Trekking sandals are footwear for summer trails, rocky beaches and streams you want to cross without taking your shoes off. Unlike ordinary sandals they have a lugged rubber outsole, are usually held by three adjustable straps and support the foot better. This guide is for hikers, travellers and families who spend summer walking on limestone karst, mountain paths and along rivers. The best trekking sandals in 2027 are the Keen Newport H2 for water and rock, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 as the most versatile classic and the CMP Hamal as the cheapest. We compared seven models from Amazon.de by outsole, toe protection, straps and weight. Prices are live from Amazon.de on 21 October 2026 and range from 32.90 to 112.17 euros.
Quick overview: the best trekking sandals 2027
All models are available on Amazon.de with delivery across the EU. Sandal prices depend on size and colour, so click the name to see the current price for your size.
| Model | Closed toe | Outsole | Pair weight | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keen Newport H2 | yes | rubber with razor siping | 794 g | €79.08 | Water and rock |
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | no | Durabrasion rubber | n/a | €59.95 | Versatile classic |
| Chaco Z/1 Classic | no | ChacoGrip, 3.5 mm lugs | n/a | €112.17 | Long days, support |
| Source Classic | no | A.R.T rubber | 591 g | €78.05 | Frequent stream crossings |
| Merrell Speed Fusion Sport RMX | no | Merrell Sticky Rubber | 460 g (women's) | €35.40 | Comfort, women |
| Lizard Ultra Trek | yes | Vibram Ecostep | 560 g | €34.99 | Hybrid with Vibram |
| CMP Hamal Hiking Sandal | no | rubber | n/a | €32.90 | Lowest price |
Trekking sandals or hiking boots?
Trekking sandals do not replace boots on every route. They are great on easy to moderate summer trails, forest paths, coastal walks and any route with water, where a foot in a shoe overheats and stays wet for hours. On scree, sharp karst above 1500 metres and with a heavy pack, hiking shoes are the better choice because they protect the ankle and keep pebbles out.
The sport sandal was invented in 1982 by Mark Thatcher, a river rafting guide who added an ankle strap to a thong-style sandal. The Teva brand followed in 1984 (Deckers Brands). In 2003 Keen added a rubber cap over the toes with the Newport, and that is still the main split between models: open sandals dry faster, closed ones protect better on rock.
1. Keen Newport H2
Photo: Keen, Amazon
We put the Keen Newport H2 first because so many summer routes end on a rocky beach or in a river anyway. The rubber toe cap protects your toes from knocks against stone, and the elastic lace tightens in one pull. The upper is made from water-resistant polyester webbing and the lining has an antimicrobial treatment that cuts odour. According to Keen, the model was designed for water from the start, and the outsole has razor siping for grip on wet surfaces. The trade-off is weight: a mid-size pair weighs 794 grams.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | yes, rubber toe cap |
| Outsole | non-marking rubber, multi-directional lugs, razor siping |
| Closure | elastic lace with quick tightening |
| Footbed | moulded EVA with arch support |
| Pair weight | 794 g |
| Washing | machine washable on a gentle cycle (per Keen) |
Pros: protected toes on rock and in rivers, quick on and off, odour-reducing lining, machine washable.
Cons: one of the heaviest in the comparison, dries slower than open sandals, sand collects under the toe cap.
Our opinion: If you own just one pair of trekking sandals for the sea, rivers and easy trails, take these. A toe cap on a rocky riverbed is worth more than 300 grams saved.
2. Teva Hurricane XLT2
Photo: Teva, Amazon
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the classic open trekking sandal and the most versatile model in this comparison. Three hook-and-loop straps at the instep, forefoot and heel adjust in seconds. The EVA midsole has Shoc Pad cushioning in the heel and a polyamide shank that stabilises the midfoot. The padded straps are made from recycled polyester and dry quickly (Bergfreunde). The Durabrasion outsole is not Vibram, so it is a little more slippery on wet rock than pricier models.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | no |
| Outsole | Teva Durabrasion rubber |
| Midsole | EVA, Shoc Pad heel, stabilising shank |
| Closure | three hook-and-loop straps |
| Straps | padded, recycled polyester |
| Women's version | yes |
Pros: fast three-point adjustment, good cushioning for all-day walking, quick-drying straps, fair price for the brand.
Cons: weaker grip on wet rock, some users report rubbing at the ankle seam and an EVA smell after a season.
Our opinion: For day hikes, travel and the city, the Hurricane gives the best balance of price and comfort. If you spend summer more on the trail than in the river, you do not need anything pricier.
3. Chaco Z/1 Classic
Photo: Chaco, Amazon
The Chaco Z/1 Classic is the most expensive and most durable sandal on the list. A single continuous strap runs through the sole in a Z shape, so tightening it fits the whole foot. The LUVSEAT footbed carries the American Podiatric Medical Association seal, which means firm arch support for long walking days. The ChacoGrip outsole has 3.5 mm lugs. When it wears out, Chaco's Michigan factory replaces the sole (optionally with Vibram) and straps through its ReChaco service (Chaco).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | no |
| Outsole | ChacoGrip rubber, 3.5 mm lugs |
| Footbed | LUVSEAT, APMA seal |
| Strap | Z-strap through the sole, recycled webbing |
| Closure | buckle and heel strap |
| Service | sole and strap replacement (ReChaco) |
Pros: strongest arch support, repairable instead of disposable, precise fit, vegan construction.
