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We tested sandals and flip flops from Chaco, Bedrock, Teva, Birkenstock, and more to bring you the best options for men and women
A portion of our test lineup in the field. From left to right: Xero Z-Trail EV, Bedrock Cairn Adventure, Chaco Z/1 Classic, Keen Targhee II, Teva Universal Trail.
Are you still searching for your sandal "sole"mate? We went on 27-mile hikes and multiweek rafting trips, trekked across dozens of countries, and kicked back all summer in these sandals. Every pair tested here was worn extensively and compared rigorously to its competitors to bring you the best and most affordable pairs around.
Our women testers rated Chaco Z/Cloud 2 as their favorite overall sandal, and men rated the minimalist Bedrock Cairn as the best. Those on tighter budgets might like to check out some great options from Teva, the women's Teva Original Universal and the men's Teva Katavi 2. For advice on all our favorite sandals, read on.
When searching for a tried and true adventure sandal that can go the distance, it's hard to go wrong with the Chaco Z/Cloud 2. The traction is incredible across a wide variety of surfaces. One of our lead testers has been wearing these sandals to guide backpacking and whitewater trips for over 15 years and has yet to find a situation where these don't hold up, saying that she “recommends these to all adventure nerds.” Getting the right adjustment of the toe loop takes some time and effort. Still, once dialed in, this seemingly simple addition adds so much stability and security, from swimming rapids to hiking 25+ mile days.
All this ruggedness comes with some trade-offs. This level of traction and stability also means these are some of the bulkiest, heaviest sandals we tested. And the adjustment process required to find the right fit for your big toe is far more complicated and demanding than any other. But if you've got the patience and the persistence, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is the ideal adventuring sandal. If you hate straps in between your toes, you might prefer the Chaco Z/1 Classic, although a toe strap can go a long way in keeping your foot securely in place.
The Z/Cloud 2 have impressive stability, traction, and security over loose substrate and across side-sloped trails.
Updated Sandal for 2024
Bedrock's Cairn sandals, which are a longtime GearLab tester favorite, have been updated. The newest model is called the Cairn Evo and has updates to the stitching, and the sizing has been adjusted to fall more in line with typical US shoe sizes. Our women's team has tested the new version, and our men's team is in the middle of testing it.
The Bedrock Cairn Adventure sandals inhabit a unique middle ground between full-on adventure sandals and minimalist footwear, offering many benefits of both. It is the highest-scoring sandal in our men's review, and the newest version of the very similar Bedrock Cairn Evo scored high marks in the women's sandal review. The footbeds are nearly flat, with just a bit of texture to increase traction between your foot and the sandal. The minimalist strap design is simple to adjust and more secure than it appears. They offer above-average traction and have no width restrictions in their design.
While in the past, we've had issues getting the sizing right for these sandals, the 2024 updates have fixed this problem (although there are still no half sizes, which is pretty common among sandals and flip flops). The new versions of the straps have a softer texture and less scratchy seams, making them far more comfortable to cinch down tight. Though the Bedrock Cairn can't quite match the security and stability of the cross-toe and cross-foot strap sandals, they do a great job in dry conditions. If you're after the benefits of minimalist footwear but still want rugged protection for your soles, the Cairn and Cairn Evo are the sandals for you. If you want maximum comfort and stability, consider the velcro-attached Ecco Yucatan.
The Cairn Adventure grip is remarkable, effortlessly navigating across slippery rocks in streams.
Another classic pair that's proven its worth over the years is the Teva Original Universal. These unisex-sized sandals cost less than half what many others retail for yet offer reasonable security and dependable traction for many adventures. Their simple, sturdy velcro straps “couldn't be simpler to adjust,” our tester says, allowing you to achieve your perfect fit. They're thin, lightweight, and packable, making them a great just in case addition to your vacation suitcase. And they come in a ton of colors and patterns to suit your style.
