10 Best Hiking Sandals 2026 in the United States

The KEEN Men's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals are a solid choice for those seeking versatile hiking sandals. They excel in fit and comfort, thanks to the lace lock bungee system that ensures a secure fit and easy wear. The sandals are designed with generous space for toes to spread out, which can enhance comfort during long hikes. The arch support is decent, making them suitable for those needing additional foot support. Additionally, the shock-absorbing underfoot adds to the comfort by providing enhanced cushioning.

In terms of traction, these sandals perform well; they feature multi-directional lugs with siping channels that offer superior grip on slippery surfaces, making them reliable for various terrains. The non-marking rubber outsoles are a thoughtful addition for indoor use or boat decks, as they leave no imprints. Durability is another strong suit, with water-resistant synthetic straps and a rugged rubber sole designed for active use.

However, while the sandals are machine washable and easy to maintain, their weight might be a concern for some, as they weigh 2.4 pounds, which is on the heavier side for hiking sandals. Despite the weight, their water resistance and quick-dry features make them ideal for aquatic environments or wet trails. The KEEN Men's Newport H2 are well-suited for those who need robust, all-day comfort sandals that perform well both on land and in water.

The KEEN Men's Newport H2 water sandals are a solid choice for anyone looking for versatile footwear suitable for hiking and water-based activities. They stand out with their water-resistant design, featuring quick-drying synthetic straps and lining, which makes them easy to clean and dry fast after getting wet. The closed-toe construction with the iconic toe bumper offers good protection against rocks or roots, which is great for trail walking.

When it comes to fit and comfort, these sandals use KEEN's original fit which gives your toes plenty of room to move, and the bungee lace system makes them easy to put on and adjust securely. The sandals include a non-removable footbed with built-in arch support, helping to reduce foot fatigue during extended wear. Traction is well covered by the rubber outsole that has multidirectional lugs and siping channels, providing reliable grip on slippery or uneven surfaces. This makes them suitable for both wet rocks and dry trails.

On the downside, the weight is about 14 ounces, which is moderately light but not ultra-light compared to some minimalist sandals. The footbed is fixed, so you can't swap in custom insoles if you need specialized support. Also, while the sandals are durable for typical hiking and water activities, very rough terrain or heavy backpacking might wear them faster than heavy-duty hiking boots. If you want comfortable, protective, and water-friendly sandals that perform well on various outdoor adventures without being too heavy, the KEEN Newport H2 is a reliable option.

The CUSHIONAIRE Lane Cork Footbed Sandals are designed with comfort and style in mind, featuring a soft suede insole and molded cork footbed that provide good arch support and cushioning for everyday wear. The double buckle strap design allows some adjustability for a secure fit, although these sandals tend to run small, so sizing up is advised for better comfort. They are lightweight at just over a pound, which is nice for casual use but may not offer the ruggedness needed for hiking.

Traction is limited since the EVA outsole is more suited to flat, urban surfaces rather than rough trails, meaning these sandals won’t grip well on slippery or uneven terrain. Durability is fair for regular daily use, but the vegan upper and cork footbed are not built to withstand heavy outdoor abuse. Water resistance is not a feature here, so these sandals are best kept dry and won’t perform well in wet conditions.

These sandals make a great choice if you want stylish, comfortable footwear for casual outings or light walking, but they are not suitable for serious hiking or wet environments.