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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.
Who it is best for: The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking a reliable sandal for backpacking, rafting, or hiking. A lead tester with over 15 years of guiding experience swears by their durability and stability on diverse terrains, such as rocky river crossings or long hikes.
Why we love it: It has outstanding traction and durability on varied surfaces. Our tester felt, “They're nearly as trusty as my PFD.” Though the adjustable toe loop requires effort to set, it significantly enhances stability and security, ensuring a solid, grounded feel during intense activities.
Should you buy it? This is a great choice if you need a sandal for serious hiking and value traction and stability over lightweight design. However, they are among the bulkiest and heaviest sandals tested, with the tester noting, “I never felt light and free. But I always felt solid and grounded.” Adjusting the toe loop is complex and demands patience, but it boosts security.
From town to trails, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 offers the security, traction, and comfort we need from an adventure sandal.
Who it is best for: The Bedrock Cairn Adventure and Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals are minimalist footwear with rugged sole protection. Ideal for those prioritizing lightweight design and versatility, they excel in dry conditions for hiking, scrambling, or casual trail use. A tester noted, “They looked flimsy at first, but felt surprisingly solid, stripping away fluff, leaving just the foundation.” They're great for users with wider feet due to their unrestricted width and appeal to minimalist enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance and simplicity.
Why we love it: The blend of minimalist design and adventure-ready performance, topping the men's review and earning high marks in the women's. The nearly flat footbeds with subtle texture provide above-average traction, while the straps feature softer texture and less scratchy seams for enhanced comfort when cinched tight. Their minimalist straps are easily adjusted and deceptively secure, offering a sporty, high-performance feel.
Should you buy it? These are excellent choices for minimalist sandals with solid traction and durability for dry conditions. That said, no half sizes are available, and they don't match the security and stability of cross-toe or cross-foot strap sandals. Other options may be better if you need more support for wet environments or long-distance hikes.
Cruising through sand and water with the Cairn Evo.
Who it is best for: The Teva Original Universal is best for modest adventurers, festival-goers, or travelers seeking an affordable, lightweight sandal for everyday adventures. These unisex-sized sandals are ideal for those who value packability and style, and have a wide range of colors and patterns. They're a great “just in case” addition to a vacation suitcase, perfect for casual hikes, city strolls, or relaxed outdoor activities where extreme conditions aren't a factor.
Why we love it: These offer simplicity, versatility, and cost less than half of many competitors while offering reasonable security and dependable traction. The thin, lightweight design is easy to pack, and the sturdy velcro straps are a breeze to adjust, as our tester noted: “Their simple, sturdy velcro straps couldn't be simpler to adjust for me.” With many color and pattern options, they cater to personal style without sacrificing functionality for casual use.
Should you buy it? This is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly, stylish sandal for everyday adventures or travel. However, they fall short in rugged or wet conditions, with our tester noting, “Particularly in water, I found myself slipping in the footbeds, and when I tightened them, the edges of the straps can be a bit scratchy, and it's noticeable how narrow this sandal is on my feet.” The flat footbeds lack arch support, so if that's a priority or you need more robust performance, consider other models.
Who it is best for: The Teva Katavi 2 is best for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a versatile, comfortable sandal for various activities, from casual hikes to everyday wear. Available only in men's sizes but suitable for anyone, these sandals appeal to those who prioritize value and a plush, contoured footbed over highly customizable fit or wet-condition performance. They're ideal for a lightweight, easy-to-adjust option without breaking the bank.
Why we love it: These offer exceptional value, delivering all-around performance with a thick, comfortable sole and plush suede straps at a surprisingly low price. The lightweight design and durable rubber sole make it a standout, with our tester stating, “I can unequivocally say none of the other top sandals deliver the same overall value for money.” Its soft, contoured footbed and simple adjustment system enhance comfort for casual adventures.
Should you buy it? This is a fantastic choice for a budget-friendly sandal with great comfort and versatility. However, it lacks top-tier traction in wet conditions, with some foot slipping noted in the footbed and on wet surfaces, and the strap system isn't as customizable for varied foot shapes.
Who it is best for: The Keen Newport H2 is ideal for diehard shoe fans and adventurers who prioritize foot protection, security, and stability for moderate outdoor activities like kayaking, dock walking, or long days on their feet. Best suited for those with narrower feet due to its snug fit and lack of wide sizes, it's perfect for users who value a supportive footbed and protective design over minimalist or highly adjustable sandals.
Why we love it: This has unmatched security and stability, with our lead women's sandals tester stating, “It gave me a lot of confidence on all surfaces.” The rubber bumper and extra straps provide exceptional toe and side-foot protection, creating a “safely cocooned” feel, as noted by our tester. Its soft, well-contoured footbeds with minute channels to wick sweat away keep feet drier, while the midsole and outsole offer superb support for extended wear, making it one of the most secure sandals tested.
Should you buy it? If you need a highly protective, stable sandal for moderate adventures, this is a top choice, though its distinct “cocoon” style and narrow fit may not suit everyone. Our tester noted, “I like the style. But it is not for everyone. I also found my toes got a little clammy in hot weather.” The toggled bungee adjustment can be challenging when pulling over heels and lacks the rugged traction of adventure-focused sandals. Consider other options if you need wide sizes or plan for intense wet conditions.