For most everyday adventures, the Teva Original Universal will carry you through, but when it comes to extreme and rugged conditions, they can't keep up with some of the more robust models. Particularly in water, we found ourselves slipping in the footbeds, and when tightened, the edges of the straps can be a bit scratchy, and it's noticeable how narrow this sandal is. The flat footbeds don't provide arch support if that's important to you. Still, this is a great and simple sandal for the modest adventurer or festival-goer seeking a solid option at a reasonable price. Ladies looking for a slightly classier-looking Teva sandal might check out the Teva Tirra.
The Teva Katavi 2 offers a competitive all-around performance with a thick, comfortable sole and a surprisingly low price. Though they're only available in men's sizes, these adventure sandals could feasibly be worn by just about anyone. They feature a soft contoured footbed with plush suede straps and a durable rubber sole. These kicks are lightweight with a simple design that's easy to adjust. Of our men's sandal lineup, our tester says, “none of the other top sandals deliver the same overall value for money.”
They don't have the best traction when wet, as we experienced some foot slipping in the footbed and on wet surfaces. The strap system is easy to use, but it's not as customizable or accommodating to different shapes and widths of feet and ankles. And yet, the Katavi 2 offers great value, with a versatile and comfortable performance that outstrips its price. Another fantastic value is the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which is similarly priced, lighter, and has a little better traction and stability. We didn't find it quite as comfy, but some people may prefer its style over that of the Katavi's.
We think there's a sandal for everyone, and for the diehard shoe fans, the Keen Newport H2 is our top recommendation. The rubber bumper protecting your toes and extra straps adding more side-foot protection help your feet feel safely cocooned. The footbeds have no lining that might hold onto sweat and odors but feel soft and well-contoured, with minute channels in the texture to help pull sweat away from your feet — keep you drier and more comfortable. These are some of the most secure and stable sandals we have ever tested, with our lead women's sandals tester observing they give her “a lot of confidence on all surfaces.” Perhaps most impressively, the midsole and outsole construction provide a supportive footbed for long days on your feet.
The extra security and snug fit of the Newport H2 can cause some issues for certain wearers. These sandals run on the narrow end of the spectrum and there are no wide sizes available. They're also only adjustable via the toggled bungee on top, and can be rather challenging to pull on over your heels. While these don't offer the truly rugged traction performance of the most adventure-focused sandals we tested, they did well enough during our testing in wet kayaks and on slick docks. If you plan to wear your sandals very infrequently, the similar-looking Dream Pairs will save you a large chunk of change. They don't come close to having the same level of foot security or support, but if your sandals plans are minimal, they might be worth the savings.
The razor-thin channels in the bottoms of the Newport H2 are supposed to channel water away from the sole, but they only appear when the sandal is bent.
The Ecco Yucatan stands out as the comfiest sandal for both men and women, thanks to its sturdy build and high-quality materials. Our women's testers also loved the impressive comfort of the women's Yucatan. The midsole provides support and cushioning for each stride, while the leather straps and molded footbed cradle our feet in coziness. The outsole has a small rocking, supporting a natural stride. They're “truly comfortable and supportive under any conditions”, says one male tester. Our lead female tester admits they're “squishy and pleasant,” even for long days on your feet. The high-end characteristics of these shoes are identifiable and provide exceptional comfort and support throughout various terrain and circumstances, even though they come at a premium price.
The Yucatan scores highly both in the men's and women's sandals lineups. It's one of the best options for customers willing to make minor traction concessions because it offers excellent support, stability, and comfort. That said, it runs narrow and isn't sold in wider sizes, which can be a problem for some folks. If comfort is your king but you're down with a less technical shoe, check out the Birkenstock Arizona slides. They obviously don't have the same trail performance but are an absolute joy to hang out in, no matter how wide your feet are.
For the true barefoot enthusiast, the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are a dream. These ultrathin shoes provide a barefoot-like experience while letting you enter establishments with “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” policies. The soles are impressively flexible yet still have a robust pattern across the bottoms, providing excellent traction even on steep gravel trails and slippery granite slopes. Their Z-style straps look classic but offer more freedom than you'd think. Their outward-angled anchors maintain tension without transferring it to your foot, keeping you blister-free over miles of wear.
