flag
var headers = doc.querySelectorAll(‘.sortable th’);
headers.forEach(operate(header) {
header.addEventListener(‘click on’, operate() {
resetClicked = false;
});
});
How We Check
Our staff has collectively hiked 1000’s of miles in dozens of pairs of climbing sandals throughout varied geographical areas. For our most up-to-date replace of this information, we additionally undertook a month-long focused testing interval throughout which we extensively wore the 11 pairs featured right here. We hiked a minimal of three miles—solely stopping there within the uncommon case {that a} pair of sandals was too uncomfortable to proceed—with every of the sandals introduced in our information.
For the overwhelming majority of sandals featured right here, we hiked 5 to fifteen miles throughout diversified terrain, each dry and moist, to guage how the sandals carried out in numerous situations, totaling greater than 50 miles for the testing interval.
Even when a shoe is uncomfortable for us, we be certain to notice traits and options of the pair that will higher go well with different folks. Everybody’s foot anatomy is completely different, and we’re dedicated to serving to our readers discover the proper shoe for them—not for us.
COMFORT
When evaluating the consolation of a climbing sandal, we contemplate varied components, together with arch assist, midsole shock absorption, the softness of the straps (do they trigger abrasions or blisters?), and the footbed contour and texture (does it cup the heel properly?). We additionally bear in mind dimension concerns (would this be snug for a slender, extensive, or impartial foot?).
STABILITY
Stability is essential when climbing, even on straightforward to reasonable trails. For us, testing stability entails measuring a sandal’s assist stage when it comes to rigidity, stability for the foot and ankle on uneven terrain, and the safety of the foot throughout the straps.
We additionally contemplate the flexibleness of the footbed and straps, in addition to connectedness to the bottom—does it really feel like strolling on a gummy bear, or can you’re feeling the bottom beneath your toes?
TRACTION
This one’s easy: We consider how nicely the outsole of the sandal performs on varied surfaces and below completely different climate situations. We contemplate a sandal’s efficiency on grades starting from flat to steep, surfaces from packed to free, and trails from moist to dry.
If we are able to hike down a scree slope with out sliding throughout or busting our butts, it’s a win.
DURABILITY
To find out a pair of sandals’ sturdiness, we have a look at a couple of components. Primarily, this testing class measures indicators of damage and tear, particularly any indications of untimely deterioration through the early levels of testing (if straps are fraying after simply a few hikes, we contemplate that poor sturdiness).
Sandals earn excessive marks for outsole tread that doesn’t put on down too shortly, straps that don’t stretch out, and footbeds that preserve their texture to forestall slipping, amongst different qualities.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
This metric measures the lightness of the sandals and their suitability for packing on backpacking journeys or day hikes as a secondary pair of sneakers for water crossings and/or camp. When ranking sandals for this class, we contemplate not solely their weight but in addition their profile.
If a shoe is light-weight but nonetheless clunky, it could nonetheless be irritating to pack. Equally, a shoe that’s flat and slim however heavy may add an excessive amount of weight to your pack for longer treks.
EASE OF USE
Lastly, we consider the convenience of use for every pair of sandals. They’re sandals, so that you is likely to be questioning, “How arduous can or not it’s?” Nevertheless, some strap and buckle mechanisms are extra difficult than you may assume, and that may be an actual burden on the path when you’re unprepared for it.
We assess whether or not the sandals are straightforward to placed on and take off, and if the closure or adjustment mechanism is difficult or easy to fee sandals on this class. Consider us: you don’t wish to be tinkering with a one-strap system proper earlier than fording a river.
Why Belief Cleverhiker
Not solely did we hike over 50 miles particularly for this information, however our staff boasts a long time of collective path expertise, starting from straightforward front-country jaunts to excessive backcountry adventures. Collectively, we’ve coated 1000’s of path miles, a lot of which have been achieved in sandals.
