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A great pair of sandals is part of any summer wardrobe, but all those straps and buckles can be a nightmare for your feet's comfort. Nobody wants to end up with throbbing feet, blisters, or hot spots.
We've purchased and tested dozens of pairs of sandals since 2016, with 17 top contenders in our current lineup. We tested these side-by-side over many months, partaking in miles of urban hiking, backcountry tours, neighborhood strolls, backpacking trips, bike rides, trail runs, and paddling trips. We rate each model on its comfort, traction, and stability, adjusting and readjusting them repeatedly to assess every nuance. Whether you're looking for a great rafting sandal or something cute for vacation, we've got you covered.
Our team's favorite sandal is the Chaco Z/Cloud 2. This is a versatile adventure sandal offering stability, good traction, and lots of colors to choose from. For a great budget option, check out the Teva Original Universal. Barefoot enthusiasts should check out the lightweight Xero Z-Trail EV.
Outstanding traction, unparalleled stability, many colors and patterns, durable, robust arch support
Easy to adjust, superior traction, more stability than other minimal designs, great arch support, lighter and thinner than other Chacos
Good fit for wide feet, straps are comfy and easy to adjust, supportive footbed makes a difference on long days
Easy to adjust, excellent traction, robust arch support, lots of colors and patterns
Supportive soles, soft and comfy to wear, fully adjustable straps, good traction
Greater sole flexibility than 3D Pro version, good for wide feet, great traction, new straps are more comfortable, updated sizing is much truer
Good traction, secure without being tight, very lightweight, great for wide feet
Comfortable webbing, highly adjustable, great dry traction, retain good ground feel, soft footbed is comfortable and has good traction, secure straps stay put
Great foot and toe protection, solid traction, very secure fit, tons of colors, supportive, comfortable
Shockingly soft and comfortable straps, squishy soft footbed, highly adjustable, good dry incline traction
Easy velcro adjustments, many color option, zero drop and flat footbed, good stability and traction, fairly lightweight
Decent traction, lots of colors, easy to adjust, comfortable on most feet, secure fit
Weight per pair: 18.2 oz (size 7) | Sole: ChacoGrip rubber
PROS
Incredible traction even on technical terrain
Toe loop adds unparalleled stability
Tons of colors and patterns
CONS
Bulky and heavy
Adjustment process is challenging
If you're on the hunt for one of the best adventure sandals around, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is our top recommendation. The Cloud's sole offers unparalleled traction on any surface, from the outer sole to the internal footbed. Our lead tester boasted, “I've been wearing these sandals to guide river trips and backpacking adventures for over 15 years and I've yet to find a situation where they don't perform like a champ.” Though the toe loop takes some getting used to, the extra stability and security are immediately apparent once the fit is properly dialed in. We've swum rapids and hiked over late-season spring snow in these impressive adventure-ready sandals.
Our only complaints about the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 are necessary evils of its vast benefits. While featuring some of the best traction and stability around, the sole is thicker, bulkier, and heavier than most other sandals we tested. And the toe loop, while ensuring stability and security, is also far more complicated to adjust and find the perfect fit than any other sandal we've worn. We've observed the Z/Cloud over many years and find it easier to continue to adjust through many wearings than previous versions, but the adjustment is still somewhat complicated (although once you dial it in, you generally don't need to continue to adjust it). If you despise the toe strap, the Chaco Z/1 Classic are nearly the same sandal, but without the toe loop. If you like the toe loop but want a pair that looks a little more at home paired with a sun dress, we highly recommend the Chaco Bodhi.
While some members of our men's testing team found the lack of heel adjustability to be an issue, our women's team did not. In fact, our main women's tester wore a single pair of these sandals as a professional guide for over 12 years. They carried her through leading whitewater trips down raging rivers and over thousands of miles leading backpacking trips across the world (as her main shoes, not camp shoes).