If you're not already an avid barefoot adventurer, jumping straight into a pair of the Z-Trail will likely leave your feet tired and sore. But once you've strengthened your foot muscles to wear these ultra-comfy sandals all day, they have few downsides. They're offered in very limited colors if having your favorite shade is important to you. But if you're on the barefoot bandwagon and looking for suitable sandals for maintaining that feel while exploring thorny environments or venturing indoors, the Xero Z-Trail EV sandals are your answer. If you like the sound of this but want a different strap design, check out the Xero H-Trail, which feature similar overall construction methods and materials.
The Earth Runners Alpha is our men's testing team's favorite for maximizing traction and security while staying close to the Earth. While not everyone enjoys the barefoot concept, the Alpha excels in this niche. Its thin sole coupled with super-slim laces provides a snug and agile feel across varied dry surfaces, even if it might not match the durability of some heftier hiking sandals out there. The single strap tuning can be slightly tricky to perfect, but once set, it remains steadfast. Our women's team also liked the Alpha sandals for a more secure and stable fit without losing too much of that “barefoot” feel.
While the Alpha might not offer the conventional comfort of its bulkier counterparts, it impressively navigates various landscapes, thanks to its absorbent canvas footbed and uncluttered yet effective lightweight design. A notable mention is its minimalistic support, which isn't so much a shortcoming but rather the essence of choosing such a sandal. If you're after a streamlined, airy sandal that feels almost non-existent, the Alpha is worth a glance. Scoring just behind the Alpha was the Xero Z-Trail EV, which is a little heavier and more stable but does not have the same comfort or traction.
We weren't expecting to be blown away by the Birkenstock Gizeh, yet they performed excellently across all our tests. They're very well-made, with the best support and stability of any women's flip flop we've tried. Though instantly comfortable, they continue to conform to your feet, growing even more comfortable the longer you wear them. We're also impressed by how much traction we had while hiking across various terrain. And though it's not everyone's style, most of our testers find them stylish enough to wear with a sundress or shorts.
It does take quite a bit of time to break in the Gizeh though fully, so you'll want to be prepared for the commitment. The toe post is initially quite stiff but becomes slightly softer and less apparent over time. With cork and suede footbeds, the Gizeh isn't the best shoe for water activities, but their all-foam cousins, the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA, are waterproof and cost a lot less. The Gizeh is worth it if you invest the time and money into a stylish, versatile, extremely comfortable pair of flip flops.
The Gizeh are a very comfortable flip flop with great style.
The OluKai Ohana is among the most comfy men's flip flops we've ever tested here at GearLab. It offers excellent arch support and all-day comfort — winning an award for best arch support from our women's testing team — and it even gifts top-notch traction in more challenging terrain. Our testers loved this option for its versatility, serving as dependable footwear on the river or trail, and stylish enough to walk right into our evening hangs around town. With an EVA footbed that molds to your foot over time, this option felt even better to our feet after a few days of use, giving it a custom feel that lasted through weeks of testing. Simply put, these should be at the top of your list if you're shopping for do-it-all flip flops.
Though pricier than many flip flops, the Ohana are still a great investment for the avid flip flop wearer. The NeedBo NDB is an excellent alternative if you're hunting for a budget pick, though its performance doesn't quite match the Ohana. This model from OluKai also is a bit heftier, though the heavier materials add durability. These felt a bit ponderous at first and took some time for us to get used to, but we ended up loving them. If you need something lighter weight, these aren't the best option — a pair like the Teva Reflip weighs about half of what the Ohana does. That said, the OluKai Ohana is a high-quality flip flop with long-lasting comfort and support.
The 'Ohana flip-flop offers both performance and style.
