Finest Climbing Sandals for Girls of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

Generally you simply should let the tootsies wiggle free; we get that. Many individuals select mountaineering sandals for rafting, informal day hikes, and climbing approaches, however they’ll additionally function an excellent different to conventional mountaineering 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 discovered a factor or two about what makes a sandal actually trail-worthy. We just lately up to date our information to the most effective mountaineering sandals for ladies with one other spherical of focused testing, critically evaluating every pair throughout six totally 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 will help you discover your excellent pair of mountaineering sandals for your whole adventures—huge and small.

It could be a trend faux-pas, however pairing your mountaineering sandals with pair of mountaineering socks will reduce down on abrasion from straps and hold your ft hotter. Or if you happen to’re after a pair of cozy sandals for lounging as a substitute of mountaineering, you’ll love our checklist of the finest camp footwear.

Fast Picks for Girls’s Climbing Sandals

Take a look at this fast checklist of our favorites if you happen to’re in a rush, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist of the most effective mountaineering sandals with in-depth evaluations.

Finest mountaineering sandals general: Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($80)

Finest funds mountaineering sandal: Teva Unique Common ($55)

Most versatile mountaineering sandal: Chaco Z/1 Adjustable Strap Basic ($105)

Finest ultralight mountaineering sandal: Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV ($80)

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

Finest mountaineering shoe-sandal hybrid: HOKA Hopara 2 ($135)

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

Finest ultralight mountaineering sandal: Luna Mono Winged Version ($110)

Finest mountaineering sandal for slim ft: Ecco Yucatan ($140)

Finest closed-toe mountaineering sandal for slim ft: KEEN Rose ($120)

Finest mountaineering sandal for informal put on: Astral Webber ($110)

How We Check

Our workforce has collectively hiked 1000’s of miles in dozens of pairs of mountaineering sandals throughout numerous 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 introduced in our information. 

For the overwhelming majority of sandals featured right here, we hiked 5 to fifteen miles throughout diversified terrain, each dry and moist, to judge how the sandals carried out in numerous situations, 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 which will higher swimsuit different individuals. Everybody’s foot anatomy is totally different, and we’re dedicated to serving to our readers discover the precise shoe for them—not for us.

COMFORT

When evaluating the consolation of a mountaineering sandal, we take into account numerous parts, together with arch assist, 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 have in mind measurement concerns (would this be comfy for a slim, huge, or impartial foot?).

STABILITY

Stability is essential when mountaineering, even on simple to reasonable trails. For us, testing stability includes measuring a sandal’s assist stage when it comes to rigidity, stability for the foot and ankle on uneven terrain, and the safety of the foot inside the straps.

We additionally take into account 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 are feeling the bottom beneath your ft?

TRACTION

This one’s easy: We consider how nicely the outsole of the sandal performs on numerous surfaces and below totally different climate situations. We take into account a sandal’s efficiency on grades starting from flat to steep, surfaces from packed to free, and trails from moist to dry.

If we are able to 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 take a look at a number of elements. Primarily, this testing class measures indicators of damage and tear, particularly any indications of untimely deterioration throughout the early phases of testing (if straps are fraying after simply a few hikes, we take into account 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 forestall 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 footwear for water crossings and/or camp. When score sandals for this class, we take into account not solely their weight but additionally 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 convenience of use for every pair of sandals. They’re sandals, so that you could be questioning, “How exhausting can or not it’s?” Nevertheless, some strap and buckle mechanisms are extra difficult than you would possibly assume, and that may be an actual burden on the path if you happen to’re unprepared for it.

We assess whether or not the sandals are simple to placed on and take off, and if the closure or adjustment mechanism is difficult or easy to charge sandals on this class. Consider us: you don’t need 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 simple front-country jaunts to excessive backcountry adventures. Collectively, we’ve lined 1000’s of path miles, a lot of which had been completed in sandals.

Our lead tester for ladies’s mountaineering sandals is a full-time van-lifer who spends nearly daily 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 professional who has spent almost a decade testing and reviewing health and outside gear, together with dozens of pairs of footwear.

Evaluation & Outcomes

VALUE

Our prime choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, is arguably essentially the most cost-effective mountaineering sandal presently out there. It combines stable traction, stability, and adaptability at a really affordable value level of below $100. We actually imagine these are the best-of-all-worlds mountaineering sandals; they’ll can help you deal with numerous trails, from simple to difficult, in differing situations with none bother. They’re additionally mild 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, street runs, and paved walks, they usually have carried out excellently in almost all eventualities.

COMFORT

Consolation is extremely subjective and, within the case of mountaineering sandals, relies upon completely on every particular person’s foot anatomy and shoe preferences. That mentioned, the next evaluation is predicated on the comparatively impartial foot of our lead sandal tester (medium width, common arches, and instep). We love the huge footbed of the Teva Hurricane XLT2s, which permits ample room for the ft to broaden and the toes to splay, plus the smooth inside of the woven straps. The midsole, whereas not notably plush, provides a major quantity of assist and shock absorption. 

