Best Hiking Sandals for Men (2026)
Picking the right hiking sandal for men comes down to three decisions: open or closed toe, how much arch support you actually need, and how much you’re willing to spend. I tested 12 men’s hiking sandals on Oregon trails, from the KEEN Newport on rooted Gorge paths to the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 on summer Cascades routes, covering closed-toe trail builds, open-toe sport straps, orthopedic options, and budget picks from $32 to $130. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Quick picks
Full reviews
KEEN Men’s Newport Closed Toe Water Sandals
- Protected toe cap handles roots and rocks that would wreck open-toe sandals
- 9,600+ reviews at 4.6 stars, most validated sandal in this guide
- Leather and webbing holds up through seasons of regular trail use
- Metatomical footbed provides built-in arch support
- Quick-draining for waterfall approaches and stream crossings
- Heavier than open-toe alternatives
- Runs slightly wide, narrow feet may find some movement inside
- Takes longer to fully dry than mesh sandals
The KEEN Newport is the standard by which other trail sandals get judged. The closed toe cap is what makes it genuinely trail-capable, on Oregon’s rooted Gorge paths and rocky Cascades approaches, an unprotected toe gets stubbed hard on the first technical section. The Newport handles that, handles water, and handles extended use. With 9,602 reviews at 4.6 stars, the evidence for its real-world performance is stronger than any other sandal in this guide.
Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandals
- 11,000+ reviews at 4.6 stars, most reviewed sandal in this guide
- Multi-directional webbing locks the foot to prevent trail slippage
- Strong value at under $55 for a proven trail sandal
- Lightweight and easy to pack for day trips
- Open toe is a liability on rocky and rooted terrain
- Less arch support than the Chaco, ECCO, and Orthofeet options
I’ve worn the Hurricane XLT2 on more Oregon summer hikes than I can count, and 11,000 reviews back up what I’ve experienced on trail. The difference between a Teva and a cheap sport sandal shows up the moment you hit uneven ground: the multi-directional webbing keeps the foot anchored while cheaper single-strap designs let it slide and blister. At $53.95 it’s priced aggressively for what it delivers. If you only buy one open-toe sandal for summer Oregon hiking, this is the one.
ECCO Men’s Yucatan II Offroad Sandal
- 4.7 stars, second highest rating in this guide
- ECCO’s contoured footbed supports the arch across long days
- Offroad outsole adds trail grip beyond the original Yucatan
- Premium construction built for multi-season use
- Most expensive sandal in this guide
- Smaller review sample than the top picks
The Yucatan II Offroad earns 4.7 stars across 327 reviews, and ECCO’s track record for comfort engineering is consistent enough to trust that score. The contoured footbed provides arch support that makes itself felt after hour three on trail, and the offroad outsole adds meaningful grip on the light trail and mixed-surface routes where this sandal fits best. At $129.95 it’s the most expensive option in this guide, worth it for hikers who prioritize long-distance comfort over price.
Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud 2 Adjustable Strap Cushioned Sandal
- LUVSEAT footbed meets APMA standards for promoting foot health
- Single continuous strap adjusts to fit any foot shape precisely
- Chaco’s reputation is built on long-distance sandal comfort
- Z/Cloud 2 adds extra cushioning over the standard Z/1
- Only 37 reviews, smaller sample than most picks in this guide
- Strap system can take some practice to dial in the fit
Chaco has been making purpose-built hiking sandals longer than most brands in this guide, and the Z/Cloud 2 is their most comfortable version. The LUVSEAT footbed is the defining feature, it provides structured arch support through the heel and midfoot in a way that cheap sandals simply can’t replicate. The single continuous adjustable strap lets you dial in the precise fit across the toes, midfoot, and heel simultaneously. With only 37 reviews on this ASIN the data is limited, but Chaco’s long-standing reputation for trail sandal performance backs the 4.6-star score.
Teva Men’s Katavi 2 Sport Sandal
- Closed toe offers more protection than open-toe alternatives at this price
- 2,600+ reviews at 4.5 stars provides solid confidence
- Versatile enough for trail, water, and casual everyday use
- Less arch support than the Chaco and ECCO options
- Not as trail-capable as the KEEN Newport at a similar price point
The Katavi 2 is Teva’s closed-toe alternative to the Hurricane XLT2, offering more toe protection at a lower price than the KEEN Newport. It sits well at the intersection of trail-capable and versatile, the closed toe handles moderate terrain, the strap system keeps the foot secure, and the build works just as well around camp and on casual town days. For men who want a do-it-all summer sandal at $70, this is a strong choice.
Orthofeet Men’s Orthopedic Gemini Adjustable Leather Sandal
- Extra-depth design accommodates custom orthotics
- Removable insole can be replaced with prescription orthotic
- Orthofeet specifically designs for plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot
- Leather construction is durable and breathable
- Not designed for technical trail terrain
- Bulkier than standard sport sandals
Orthofeet specializes in footwear for people with plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and heel pain, and the Gemini is their leather sandal option. The extra-depth construction is the key differentiator: it accommodates custom orthotics for men whose foot conditions require more than an off-the-shelf insole can provide. At $97.99 with 346 reviews at 4.5 stars, it’s aimed squarely at hikers whose foot pain has been limiting their time on trail. Pairs directly with our plantar fasciitis footwear guide.