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a variant of the iconic Arizona that has become an international staple in sandals. This iteration of the Arizona includes a latex foam in the footbed that offers an even softer feel within the moldable cork and leather while still maintaining the incredible comfort that Birkenstock is known for. Both our men's and women's flip flop testing teams find these to be exceptionally comfortable. We easily spent long days on our feet in these, with our foot arches well supported and an EVA outsole that provides decent enough traction in most casual settings. The Arizona is a longtime fan favorite in casual footwear, and with this classic design, you can have both comfort and style.
The Birkenstock Arizona is not designed to get soaked with water as it will degrade the sealant and finishes, so don't bring these on your next beach or river trip. Overall, the Arizona is a phenomenal option for comfort and style that has stood the test of time for a reason. That said, it's an expensive pair for many folks just lounging around. The value is there for enthusiastic slide fans, but if money is tight, the similar-appearing Cushionaire Lane is less than half this cost. They don't boast the same level of comfort or support, but they're functional slides with a similar aesthetic to the Arizona.
This classic slide-in boasts incredible comfort, though it can be challenging to use these in more involved environments.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Test Sandals
For over a decade now, our footwear experts have tested hundreds of pairs of adventure sandals, flip flops, and slides to bring you reviews of the best footwear for every summertime adventure. We research and purchase the latest, greatest, and most promising pairs each season to put through our rigorous side-by-side comparisons. We live in these sandals — biking across town, backpacking through mountains, kayaking rapids, walking the dog, hanging out at the beach, exploring international cities, and so much more. We pull in as many of our friends and family as can fit these sandals to help us determine which are the most comfortable, the squishiest, have the best arch support, allow for just the right amount of foot movement, retain traction on uneven and wet surfaces, and so much more.
We test flip flops using the following five performance metrics:
Comfort (30% of total score weighting)
Support (20% of score)
Traction (20% of score)
Versatility (15% of score)
Style (15% of score)
As the sandals and slides we tested are designed for slightly different activities, we alter our testing methods accordingly, rating them across the following five performance metrics:
Comfort (25% of total score weighting)
Traction (25% of score)
Stability (20% of score)
Adjustability (15% of score)
Versatility of Activities (15% of score)
The tread and comfort let these sandals take you over any terrain you may encounter.
Testing sandals along the coastal cliffs of California.
These sandals have decent traction for being such a minimalist shoe.
We tested dozens of flip flops and sandals for both men and women (or both) to bring you the best options on the market.
Why Trust GearLab
The many sandals and flip flops we have tested over the years have been worn and scrutinized by a robust team of Senior GearLab Review Editors. Maggie Nichols heads our women's testing team and is a lifetime sandal enthusiast. She has been wearing sandals professionally since 2007, as her main shoe for guiding backcountry trips (backpacking, rafting, kayaking, and more). At one point, she wore the same pair of sandals for 12 years before they finally needed to be replaced. Contributing to our men's sandal review is Jacob Clark. Jacob is a former climbing guide and route setter who spends much of his days exploring the California Central Coast beaches and hiking and running through Los Padres National Forest — always with a trusty pair of sturdy sandals in tow (toe?). Also joining the men's testing team is Mountain Guide, Zach Lovell. Zach has likely spent a third of his life in sandals or flip flops, desperately needing open-toed footwear as a break from his life in climbing shoes or ski boots. He's been involved with product testing for over a decade and thoroughly investigates every category he works with, sometimes to a fault. Together, these three have years of professional and personal experience in choosing the right footwear. Along with input from a handful of other outdoor experts, our testing team brings you a diverse range of sandals to cover whatever water/summer/beach activities you have on your bucket list.
We walked, hiked, ran, and scrambled for miles to test these sandals.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Women's Sandals
We have now tested hundreds of women's sandals over the last decade. Below is a chart that highlights our latest test group and how they performed. See our women's sandals review for more detail on each model below and how they performed in exhaustive side-by-side tests.
Men's Sandals
Below are the overall scores from our best sandals for men review. Check out that separate review to see how the best models compared across individual metrics and which models offered the best bang for the buck.