Searching for a pair of sandals that can take you around the world without breaking the bank? The Teva Original Universal is an excellent, high-value option. For less than half of many others, this pair of universally sized sandals offers reasonable security and solid traction for many adventures. Easy-to-adjust velcro straps are placed perfectly to keep everything stable on your feet, even on hikes and when crossing small streams. The Universal can also be purchased in a plethora of colors and patterns to suit your personal style.
The Original Universal isn't without its downfalls, though. They are certainly above average in their performance, but in extreme conditions, they can fall short. When very wet, the footbed is slippery, and the mild pattern on the bottoms of the soles can't offer the same serious traction as beefier options. “I sometimes found the edges of the straps to be scratchy, and this sandal also runs on the narrow side with zero arch support,” our tester remarked. If you need a wide option, Chaco sandals come in wide sizes. However, if you're a modest adventurer looking for an affordable sandal that can keep up on moderate excursions, this Teva sandal is a great choice.
Weight per pair: 19.8 oz (size 7-7.5) | Sole: Rubber
PROS
Comfortable and soft to wear
Great support over long days
Fully adjustable velcro on all three straps
Great stability
CONS
Very narrow fit and no wide sizes
Heavy and bulky
For those who dig the look of the Ecco Yucatan, their comfort is top tier. They feature plush midsoles with a microfiber footbed and leather straps lined with neoprene. “Even when spending long days on my feet, these sandals offered great support,” lead tester Maggie Nichols noted. They're easy to get on, and all three straps are easily adjustable with long velcro strips. The Yucatan offers excellent security and stability no matter where you roam. They still have pretty good traction on wet surfaces and stay put even if your feet are sweating in the sun.
Sizing-wise, we should note that the Yucatan runs quite narrow and isn't available in wide sizes. If you have wide feet or prefer the feeling of letting your toes and forefoot spread out in your shoes, you may find the Yucatan restrictive. If you're planning to walk through deep water, you should expect these sandals to take a long time to dry out afterward. Their overall bulk also makes them inconvenient to pack in a suitcase to take on vacation. If you want secure sandals but prefer them to be a little more water-friendly and have more room for your feet to spread, check out the Keen Newport H2 instead.
Weight per pair: 14.1 oz (size 8) | Sole: Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber
PROS
More flexible soles than the 3D Pro version
Comfortable for wide feet
Impressive traction
Updated straps are more comfortable
CONS
Soles aren't as supportive as the 3D Pro version
Only full sizes available
Straddling the line between minimalism and rugged performance, the recently updated Bedrock Cairn Evo are better than their predecessors in small but impactful ways. With a new sizing scheme that's much truer to fit and softer straps and strap seams than ever before, these sandals are comfortable for all-day wear. Their flexible but tough soles offer impressive grip, even when wet, while still bending in a familiar way. Of all the sandals we've tested with this type of strap configuration, these are one of the most stable and adventure-focused of the bunch.
The Cairn Evo isn't very supportive for long-distance hikes or when carrying heavy loads. Their zero-drop flexible footbeds with minimal contouring can leave you feeling foot fatigue faster. That said, if what you want is a bit more support, the Cairn Evo 3D Pro has a contoured footbed and an upgraded sole, which kept our feet feeling fresh even after 8-mile hikes. Though the sizing has been updated with this line of sandals, they still aren't offered in half sizes. Still, we think these sandals are a great option for adventurous folks who prefer minimalist straps but don't want to compromise on traction.
Weight per pair: 8.0 oz (size 8) | Sole: FeelTrue rubber
PROS
Good traction on rough terrain
Secure without being tight
Great for wide feet
Very lightweight and packable
CONS
Barefoot walking takes practice
Limited colors
Thin sole lets debris in easily
The barefoot bandwagon continues to amass enthusiastic supporters, and the Xero Z-Trail EV is an exciting model for those craving as close to a barefoot experience as possible while still wearing shoes. The Z-Trail has impressively thin, exceptionally flexible soles with robust patterns that provide serious traction even across slippery surfaces like granite rocks and steep gravel trails. The Z strap pattern ensures these Xero sandals stay securely attached to your feet. The cleverly designed outward-leaning strap anchors are angled away from the foot, removing any pressure that could lead to rubbing or blisters. “I love how lightweight and flexible these are. I wouldn't think twice about tossing them in a suitcase for vacation,” our tester said.
