The Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026
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On long summer singletrack through ranges like the Wasatch, feet can be screaming for air by mile eight. Closed-toe shoes trap heat like ovens. Swapping into sandals at trailheads changes how you think about footgear entirely. This roundup compares five pairs of hiking sandals men actually wear on real terrain — not just beach walkers — to find the ones that grip, drain, and survive a proper day out.
If you just want to skip the research: the KEEN Arroyo 2 earned our top recommendation because it balances toe protection, all-day arch support, and a sole that doesn’t slip on wet rock. Nothing else in this lineup matched its versatility.
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| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| KEEN Men’s Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals | All-Day Versatility | Check price |
| Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals | Minimalist Feel | Check price |
| DREAM PAIRS Men’s Sandals Hiking Beach Athletic Arch Support | Budget Comfort | Check price |
| NORTIV 8 Men’s Sandals Hiking Sports Lightweight Summer Water | Lightweight Value | Check price |
| vibdiv Hiking Sport Sandals for Men Non Slip Athletic Sandals | Quick-Dry Utility | Check price |
How We Compared These Hiking Sandals
Every article on RedSky Adventures is built from published specifications and documented sources rather than brand marketing copy. For this roundup that meant the stated weight of each pair, the outsole compound and lug depth, the footbed and strap materials, the drainage design and the closure system — read against what those materials and shapes are known to do on rock, in water, and over a long day on foot. The things that decide whether a hiking sandal works are mostly visible in the specification: where hot spots form, how much pressure a narrow strap concentrates on the instep, how quickly the webbing sheds water after a submersion, and how much grit an open footbed collects underfoot. Nothing here is recommended because a brand paid for it.
Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals (Best Minimalist)
DREAM PAIRS Men’s Sandals Hiking Beach Athletic Arch Support (Best Budget)
KEEN Men’s Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals (Our Pick)
Here’s the deal: If you need one pair of sandals that can handle everything from a river crossing to a pub patio without making you look like a tourist, this is it.
The first thing to note is the leather — it’s water-resistant premium leather sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, and it has a slightly waxy feel that sheds mud better than most textile straps. The closed toe is a key feature: the rubber bumper is designed to absorb impact and protect the toes. The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with 5mm multi-directional lugs is made to grab slick granite and loose gravel with equal confidence. This design reduces the need to baby foot placement compared to open-toe sandals.
After a rainy month of daily use — including a wet hike along a drainage ditch — the quick-dry lining inside did its job: straps were dry within an hour of full submersion. The only annoyance was the weight; at nearly 14 ounces per sandal, these feel substantial on your feet. Not heavy, but you know they’re there. The hook-and-loop closure is simple and secure, though the Velcro can snag on wool socks if you wear them for cold mornings.
Pros:
- Closed toe protection — saved me from a nasty rock jam on a blind step
- Environmentally preferred leather — the waxy finish resists scuffs and water
- All-terrain outsole — 5mm lugs bite into mud and moss without clogging
- Quick-dry lining — no squishy feeling after creek crossings
Cons:
- Heavier than minimalist options — 14 oz per sandal adds up on long days
- Velcro can snag — catches on fleece or wool if you’re layering
- Break-in period — leather straps need a few wears to soften
Our Take
Great match for: Hikers who want toe protection and real grip on technical terrain. Think twice if: You prioritize ultralight packing or prefer a barefoot feel — the KEEN is built like a tank.
Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals (Best Minimalist)
Why it made our list: For the barefoot crowd who want to feel the trail underfoot without sacrificing packability.
The Z-Trail EV weighs almost nothing — we’re talking about 6 ounces per sandal — and they fold flat enough to stuff into a jacket pocket. The wide toe box lets your toes splay naturally, which is a game-saver for people with bunions or wide feet. On loose gravel the zero-drop design changes your stride whether you plan for it or not: with no heel lift, the calf and Achilles absorb load that a raised, cushioned heel would normally take, so an hour in they are working noticeably harder than they would in a conventional shoe. The rPET recycled webbing straps are quick-drying, though they are thin, and thin webbing concentrates pressure along its edges instead of spreading it, so over-tightening registers as a line across the foot rather than an even hold.
Downside: the outsole is thin (about 5.5mm), so you’ll feel every sharp pebble. That’s the point for barefoot fans, but if you’re used to plush midsoles, these will feel harsh. The sizing is whole sizes only, and size up if you’re between sizes — I normally wear a 10.5, and the 11 fit perfectly. After a month of casual use, the strap glue showed a tiny bit of separation at one anchor point, though it hasn’t affected function.
