Top Hiking Sandals Brands: Adventure-Ready Footwear Picks

Exploring the great outdoors can be a transformative experience, and having the right gear is crucial, especially when it comes to footwear. With summer adventures in full swing, a pair of reliable hiking sandals can make all the difference in comfort and performance on the trails. In recent years, many brands have elevated their designs to provide excellent support, durability, and style, making them essential for any nature enthusiast. Curious to know which brands stand out in the world of hiking sandals? Discover the best options below.


Illustration of hiking sandals

Best brands of hiking sandals in 2025

Teva

Teva is renowned as one of the best producers of hiking sandals, known for their rugged, lightweight, and versatile designs. Despite a recent 18.8% decline in sales to $48.4 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2023, Teva remains a beloved brand with over 30 years of heritage and strong market presence. Their hiking sandals, such as the Teva Hurricane XLT2, stand out for their rock-solid stability, durable outsoles, and plush cushioning. Teva's products are highly praised for their comfort, quick-drying materials, and minimal weight, making them ideal for various outdoor activities. The brand is set to launch new trail sandals and other footwear in early 2024 to enhance its year-round relevance.

Chaco

Chaco is renowned as one of the best producers of hiking sandals, celebrated for their durability, comfort, and supportive designs. The Chaco Z/2 Classic sandals, in particular, are highly adjustable with a secure zig-zag strap system and a grippy ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole, making them ideal for rugged hikes and water sports. These sandals are exceptionally durable, with some hikers logging thousands of miles without needing repairs, and they can be re-soled through Chaco's ReChaco Program. Chaco's audience is predominantly female, with 71.35% of their website traffic coming from women. The brand's commitment to durability and repairability has earned it a cult-like following among outdoor enthusiasts.

Merrell

Merrell is a renowned brand in the hiking footwear market, known for its high-performance and comfortable hiking sandals. Established in 1981, Merrell has been a leader in outdoor active footwear, particularly with its popular Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc. Despite recent challenges, including a 16% decline in revenue in the second quarter of 2023, Merrell continues to gain market share in the hiking category. The global hiking footwear market, which includes Merrell, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% by 2033, reaching up to $26.73 billion in sales. Merrell's commitment to quality, comfort, and sustainability makes it a preferred choice for hikers. For more information about Merrell's journey and innovations, visit their official website.

KEEN

KEEN Footwear is a pioneering brand in the hiking and outdoor footwear industry, known for its innovative and sustainable products. Since its inception in 2003 with the introduction of the Newport sandal, KEEN has expanded its product line to include versatile, comfortable, and durable footwear. Notably, 98% of KEEN's production is now outside of China, with plans to transition the remaining 2% within the next 12 months, highlighting the brand's commitment to ethical and local manufacturing. KEEN's products, such as the WK400 walking shoe and the Fort Wayne work boot, feature proprietary technologies like KEEN.CURVE and KEEN.FUSION, enhancing user experience and durability. The brand's 'Detox the Planet' initiative underscores its focus on environmental responsibility.

ECCO

ECCO is a prominent player in the footwear market, particularly known for its high-quality hiking sandals. The brand utilizes innovative technologies such as ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology and RECEPTOR® technology to ensure superior comfort, stability, and traction. ECCO's hiking sandals are crafted from premium leathers and feature adjustable designs for a comfortable fit. The global hiking sandals market, which ECCO is a part of, is projected to grow from approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 to USD 2.5 billion by 2032. ECCO's products contribute to the overall growth of the footwear market, which is expected to increase by USD 133.09 billion from 2022 to 2027, registering a CAGR of 5.69%.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is a leading brand in the outdoor footwear market, known for its high-quality hiking sandals that cater to various needs. The company aims to double down on wholesale growth, targeting a 7 to 9 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next three years, with plans to add $700 million in sales. Columbia's strong presence is evident in its 23 percent market share in outerwear and its strategic expansion in regions like China, where it expects mid-teens growth. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With a focus on both online and offline channels, Columbia continues to grow its market presence.

Salomon

Salomon is renowned as one of the top producers for hiking footwear, particularly known for its high-performance and durable products. In the US athletic footwear market, Salomon holds a modest but significant market share, with about 10% of users aware of the brand and 63% of those users being loyal to it. The brand's Mountain Trail line, such as the Speedcross and XA Pro models, is praised for its lightweight design, quick-drying capabilities, and aggressive tread patterns suitable for trail running and hiking. Salomon's Outdoor Performance segment, dominated by its footwear and apparel, saw an 11% revenue increase in the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong growth in the direct-to-consumer channel. Despite its relatively low market share in the global sneaker market, Salomon is expected to grow double-digits annually due to its unique technical features and stylish designs.

Bedrock Sandals

Bedrock Sandals is renowned for producing some of the best hiking sandals, offering a blend of comfort, security, and grip. Their Cairn Sandals feature a durable and grippy Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, making them highly capable in various terrain conditions. These sandals are lightweight, with each weighing 8.5 ounces, and are designed with a unique webbing system that ensures a precise fit. Notably, they have been tested in extreme conditions, such as a 2,650-mile thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, with impressive durability and comfort results. Bedrock Sandals are also eco-friendly, using plastic-free materials and algae + soy inks.

Xero Shoes

Xero Shoes is a leading brand for hiking sandals, renowned for its minimalist and ergonomic design that promotes natural foot movement. The company has experienced remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 283 percent between 2018 and 2021, and was ranked No. 203 in the Financial Times' list of the Americas' Fastest Growing Companies 2023. Xero Shoes' hiking sandals, such as the Z-Trail and Naboso Trail Sport, are praised for their comfort, flexibility, and durability, featuring a 5,000-mile sole guarantee. These sandals are significantly lighter and more versatile than traditional hiking sandals, making them ideal for various outdoor activities. Xero Shoes' products have been embraced by thousands of customers, including long-distance hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading producer of hiking sandals, known for its innovative and comfortable designs. Founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, the brand has seen remarkable growth, with sales exceeding $1 billion in recent years, including a 58.5% increase in fiscal year 2023 to $1.41 billion. Hoka's products, such as the Speedgoat and Challenger series, have more than doubled revenue in trail and hike categories, and the brand has gained significant market share with its outdoor specialty partners. The brand's focus on performance, comfort, and durability has made it a favorite among hikers and trail runners. Hoka's expansion into lifestyle footwear has also been successful, with a notable increase in direct-to-consumer sales and multi-category purchases.


Benjamin
Benjamin

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