Best Hiking Sandals for Women: My Top 5 Picks Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 By wilderdiscoveries.com Welcome to the world of hiking, ladies! If you’re an adventurous soul who loves to explore the great outdoors while keeping your feet comfortable, you’re in the right place. In this extensive guide, we’re going to dive deep into the wonderful world of hiking sandals for women. We’ll cover why I suggest them, how to choose the perfect pair, and share some essential tips and tricks. So, let’s lace up those virtual hiking sandals and embark on this exciting journey! Table of Contents Toggle Hiking Sandals for Women: Your Ultimate GuideWhy You Should Choose Hiking Sandals for Women?How to Choose the Perfect Hiking SandalsTop 5 Best Hiking Sandals for WomenTips and Tricks for Hiking with SandalsWhy Trust My Recommendation?Hiking Sandals for Women: Final Thoughts Hiking Sandals for Women: Your Ultimate Guide Why You Should Choose Hiking Sandals for Women? Comfort and Breathability: When you’re out on the trails, the last thing you want is sweaty, uncomfortable feet. Hiking sandals are a breath of fresh air (literally) for your feet. They offer exceptional ventilation, ensuring your feet stay cool and dry even during the most demanding hikes. Versatility: Hiking sandals are incredibly versatile, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re on a day hike, trekking through water, or exploring a rocky terrain, they can handle it all. Say goodbye to the need for multiple types of footwear! Lightweight: Carrying less weight on your feet means more energy and endurance. Hiking sandals are a feather-light alternative to traditional hiking boots. This weight reduction can be a game-changer on long hikes, allowing you to cover more ground with less fatigue. Quick Drying: Hiking sandals are typically designed with materials that dry quickly which makes them the perfect choice for water-based adventures. Say goodbye to squishy, waterlogged shoes; with hiking sandals, you can step out of the water and continue your journey comfortably. Toe Protection: Many hiking sandals come with toe protection features, which can be a lifesaver on rocky trails. You won’t have to worry about stubbed toes or injuries while exploring rugged terrain. How to Choose the Perfect Hiking Sandals When it comes to selecting the right hiking sandals for women, there are several key factors to consider: Supportive Straps: Look for sandals with adjustable, secure straps that keep your feet in place. This is crucial for stability and preventing blisters. Additionally, padded straps can enhance your comfort during extended hikes. Quality Traction: A good pair of hiking sandals should have an excellent grip on various terrains, including slippery surfaces. Look for models with high-quality rubber soles and deep treads for maximum traction. Arch Support: Check for adequate arch support in your chosen sandals. Proper arch support can reduce foot fatigue and discomfort, making your hiking experience more enjoyable. Material: Opt for durable and quick-drying materials, such as nylon webbing or synthetic leather. As you know many hiking sandals are made of waterproof or water-resistant materials, which is a big plus for all-weather adventurers like us! Proper Fit: Make sure you choose the right size. Your toes shouldn’t hang off the front, and the sandals shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You want a snug fit that offers support without causing discomfort. Terrain Consideration: Consider the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on. For rocky trails, you might want more protection, so look for hiking sandals with added toe guards. For water-based hikes, quick-draining sandals are ideal. Top 5 Best Hiking Sandals for Women When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right footwear is essential. For women who enjoy hiking, trekking, or exploring the great outdoors, a good pair of hiking sandals can be a game-changer. They provide comfort, support, and the freedom your feet need while tackling various terrains. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five best hiking sandals for women, each offering a unique set of features and benefits. Best All-Around Hiking Sandals for Women – Chaco Bodhi Price:From $60 at Amazon$100 at REI In the realm of hiking sandals for women, the Chaco Bodhi is a refreshing newcomer that combines lightweight design with impressive performance. It has reimagined the classic Chaco adjustment system, simplifying it and making it even easier to achieve your perfect fit. One notable feature of the Bodhi is the absence of straps on the outer edges of the foot, making it more accommodating for a range of foot widths. The classic Chaco toe loop remains, ensuring impeccable security and stability. The sole is thinner and lighter than Chaco’s standard all-terrain sandals, making this shoe a standout in terms of comfort and performance. While the Chaco Bodhi is an exceptional choice, it’s worth noting that, like all Chacos, it’s not available in half sizes. However, finding the right whole-sized Chaco shouldn’t be a challenge for most. Additionally, the Bodhi offers fewer color options compared to the classic Z strap lineup. Despite this, the Bodhi is a versatile and reliable companion, suitable for backpacking, kayaking, beach strolls, and urban exploration. Best Adventure Ready Sandals – Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Price: $100 at Amazon$75 at REI For the adventurous souls, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 stands out as the top choice. Its Cloud sole delivers exceptional traction on various surfaces, from rugged trails to riverbeds. While it might require some adjustment, the toe loop delivers unmatched stability and security once properly set. Whether it’s tackling rapids or navigating late-season spring snow, the Z/Cloud 2 excels in adventure-ready performance. Some trade-offs to consider are the bulkier and heavier sole, which, while providing top-notch traction and stability, can add extra weight. The toe loop adjustment process may seem a bit complex initially, but with practice, it becomes more manageable. In comparison to previous versions, the Z/Cloud 2 shows improvements in ease of adjustment. If you’re willing to put in the effort to find the perfect fit, the Z/Cloud 2 is an ideal adventure companion for your escapades. Best Value Adventure Hiking Sandals For Women – Teva Original Universal Price: $35 at Amazon$55 at REI The Teva Original Universal is a budget-friendly option