Cons: dialling in the Z-strap takes patience, heavier and stiffer than light models, the Amazon.de price varies a lot by size.
Our opinion: For people who walk 15 kilometres a day in sandals and want a pair for many years (with resoling), the Chaco pays off. For occasional day trips it is too much money.
4. Source Classic
Photo: Source, Amazon
The Source Classic is a sandal with a very simple design, built mainly for water. The patented X-strap has six anchor points, so the foot does not slide even when the sandal is wet. The straps are soft tubular polypropylene webbing that dries very quickly. A size 42 pair weighs 591 grams (Bergzeit). Cushioning is more modest than on the Teva or Chaco, and you feel it after a few hours on rock.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | no |
| Outsole | A.R.T rubber, non-marking |
| Straps | tubular polypropylene, X-strap with 6 anchor points |
| Closure | hook-and-loop |
| Midsole | three-layer cushioning, antibacterial treatment |
| Pair weight | 591 g (EU 42) |
Pros: fastest-drying straps, stable grip on a wet foot, light, long-lasting design.
Cons: less cushioning for long rocky hikes, some users report the sole separating after a few seasons.
Our opinion: We pick the Source for summers with lots of water: canoeing, waterfalls and pebble beaches. For all-day karst hikes the Teva or Chaco is better.
5. Merrell Speed Fusion Sport RMX
Photo: Merrell, Amazon
The Merrell Speed Fusion Sport RMX is the most comfortable model in the comparison and our pick for women. Its sole unit is a modified version of the one on Merrell's Moab Speed 2 shoes, and the FloatMax foam midsole makes the sandal soft straight out of the box. A women's pair weighs 460 grams, which is low for a sandal with this much cushioning (Bergfreunde). The straps are generously padded, but according to Switchback Travel they stretch a lot, so the foot can slide a little. The Amazon.de price varies widely: €35.40 applies to size 42, and other sizes and colours cost considerably more. A men's version is also available.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | no |
| Outsole | Merrell Sticky Rubber |
| Midsole | FloatMax foam |
| Upper | breathable mesh, recycled webbing |
| Closure | hook-and-loop |
| Pair weight | 460 g (women's) |
Pros: softest cushioning, light, padded straps do not rub, men's version available.
Cons: straps stretch, less grip than Vibram on wet rock, price depends on size.
Our opinion: For travel, city walking and easy trails, when comfort matters more than grip on rock, the Merrell is the most pleasant sandal on the list. You will notice the stretchy straps on a steep descent, not on pavement.
6. Lizard Ultra Trek
Photo: Lizard, Amazon
The Lizard Ultra Trek is a hybrid between a sandal and a light hiking shoe, and the only model under 40 euros with a Vibram outsole. The front is closed and reinforced with TPU, while large side openings ventilate the foot. The outsole is Vibram Ecostep, the EVA midsole has an 8 mm drop, and a size 42 pair weighs 560 grams (Bergzeit). The mesh sheds sand and pebbles more slowly than an open sandal. If you are between two sizes, Bergzeit recommends the larger one.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | yes, hybrid design |
| Outsole | Vibram Ecostep |
| Midsole | EVA, heel 25 mm, forefoot 17 mm |
| Closure | quick lacing |
| Upper | mesh with TPU reinforcements |
| Pair weight | 560 g (EU 42) |
Pros: Vibram grip at a budget price, protected toes, good ventilation, vegan product.
Cons: traps sand and small stones, between sizes go one size up.
Our opinion: The Lizard is for anyone who finds an open sandal too little and a shoe too hot. Honestly, we did not expect to find Vibram under 40 euros.
7. CMP Hamal Hiking Sandal
Photo: CMP, Amazon
The CMP Hamal is the cheapest real trekking sandal in the comparison at €32.90. CMP uses the same formula as pricier models here: three hook-and-loop straps, textile straps with a soft inner side and an anatomical Phylon EVA footbed that dries quickly (Bergzeit). The outsole is plain rubber without a Vibram or similar branded compound, and support is weaker than on the Teva. For the beach, the city and easy forest trails, that is plenty.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed toe | no |
| Outsole | rubber |
| Footbed | anatomical Phylon EVA |
| Closure | three hook-and-loop straps |
| Straps | polyester webbing, soft inside |
| Women's version | yes |
Pros: lowest price, three adjustment points, light, quick drying.
Cons: generic outsole without a grippier compound, less support and durability for longer hikes.
Our opinion: For growing kids, a spare pair in the car or a few trips a year, the CMP Hamal does the job. If you head to the mountains every summer, add 27 euros and buy the Teva.