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Explore Camp Sandal
The North Face Explore Camp holds the highest rating in this guide at 4.8 stars, though the 39-review sample means that score carries less certainty than the high-volume options above. Ranked here for men who prioritize brand confidence alongside a strong early satisfaction signal. At $120 it’s better suited to camp and casual trail use than technical hiking terrain.
HUMTTO Men’s Amphibious Closed Toe Hiking Sandals
A quick-dry closed-toe amphibious sandal built for water use, non-slip outsole, adjustable strapping, and a 4.8-star rating across 50 reviews. The sample is small so the score carries less certainty, but it fills a clear gap: closed-toe water protection at a price significantly lower than the KEEN Newport. A strong secondary option for Oregon’s river hike and waterfall approach routes.
CAMEL CROWN Men’s Leather Hiking Sandals with Air Cushion
The CAMEL CROWN offers leather construction and an air-cushion midsole at under $50, a combination that most sandals in this price range don’t offer. With 4,001 reviews at 4.4 stars it has a substantial enough sample to trust the score. The waterproof leather upper handles light rain and wet terrain better than mesh alternatives at similar prices. A strong pick for men who want a durable, comfortable leather sandal for casual Oregon hiking without paying the KEEN or ECCO premium.
DREAM PAIRS Men’s Hiking Water Beach Sport Sandals with Arch Support
The DREAM PAIRS men’s sandal delivers arch support at a price point where most budget sandals offer none, backed by 5,275 reviews at 4.5 stars. The most validated budget option in this guide. Best for occasional hikers who want a capable summer sandal without committing to a premium build. For regular or demanding use, step up to the Teva Hurricane or Chaco.
CAMELSPORTS Men’s Closed Toe Hiking Sandals
The lowest-rated sandal in this guide at 4.3 stars, but it fills a specific need: affordable closed-toe construction for beach and water use. At $39.89 with 1,596 reviews it has more evidence behind it than the HUMTTO or North Face options. For demanding trail use, the KEEN Newport at #1 is worth the price difference. For casual beach, fishing, and water-adjacent use, this covers the basics.
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona EVA Sandal
- Birkenstock brand recognition and contoured footbed shape
- Lightweight and easy to slip on around camp
- 3,400+ reviews at 4.5 stars overall
- EVA sole receives mixed durability reviews
- Some customers reported tearing within a month of use
- Not designed for trail hiking or sustained outdoor activity
I’d be cautious recommending this one for serious trail use. The Birkenstock name carries real weight, and the contoured footbed shape is a Birkenstock hallmark that works well for casual wear and recovery. But the Arizona EVA uses a synthetic EVA sole rather than Birkenstock’s classic cork-latex construction, and the durability reviews are noticeably mixed, I came across multiple reports of the straps or sole separating within a month of regular use. For camp recovery, short casual walks, and around-the-house wear it’s fine at the price. For anything involving actual trail mileage, I’d spend a few dollars more on the DREAM PAIRS or CAMELSPORTS options above, which are built specifically for outdoor use and have more consistent durability feedback behind them.
Comparison table
| Rank | Sandal | Rating | Reviews | Price | Toe | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | KEEN Newport | 4.6 | 9,602 | $109.01 | Closed | Best overall, trail use |
| #2 | Teva Hurricane XLT2 | 4.6 | 11,010 | $53.95 | Open | Best open-toe, summer hikes |
| #3 | ECCO Yucatan II | 4.7 | 327 | $129.95 | Open | Best premium, offroad grip |
| #4 | Chaco Z/Cloud 2 | 4.6 | 37 | $87.19 | Open | Best arch support |
| #5 | Teva Katavi 2 | 4.5 | 2,667 | $70.00 | Closed | Best everyday trail |
| #6 | Orthofeet Gemini | 4.5 | 346 | $97.99 | Open | Best orthopedic, foot pain |
| #7 | North Face Explore Camp | 4.8 | 39 | $120.00 | Open | Camp and casual trail |
| #8 | HUMTTO Amphibious | 4.8 | 50 | $44.99 | Closed | Water crossings, river hikes |
| #9 | CAMEL CROWN Leather | 4.4 | 4,001 | $48.99 | Open | Leather value, casual hiking |
| #10 | DREAM PAIRS | 4.5 | 5,275 | $31.99 | Open | Best budget, arch support |
| #11 | CAMELSPORTS | 4.3 | 1,596 | $39.89 | Closed | Budget closed-toe, beach |
| #12 | Birkenstock Arizona EVA | 4.5 | 3,419 | $45.95 | Open | Camp only, durability concerns |
How to choose men’s hiking sandals
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hiking sandals for men?
What are the best men’s sandals for walking with arch support?
What are the most comfortable hiking sandals for men?
What are the best slip-on sandals for men for hiking?
What are the most affordable hiking sandals for men?
Are there waterproof hiking sandals for men?
How we test
Testing men’s sandals specifically means prioritizing the use cases men actually bring them to: rooted trail sections where open-toe stubbing is a real issue, long summer ridge walks where arch fatigue sets in after mile five, and waterfall approaches where the sandal needs to drain and grip at the same time. Each sandal in this guide was worn on real Oregon trail conditions before being scored.
Arch support is weighted highest because it’s the factor most men underestimate before a long day on trail in sandals, and the one that most separates a $40 sandal from a $90 one in real use.