Our lead tester for girls’s climbing sandals is a full-time van-lifer who spends virtually day by day exterior. She’s an skilled hiker who has backpacked the Grand Canyon and summited a number of state excessive factors—Mount Hood and Mount Rainier are on her calendar for 2025. Moreover, she’s a path runner, triathlete, and health professional who has spent almost a decade testing and reviewing health and outside gear, together with dozens of pairs of sneakers.
Evaluation & Outcomes
VALUE
Our high choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, is arguably essentially the most cost-effective climbing sandal presently accessible. It combines stable traction, stability, and adaptability at a really affordable value level of below $100. We really consider these are the best-of-all-worlds climbing sandals; they’ll permit you to deal with varied trails, from straightforward to difficult, in differing situations with none bother. They’re additionally gentle sufficient to pack for water crossings on day hikes and classy sufficient to put on round city.
The Xero Footwear Z-Path EV sandals additionally obtain excessive reward for worth: They supply an unimaginable barefoot expertise and include two spectacular warranties for budget-friendly hikes.
Lastly, the HOKA Hopara 2 earns factors within the worth division for excelling within the shoe-sandal hybrid design. We’ve worn the Hopara 2s for hikes, path runs, highway runs, and paved walks, and so they have carried out excellently in almost all eventualities.
COMFORT
Consolation is very subjective and, within the case of climbing sandals, relies upon totally on every particular person’s foot anatomy and shoe preferences. That mentioned, the next evaluation is predicated on the comparatively impartial foot of our lead sandal tester (medium width, common arches, and instep). We love the extensive footbed of the Teva Hurricane XLT2s, which permits ample room for the toes to develop and the toes to splay, plus the smooth inside of the woven straps. The midsole, whereas not significantly plush, affords a big quantity of assist and shock absorption.
If foot freedom is a priority—a.ok.a. you wish to liberate your self from the constraints of contemporary footwear—the Xero Footwear Z-Path EVs are a must-try. These minimalist, ultralight sandals function an almost imperceptible midsole that bends and flexes with each motion of the foot; the straps are smooth, versatile, and hardly noticeable.
For a safer possibility, hikers with slender toes will recognize the locked-in match of the Ecco Yucatan, particularly if a smooth midsole can also be a precedence. Though the Yucatan squeezed our tester’s toes a bit too tightly, she values the give within the midsole for longer treks.
STABILITY
Stability is available in two kinds when discussing climbing sandals. Mountaineering sandals may be deemed secure if they supply exterior assist for the toes, resembling arch assist, a sidebar, or a inflexible midsole. They will also be considered as secure if they provide distinctive flexibility, permitting the toes to do what they do greatest: transfer and grip the earth. In every of those regards, our testing has recognized clear winners: the Ecco Yucatan for the previous and the Xero Footwear Z-Path EV for the latter.
A top-tier possibility for hikers needing ankle and arch assist, the Yucatan includes a sturdy higher with an exterior sidebar, serving to to maintain the foot safe when stepping at odd angles (as is frequent whereas climbing). The contoured footbed provides a component of safety, cradling the foot and stopping motion throughout the shoe.
The Z-Path EV is the Yucatan’s exact opposite. Offering a near-barefoot expertise, it’s arduous to think about a greater shoe when you search a better connection to the earth. Whereas they could lack stability in a standard sense—that’s, they don’t have shanks, sidebars, or arch assist—they’re arguably the perfect selection for hikers who’ve developed power of their foot and ankle muscular tissues. Within the Z-Path EVs, there are not any restrictions, permitting your toes to flex, lengthen, and grip as meant.
TRACTION
Mountaineering sandals don’t often supply the identical traction as climbing boots or path trainers, and it’s typically not beneficial to put on them on significantly steep or slippery hikes. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless attainable to discover a pair that retains you upright on steep, slippery trails.
