If you have ever purchased hiking footwear, whether it was boots, shoes, or sandals, you will be able to appreciate that this is not a cheap day out.
The reason that hiking footwear is typically so expensive is that these shoes must be durable and well-made. They are often made with top quality materials and are designed to last; many think of them as more of an investment.
That’s all well and good and as avid hikers, most of us like to have at least one pair of high-end hiking shoes. But what about something a little more budget-friendly?
The good news is that there are a lot of more affordable hiking sandals on the market. One thing that may concern you is that these cheaper options may not have the quality you would expect; in fact, the opposite is true.
You must check out a pair of hiking sandals for quality before you buy but there are plenty of brands out there that craft excellent sandals that don’t break the bank. We got pretty excited about this, so why not take a look at our top picks?
The Best Budget Hiking Sandals For 2021
Some of the more affordable hiking sandals still come with an impressive array of features as well as looking incredibly stylish. These are perfect examples of this.
1. ATIKA Women’s Outdoor Hiking Sandals
One of the biggest deterrents for people wanting to wear hiking sandals is that many of the designs are not conducive to remaining on-trend. But that mold is broken with these super-stylish sandals that could just as easily be a fashion accessory as a piece of practical footwear.
They come in an exciting range of colors so you can match them to your outfit and with the affordable price, you might treat yourself to several pairs.
In terms of comfort, it doesn’t get much better than this. The sandals boast a 3D design that contours to the foot, cushioning it with every step. This design also provides you with an excellent level of arch support.
Furthermore, there is a solid rubber outsole that has been designed for the most effective shock absorption so that every step feels like a dream.
The sandals come with an easy to use hook and loop closure making them quick to take on and off. They have been designed with the outdoor lifestyle in mind and as such, are water-resistant and quick-drying.
They are made from high-quality materials that have been made to last so you can be sure that these sandals will stand the test of time.
When you buy footwear online, there is always a risk that even when ordering your usual size, the shoes may not fit. These sandals are true to size so you can feel confident that as soon as they arrive, you will be able to pop them on and get on with your adventure.
2. Women’s Original Sport Sandals
One of the first things that you notice about these sandals is the superior level of comfort that they offer. They are designed with a yoga mat insole that is superbly comfortable and soft. There is also an EVA footbed which helps where shock absorption is concerned and as well as giving the feet a very generous amount of cushioned support, especially for the arch.
On the outer part of the sandal, there is a tough rubber outsole that has been designed to give you maximum traction. With the anti-skid technology, you can feel confident walking on all types of terrain; wet, dry, rocky, sandy, or anywhere else that your feet may take you.
The material is durable and can be used in water. Furthermore, with the quick-drying design, you won’t be uncomfortable in wet shoes after you come out of the water.
Of course, we know that you will want to look fantastic in your new hiking sandals, and not only do these come in a minimal design that is exceptionally flattering but they also come in a choice of nine colors.
3. MEGNYA Women’s Comfortable Walking Sandals
When we first saw these hiking sandals we were taken aback by their beautiful aesthetics. You could be forgiven for thinking that these were a fashion sandal rather than something as practical as hiking footwear.
They feature a stunning braided rope design which is pretty and feminine. But when you discover that this has all been handmade, it is surprising that these are so budget-friendly. But the surprises don’t end there.
The sandals are easy to take on and off thanks to the easily adjustable straps. This is also excellent if you want to tighten or loosen the sandals on the go.
They boast a super-comfortable EVA footbed that contours to the feet offering some of the most exceptional support that we have seen in a pair of affordable sandals.
The tough rubber outsole gives you maximum traction and support from the ground upwards and the entire sandal is water-resistant.
Should I Wear Hiking Sandals?
The burning question on everyone’s lips is whether or not hiking sandals are really suitable for outdoor adventures. A lot of people worry that this type of footwear will expose the feet to risks such as sun damage and injury.
While this is true to a degree, using hiking sandals sensibly is an excellent way to ensure that you get the most out of this excellent footwear option.
The best time to wear hiking sandals is in warmer weather when boots may be a little constricted and hot. Sandals allow the feet to breathe, keeping you much more comfortable. Furthermore, they are a lot more lightweight.