How to Pick the Best Sandals for You
You probably already know what type of sandal you're looking for. A pair of flip flops to wear to the beach, some adventure sandals for camping trips, or a set of slides for running errands. We're not here to convince you what type of sandal you should own; we're here to help you figure out what makes an adventure sandal fit for canoe trips or to find a flip flop that won't fly off as you chase the dog across the sand. We prioritize comfort, support, and traction, no matter what type of sandals we test. With your experience wearing these shoes at the forefront of our minds — not just looking at whether they match your outfit — we give you our favorites of each type of sandal and how to determine which ones will be the best option for you.
If you want to wear socks with your sandals, we're down with that.
Credit: Miya Tsudome
Choosing the Right Full-Strap, Adventure Sandals
If you know immediately that you want a pair of full-strap sandals, meant to stay securely on your feet all day, you're looking at many excellent options. First, consider what type of adventures you'll be going on. Your adventuring may involve exploring cobblestone streets and paved paths through a new city, and you're looking for a pair of comfortable walking sandals that still go with your khakis or sundress. Or you'd like to let your feet breathe as you head up a long trail through the woods to get to your favorite climbing spot, and you need a pair of sturdy sandals with good traction for loose trails and hills. Or you could be seeking a pair to wear on a leisurely kayak paddle and solitary lunch spot, and you need shoes that can get wet without letting you slip or rub your feet raw.
All Day Water Play
If your ideal pair of footwear is meant to stay on all day while you're in and out of the water (or just in the water), you may also consider a pair of top-rated water shoes. These offer more protection for the tops of your feet, whether from rocks while canyoneering or from the cold on a whitewater adventure. We've scoured over 100 of the top women's water shoes and best men's water shoes to keep you covered and ready no matter how wet you get.
For every type of adventure, comfort is key. To figure out what you'll find comfortable in a pair of sandals without having to suffer through blisters all day, start with a pair of shoes you already own. It could be an old pair of sneakers with just the right-shaped footbed, boots with support in all the right places, or even some tennis shoes with perfect flexibility. Whatever your most comfortable pair of shoes is, start with those and figure out what you like about them to understand what you'll enjoy in a pair of sandals.
Do you prefer your shoes to have flexible or rigid soles?
Credit: Miya Tsudome
If you find your favorite pair of shoes is flexible, with a wide toe box and plenty of room for your toes to breathe, consider sandals with thinner soles that are wider than average or lack straps on the sides. If your favorite shoes take it one step further and are already thin-soled, a pair of minimalist sandals may be what you're after. These ultralight sandals are extremely pliable, with a spacious toe area that helps them to mimic the experience of walking barefoot without forcing you to feel all those pokey rocks.
"Barefoot" sandals typically have flexible soles that are often thin, to preserve ground feel.
Credit: Miya Tsudome
Your favorite shoes probably have contoured footbeds that offer arch support and sturdy soles with plenty of traction. You don't have to give all that up with sandals. Many sandals offer arch support, heel security, or even toe box topography. Thicker soles and those with specialized midsoles can still provide ample support over long days on your feet or carrying heavy loads around town and on the trails. Rugged traction and robust lugs can add traction over dry terrain — and some have specialized rubber compounds that maintain impressive traction even on wet surfaces.
Fully strapped adventure sandals can offer a lot of security, support, and excellent traction on a wide variety of wet and dry terrain.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Sandal strap systems also play into their comfort, but typically in a lesser way than their soles. Everyone prefers different tightness levels and numbers of straps for security, so there's no single answer here. Pay attention to how adjustable a potential new pair of sandals is. Many are fully adjustable, letting you change them repeatedly to find the right fit. No matter if they have simple velcro or an integrated lacing system that requires a diagram and patience to figure out, become intimately familiar with your sandals' system.
Shape Matters
With most shoes, the sidewalls help keep your foot in place while you walk. Your feet will slide much more than you may expect in a pair of sandals. When trying on open-air footwear, walk around the store or your home. Jump up and down and pounce from side to side to get your feet to slide. If your toes or any part of your foot slides over any edge of the sandals, they're not the right size or fit for you. Make sure you can stay securely in your new kicks before you commit to taking them home (or check the return and exchange policy before you buy online).