Our high choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, gives respectable traction on most path surfaces. Actually, their all-around efficiency within the traction class is likely one of the main causes these sandals earned their place as one of the best general climbing sandals. We’ve worn them on flat, reasonable, and steep path sections and have taken them throughout a number of terrain sorts; we’re but to expertise a fall or any nervousness about falling as a consequence of an absence of traction.
Loads of different selections on our checklist supply nice traction, too. The HOKA Hopara 2, for instance, scored above common on this division for its efficiency on trails, forest roads, and pavement alike. (We did expertise a little bit of slippage on a steep scree slope with the Hopara 2s, however the identical is true for nearly all different climbing sandals we’ve examined.)
For an ultralight possibility with nice traction, we suggest the Earth Runner Alpha Journey Sandals. Though these barefoot-inspired sandals don’t win within the consolation division, our tester appreciates how they create a sense of being linked to the bottom and their stickiness on naked rock surfaces.
DURABILITY
No matter whether or not you need an ultralight sandal or an ultra-supportive one, sturdiness is a key issue. We really think about each one of many 11 pairs of sandals on this checklist to carry up for at least a couple of hundred miles, if not a number of hundred and even 1,000-plus. After preliminary testing, we don’t discover any uncommon indicators of untimely put on and tear on our featured selections.
We anticipate hardier choices to last more, which is an enormous motive why sandals with thicker midsoles, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 and Chaco Z/1 Traditional, have earned high spots on the checklist.
That doesn’t imply we’ve counted out minimalist choices, although. Particularly, the 5,000-mile sole guarantee and two-year producer’s guarantee on the Xero Footwear Z-Path EV sandals instill in us a excessive stage of hope for longevity. The Earth Runner Alphas, although skinny and versatile, function Vibram outsoles, strengthened laces, and sturdy canvas footbeds that point out they’re there for the lengthy haul.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
It’s arduous to argue with a mere 7.6 ounces per pair; that’s what the Earth Runner Alpha sandals deliver to the desk because the clear winner for weight and packability. The Xero Footwear Z-Path EV sandals are available a really shut second at 8.6 ounces for the pair. In third are the Luna Mono Winged sandals at 10.8 ounces per pair, adopted by our price range choose, the Teva Authentic Universals, at 11 ounces.
Any of those 4 picks are certifiably backpacker-friendly, that includes slim, packable profiles along with their light-weight nature. If packability isn’t a priority, you may contemplate sacrificing a couple of extra ounces for a sturdier sandal with extra assist, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which affords a pleasant mix of ruggedness and lightness, or the Chaco Z/1 Traditional, an all-around stable choose that gives nice stability and sturdiness with out being noticeably heavy on the toes. Actually, all the selections on our checklist are appropriate for all-day climbing when it comes to weight; it’s extra of a priority if you wish to deliver alongside a second pair of sneakers to slide into for moist path sections or for evenings at camp whereas backpacking.
EASE OF USE
If a pair of sneakers is persistently troublesome to placed on and take off, it’s in all probability not price shopping for—particularly if that pair of sneakers is supposed to be shortly swapped whereas on a path, resembling earlier than and after moist sections. That’s why we contemplate ease of use a significant component in our sandal evaluations.
Our greatest general choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, couldn’t be simpler to make use of. These sandals function three independently adjustable Velcro straps. As soon as you discover your match, you don’t even have to trouble with the forefoot or heel strap: Simply loosen the ankle strap to get out and in of the sandals.
The Teva Authentic Common, Ecco Yucatan, KEEN Rose, and Astral Webber all operate equally, although the latter makes use of buckles as a substitute of Velcro. Some choices, such because the HOKA Hopara 2 and KEEN Newport H2, embrace bungee laces, which is usually a bit finicky however present a safer match.
Different selections, together with the Chaco Z/2 Traditional, Xero Footwear Z-Path EV,Luna Mono Winged, and Earth Runner Alpha, function a one-loop system. This design permits for better match customization however may be obscure at first. After the preliminary adjustment, nevertheless, you’ll solely have to loosen one adjustment level to slide the sandals on and off.