Hiking sandals are a wonderful option if you intend to do water-based activities; perhaps walking along the beach or when there is a chance of having to cross shallow bodies of water like streams or large puddles.
What To Look For In Hiking Sandals
Just because a pair of hiking sandals are inexpensive, that does not always mean that they will be of bad quality. The sandals that we have looked at offer everything that you would see in a pricier pair at a fraction of the cost.
But regardless of the price, you should always take a look at how the sandals are made and some of the features before deciding whether they will be a good fit for you.
What Type Of Hiking Sandal Do You Need?
It might come as a surprise to learn that not all hiking sandals are made equal; and by this, we do not mean in terms of quality but for their intended use.
A lot of hiking sandals are made just for hiking but there are others that are designed for more specific activities. If you are going to be spending time on the beach or doing sports, it might be worth thinking about branching out from the traditional hiking sandal.
Sports sandals are designed for hiking as well as for things like running, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. They tend to be the most durable and protective yet are extremely lightweight and easy to move around in.
Alternatively, if you know that you will be potentially getting wet, a pair of water sandals could be a good choice. These are relatively new types of hiking sandals but are proving to be extremely popular. They are normally made from water-resistant material and are quick-drying.
However, it is important to keep in mind that water resistance and waterproofing are two different things. Water-resistant sandals will repel water to an extent but not entirely like something that is waterproof.
Finally, you might choose a pair of beach sandals that combine the benefits of all other types of hiking sandals. They are very durable which makes them great for traversing the trails but they are also super-comfortable and water-resistant. They were originally designed for walking across the hot sand and have excellent traction. But because of this feature, a lot of people now wear them for hiking.
Traction
When looking at any type of hiking footwear, traction should be one of the primary features that you look at.
In a hiking boot, the level of traction is pretty obvious thanks to the deep lugs and thick rubber soles. However, it can be a little trickier to notice at first glance with hiking sandals.
The first thing you should look for is a rubber sole, this material provides an intense gripping ability and will help to prevent slipping. That being said, there are a lot of sandals that have a synthetic sole which, when made properly, can deliver just as good traction.
You should also look for a good tread pattern that will keep you secure and supported regardless of the terrain.
Gender
One of the most common mistakes that people make is buying hiking sandals that have not been designed for their gender.
This is not about anything other than how the shoes are made.
A lot of people do not realize that when hiking sandals are made, they are fashioned around a mold that is specifically designed for the gender in mind.
Women tend to have much more slender feet than men so a women’s size six may be different from a men’s size six.
As such, if you wear the opposite gender, there is a chance that the sandals will not fit correctly and cause pain or irritation to the feet.
Toe Protection
One of the greatest problems with wearing hiking sandals in place of closed shoes or boots is that the toes are at significant risk of becoming injured.
If you walk into a rock, this can damage the toenails or toes and be extremely painful.
However, a lot of hiking sandals come with a toe guard or covered toes. This is something worth considering especially if you will be spending a lot of time in rugged locations where there may be a lot of obstacles.
Durability
It is likely that you will be getting some pretty heavy use out of your hiking sandals so you will want to feel confident that they have been well-made and will stand up to the challenges that outdoor life brings.
Looking at what materials have been used is a good way to determine the durability of the sandals but you should also look at the closure. You would not want to experience a broken strap in the middle of a hike, particularly if you are in a remote location.
Be sure that the sandals can handle being loosened and tightened repeatedly without wearing too quickly.
You should also consider how quickly the sole will wear. A good pair of hiking boots will last for up to 1000 miles, whereas a hiking shoe might go for 500 miles. A sandal may not go quite as far but you want to be sure that you will be able to get some decent wear from it.
Conclusion
Hiking sandals are a stylish way to keep your feet supported while taking part in intense outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and beach activities. However, this type of footwear can sometimes be quite expensive.
But this is not always the case. There are several hiking sandals that offer the same quality and comfort but at a much lower price. This is great if you need hiking sandals for a vacation or if you do not have the funds for a more expensive pair.
As with any type of hiking footwear, we would urge you to look at sandals’ features before committing to a purchase to make sure that, regardless of price, they will do what you expect them to.
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