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.
Who it is best for: The Ecco Yucatan is perfect for men and women who prioritize comfort and support in a sandal for long days on their feet, whether on trails or casual outings. Ideal for those willing to pay a premium for high-quality materials and a cozy, supportive fit, it suits users with narrower feet who value a natural stride over technical traction. It's less suited for those needing wide sizes or rugged adventure performance.
Why we love it: We love its unmatched comfort, earning praise in both men's sandals and women's sandals lineups. Its leather straps and molded footbed cradle the feet, while the cushioned midsole and slightly rocking outsole support a natural stride. Testers raved about its coziness, with a male tester saying, “I found them truly comfortable and supportive under any conditions,” and a female tester noting, “I found them squishy and pleasant, even for long days on my feet.”
Should you buy it? If comfort and support are your top priorities and you're okay with a premium price and minor traction trade-offs, this is an excellent choice. However, it runs narrow and has no wide sizes available, which may not suit all feet.
Who it is best for: The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed and women's flip flop are ideal for casual sandal enthusiasts who prioritize exceptional comfort and style for everyday wear, such as lounging or long days on their feet in dry settings. Perfect for those with supported arches who value a moldable, high-quality cork and leather design, these sandals suit users willing to invest in a premium, iconic sandal for non-watery environments.
Why we love it: Luxurious comfort is enhanced by a latex foam layer in the moldable cork and leather footbed, delivering a softer feel while maintaining Birkenstock's renowned support. Both men's and women's testing teams found it exceptionally comfortable for long days, with well-supported arches and an EVA outsole offering decent traction for casual settings. Its classic, stylish design makes it a longtime fan favorite in casual footwear.
Should you buy it? If you're seeking a premium, comfortable option for dry, casual settings, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a phenomenal choice, but its high price may not suit budget-conscious buyers. It's not designed for water exposure, as soaking can degrade the sealant and finishes, making it unsuitable for beach or river trips.
The Arizona is about as classic and comfy as sandals get.
Who it is best for: The Xero Z-Trail EV is ideal for dedicated barefoot enthusiasts who want an ultrathin sandal that mimics a barefoot experience while offering enough protection for thorny trails or indoor settings with “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” policies. It's best for those with strengthened foot muscles accustomed to minimalist footwear, seeking excellent traction and blister-free comfort on steep or slippery terrains.
Why we love it: Its barefoot-like feel and impressive functionality impressed us. The ultrathin, flexible soles feature a robust pattern for excellent traction on steep gravel trails and slippery granite slopes. With outward-angled anchors, the Z-style straps maintain tension without causing blisters, ensuring comfort over long distances. These sandals deliver a minimalist design that doesn't compromise grip or durability for barefoot adventurers.
Should you buy it? If you're an avid barefoot adventurer, this is a top pick for its trail-ready traction and minimalist comfort. Still, it's not for beginners, as unconditioned feet may tire or ache. Available in limited colors, they may not suit those prioritizing style variety.
Who it is best for: The Earth Runners Alpha and Alpha sandals are perfect for barefoot enthusiasts who prioritize maximum traction and a secure, agile fit while maintaining a close-to-the-ground feel. Ideal for those accustomed to minimalist footwear, these sandals suit adventurers navigating varied dry surfaces who value a streamlined, lightweight design over conventional comfort or durability found in bulkier hiking sandals.
Why we love it: This has standout performance in the barefoot niche, offering a snug and agile feel with a thin sole and super-slim laces. The absorbent canvas footbed and uncluttered design provide impressive traction across diverse dry landscapes, earning praise from both men's and women's testing teams. Its single strap, once tuned, ensures a steadfast fit, balancing security with a near-non-existent barefoot sensation.
Should you buy it? This is a top choice if you're a barefoot enthusiast seeking a minimalist sandal with excellent traction and a secure fit for dry conditions. However, its thin sole and minimal support may lack the durability of heftier sandals, and the strap tuning can be tricky. It's not suited for those unaccustomed to barefoot styles, as it prioritizes agility over conventional comfort.
The soft, flexible sole allows incredible traction and sensitivity.
Credit: Jacob Clark
How We Tested
Our footwear experts have tested hundreds of sandals for over a decade 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.
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 sandals for both men and women (or both) to bring you the best options on the market.
Why Trust GearLab
The many sandals we have tested over the years have been worn and scrutinized by a robust Senior GearLab Review Editors team. 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. These three have years of professional and personal experience 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 highlighting our latest test group and how they performed. See our women's sandals review for more details on each model below and how they performed in exhaustive side-by-side tests.
Men's Sandals
Below are the overall scores from our sandals for men review. Check out that separate review to see how the best models are compared across individual metrics and which models offer 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. Some adventure sandals for camping trips, or 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. 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-ranked 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 best water shoes for women and water shoes for men 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 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, over all your toes or 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 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
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 we want to hike up a mountain in or wear while traipsing around a new city on vacation. But a pair of slides may be a good pairing for hanging out around the house, running errands around town, and even helping your feet recover.
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 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 pair of sandals that all our testers would choose in every situation, whenever you can, try on your sandals 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.