that offers good value for those seeking versatile adventure sandals. With easy-to-adjust velcro straps, these universally-sized sandals provide reasonable security and solid traction for a variety of excursions. The placement of the straps ensures stability, even on hikes and when crossing streams. They are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, catering to personal style preferences. While the Teva Original Universal performs well in most conditions, it may fall short in extreme scenarios. The footbed can be slippery when very wet, and the sole’s pattern doesn’t offer the same level of traction as more robust options. The velcroed straps’ edges can sometimes be slightly scratchy, and the sandal may not be suitable for wider feet or those in need of significant arch support. However, for the budget-conscious adventurer looking for a reliable sandal for moderate excursions, the Teva Original Universal is a solid choice. Best Minimal Yet Supportive Sandals – Bedrock Cairn 3D PRO II Adventure Price:$140 at Bedrock Sandals The Bedrock Cairn 3D PRO II Adventure offers a unique balance between minimalism and ruggedness, providing the best of both worlds. Featuring nearly flat soles with well-placed bumps, ridges, and crests, these sandals ensure a secure grip on various terrains, even in wet conditions. The minimalist straps are easily adjustable and offer more security than they might seem to. While sizing and adjustment can be a bit challenging, the Cairn 3D PRO II excels in traction, stability, and overall performance. The Cairn 3D PRO II may not be suitable for everyone, as sizing can be somewhat tricky. For those with wider feet, these sandals can accommodate your needs. However, if you prefer a wide toe box and significant arch support, Chaco sandals are available in wide sizes. Although the color options are limited, the Cairn 3D PRO II is an excellent choice for those seeking a minimally designed sandal that still delivers support and protection. Best “Barefoot” Sandals – Xero Z-Trail EV Price: $80 at REI The barefoot bandwagon continues to amass enthusiastic supporters, and the Xero Z-Trail EV is an exciting model for those craving as close to a barefoot experience as possible while still wearing shoes. The Z-Trail has impressively thin, exceptionally flexible soles with robust patterns that provide serious traction even across slippery surfaces like granite rocks and steep gravel trails. The Z strap pattern ensures these Xero sandals stay securely attached to your feet. The cleverly designed outward-leaning strap anchors are angled away from the foot, removing any pressure that could lead to rubbing or blisters. This sandal is also seriously lightweight and flexible, making it a highly packable option. Unless you’re already used to extended barefoot walking and regularly wear wide toe box shoes with zero drop heels, going straight for the Z-Trail EV will likely leave your feet tired and sore. Like any body part, building up the muscles in your feet for this kind of footwear takes time and persistence. If you’re already an avid barefoot adventurer, the only real downside to the Z-Trail is that they come in very few colors. But for anyone hoping to walk around barefoot all day but who needs shoes to enter buildings or cross intense surfaces, there’s no pair of sandals we like more than these. Tips and Tricks for Hiking with Sandals Break Them In: Before embarking on a long hike, wear your sandals around the house and on short walks to break them in and prevent blisters. Give your feet and sandals time to get accustomed to each other. Carry Spare Laces: Accidents can happen, so it’s a good idea to carry spare laces. If one breaks, you won’t be left stranded, and you can quickly replace them to ensure a secure fit. Keep Your Feet Dry: To prevent blisters and discomfort, make sure your feet are as dry as possible before putting on your sandals. Carry spare socks to change into if they get wet during your hike. Apply Sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, especially if you’re hiking in open, sunny areas. The tops of your feet can easily get sunburned when you’re on the move. Why Trust My Recommendation? I’ve been an avid hiker for years, and I’ve tried various types of footwear in my quest to explore the outdoors. Hiking sandals have become my top choice for several reasons. They’ve allowed me to experience greater comfort and freedom on the trails, from hot desert hikes to wet, slippery riverbanks. The versatility and convenience they offer are unmatched. I’ve hiked through challenging terrains, waded through streams, and explored different environments—all with the same pair of hiking sandals. Hiking Sandals for Women: Final Thoughts In conclusion, if you’re a woman who loves the great outdoors, hiking sandals are a game-changer. Their comfort, breathability, versatility, lightweight design, and quick-drying capabilities make them a fantastic choice for any adventurous soul. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above and considering the factors when choosing the right pair, you’ll be all set to conquer your hiking adventures in style and comfort. Trust me, I speak from experience—hiking sandals are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. So, gear up and step into the world of hiking with confidence, one comfortable step at a time. Happy hiking! Blog Hiking
Backpacking How to Choose a Tent for Camping: Your Essential Guide Posted on September 14, 2023 Are you preparing for a camping adventure and wondering how to choose a tent that suits your needs? In this in-depth guide, I’ll share my personal experiences and offer practical tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect camping tent. How to Choose a Tent: Understanding… Read More
Backpacking Camping with Kids 101: Building Bonds in the Great Outdoors Posted on November 20, 2023 Embark on unforgettable family adventures with our guide to camping with kids. Discover the benefits, planning tips, gear and much more! Read now! Read More
Backpacking Best Snacks For Hiking I 9 Snacks To Fuel Your Hike Posted on April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 Anyone who loves hiking and food as much as I do is probably often faced with the question of what are the best snacks for hiking, right? For me, snacks for hiking are a guarantee for a happy and easy hike! Namely, during all my hiking practice, I noticed that… Read More
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks Reply
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site. Reply