How to choose trekking sandals
- Open or closed toe? Closed trekking sandals (Keen, Lizard) protect your toes in rocky rivers and canyoning. Open ones (Teva, Chaco, Source) dry faster and do not collect sand.
- Outsole. For wet rock and limestone, look for Vibram or sticky rubber. Vibram was founded in 1937 by Vitale Bramani and its outsoles are considered a reference in mountain footwear (Vibram). Plain rubber with deep lugs is enough for gravel and forest paths.
- Straps and adjustment. Three adjustment points (instep, forefoot, heel) keep the foot in place on descents. Try sandals in the evening, when feet are largest, and tighten the heel strap so you do not slide forward.
- Arch support. If you have flat feet or walk more than 10 km, choose a firm moulded footbed (Chaco, Teva) over flat foam.
- Size. Your toes must not overhang the sole, even on a descent. Between two sizes, take the larger one if the model is closed.
- Weight. For travel and packing, choose models under 600 grams per pair (Merrell, Source, Lizard).
Conclusion
The best trekking sandals for 2027 depend on whether your route has water and rock. For most summer routes with rivers and rocky shores, the Keen Newport H2 is the best choice thanks to its toe protection. For versatile day hikes and travel, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 offers the most for the money. If you walk a lot and want a pair you can repair, get the Chaco Z/1. All trekking sandals in this comparison are available on Amazon.de with EU delivery.
| Category | Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Keen Newport H2 | €79.08 |
| Most versatile | Teva Hurricane XLT2 | €59.95 |
| Durability and support | Chaco Z/1 Classic | €112.17 |
| Water and canoeing | Source Classic | €78.05 |
| Comfort, women | Merrell Speed Fusion Sport RMX | €35.40 |
| Hybrid with Vibram | Lizard Ultra Trek | €34.99 |
| Lowest price | CMP Hamal Hiking Sandal | €32.90 |
For a summer hike, also see our picks for hiking backpacks, trekking poles and water filter bottles for spring water. If you plan to camp by the water, check our river and lake campsites in Croatia.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hike in trekking sandals?
Yes, on easy to moderate summer trails without a heavy pack. Trekking sandals with a rubber outsole and three straps hold the foot well on forest paths, coastal trails and easier climbs. For scree, sharp karst and longer hikes with a pack over 10 kg, wear hiking shoes that protect the ankle.
Teva or Keen: which is better?
It depends on the terrain. The Keen Newport H2 has a closed toe and is better for rivers, canyons and rocky beaches. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is open, dries faster and costs less, so it suits dry trails, travel and the city better. If you walk through water a lot, take the Keen.
Are trekking sandals good for water and canyoning?
For water, yes, especially models with quick-drying straps (Source, Teva) and those with closed toes (Keen, Lizard). For real canyoning with jumps and rope descents, organisers usually require closed footwear, so the Keen or dedicated canyoning shoes are better than an open sandal.
How do I choose the right size of trekking sandals?
Measure your foot in the evening and pick the size where your toes do not go past the front edge, even walking downhill. With closed models, leave about half a centimetre in front of the toes. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually better, since the straps take up the slack.
How long do trekking sandals last?
Good trekking sandals last several seasons with regular summer use. The heel of the outsole or the hook-and-loop usually goes first. Chaco offers sole and strap replacement through its ReChaco service, and according to Switchback Travel, test pairs of the Chaco Z/Cloud lasted up to three years of regular use before needing to be resoled or replaced.
How do I wash trekking sandals so they don't smell?
Rinse them in clean water after the sea or a river and dry them in the shade, not in the sun or on a radiator. Once a week, wash the footbed with lukewarm water and mild soap or baking soda. Keen says the Newport H2 can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle; for other models, check the instructions.
How we chose
We chose trekking sandals by outsole, toe protection, adjustment, arch support, weight and availability on Amazon.de. We checked specifications on manufacturer websites and with European outdoor retailers Bergfreunde and Bergzeit, and field experience from Switchback Travel. We list weight only when the manufacturer or a retailer states it for a full pair. We did not physically test the sandals. Cover photo: Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels. Prices are live from Amazon.de on 21 October 2026, apply to the size and colour shown on Amazon and are subject to change.
Sources and references
- Keen - Men's Newport H2: keenfootwear.com
- Chaco - Z/1 Classic: chacos.com
- Switchback Travel - Best Hiking Sandals of 2026: switchbacktravel.com
- Bergfreunde - Teva Hurricane XLT 2: bergfreunde.de
- Bergzeit - Source Classic: bergzeit.de
- Bergzeit - Lizard Ultra Trek: bergzeit.de
- Bergzeit - CMP Hamal: bergzeit.de
- Bergfreunde - Keen Newport H2: bergfreunde.de
- Bergfreunde - Merrell Speed Fusion Sport RMX: bergfreunde.de
- Wikipedia - Deckers Brands (Teva history): en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia - Vibram: en.wikipedia.org