Hiking Sandals

Open footwear built for walking, not for the beach

Hiking sandals keep the sole, the strap system and the tread of a walking shoe, and remove everything that traps heat and water. The range covers men's and women's fits, leather and webbing straps, strappy summer cuts and platform walking styles. What separates them from a holiday flip-flop is simple: the foot is held in three places, so it does not slide forward on a descent.

What makes a sandal suitable for walking?

A strap over the toes, one over the instep and one behind the heel. The heel strap is the part that matters, because without it the toes have to grip on every step to keep the sandal on, and that is what turns a long day into cramp. Underneath, a moulded footbed with an arch shape and a rubber outsole with real lugs does the work a flat foam sole cannot. Anyone wanting the same summer comfort with the toes covered will find it among hiking shoes.

How should sandals be adjusted?

• Heel strap: tight enough that the heel does not lift, loose enough to slide a finger under, checked again after an hour of walking.
• Instep strap: this one carries the load, so it should be snug across the bridge of the foot rather than over the ankle bone.
• Toe clearance: a centimetre of footbed in front of the toes protects them from stubbing on rock and roots.
• Strap material: webbing dries quickly and adjusts fast, leather moulds to the foot and takes longer to soften.

The stiffer, lighter alternative for fast ground stays in the trail running shoes range.

Can sandals be worn with socks?

They can, and it is a practical answer to blisters rather than a fashion statement. A thin merino or synthetic sock stops straps rubbing on soft skin during the first days of a trip, and it keeps sun off the top of the foot. Cotton socks do the opposite, staying wet and creating friction under a strap. Where a river crossing is expected, straps and bare feet dry faster than any sock will.

When do sandals beat boots?

Hot weather on a defined path, campsite and travel wear, wet approaches and river crossings where boots would stay soaked for two days, and anywhere feet swell in the heat. Boots keep their advantage on scree, in bogs, under a heavy pack and in anything colder than a warm afternoon. Many walkers carry both, using sandals for the evening and the drive home while boots dry out.

How are they kept clean?

Rinse the footbed and straps in cool water after dusty or salty days, since grit trapped under a strap is what causes rubbing rather than the strap itself. Air dry away from direct heat, which hardens glue and shrinks leather. Leather straps take a light conditioner once fully dry. A footbed that has gone slippery underfoot usually responds to a scrub with a soft brush and mild soap, and if it no longer grips, the sandal is telling the truth about the tread as well.