Unless you're already used to extended barefoot walking and regularly wear wide toe box shoes with zero drop heels, going straight for the Z-Trail EV will likely leave your feet tired and sore. Like any body part, building up the muscles in your feet for this kind of footwear takes time and persistence. If you're already an avid barefoot adventurer, the only real downside to the Z-Trail is that they come in very few colors. But for anyone hoping to walk around barefoot all day but who needs shoes to enter buildings or cross intense surfaces, there's no pair of sandals we like more than these. If you like the barefoot experience but want a different strap configuration, the Xero H-Trail is another great sandal we love. The Earth Runner Alpha is another solid barefoot option with a more secure fit and a more protective sole.
Weight per pair: 21.2 oz (size 7.5) | Sole: Rubber
PROS
Excellent toe and foot protection
Good traction in most situations
Secure and stable fit
Supportive and comfortable
CONS
Narrow and not very adjustable
Putting them on takes extra effort
If you're the type of person who prefers the security, stability, and support of a proper shoe but you're sick of having sweaty feet all summer, the Keen Newport H2 might just be your new favorite footwear. These high-coverage sandals with a rubber toe bumper offer more protection than even their copycats. The Newport footbed is soft and impressively supportive while keeping our feet relatively dry even on hot days. A slightly narrower-than-average footbed is surrounded by slightly stretchy straps that, all together, provide a secure and stable fit.
In most of our daily wear, the Newport H2 has great traction. Their razor-thin slits in the outsoles, meant to channel water away, only open when bent very far, and these sandals just don't offer quite as good of wet traction as some of the more adventure-focused sandals in our lineup. They only have a single point of adjustability (the bungee cord across the top), and their snug fit means we spent more time tugging them on than most. Then there's the elephant in the room — as one of our staff members remarked, “They just look dorky.” But these are a long-time staple in Keen's lineup for a reason. They're stable, protective, and comfortable. If you don't often wear sandals, you might be okay with the similar-looking Dream Pairs, but if you want a supportive sole and a secure fit, the Newport H2 are worth the investment.
The Newport H2 are great sandals for people who prefer the support and protection of sneakers.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Compare Products
Just a few of the sandals we've tested over the years.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
How We Tested
We've been scouring the market and testing the most intriguing options since 2016, updating this review with the most promising women's sandals available. We've tested scores of sandals in all kinds of situations and scenarios. We scrutinized their comfort while wearing them on hikes over 20 miles, on multiday backpacking journeys, during weeks-long rafting adventures, on cross-town bike rides, and through countless camping trips. We've worn them walking the dog, doing yard work, trekking through foreign cities, and spending all day at amusement parks and malls. We tested stability and traction on dirt trails and river rocks, and we assessed each sandal's adjustability and strap system. We've put these shoes through the wringer to learn which ones perform best for different feet and activities. Learn more about how we test our women's sandals.
We rigorously tested every pair of women's sandals across five performance metrics:
Comfort (25% of overall score weighting)
Traction (25% weighting)
Stability (20% weighting)
Adjustability (15% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
We took sandals hiking and changed them out over the same sections of trail to truly compare their performance in minute detail.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by sandal addict and Senior Review Editor, Maggie Nichols. Maggie is always looking for a way not to wear socks and has worn hundreds of pairs of sandals through just about every excursion she's taken. She threw out her hiking shoes and started professionally guiding backpacking adventures and river trips in a sturdy pair of adventure sandals in 2007 and never looked back. From trekking through her Sierra Nevada neighborhood and wandering desolate desert paths to exploring flooded jungles and touring foreign cities, Maggie never leaves home without a trusty pair of sandals. She spent months journeying in the models in this review to give them all careful consideration and learn what each is best suited for.
We tested sandals on all kinds of terrain.
