Walking Sandals

Summer walks, warm coastal paths, and festival fields all have one thing in common: your feet get hot. Walking sandals solve that problem without giving up the support you need on rougher ground. This guide covers everything from hiking sandals with grippy soles to Birkenstock sandals for everyday wear, so you can pick the right pair fast.

Walking sandals are built with hiking in mind. Regular sandals prioritise looks and everyday wear. Walking sandals prioritise grip, support, and protection for longer distances on uneven ground. Sandals used to mean flip-flops and not much else, but that's changed fast. They now blend proper hiking know-how with open, breathable builds, so your feet stay cool without losing the support a boot would give.

Walking sandals look simple, but the build behind them does a lot of work. Three parts matter most: the sole, the footbed, and the strap system.

Soles use a grippy rubber compound moulded into a deep tread pattern, similar to the tread found on hiking boots. Deeper grooves channel away mud and water, while a wider tread pattern spreads grip across wet rock and loose gravel. Some sports sandals also add a rockplate under the ball of the foot, protecting against sharp stones on rough trails.

Sports sandals typically use a moulded EVA foam footbed, which is light, quick-drying, and holds its shape well in wet conditions. Cork-based footbeds, found in Birkenstock sandals and similar styles, soften and mould to your foot shape over weeks of wear, giving a more personalised fit over time. EVA suits hiking and water-heavy use, while cork suits everyday wear and shorter walks.

Straps are usually webbing, leather, or a mix of both, fastened with hook-and-loop tabs, buckles, or pull-toggles. Multiple adjustment points let you fine-tune the fit around the ankle, instep, and toes, which stops your foot sliding forward on descents. Many hiking sandals also add a toe bumper, a reinforced strip across the front of the foot that guards against stubbed toes on rocky trails.

Most walking sandals fall into a few main build types:

Three brands dominate the walking sandal market: Keen, Merrell, and Teva. Each takes a slightly different approach.

Keen walking sandals are known for a wraparound toe bumper that protects against stubbed toes on rocky trails. Many Keen models use a closed-toe design, which suits hikers who want extra protection without the weight of a full shoe.

Merrell walking sandals focus on grip and stability, often pairing a sports-sandal upper with the same sole technology used in Merrell's hiking boots and shoes. This makes them a solid pick for anyone who already rates Merrell's boots and wants the same underfoot feel in a lighter, more breathable package.

Teva walking sandals built their name on adjustable straps and quick-drying materials, made originally for river rafting. That heritage still shows today, making Teva a strong choice for anyone who'll be wading through streams or getting caught in the rain on the trail.

Birkenstock sits in a different space from performance hiking brands, built around foot-shaped lasts and a moulded cork footbed rather than aggressive trail grip.

Birkenstock Arizona shoes use a two-strap design that adjusts independently across the top of the foot and around the ankle. The cork and latex footbed is topped with a suede lining, moulding to the shape of your foot over weeks of regular wear. This makes the Arizona one of the most popular Birkenstock sandals for both everyday wear and light summer walking.

Birkenstock clogs close over the front of the foot with an open back, giving quick on-and-off wear without a heel strap. Birkenstock mules use the same closed-front, open-back shape, often in dressier finishes suited to smarter outfits. Mens Birkenstock ranges cover all three shapes, the Arizona, clogs, and mules, typically in wider fittings than the women's range.

Matching the brand to the walk makes the decision easier:

• Rocky, root-covered trails: Keen, thanks to full toe protection.
• General hiking and boot-matched grip: Merrell, for familiar underfoot feel.
• Water crossings and wet trails: Teva, for strap security when wet.
• Everyday wear and short walks: Birkenstock Arizona, clogs, or mules, for a moulded cork fit.

Sizing and fit vary between the women's and men's ranges across most brands, so it's worth knowing what to expect before you buy.

Womens walking sandals typically come in narrower widths than the equivalent men's style, with straps positioned to suit a narrower heel and instep. The best walking sandals for women balance a secure strap fit with a footbed that supports the arch on longer walks. Comfy walk sandals for everyday wear, such as the Birkenstock Arizona, work well for women who want a moulded fit without sacrificing all-day wearability.

Mens walking sandals generally run wider on average, with chunkier sole units for extra grip and stability on rough ground. Mens Birkenstock styles cover the Arizona, clogs, and mules, usually in broader fittings than the women's range. For hiking and travel, sports sandals from Keen and Merrell remain popular thanks to closed-toe protection on rocky ground.

Sandal sizing matters more than with regular shoes, since there's less structure around your foot to disguise a poor fit.

Your heel should sit centred on the footbed without hanging over the back edge. Your toes shouldn't overhang the front by more than a few millimetres, and straps should tighten enough to stop your foot sliding forward on descents without pinching anywhere.

A simple fitting checklist:

• Try sandals on in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest for the day.
• Wear the socks you'd actually use, or go barefoot if that's your usual style.
• Walk around the shop, including up and down steps, to check for slipping or rubbing.
• Check strap adjustment covers your full range easily, from loosest to tightest setting.
• Look for pressure points around the toe bumper or ankle strap after a few minutes of walking.

A few small habits make a real difference to how long your sandals last and how well they perform on the trail.

• Break them in gradually. Wear new sandals for short walks first, since cork and leather footbeds need time to shape to your foot.
• Clean the footbed regularly. Dirt and sweat build up over time, so wipe down the footbed after muddy walks to keep the material in good shape.
• Check the tread before big trips. Worn-down soles lose grip fast on wet rock, so give your soles a look before any serious walk.
• Dry sandals fully after water crossings. Letting straps and footbeds air dry properly stops materials from breaking down early.
• Store away from direct sun. UV exposure can dry out and crack cork and leather footbeds over time.

Deciding between sandals and boots comes down to terrain, weather, and how much ankle support your walk actually needs. Neither option beats the other outright, since the right choice always depends on where you're headed and what the ground looks like underfoot.

Walking sandals suit warm weather, well-maintained paths, river crossings, and any trail where breathability matters more than ankle protection. Hiking boots suit cold or wet conditions, steep or rocky terrain, and any walk where you're carrying a heavy pack and need extra ankle support. Many hikers pack both, wearing boots for the main trail and switching to sandals at camp or during water crossings.

A simple way to decide:

• Choose sandals for coastal paths, summer trails, festivals, and short, well-marked routes.
• Choose boots for mountain terrain, cold or wet conditions, and multi-day treks with a loaded pack.
• Pack both for trips that mix trail walking with river crossings or camp downtime.

Walking sandals give your feet room to breathe without giving up the grip and support you need on the trail. Sports sandals from Keen, Merrell, and Teva suit hiking, travel, and water-heavy trips, while Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and mules suit everyday wear and shorter walks. Get the fit right, break them in gradually, and check the tread before any big trip. Browse our full range of walking sandals at Cotswold Outdoor to find the pair that suits how you actually walk.