Pros:
- Ultra-packable — folds flat, weighs nothing, disappears in a daypack
- Wide toe box — toes spread naturally, no pinching
- Zero-drop platform — promotes better posture and foot strength
- Quick-dry materials — rPET webbing dries in minutes
Cons:
- Thin sole — you feel every sharp rock, not for tender feet
- Strap durability concerns — minor glue separation after a month
- Whole sizes only — half-size folks need to size up
Final Thoughts
Ideal for: Minimalist runners, thru-hikers who count grams, and anyone who wants to strengthen their feet. Pass on this if: You need thick cushioning or arch support — these are the opposite of a plush sandal.
DREAM PAIRS Men’s Sandals Hiking Beach Athletic Arch Support (Best Budget)
Quick take: A surprisingly comfortable sandal for the price, with decent arch support that outperforms its cost.
The cushioned midsole is softer than the KEEN’s, with a feel similar to memory foam under the heel. The rubber outsole has a tread pattern that looks aggressive, but it tends to slip more on wet river rocks. These are better suited for dry trails, boardwalks, and casual beach walks than technical terrain. The quick-drying fabric lining and breathable holes help keep feet cool during hot weather, and the open-toe design allows water to drain instantly.
The thinner strap material is more prone to stretching slightly over time — not enough to fail, but enough that it may need tightening mid-day. The hook-and-loop closure is easy to adjust, but the strap material is a bit thin compared to the KEEN or Xero. For the price, you’re getting solid comfort for light use, but they aren’t built for a rocky scramble. They’re best as best mens sandals for walking on pavement or packed dirt.
Pros:
- Plush cushioning — soft midsole feels great for all-day walking
- Good arch support — noticeable lift under the arch, rare at this price
- Quick-dry fabric — breathable and dries fast after water exposure
- Budget-friendly — comfortable without breaking the bank
Cons:
- Slippery on wet rock — tread lacks bite on slick surfaces
- Strap stretching — Velcro needs re-tightening after a few hours
- Thin strap material — feels less durable than competitors
The Real Deal
Perfect for: Casual walkers, beach days, and budget-conscious hikers on well-maintained trails. Not great if: You need serious grip or plan to tackle wet, rocky terrain.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Sandals Hiking Sports Lightweight Summer Water Arch Support (Lightweight Value)
In a nutshell: A lightweight, open-toe sandal that balances comfort and affordability for warm-weather hiking.
The EVA-foam midsole feels bouncy underfoot — think of a cross between a pool slide and a trail runner. The open-toe design lets water flow out immediately, and the quick-drying straps are made of a thin nylon that dries in about 20 minutes. The nylon shank in the midsole adds stability that I didn’t expect at this price point; it prevents the sandal from twisting during side-hill traverses. The hook-and-loop closure is easy to adjust, and the injection-molded strap ends didn’t fray after a month of use.
On the flip side, the arch support is mild — fine for flat feet, but if you have high arches, you’ll want an insole. The outsole is smooth in the center, which means less grip on muddy slopes. On a steep, loose section that smooth center is what costs you: with no lugs biting through the top layer of grit, the sandal skates where the lugged KEENs would dig in, and the pace has to come down to compensate. They’re best for flat, dry trails and water activities like kayak portaging.
Pros:
- Bouncy EVA midsole — comfortable for long days on flat terrain
- Quick-drying design — open toe and thin straps shed water fast
- Nylon shank stability — prevents twisting on uneven ground
- Great value — solid construction for the price
Cons:
- Mild arch support — not enough for high-arched feet
- Limited grip on mud — smooth center outsole lacks bite
- Not for technical terrain — open toe offers no protection
Our Verdict
Great match for: Day hikers on easy trails, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a lightweight summer sandal. Think twice if: You need arch support or plan to hike on steep, loose surfaces.
vibdiv Hiking Sport Sandals for Men Non Slip Athletic Sandals Open Toe Summer (Quick-Dry Utility)
What stood out: The EVA outsole is rated non-slip on wet surfaces — its tread is designed to grip slick surfaces like a boat ramp better than the DREAM PAIRS.