Oodles of sandals!
Testing traction in wet morning grass.
We wear sandals more than any other type of shoe and in virtually every situation.
Analysis and Test Results
We wore these sandals incessantly to understand how they fit and function across different shapes of feet, support needs, and environments. We tested them wet and dry, on smooth, flat surfaces and rocky hills, across pavement and sand. While each is ranked out of a total possible score of 100, our testing spanned five mutually exclusive metrics and dozens of individual tests.
What's the Best Value?
As with anything you buy, finding a high-value item is ideal. And with a pair of sandals, the pressure is on — they should be comfortable, stylish, functional across many activities, and hopefully, not overly expensive. While this is a lot to ask, it's not impossible to find. When it comes to high-functioning adventure, the Teva Original Universal has a lot to offer for a lower price tag, and it comes in many colors and patterns to match just about any summer outfit. If you're the type who likes to wear sandals 100% of the time, investing in the Chaco Z/Cloud can take you from backpacking trips to winery tours and everywhere in between. And for those that love the minimalist barefoot feel, the Zero Z-Trail EV and Xero H-Trail are well-made and decently priced.
The Xero H-Trail are a reasonably priced sandal for the barefoot enthusiast.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Comfort
Probably all of us have, at least once, talked ourselves into wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes just to match an outfit. But this isn't ideal, so we put everything in our lineup through intense scrutiny and testing to assess comfort. We compared the flexibility and protection of the soles, the feel and fit of the footbeds, and the touch points and fit of the straps. We walked in every pair for miles, over pavement, gravel, and on trails. We went to the beach and hiked in the forest to evaluate support, potential hot spots, and comfort across many foot shapes.
The Ecco Yucatan impressed our testing team with its plush comfort. A molded EVA midsole provides support during long days and carrying heavy loads, while a microfiber footbed keeps your feet comfortable and relatively dry all day. The leather straps are lined with neoprene, offering just enough stretch to add comfort without compromising fit. Their only downside is that they run narrow, with no wider options available. But they fit our lead tester's slightly wider-than-average feet comfortably, and if they fit yours, the level of comfort they offer is top-notch.
The Ecco Yucatan are so comfortable to wear that they feel like a natural accessory to our sweatpants on lazy days.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Chaco Bodhi is another one of the most comfortable pairs we tested. The open design easily accommodates feet of many shapes, while the soft webbing never caused hot spots, even through days of adventuring. We were initially concerned that the strap in between the toes would rub, but it didn't, even after scrambling up and down rocks, walking coarse sand beaches, and meandering downtown for hours. The Bodhi sole is thinner, lighter, and more flexible than other Chacos, with just the right amount of arch support to keep you going on even the longest hikes.
The Chaco Bodhi easily accommodate feet of all widths and the soft strap - though it looks like it might rub the top of the second toe - remains impressively comfortable even as we trekked up and down seaside cliffs and through damp forests.
Even during long days of urban exploration, we stayed comfortable in the Chaco Bodhi.
Wet or dry, the Bodhi are a comfortable pair of sandals.
We've tested multiple pairs of the Chaco Bodhi - from city streets to kayak paddles to desert hikes - and they proved themselves comfortable in every situation.
Not far behind are the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 and Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro, which offer different types of comfort. The Z/Cloud 2 is similar to the Bodhi in terms of strap feel and footbed shape, though heavier overall.
The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro (left, green straps) is a slightly updated version of the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II Adventure (right, blue straps) with very few differences to the shape and topography of the 3D toe triangle - and none that we noticed felt different than the previous version.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Cairn Evo 3D Pro offers a nearly flat experience, with just a touch of ridges and crests in key spots near your toes to help keep your foot in place. This 3D Pro version is also more supportive over longer days and farther distances than the less expensive iterations of this sandal.
Comparing the flexibility of the sturdier, less malleable Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro (left, green) to the thinner, more pliant Cairn Evo (right, red).
