

With a three-point adjustment system, the Cairn Adventure is plenty secure for more technical hiking. We'd forgive you for thinking that the airy design of the Cairn Adventure might make it loosey-goosey, but that's simply not the case. We did persuade a couple of holdouts that the sandal way of life has potential, however. In fact, we were so chuffed that we began distributing our testing samples to any and all parties who'd try them on, even if the numerical size wasn't perfect-not one negative comment. Our five testers unanimously praised this REI Editors' Choice Awared Winner's comfort both out of the box and after long trail days when grime or foot swell can make other shoes fit differently. (Think of it like a flip-flop with a heel strap-providing the airiest feel in the test.) The design ensures that there are no points of contact on your forefoot or across your toes. A flip-flop-style Y-strap crosses the forefoot, and an adjustable band wraps around the back to keep tootsies secure.

The not-so-secret sauce is in the unique harness system. Every strap and buckle needs to hit your foot just so, and if a contour in the footbed is an iota off, you’re in for a world of hurt.

Test Results: The pluses of hiking sandals-chiefly breathability, low weight, simpler water crossings, sweet tan lines-only register if the fit is perfect. Best Hiking Sandal for Everyday Wear: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universalīest All-Around Hiking Sandal & Editors’ Choice Award Winner.Best Hiking Sandal for Backpacking: Chaco Z/Cloud.Best All-Around Hiking Sandal: Bedrock Sandals Cairn Adventure.
#HIGH ARCH SUPPORT SANDALS FULL#
Test Resultsįind our quick recommendations here or read on for the full breakdown of our field test of the best hiking sandals. Our testers scaled peaks, crossed rivers and suffered more than a few blisters to bring you the seven best technical sandals available at REI. We enlisted the feet of 19 testers across the country to put this year’s top hiking sandals through their paces. All that adds up to a sandal that’s just as at home on the trail as it is the pool-but which is best for you? Outdoor-oriented companies have taken the same core DNA of your standard flip-flops and leveled it up with features like a beefier sole, more secure webbing, greater arch support or some combination of all three. There was a time when sandals were reserved for the beach or the public shower. 97 Reviews 97 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars
