Greatest Mountaineering Sandals for Ladies of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

Generally you simply should let the tootsies wiggle free; we get that. Many individuals select climbing sandals for rafting, informal day hikes, and climbing approaches, however they’ll additionally function a fantastic different to conventional climbing footwear for longer treks in notably scorching or moist climates. 

As a workforce, we’ve collectively hiked over 6,000 miles in additional than 40 pairs of adventure-ready sandals—together with huge thru-hikes just like the Appalachian Path—and we’ve realized a factor or two about what makes a sandal actually trail-worthy. We lately up to date our information to one of the best climbing sandals for ladies with one other spherical of focused testing, critically evaluating every pair throughout six completely different efficiency classes. We measured every sandal’s consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, weight, packability, and ease of use. 

We’ll use our experience on this information that can assist you discover your good pair of climbing sandals for your entire adventures—huge and small.

It might be a style faux-pas, however pairing your climbing sandals with a great pair of climbing socks will minimize down on abrasion from straps and hold your ft hotter. Or when you’re after a pair of comfortable sandals for lounging as a substitute of climbing, you’ll love our record of the greatest camp sneakers.

Fast Picks for Ladies’s Mountaineering Sandals

Take a look at this fast record of our favorites when you’re in a rush, or proceed scrolling to see our full record of one of the best climbing sandals with in-depth evaluations.

Greatest climbing sandals general: Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($80)

Greatest funds climbing sandal: Teva Unique Common ($55)

Most versatile climbing sandal: Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Traditional ($105)

Greatest ultralight climbing sandal: Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV ($80)

Runner-Up ultralight climbing sandal: Earth Runner Alpha ($94)

Greatest climbing shoe-sandal hybrid: HOKA Hopara 2 ($135)

Runner-Up climbing shoe-sandal hybrid: KEEN Newport H2 ($120)

Greatest ultralight climbing sandal: Luna Mono Winged Version ($110)

Greatest climbing sandal for slim ft: Ecco Yucatan ($140)

Greatest closed-toe climbing sandal for slim ft: KEEN Rose ($120)

Greatest climbing sandal for informal put on: Astral Webber ($110)

How We Check

Our workforce has collectively hiked hundreds of miles in dozens of pairs of climbing sandals throughout varied geographical areas. For our most up-to-date replace of this information, we additionally undertook a month-long focused testing interval throughout which we extensively wore the 11 pairs featured right here. We hiked a minimal of three miles—solely stopping there within the uncommon case {that a} pair of sandals was too uncomfortable to proceed—with every of the sandals offered in our information. 

For the overwhelming majority of sandals featured right here, we hiked 5 to fifteen miles throughout different terrain, each dry and moist, to guage how the sandals carried out in several circumstances, totaling greater than 50 miles for the testing interval. 

Even when a shoe is uncomfortable for us, we ensure to notice traits and options of the pair that will higher go well with different individuals. Everybody’s foot anatomy is completely different, and we’re dedicated to serving to our readers discover the proper shoe for them—not for us.

COMFORT

When evaluating the consolation of a climbing sandal, we think about varied parts, together with arch help, midsole shock absorption, the softness of the straps (do they trigger abrasions or blisters?), and the footbed contour and texture (does it cup the heel properly?). We additionally take note of dimension issues (would this be comfy for a slim, vast, or impartial foot?).

STABILITY

Stability is essential when climbing, even on straightforward to reasonable trails. For us, testing stability entails measuring a sandal’s help degree by way of rigidity, stability for the foot and ankle on uneven terrain, and the safety of the foot inside the straps.

We additionally think about the pliability of the footbed and straps, in addition to connectedness to the bottom—does it really feel like strolling on a gummy bear, or can you’re feeling the bottom beneath your ft?

TRACTION

This one’s easy: We consider how properly the outsole of the sandal performs on varied surfaces and below completely different climate circumstances. We think about a sandal’s efficiency on grades starting from flat to steep, surfaces from packed to free, and trails from moist to dry.

If we will hike down a scree slope with out sliding throughout or busting our butts, it’s a win.

DURABILITY

To find out a pair of sandals’ sturdiness, we have a look at a number of components. Primarily, this testing class measures indicators of damage and tear, particularly any indications of untimely deterioration through the early phases of testing (if straps are fraying after simply a few hikes, we think about that poor sturdiness).

Sandals earn excessive marks for outsole tread that doesn’t put on down too rapidly, straps that don’t stretch out, and footbeds that keep their texture to stop slipping, amongst different qualities.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

This metric measures the lightness of the sandals and their suitability for packing on backpacking journeys or day hikes as a secondary pair of sneakers for water crossings and/or camp. When ranking sandals for this class, we think about not solely their weight but in addition their profile.

If a shoe is light-weight but nonetheless clunky, it might nonetheless be irritating to pack. Equally, a shoe that’s flat and slim however heavy would possibly add an excessive amount of weight to your pack for longer treks.

EASE OF USE

Lastly, we consider the benefit of use for every pair of sandals. They’re sandals, so that you is perhaps questioning, “How onerous can or not it’s?” Nonetheless, some strap and buckle mechanisms are extra difficult than you would possibly suppose, and that may be an actual burden on the path when you’re unprepared for it.

We assess whether or not the sandals are straightforward to placed on and take off, and if the closure or adjustment mechanism is difficult or easy to price sandals on this class. Imagine us: you don’t wish to be tinkering with a one-strap system proper earlier than fording a river.

Why Belief Cleverhiker

Not solely did we hike over 50 miles particularly for this information, however our workforce boasts many years of collective path expertise, starting from straightforward front-country jaunts to excessive backcountry adventures. Collectively, we’ve coated hundreds of path miles, lots of which have been achieved in sandals.

Our lead tester for ladies’s climbing sandals is a full-time van-lifer who spends nearly day-after-day outdoors. She’s an skilled hiker who has backpacked the Grand Canyon and summited a number of state excessive factors—Mount Hood and Mount Rainier are on her calendar for 2025. Moreover, she’s a path runner, triathlete, and health knowledgeable who has spent practically a decade testing and reviewing health and out of doors gear, together with dozens of pairs of sneakers.

Evaluation & Outcomes

VALUE

Our prime decide, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, is arguably probably the most cost-effective climbing sandal at present out there. It combines strong traction, stability, and adaptability at a really cheap worth level of below $100. We actually imagine these are the best-of-all-worlds climbing sandals; they’ll permit you to sort out varied trails, from straightforward to difficult, in differing circumstances with none bother. They’re additionally gentle sufficient to pack for water crossings on day hikes and classy sufficient to put on round city. 

The Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV sandals additionally obtain excessive reward for worth: They supply an unbelievable barefoot expertise and include two spectacular warranties for budget-friendly hikes. 

Lastly, the HOKA Hopara 2 earns factors within the worth division for excelling within the shoe-sandal hybrid design. We’ve worn the Hopara 2s for hikes, path runs, highway runs, and paved walks, they usually have carried out excellently in practically all eventualities.

COMFORT

Consolation is very subjective and, within the case of climbing sandals, relies upon solely on every particular person’s foot anatomy and shoe preferences. That stated, the next evaluation relies on the comparatively impartial foot of our lead sandal tester (medium width, common arches, and instep). We love the vast footbed of the Teva Hurricane XLT2s, which permits ample room for the ft to develop and the toes to splay, plus the gentle inside of the woven straps. The midsole, whereas not notably plush, presents a major quantity of help and shock absorption. 

If foot freedom is a priority—a.ok.a. you wish to liberate your self from the constraints of contemporary footwear—the Xero Sneakers Z-Path EVs are a must-try. These minimalist, ultralight sandals characteristic an almost imperceptible midsole that bends and flexes with each motion of the foot; the straps are gentle, versatile, and hardly noticeable. 

For a safer possibility, hikers with slim ft will recognize the locked-in match of the Ecco Yucatan, particularly if a gentle midsole can also be a precedence. Though the Yucatan squeezed our tester’s toes a bit too tightly, she values the give within the midsole for longer treks.

STABILITY

Stability is available in two varieties when discussing climbing sandals. Mountaineering sandals will be deemed secure if they supply exterior help for the ft, akin to arch help, a sidebar, or a inflexible midsole. They can be considered as secure if they provide distinctive flexibility, permitting the ft to do what they do greatest: transfer and grip the earth. In every of those regards, our testing has recognized clear winners: the Ecco Yucatan for the previous and the Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV for the latter. 

A top-tier possibility for hikers needing ankle and arch help, the Yucatan incorporates a strong higher with an exterior sidebar, serving to to maintain the foot safe when stepping at odd angles (as is frequent whereas climbing). The contoured footbed provides a component of safety, cradling the foot and stopping motion inside the shoe. 

The Z-Path EV is the Yucatan’s exact opposite. Offering a near-barefoot expertise, it’s onerous to think about a greater shoe when you search a more in-depth connection to the earth. Whereas they could lack stability in a conventional sense—that’s, they don’t have shanks, sidebars, or arch help—they’re arguably the perfect alternative for hikers who’ve developed power of their foot and ankle muscle tissues. Within the Z-Path EVs, there are not any restrictions, permitting your ft to flex, lengthen, and grip as meant.

TRACTION

Mountaineering sandals don’t normally provide the identical traction as climbing boots or path trainers, and it’s typically not really useful to put on them on notably steep or slippery hikes. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless attainable to discover a pair that retains you upright on steep, slippery trails. 

Our prime decide, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, supplies respectable traction on most path surfaces. In actual fact, their all-around efficiency within the traction class is without doubt one of the major causes these sandals earned their place as one of the best general climbing sandals. We’ve worn them on flat, reasonable, and steep path sections and have taken them throughout a number of terrain sorts; we’re but to expertise a fall or any nervousness about falling as a result of an absence of traction. 

Loads of different decisions on our record provide nice traction, too. The HOKA Hopara 2, for instance, scored above common on this division for its efficiency on trails, forest roads, and pavement alike. (We did expertise a little bit of slippage on a steep scree slope with the Hopara 2s, however the identical is true for nearly all different climbing sandals we’ve examined.) 
For an ultralight possibility with nice traction, we suggest the Earth Runner Alpha Journey Sandals. Though these barefoot-inspired sandals don’t win within the consolation division, our tester appreciates how they create a sense of being linked to the bottom and their stickiness on naked rock surfaces.

DURABILITY

No matter whether or not you need an ultralight sandal or an ultra-supportive one, sturdiness is a key issue. We actually place confidence in each one of many 11 pairs of sandals on this record to carry up for no less than a number of hundred miles, if not a number of hundred and even 1,000-plus. After preliminary testing, we don’t discover any uncommon indicators of untimely put on and tear on our featured decisions. 

We anticipate hardier choices to last more, which is an enormous purpose why sandals with thicker midsoles, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 and Chaco Z/1 Traditional, have earned prime spots on the record. 
That doesn’t imply we’ve counted out minimalist choices, although. Specifically, the 5,000-mile sole guarantee and two-year producer’s guarantee on the Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV sandals instill in us a excessive degree of hope for longevity. The Earth Runner Alphas, although skinny and versatile, characteristic Vibram outsoles, bolstered laces, and sturdy canvas footbeds that point out they’re there for the lengthy haul.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

It’s onerous to argue with a mere 7.6 ounces per pair; that’s what the Earth Runner Alpha sandals carry to the desk because the clear winner for weight and packability. The Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV sandals are available a really shut second at 8.6 ounces for the pair. In third are the Luna Mono Winged sandals at 10.8 ounces per pair, adopted by our funds decide, the Teva Unique Universals, at 11 ounces. 
Any of those 4 picks are certifiably backpacker-friendly, that includes slim, packable profiles along with their light-weight nature. If packability isn’t a priority, you would possibly think about sacrificing a number of extra ounces for a sturdier sandal with extra help, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which presents a pleasant mix of ruggedness and lightness, or the Chaco Z/1 Traditional, an all-around strong decide that gives nice stability and sturdiness with out being noticeably heavy on the ft. Actually, all the decisions on our record are appropriate for all-day climbing by way of weight; it’s extra of a priority if you wish to carry alongside a second pair of sneakers to slide into for moist path sections or for evenings at camp whereas backpacking. 

EASE OF USE

If a pair of sneakers is constantly troublesome to placed on and take off, it’s most likely not value shopping for—particularly if that pair of sneakers is supposed to be rapidly swapped whereas on a path, akin to earlier than and after moist sections. That’s why we think about ease of use a significant component in our sandal evaluations. 

Our greatest general decide, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, couldn’t be simpler to make use of. These sandals characteristic three independently adjustable Velcro straps. As soon as you discover your match, you don’t even have to hassle with the forefoot or heel strap: Simply loosen the ankle strap to get out and in of the sandals. 

The Teva Unique Common, Ecco Yucatan, KEEN Rose, and Astral Webber all operate equally, although the latter makes use of buckles as a substitute of Velcro. Some choices, such because the HOKA Hopara 2 and KEEN Newport H2, embrace bungee laces, which could be a bit finicky however present a safer match. 
Different decisions, together with the Chaco Z/2 Traditional, Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV,Luna Mono Winged, and Earth Runner Alpha, characteristic a one-loop system. This design permits for larger match customization however will be obscure at first. After the preliminary adjustment, nonetheless, you’ll solely have to loosen one adjustment level to slide the sandals on and off.

The best way to Select a Mountaineering Sandal for Ladies 

Sandals might look like a comparatively simple product, however for high-performance climbing sandals, you need to think about a number of key traits earlier than selecting a pair. 

STRAP CONFIGURATION AND ADJUSTMENT

First issues first: Make sure the strap configuration jives together with your preferences. As an example, when you dislike flip-flops, you’ll seemingly really feel the identical about climbing sandals with toe thongs. The strap configuration signifies the place probably the most stress—and thus probably the most help—is on the foot. 

Think about strap adjustability as properly. The extra adjustment factors there are, the higher match you’ll be able to obtain. The kind of adjustment, whether or not it’s a buckle or Velcro strap, is known as a matter of private choice. (P.S. if you’d like sandals that you would be able to put on year-round, pairing them with socks when temperatures drop, we suggest choosing a configuration with no toe loop or toe thong.) 

Relating to strap development, most climbing sandals characteristic some sort of woven textile strap, sometimes nylon, polyester, or a mix. For sturdiness, search for tightly woven textiles and double-stitching.

MIDSOLE MATERIAL AND STACK HEIGHT

The midsole is the a part of the shoe situated between the footbed and outsole. Usually comprised of rubber or foam, it’s designed to soak up shock, present help, and defend the soles of your ft from the bottom beneath them.

Midsoles composed of froth supplies, akin to EVA foam, are plusher and cut back joint impression upon footstrike. Conversely, more durable midsoles comprised of supplies like polyurethane are much less versatile; nonetheless, their rigidity presents extra help and stability.

Stack top refers back to the thickness of the midsole, footbed, and outsole at their highest level. Usually, a thicker stack top supplies larger safety, shock absorption, and power return (bounciness), whereas thinner stack heights improve foot flexibility and provide help to really feel extra linked to the bottom.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP

Like climbing sneakers and boots, climbing sandals include various heel-to-toe drops. Zero-drop soles cater to ultralighters and barefoot-shoe fanatics, whereas increased drops present wonderful help for people who want further stability or help with ankle mobility.

For these trying to begin carrying zero-drop sneakers, it’s necessary to transition slowly out of your typical types, as abruptly quitting heel drops can result in discomfort and ache.

OUTSOLE PATTERN AND LUG DEPTH

Many hikers reserve sandals for simpler, flatter trails, wet days, or any trails the place they’ll encounter a major water crossing. Subsequently, the dearth of traction (in comparison with boots) that’s typical of climbing sandals will not be normally a serious concern in these conditions. 

Nonetheless, when you plan on venturing out on extra strenuous trails—notably these which are steep and have slippery surfaces like scree fields—it’s sensible to decide on a pair with a sturdy outsole. Search for deep lugs of a minimum of three millimeters in depth, together with aggressive tread patterns. Chevron and diamond patterns are likely to carry out greatest.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

In case you ever plan to pack your sandals for water crossings, to put on at camp throughout backpacking journeys, or for another causes, weight and packability must be excessive in your record of priorities.

To keep away from weighing down your pack, select a pair of sandals that weighs lower than 1 pound (16 ounces)—for each sneakers mixed. Additionally, think about the shoe’s profile, whether or not it’s slim or chunky, as it will considerably impression how straightforward (or not) it’s to pack. Moreover, light-weight footwear helps decrease muscle fatigue and cut back the chance of stumbling.

Conclusion

Discovering one of the best climbing sandals for you entails a number of components, together with your foot form and anatomy, private preferences, and the varieties of adventures you intend to undertake. Our prime decisions are based mostly on years of path expertise, together with a devoted testing part throughout which we evaluated every pair of sandals for consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, weight, packability, and ease of use, using an expert-developed testing methodology.