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Keen Newport H2 impressed us with its overall comfort as well. Though its overall fit is a touch narrower than we thought we wanted, it actually worked out better than expected. The straps are comfortable and with just the right amount of give. The footbed and midsole create a supportive base that's on par with many standard tennis shoes. The recently revamped Bedrock Cairn Evo is another pair that surprised us with its comfort. Despite a totally flat (though textured) footbed, the strap design and fit of these sandals provided great comfort to our testing team and the added flexibility of this sole (vs. the 3D Pro version) we found more comfortable, if less supportive, over long distances.
The Keen Newport H2 are as comfy as a familiar pair of sneakers. And with additional straps and a more secure fit, crouching down like this to do some gardening is possible.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
For experienced barefoot walkers, the Xero Z-Trail EV also proved extremely comfortable. With a unique strap attachment system, we could wear these much looser than other options without compromising their overall fit. The Luna Mono features impressively soft straps and a squishy, mostly smooth footbed for relaxed wear. They lost a little comfort when tightened completely, as the plastic buckle dug into our feet. But as chill sandals, we are fans.
The Luna Mono have very soft flexible straps and squishy footbeds that provide a relaxed fit.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Chaco Z/1 Classic has a similar sole to the Z/Cloud 2 (though you can get the lighter Cloud sole with the no-toe strap configuration in the Z/Cloud version), and the lack of a toe loop is actually more comfortable for some of our testers.
Comfort is Subjective
We did our best to pull in as many testers and as much feedback as possible to try to create the most helpful overall picture of each sandal's performance. However, when it comes to comfort, everyone has very different feet and totally different needs. While our female testing team has continued to have positive experiences wearing all the highly adjustable sandals from Chaco over the years, our male testing team has given mixed reviews, including challenges getting the non-adjustable heel straps to fit properly and struggles with the toe loops fitting over certain testers' big toes. Ultimately, the only way to know if a sandal will be comfortable for you is to try it on — either head to a store or buy online from a retailer with an easy return policy.
For folks who like a more snug strap system, the flexible sole of the Earth Runner Alpha is topped with a soft fabric footbed that many on our testing team liked the feel of. The Keen Whisper has nearly as soft of a footbed with a comfortable sneaker-like feel. Both the Teva Original Universal and the Bedrock Cairn Evo have totally flat soles with just moderate texturing — great for anyone with flat feet or low arches.
The fabric footbed and silky smooth tube straps of the Earth Runner Alpha add to their overall snug comfort.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Traction
Walking without slipping or falling on challenging surfaces is an important attribute of any pair of shoes. Our traction testing was two-fold: we considered both the bottom of the soles on various types of substrates and the traction of bare feet against the internal footbed when dry and wet. We walked up steep gravely hills, across slick slanted rocks, and over wet slippery boat decks. We wore them until our feet got sweaty and then wore them to wade through lakes and swift-moving rivers.
Here again, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 and Chaco Bodhi take the lead. Both have exceptionally grippy soles, but what really stands out is their additional top-side traction — a combination of texturing, sloped edges around the heel, and a toe loop helps cement your foot in place. Put together, these traction traits easily allowed us to safely cross swift-moving streams, clamber over smooth boulders, and trek confidently up steep trails covered in loose gravel. The Chaco Z/1 Classic has a similar sole, but traction suffers just slightly without the added toe loop.
Through mud and sand, over mountains and boulders, the traction of the Bodhi didn't let us down.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro also has very good traction, particularly on the bottom of the sole. Though the 3D footbed has marginally better traction than their redesigned flat counterparts (found in the regular Cairn Evo sandals we tested), the difference is only noticeable with the two pairs compared side-by-side — we wore one on each foot for long hikes and treks through flooded alpine meadows to be able to discern the difference. The biggest difference in their sole feel is that the regular Cairn Evo has far more flexible soles than the 3D Pro.
The Bedrock Cairn Evo have great traction across a wide array of wet and dry surfaces.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Earth Runner Alpha have great traction on dry surfaces. They did well through loose sand and up steep inclines of loose gravel. Their fabric footbeds help to keep your feet firmly planted on them even if you tend to get a bit sweaty.
On dry surfaces, the Earth Runner Alpha have superb traction.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Xero Z-Trail also has impressively good traction. The large lugs on the sole are great for tricky terrain, and the sole's flexibility allows you to use the muscles in your feet to adapt to whatever you're walking across and offers more mobility than a rigid sole. On the flip side, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 has a rather rigid sole, but the underside offers excellent traction on most dry surfaces.
The deceptively thin sole of the Xero Z-Trail hides large traction patterns on the bottom and a rim around the back of the heel to keep you moving on all surfaces.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Offering sneaker-like traction are the Ecco Yucatan and Keen Newport H2. These both perform above average in our traction tests but lag a little bit on wet surfaces compared to some of the beefier adventure models like Chacos and Bedrocks. That said, both the Yucatan and the Newport have solid footbed traction. The Yucatan accomplishes this with a microfiber footbed covering, while the Newport has intricate textures and shapes carved into the footbed.
The Ecco Yucatan has pretty good traction that feels a bit like traversing the world in sneakers.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Teva Tirra has fairly good traction during normal strides, though the edges of the sole are smooth, offering minimal grip in trickier situations. Both the Teva Original and Luna Mono have slightly above-average traction abilities due to the exaggerated patterns on the soles. However, they both have flat, lightly textured footbeds that won't keep your foot from sliding around, particularly when sweaty or wet. The Keen Whisper provides about the same level of traction as an average pair of sneakers. However, when worn without socks, sweaty feet slide around inside these not-very-breathable shoes.
The Keen Whisper have about the same traction as a reliable pair of sneakers.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Stability
The stability and security of a shoe go a long way toward determining what situations you'll be happy wearing it in. We evaluated the stability, flexibility, and protection of each sandal. We checked strap security, playing with tightening models that could be tightened and wearing them looser when we felt we could. We noted how much they move — or even come off — in certain situations. We also observed the overall balance and heaviness and considered how that changed the experience of wearing them.
When it comes to keeping your feet stable in a pair of sandals, strap placement is one of the biggest indicators of overall stability, followed by footbed shape. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 are some of the most stable we tested, with straps anchored to all the key spots surrounding your foot, including between your toes. The Chaco adjustment system allows full customization of the strap fit, adding to their overall security. The Ecco Yucatan are also impressively stable. They have a sturdy sole, once again with straps anchored in all the right spots to stop your foot from sliding off sideways. Each of the three straps holding your foot in place can be easily cinched tight with simple velcro.
The Z/Cloud 2 have impressive stability over even the most uneven and loose terrain.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Chaco Z/1 Classic is nearly as stable as the Z/Cloud 2 (their soles are essentially the same shape and texture) — it lacks only the added security of the two additional anchor points the toe loop of the Z/Cloud 2 provides. The Chaco Bodhi, with its even fewer strap anchor points, suffers another degree of stability. Though for a minimalist strap design, these are the most stable we tested because they encapsulate the big toe, anchoring the Bodhi more firmly to the forefoot.
The impressive stability of the comprehensive straps of the Chaco Z/1 Classic is among the best we've tested.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Keen Newport H2 ups the ante when it comes to anchor points, surrounding your whole foot with a close-knit structure of straps. Their configuration and overall snug fit add a lot of additional stability to these sneaker-adjacent sandals. We tested other, similar-looking sandals — like the Dream Pairs — and none could match the performance of the Newport H2.
Comparing the Dream Pairs (left) to the Keen Newport H2 (right). The Newport outperform the Dream Pairs in every test and score higher in every metric - but the Dream Pairs cost a fraction of price.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Earth Runner Alpha have a snug strap system that affixes these sandals tightly to your foot and a firm clasp that doesn't loosen, even after miles of wear. The sole and strap of the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro and Cairn Evo also offer a decent level of stability, but there's more wiggle room, particularly in side-to-side movements and through water. The 3D Pro version has some mild topography on the footbed that helps some wearers feel more secure in them. The Xero Z-Trail is pretty stable on dry surfaces, but the looser fit isn't ideal for wading through moving water.