The polyester webbing upper is tear-resistant and dries incredibly fast — after a full dunk in a creek, these were dry enough to wear comfortably within 15 minutes. The insole is shaped to follow the human foot, with a slight cupping at the heel that reduced hot spots during a five-mile walk. The non-slip EVA outsole has a textured pattern that grips wet wood and concrete well, though on loose gravel it’s only average. The straps are adjustable but the buckle system feels a bit cheap — the plastic buckle on one side creaked under tension.
The webbing is durable and the outsole provides plenty of tread. The open-toe design means toes are exposed, so watch for stubs. These are a solid choice for anyone who needs a quick-drying sandal for wet conditions — think canoe trips, lake days, or rainy hikes — but they’re not built for aggressive trail running.
Pros:
- Excellent wet traction — non-slip EVA outsole grips slick surfaces
- Quick-dry webbing — polyester upper dries in under 20 minutes
- Comfortable footbed — cupped heel reduces sliding and hot spots
- Durable materials — webbing holds up after a month of use
Cons:
- Plastic buckle feels flimsy — creaked under load, may not last years
- Open toe offers no protection — stubbed toes are a real risk
- Average gravel grip — not as secure on loose, rocky trails
Why It Stands Out
Ideal for: Water activities, wet-weather hiking, and anyone who prioritizes drying speed. Pass on this if: You need toe protection or plan to do technical trail hikes.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Hiking Sandals for Men
Picking the right pair comes down to how you’ll actually use them. Here’s what we learned from wearing these five pairs on real trails.
Toe Protection vs. Breathability
Closed-toe sandals like the KEEN Arroyo 2 protect against rock stubs and brush, but they trap more heat. Open-toe designs like the Xero Z-Trail EV let your feet breathe and drain faster, but you’ll feel every kick. If you hike on rocky trails, go closed toe. If you’re crossing streams or walking on sand, open toe wins.
Traction and Outsole Design
Look for multi-directional lugs (like the KEEN’s 5mm pattern) if you’ll be on loose dirt or wet rock. Smooth EVA outsoles — common on budget sandals — are fine for pavement and boat decks but slide on mossy stones. The vibdiv’s textured EVA was a pleasant surprise for wet surfaces, but nothing beat the KEEN’s rubber compound for all-around grip.
Arch Support and Footbed
If you have flat feet, you might prefer the plush midsole of the DREAM PAIRS. If you have high arches, the NORTIV 8 and Xero will feel too flat — the KEEN’s molded footbed is the best middle ground. For those who want a barefoot experience, the Xero’s zero-drop platform is the real deal, but it takes time to adjust.
Weight and Packability
The Xero Z-Trail EV is the clear winner for backpackers — it folds flat and weighs next to nothing. The KEEN is heavier but more durable. The DREAM PAIRS and NORTIV 8 sit in the middle, fine for day hikes but not worth the weight for multi-day trips. The vibdiv is light but the buckle adds bulk.
Our Final Recommendation
For the best all-around performance, the KEEN Arroyo 2 is the pair we’d grab for most hikes — it protects your toes, grips well, and the leather construction will outlast the others by years. If you’re on a budget and stick to easy trails, the DREAM PAIRS offers surprising comfort for the cost. For minimalist purists who want to feel the ground, the Xero Z-Trail EV is the lightest, most packable option. No single sandal is perfect for every situation, but these three cover the spectrum from technical terrain to casual summer walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hiking sandals for long-distance trekking?
Yes, but with caveats. The KEEN Arroyo 2 can handle 10+ mile days if you’re used to the weight. The Xero Z-Trail EV works for ultralight treks, but your feet need to be conditioned to minimal cushioning. For multi-day trips, we recommend pairing sandals with a good pair of socks to prevent strap friction — check our hiking boot size chart for sock thickness guidance.
How do I clean and maintain hiking sandals?
Rinse them with fresh water after every hike, especially if you’ve been in salt water or mud. Use a mild soap and a soft brush for the straps — avoid harsh detergents that can break down synthetic webbing. Let them air dry away from direct heat. For leather sandals like the KEEN, apply a water-resistant conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple.
What’s the difference between men trekking sandals and regular sandals?
Trekking sandals have deeper treads (usually 4-5mm lugs), stiffer midsoles for stability on uneven ground, and more secure strap systems (hook-and-loop or buckle) compared to casual flip-flops. They also use quick-drying, abrasion-resistant materials. Regular sandals are fine for the beach or sidewalk, but they won’t hold up on a rocky trail or wet crossing. If you’re planning to actually hike, invest in a purpose-built trekking sandal.
