This year walking sandals have a real essence of style in their design, making the most of contemporary lines and shapes whilst still packing technical attributes into the styling. Moving further away from the stigma of walking sandals, these combine fashion with airflow, water resistance and superb comfort amongst other features.
We’ve made sure to include important factors in choosing this years top 5 in time for summer; how comfortable and grippy they are on different terrain, if they provide ultimate fit and protection and other environmental factors. We’ve picked from sandals to provide the ideal 5 choices perfect for spring and summer trails, regardless of rain or shine, so we can guide you to the right decision if you’re unsure.
Our Top 5 Walking Sandals in 2017
Teva Terra Fi 4 Womens Sandals
With classic retro styling, these Teva Terra Fi 4 Womens Sandals are created from a webbing upper with a hook and loop closure, meaning these sandals will fit your feet perfectly. The molded PU midsole provides arch support for superior comfort, and comes complete with a Shoc Pad in the heel to absorb any impact and cushion them further and a stiff nylon shank to add support and stability to the harshest of terrains. All these features are built on the Spider Original rubber outsole for supreme grip, before being treated with Teva’s Microban zinc-based anti-microbial treatment. These sandals are perfect for so many terrains, and they’re even waterproof which makes them incredibly durable.
Merrell Terran Convertible II Womens Sandals
These Merrell Terran Convertible II sandals combine a walking aesthetic with a toe post style to create an incredibly soft and comfortable shoe with its soft nubuck leather upper. These sandals concentrate on providing the best comfort possible, making the most of breathable mesh lining and a hook and loop closure for a snug fit. The sole is created from a soft microfibre, complete with a nylon arch shank and Merrell air cushion in the sole to add stability and absorb shock and the innovative Remember Me Foam footbed to provide superior comfort and fit. If you want a pair of soft leather walking sandals to wear all day long, this may be your top choice.
Another retro style with a slightly catchier price point from Teva, these Alp Womens Sandals create a throwback to their famed 1990s sandal. With features for sports performance including the contoured EVA footbed to support your arch and the rugged rubber outsole which will apply fantastic grip and action and stands up to abuse. These are made from water-resistant criss-cross polyester webbing straps, with adjustable details to provide the perfect fit. Surprisingly strong with the webbed straps, these are extremely comfortable and stylish but lack in technical features.
In a classic walking style with feminine colouring, the Keen Rose Womens Sandals come in a water friendly construction to keep your feet dry while you conquer any terrain. The polyester webbing upper is washable and is lined with hydrophobic mesh to make crossing streams a breeze, and the metatomical EVA footbed supports the natural contors of your feet with every step. These sandals are created with an adjustable hook and loop closure to achieve the perfect fit, and the rubber outsole has a multi-directional lug pattern for superb grip and traction. These sandals also feature a toe box, which is perfect for added protection and dryness on mixed terrain.
These Sorel Womens Sandals may be the most expensive of this year’s picks, but the style certainly makes up for it. These are made from an extremely soft and supple full grain leather with cotton webbing lining to keep your feet cool. The footbed is created from EBA molded to fit your feet with a soft leather topcover for ultimate comfort. The outsole is created from molded rubber with a leather welt insert for an extra touch of style. The heel strap is adjustable to provide a secure and comfortable fit, making these sandals perfect for a more harmonious trek.
Conclusion
2017 has brought along a number of walking sandals that are perfect to keep your feet cool during warm weather, whilst still packing innovative features to make the shoes comfortable and durable, making them superb for your next hike regardless of rain or shine, and these are our top 5 picks so you can choose which will be suit your needs. We know value, performance and looks are important when choosing hiking sandals, and so have highlighted three pairs to create a more informed choice for your new pair of sandals.
Best Value – Teva Alp Womens Sandals
We love that these sandals provide the perfect fit with multiple adjustable straps and will stay comfortable with arched footbeds. These sandals are extremely grippy for the price range, and so are ideal for leisurely hiking trips.
Best Performance – Merrell Terran Convertible II Womens Sandals
These sandals come packed with technical features and comfortable materials to make these the optimal sandals for all terrains. Stand out features include Merrell air cushion to provide stability and absorb shock and the Remember Me Foam for superior fit and comfort.
Best Looks – Sorel Torpeda Womens Sandals
The simple design will suit most tastes, and the premium materials make these sandals are stand out piece in the hiking world, bridging the gap between fashion and walking sandals, making these perfect for a trip in town to a summer hike along the river.