Viewed in slow motion, it's easy to see how secure Earth Runner Alpha sandals are, providing great stability.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Teva Original has a rather secure strap design, but the flat footbeds allow slippage when wet. Similarly, the Luna Mono can be tightened for additional stability, but they also have a nearly smooth footbed that doesn't mix well with moisture. The Keen Whisper has a closed toe and provides a lot of coverage. While all this added security makes them about as stable as a sturdy pair of sneakers, it also traps foot sweat, which doesn't promote stability. The Teva Tirra has additional straps in key places but also has a stiff sole that tends to dump the toes off the end when you bend your foot too far.
The flat, nearly smooth footbed of the Luna Mono is comfortable but doesn't add much to the stability of this decidedly relaxed-fit sandal.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Adjustability
Many of the sandals we tested are adjustable. We tested this by looking at how easily they conform to different foot shapes and different styles of wearing. We evaluated how easy each pair is to adjust and how readily they can be changed and adapted to different adjustment styles even after they're already worn in. And for models that have no adjustability, we considered how well they worked without it, if we missed it, or if they were still adaptable without it.
Some of the most adjustable sandals we tested are also some of the most complicated to dial in. All the Chacos sandals in our lineup offer the ability to fine-tune your adjustments to perfectly fit your feet. Both pairs with toe loops — the Bodhi and the Z/Cloud 2 — require some additional work and patience to discover the perfect strap tightness. However, the Bodhi cuts out some of that hassle by making the toe loop the only portion to adjust. While Chacos are more complicated to get perfect, they also offer the most adjustability of any we tested.
The Chaco adjustment system can be arduous and frustrating to dial in, but it also offers the best fine-tuning and most customizable fit of any sandal we've tested. From left to right: the Bodhi, the Z/2, and the Z/1.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Xero Z-Trail EV features an easily adjusted Z strap that can be quickly pulled or loosened. The heel strap is fully velcro, further adding to adjustability. You cannot, however, overtighten these sandals — the outwardly bent rubber anchors for the Z strap prevent it from getting too tight, which is great for comfort. Both pairs of Bedrock sandals we tested have nearly the same adjustment systems, allowing you to change the lengths of three of the four sections of straps. The Cairn Evo has a “whitewater grade” velcro strap around the heel that is infinitely adjustable, while the Cairn Evo 3D Pro repeats the hook and loop adjustment system found on the arch sides of both pairs. Their hook and loop systems are simple to use, though limited in their ability to be fine-tuned.
The hook and loop closure on the arch side of the Bedrock Cairn Evo make it easy to "set it and forget it".
The outside strap of the Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro has a quick release buckle to easily step in and out of these sandals or tighten them when you need additional security.
The Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals use a few different types of adjustment strategies on different parts of each sandal.
The Luna Mono has a single strap design meant to be easily adjustable. However, actually adjusting it is a bit more challenging than other models employing similar concepts. The Teva Original, Teva Hurricane, and Ecco Yucatan all have long velcro adjustments on nearly every portion of the strap systems.
All three straps of the Ecco Yucatan have long velcro strips that are easy and simple to adjust.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Versatility
In this final metric, we considered all the other factors that make up a good sandal. Things like what activities it can handle and what environments it best suits.
We evaluated packability, considering weight, size, and overall shape. We also took into account stylishness. While this is a subjective consideration, we asked folks to rate them and estimate the types of outfits they would feel confident pairing each with. We also looked at each model's color and pattern options.
We are impressed by the versatility of the Chaco Bodhi. Not only does it perform impressively well in tons of scenarios, but it also has an appealing style. Our testing team felt just as confident wearing them on a 15-mile hike as they did with a cute dress to the boardwalk. The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 and Z/1 Classic are also versatile options. Our testers felt they both have a more “outdoorsy” vibe, but both can be purchased in a dizzying array of colors and patterns that change every year.