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

For a safer choice, hikers with slim ft will respect the locked-in match of the Ecco Yucatan, particularly if a smooth 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 types when discussing mountaineering sandals. Climbing sandals may be deemed steady if they supply exterior assist for the ft, akin to arch assist, a sidebar, or a inflexible midsole. They will also be considered as steady if they provide distinctive flexibility, permitting the ft to do what they do finest: 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 choice for hikers needing ankle and arch assist, the Yucatan encompasses a sturdy higher with an exterior sidebar, serving to to maintain the foot safe when stepping at odd angles (as is frequent whereas mountaineering). 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 exhausting to think about a greater shoe if you happen to search a more in-depth connection to the earth. Whereas they might lack stability in a standard sense—that’s, they don’t have shanks, sidebars, or arch assist—they’re arguably the best selection for hikers who’ve developed energy of their foot and ankle muscle tissues. Within the Z-Path EVs, there aren’t any restrictions, permitting your ft to flex, prolong, and grip as meant.

TRACTION

Climbing sandals don’t often provide the identical traction as mountaineering boots or path trainers, and it’s usually not really helpful to put on them on notably steep or slippery hikes. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless attainable to discover a pair that retains you upright on steep, slippery trails. 

Our prime choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, gives respectable traction on most path surfaces. In reality, their all-around efficiency within the traction class is among the major causes these sandals earned their place as the most effective general mountaineering 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 attributable to an absence of traction. 

Loads of different selections on our checklist 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 mountaineering sandals we’ve examined.) 
For an ultralight choice with nice traction, we advocate 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 related 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 think about each one of many 11 pairs of sandals on this checklist 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 selections. 

We anticipate hardier choices to last more, which is a giant cause why sandals with thicker midsoles, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 and Chaco Z/1 Basic, have earned prime spots on the checklist. 
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 stage of hope for longevity. The Earth Runner Alphas, although skinny and versatile, function Vibram outsoles, strengthened laces, and sturdy canvas footbeds that point out they’re there for the lengthy haul.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

It’s exhausting to argue with a mere 7.6 ounces per pair; that’s what the Earth Runner Alpha sandals deliver 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 choose, 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 take into account sacrificing a number of extra ounces for a sturdier sandal with extra assist, just like the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which provides a pleasant mix of ruggedness and lightness, or the Chaco Z/1 Basic, an all-around stable choose that gives nice stability and sturdiness with out being noticeably heavy on the ft. Actually, the entire selections on our checklist are appropriate for all-day mountaineering when it comes to weight; it’s extra of a priority if you wish to deliver alongside a second pair of footwear to slide into for moist path sections or for evenings at camp whereas backpacking. 

EASE OF USE

If a pair of footwear is persistently troublesome to placed on and take off, it’s in all probability not value shopping for—particularly if that pair of footwear is supposed to be rapidly swapped whereas on a path, akin to earlier than and after moist sections. That’s why we take into account ease of use a significant factor in our sandal evaluations. 

Our greatest general choose, the Teva Hurricane XLT2, couldn’t be simpler to make use of. These sandals function three independently adjustable Velcro straps. As soon as you discover your match, you don’t even have to trouble 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 perform 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, embody bungee laces, which could be a bit finicky however present a safer match. 
Different selections, together with the Chaco Z/2 Basic, Xero Sneakers Z-Path EV,Luna Mono Winged, and Earth Runner Alpha, function a one-loop system. This design permits for better match customization however may be obscure at first. After the preliminary adjustment, nevertheless, you’ll solely have to loosen one adjustment level to slide the sandals on and off.

How one can Select a Climbing Sandal for Girls 

Sandals might appear to be a comparatively simple product, however for high-performance mountaineering sandals, it is best to take into account 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 illustration, if you happen to dislike flip-flops, you’ll possible really feel the identical about mountaineering sandals with toe thongs. The strap configuration signifies the place essentially the most stress—and thus essentially the most assist—is on the foot. 

Think about strap adjustability as nicely. 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, can be a matter of non-public desire. (P.S. in order for you sandals you could put on year-round, pairing them with socks when temperatures drop, we advocate deciding on a configuration with no toe loop or toe thong.) 

Concerning strap building, most mountaineering sandals function some sort of woven textile strap, usually 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 positioned between the footbed and outsole. Usually made out of rubber or foam, it’s designed to soak up shock, present assist, 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 affect upon footstrike. Conversely, tougher midsoles made out of supplies like polyurethane are much less versatile; nevertheless, their rigidity provides extra assist and stability.

Stack peak refers back to the thickness of the midsole, footbed, and outsole at their highest level. Typically, a thicker stack peak gives better safety, shock absorption, and power return (bounciness), whereas thinner stack heights improve foot flexibility and assist you to really feel extra related to the bottom.

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP

Like mountaineering footwear and boots, mountaineering sandals include various heel-to-toe drops. Zero-drop soles cater to ultralighters and barefoot-shoe fans, whereas greater drops present wonderful assist for people who want additional stability or help with ankle mobility.

For these seeking to begin carrying zero-drop footwear, it’s vital to transition slowly out of your traditional 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 may encounter a major water crossing. Subsequently, the dearth of traction (in comparison with boots) that’s typical of mountaineering sandals just isn’t often a significant concern in these conditions. 

Nevertheless, if you happen to plan on venturing out on extra strenuous trails—notably these which might be steep and have slippery surfaces like scree fields—it’s smart 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 inclined to carry out finest.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

Should 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 checklist 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 footwear mixed. Additionally, take into account the shoe’s profile, whether or not it’s slim or chunky, as this can considerably affect how simple (or not) it’s to pack. Moreover, light-weight footwear helps reduce muscle fatigue and cut back the chance of stumbling.

Conclusion

Discovering the most effective mountaineering sandals for you includes a number of elements, together with your foot form and anatomy, private preferences, and the kinds of adventures you propose to undertake. Our prime selections 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.