If you’re planning a trip to warmer climes or even a summer camp here in the UK, a good pair of walking sandals can cover many of your requirements, as well as give your walking boots a well-earned rest.
Most good walking sandals will give you plenty of support and avoid blistering by keeping your foot firmly but comfortably in place. It's important to note, if you prefer hiking across rough terrain or need to carry a heavy rucksack, even the sturdiest pair of sandals are unlikely to give you the level of ankle support you need. However, for better-made tracks and urban exploration, walking sandals can be a really good choice.
There are a number of walking sandal styles to consider - including minimal barefoot designs, to sturdy models for more rugged trails - so we've put some of the leading brands to the test. You can also jump to our short buyer's guide for more on what to consider when buying walking sandals.
Walking sandals at a glance
- Best lightweight walking sandal The Xero Shoes Z-Trail
- Best for summer walking holidays Merrell Women’s Kahuna III
- Best for support KEEN Women's Astoria West Sandal
Reviews edited by Rachel Howatson
For more beachwear, read our guide to the best changing robes, tried and tested by our team.
Best walking sandals for 2024
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail
Best lightweight walking sandal
- RRP £80
- Weight 122g (size 7)
- Upper BareFoam comfort layer
- Sole FeelTrue rubber grip pods
- Available Women’s sizes 3 – 10 (no half sizes), men’s sizes 5 – 12 (no half sizes)
The Z-Trail EV is designed for trail walking and running, and offers a walking experience as close to barefoot as you’re likely to get. Lightweight, packable, comfortable and good-looking, there's plenty to like about this design.
The looser hold may feel odd at first, but the rubber sole and all-over flexibility gives these sandals a reassuring level of grip.
Pros: comfortable and lightweight, allow your feet to move naturally, super packable
Cons: no ankle support, feel initially unusual
More details in our Xero Shoes Z-Trail full review.
KEEN Astoria West Women’s Sandal
Best for support
Buy from Keen (€110.00) , Sportsshoes (£85.49)
RRP £90
Weight 271g
Upper Includes recycled PET plastic bottles
Sole Non-marking outsole with Aquagrip rubber. EVA insole.
Available Women’s sizes 3 – 12 (including half sizes)
Keen's Astoria West sandals, a model you can wear both in and out of the water, are built to last. Sturdy yet light on the foot, this hybrid design could work for some rougher trails, and are perfect for beaches and river crossings.
Rather than individual straps, the sandals are fitted with a quick adjust bungee cord (sure to come in handy if your feet swell on hot days).
Pair the soft insole and generous arch support with the brand's impressive eco-credentials, and you've got yourself a desirable walking sandal.
Pros: excellent level of support, designed for water as well as land, quick-adjust bungee system
Cons: on the chunky side, may feel hot in warm weather
Find out more in the KEEN Astoria West Women’s Sandal review.
Hoka Hopara
Best for versatility
- RRP £105
- Weight 340g
- Upper Synthetic and neoprene
- Sole Rubberised EVA midsole with sticky rubber outsole
- Available Women’s sizes 3 – 12 (including half sizes), men’s sizes 7 – 13 (including half sizes)
While the oversized soles look heavy, they feel lighter than you might expect for the level of protection and support they offer. Suitable for wet natural terrains, as well as pavement pounding on a city break, the Hopara has some great technical features and makes for a decent ‘wear anywhere’ sandal.
We were impressed with the level of support and grip on test, but the lack of adjustment across the heel might be an issue for some.
Overall, a great summer alternative to trainers that will take you to most of the places!
Our reviewer recently chose these sandals as their only pair of shoes for a train trip across Europe. They were cool in hot weather but did all the jobs you would expect a high quality trainer to do. Definitely a good choice for discerning travellers.
Pros: modern look and feel, all round support, built to last
Cons: tricky to put on, no heel adjustment, might not suit narrower feet
Read our full Hoka Hopara review.
Merrell Women’s Kahuna III
Best for summer walking holidays
- RRP £100
- Weight 288g (size 7)
- Upper Pig suede with an antimicrobial Lycra neoprene lining
- Sole Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
- Available Womens’s 3 – 9 (no half sizes), men’s 6 – 15 (no half sizes)
The Kahuna III is a serious walking sandal designed to deal with both waterside adventures and trails, but we experienced a surprising amount of slipping on wet rocks and mossy tracks on test. However, these sandals offer great grip in dry conditions.
Comfortable too, the light construction, padded straps and cushioned heel make for a supported but not heavy wearing experience. Plus, the Vibram soles and sturdy stitching earn these sandals durability points.
A supportive sandal well-suited to summer walking holidays in dry conditions.
Pros: comfortable fit, additional ankle support, anti-microbial uppers
Cons: slippy in some wet conditions, limited colour choice, no half-sizes
You can find out more in the Merrell Women’s Kahuna III walking sandal review.
Mountain Warehouse Andros
Best for city walking and beach days
- RRP £39.99
- Weight 212g (size 7)
- Upper Soft textile
- Sole Phylon
- Available Women’s sizes 4 – 8 (no half sizes)
For a less sturdy, budget-friendly design you can return to summer after summer, these sandals will serve you well. A super choice for packing light, Mountain Warehouse's Andros walking sandals feature a flexible sole, so you can slot them into your pack with ease.
The Velcro straps allow you to adjust the fit, and the footbed is generally well-sized, although this sandal is perhaps more suited to those with narrow feet.
We wouldn't recommend these sandals for rougher terrain, but they're a solid option for summer holiday beach and street walking.
Pros: all day comfort, lower price, easy to pack
Cons: less foot and ankle support, slightly narrow around the toes
For more, read our full Mountain Warehouse Andros walking sandal review.
Trespass Women's Hueco Sandals
Best for city breaks
- RRP £43.99
- Weight 185g (size 7)
- Upper Cushioned footbed
- Sole Durable traction outsole
- Available Women’s sizes 3 – 8 (no half sizes)
The Trespass Women's Hueco Sandals aim to strike a balance between fashion and function, so if you're looking for a walking sandal you can wear on your travels, and in the evening, this model may hit the mark.
The sandals perform well in both dry and slippery conditions. Even on board a boat, the sandals offered decent grip. We were a fan of the soft and comfortable straps at the ankle, foot and toe post on test, but we found the webbing straps loosened over time. This means they're not the most durable option.
Pros: combined toe post and straps, cushioned footbed, slimline and attractive
Cons: only adjustable at the back, becomes loose over time
Read our full Trespass Women's Hueco Sandals review.
How we tested
We reviewed the whole spectrum of sandals for walking, from the minimal barefoot experience to rugged on-trail toughness. We tested all of them without socks in wet and dry weather. We walked on paved and rougher areas including grass. We also took them to the beach to try on sand and whilst rock pooling. Fi wears a size 7 and has a relatively wide foot. When walking she usually prefers plenty of support and straps that hold rather than rub.
What to consider when buying walking sandals
- Think about walking route. For well-made tracks and urban walks, walking sandals can be a suitable option
- In terms of features, look for adjustable straps, a supportive footbed, some shock resistance and gripping soles
- Toe protection can be a useful addition if you plan to take your sandals on rougher trails
- Walking sandals are ideal for warmer climes, and can act as a more breathable alternative to walking shoes
For more walking gear, check out the best walking poles, reviewed and tested by our team.