No sandal we tested offers more situational versatility than a Chaco model with a toe loop. The Z series also come in an astonishing array of colors and patterns - you can even custom design your own!
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Both Bedrock Cairn Evo sandals have a very similar look and style, with minimal straps that were generally considered to provide slightly more style. However, they also have many hooks, clips, and seams on their straps, giving them a distinctly utilitarian vibe. The Xero H-Trail have a similar appearance to the Bedrocks and are designed for barefoot enthusiasts. They're some of the lightest and most packable options we tested, making them a great option for travel.
The Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro have the functionality to keep up with you on adventures and a minimal strap design with an outdoorsy style.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Earth Runner Alpha and Luna Mono come in limited colors, but both are also decently light and fairly packable, making them good vacation companions. Both the Xero Z-Trail EV and Teva Original Universal have reasonably accommodating looks and the cross-sport versatility to earn high marks in this metric. The Z-Trail appearance was generally enjoyed more by our testing team, but the Original Universal can be purchased in a ton of different colors and patterns, as can the Ecco Yucatan and the Keen Newport H2.
From urban trails to backcountry outings, there's a pair of sandals for you.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
How to Choose the Best Women's Sandals
Like any type of footwear, there are a lot of different kinds of sandals out there. Even among this lineup of outdoorsy and adventure-forward pairs, asking yourself some key questions can help to guide you to a pair that you not only like the look of but will support you through wherever you plan to wear them.
The sole of your sandal is the foundation for its capabilities and intended use. If you plan to hike and swim with your sandal, a good sole with rugged traction will provide better grip. Certain water-specific sandals have different features that aid in traction on slippery surfaces like submerged boulders, slick docks, and wet boat decks. Consider also the side-to-side stability of your intended sandal. Walking across inclines, on uneven surfaces, and in running water are reasons to look for a pair with straps attached in key spots (like both sides of your forefoot and heel — and maybe even involving a toe anchor) to be sure that your sandal won't let your foot slip off the side. Also, examine the texture of the footbed, particularly for water use or if you tend to have sweaty feet.
If you're exploring ill-defined, loose, steep trails, you'll want a sandal with better traction and stability.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
What Kind of Support Do I Need?
Thicker soles don't always mean more support, though it can help. If you plan to spend long days on your feet or carrying heavy loads, look for sandals that have plush midsole material. Depending on how much arch support you want, the shape of a sandal's footbed can make a big difference. Often, you'll have to try pairs on to see how they feel on your foot shape. Also, take note of which sandals tend to run narrow or aren't offered in wide sizes, as that can cause rubbing against your toes and a decrease in overall support. There's no surefire way to know how supportive a sandal is, but reading user reviews (and articles like this one!) can help you understand which might offer the combination of traits you need. If you can get to a store to try some on, that's ideal. If not, try to order from an online source that has a generous and straightforward return policy.
Even sandals with the same or similar strap designs will feel and support your feet differently. Pictured, from left to right: Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro, Bedrock Cairn Evo, Xero H-Trail, Luna Mono, Earth Runner Alpha.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
What's My Ideal Foot Feel?
Adequate, well-fitting straps can make or break a good sandal. Beyond just strap configuration, consider if you like to wear your sandals tight against your feet or loosely. If you prefer a looser fit, seek out sandals with high adjustability that will let you tailor them to your preference. For a more secure fit, look for a sandal that securely locks in your feet with flexible, soft straps that are less likely to rub when pulled tight. Padding such as neoprene can be beneficial in prone-to-rub spots — particularly if your sandals are wet or filled with sand.
Finding the right strap style will make your feet happy and snug.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Conclusion
Finding the perfect sandal to keep up with you all day without leaving your feet sore and blistered is challenging. We hope our intensive testing and side-by-side comparisons help you determine the right pair of sandals for your lifestyle and wardrobe. No matter what you decide to try, make sure you have a window to return them if they aren't quite right for your feet.