Learn how to Select a Mountaineering Sandal for Girls
Sandals could look like a comparatively simple product, however for high-performance climbing sandals, you need to contemplate a number of key traits earlier than selecting a pair.
STRAP CONFIGURATION AND ADJUSTMENT
First issues first: Make sure the strap configuration jives along with your preferences. As an illustration, when you dislike flip-flops, you’ll doubtless really feel the identical about climbing sandals with toe thongs. The strap configuration signifies the place essentially the most strain—and thus essentially the most assist—is on the foot.
Think about strap adjustability as nicely. The extra adjustment factors there are, the higher match you’ll be able to obtain. The kind of adjustment, whether or not it’s a buckle or Velcro strap, can be a matter of private desire. (P.S. if you would like sandals that you would be able to put on year-round, pairing them with socks when temperatures drop, we suggest deciding on a configuration with no toe loop or toe thong.)
Relating to strap building, most climbing sandals function some sort of woven textile strap, usually nylon, polyester, or a mix. For sturdiness, search for tightly woven textiles and double-stitching.
MIDSOLE MATERIAL AND STACK HEIGHT
The midsole is the a part of the shoe situated between the footbed and outsole. Sometimes created from rubber or foam, it’s designed to soak up shock, present assist, and defend the soles of your toes from the bottom beneath them.
Midsoles composed of froth supplies, resembling EVA foam, are plusher and cut back joint impression upon footstrike. Conversely, tougher midsoles created from supplies like polyurethane are much less versatile; nevertheless, their rigidity affords extra assist and stability.
Stack peak refers back to the thickness of the midsole, footbed, and outsole at their highest level. Usually, a thicker stack peak gives better safety, shock absorption, and power return (bounciness), whereas thinner stack heights improve foot flexibility and aid you really feel extra linked to the bottom.
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP
Like climbing sneakers and boots, climbing sandals include various heel-to-toe drops. Zero-drop soles cater to ultralighters and barefoot-shoe lovers, whereas increased drops present glorious assist for people who want additional stability or help with ankle mobility.
For these trying to begin sporting zero-drop sneakers, it’s vital to transition slowly out of your typical types, as abruptly quitting heel drops can result in discomfort and ache.
OUTSOLE PATTERN AND LUG DEPTH
Many hikers reserve sandals for simpler, flatter trails, wet days, or any trails the place they may encounter a big water crossing. Subsequently, the dearth of traction (in comparison with boots) that’s typical of climbing sandals just isn’t often a significant concern in these conditions.
Nevertheless, when you plan on venturing out on extra strenuous trails—significantly these which can be steep and have slippery surfaces like scree fields—it’s sensible to decide on a pair with a sturdy outsole. Search for deep lugs of a minimum of three millimeters in depth, together with aggressive tread patterns. Chevron and diamond patterns are likely to carry out greatest.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
Should you ever plan to pack your sandals for water crossings, to put on at camp throughout backpacking journeys, or for some other causes, weight and packability ought to be excessive in your checklist of priorities.
To keep away from weighing down your pack, select a pair of sandals that weighs lower than 1 pound (16 ounces)—for each sneakers mixed. Additionally, contemplate the shoe’s profile, whether or not it’s slim or chunky, as this may considerably impression how straightforward (or not) it’s to pack. Moreover, light-weight footwear helps decrease muscle fatigue and cut back the chance of stumbling.
Conclusion
Discovering one of the best climbing sandals for you entails a number of components, together with your foot form and anatomy, private preferences, and the varieties of adventures you intend to undertake. Our high selections are primarily based on years of path expertise, together with a devoted testing section throughout which we evaluated every pair of sandals for consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, weight, packability, and ease of use, using an expert-developed testing methodology.
The submit Finest Mountaineering Sandals for Girls of 2025 appeared first on CleverHiker.