Deciding where you'll wear your sandals will help determine how secure and stable they should be and what kind of traction you'll need. In general, sandals that include an over-the-toe strap — whether over all of your toes or just the big one — are more secure but more challenging to adjust (and readjust as conditions change). If you'd like to wear your sandals walking over loose materials, up steep slopes, or when wet, carefully consider their traction. But don't just flip them over to look at the tread. Though this is very important, the traction of your foot on the footbed is equally as important. Sandals that are smooth on the top tend to easily let your feet slide, as do loose sandals and those with less secure straps.
Whether you need to cross the desert or cross a stream, there's a pair of sandals for that.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Flip Flops That Won't Flop Off
Just because you're a die-hard flip-flop fan doesn't mean you have to sacrifice security and stability. If you're used to cheap flips that mainly function to deliver a logo to your friends and family, you'll be stoked to know there's a whole wide world out there of trail-tackling, water-wading, town-trekking flops just waiting to cradle your feet.
Buying on a Budget
Many flip-flops and sandals are released in new colors every year. Search in the late fall through early spring to find good deals on last year's colors.
Like their full-strap cousins, flip flop comfort starts with the soles and footbeds. Many of our favorite flip flops have contoured footbeds that offer traction and support for the long days we like to spend outside in the summer. Some of the most comfortable ones we've worn have soft midsoles to better cradle your feet. Contoured arch support or raised edges to form a cradle can add comfort and security to your flip flops. Many flip flops have large lugs and are made of specialized rubber compounds that still provide impressive traction, even within the constraints of minimalist flip flop straps.
The right flips are comfortable, supportive, and have good traction.
Credit: Brian Martin
Flip flops can be tricky to fit, as they are rarely adjustable. And since we don't all have identically shaped feet, the straps that are secure on your BFF may not be the ones that hit right for you. Look for flexible straps that won't cut into your feet while you walk or rub on wet or sweaty feet. But most importantly, try them on in the store and don't just walk — skip, jump, and dash from side to side like a hockey player heading toward the goal. Too much give in the straps and slipping across the footbeds indicate that the sandals on your feet aren't the right fit.
Some flip flops are exceptionally comfortable to wear, with cushioning midsoles and contoured footbeds.
Credit: Matthew Blake
Simplicity in Slides
By definition, slides lack features in other sandals that keep them safely on your feet through all your adventures. They have no toe post or loop and no ankle strap. Without that level of security, we rarely find a pair of slides that we want to hike up a mountain in or wear while traipsing around a new city on vacation. But for hanging out around the house, running errands around town, and even helping your feet recover, a pair of slides may be a good pairing for you.
A nice comfy pair of slides may be just what you want on a lazy afternoon or the end of a long day.
Credit: Brian Martin
While we don't have an entire category of testing dedicated only to slides, we've had a fair few on our feet through these reviews. For the most part, these simple slip-on shoes stand out best for their comfort and ease of use, while their fit security depends on your specific foot shape.
Some slides are all cushion, making them great for a lazy weekend morning or sore feet after a long day.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Is There One Sandal to Rule Them All?
We wish! So much goes into making a perfect sandal that just isn't conducive to a one-size-fits-all approach. And we haven't even touched on style, which is even more subjective than the type of support, tightness of straps, and flexibility of soles all put together. Even we can't unanimously agree on a single pair of sandals that all our testers would choose in every situation. Whenever you can, try on your sandals and flip flops before buying them. Or at the very least, find an online retailer with a generous return policy — and be critical with your assessments to find the best sandals for your feet.
The right pair of sandals can take you around the world.
Credit: Joanna Trieger
Conclusion
There's a wide world of sandals for every activity, outfit, outing, and vibe. Though much of your ultimate choice will include your personal aesthetic and comfort preferences, we hope our ongoing comparisons and intense side-by-side testing have helped you determine the qualities you want in your perfect pair.
