Summer season
Hiking sandals for outdoor activities: More comfort for your feet on warm days
With airy hiking sandals, walking is easier on hot days
© lzf / Getty Images
Even if sturdy, closed shoes are the better choice for long walks and extended hikes, the clunky shoes will make your feet smoke on warm summer days. A sensible alternative are airy hiking sandals for (light) outdoor activities.
In contrast to normal summer sandals, which are equally popular among adults and children, hiking sandals have one crucial advantage: they allow the skin to breathe and offer your feet the protection they need on uneven surfaces. This is made possible by a special footbed that offers more stability and comfort than normal leisure sandals. But caution is also advised here, because open hiking sandals do not offer the same support as closed hiking shoes. Below you will find out what you should look out for when buying – we will also present four models in detail.
Hiking sandals for summer: important tips
On warm summer or mild autumn days, wearing Hiking sandals a real delight for your feet. Similar to closed hiking boots, the sandals have a grippy and cushioning sole that increases grip without compromising comfort. However, there are different variants: If the footbed is non-slip and made of synthetic materials, the hiking sandals can also be worn near water (for example on the beach) without any problems – your feet will still get wet, of course, even if the material can tolerate moisture. If you opt for hiking sandals with a footbed made of leather or microfiber, they are not waterproof, but they absorb sweat from your feet better. They are also said to be particularly suitable for longer routes.
Lightweight hiking sandals: four models in comparison
Whether with or without toe caps, there are a variety of different sandals that are ideal for long walks and short hikes. We will introduce four of them to you in more detail below.
1. Keen
The Newport hiking sandals made of water-repellent leather from Keen have a closed cap and thus offer the toes even more protection from sharp stones. According to the manufacturer, the anatomical EVA insole adapts perfectly to the foot, so that every step feels more natural. The rubber outsole is thick enough to absorb light shocks.
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2. Ecco
The off-road outdoor sandals from Ecco are made of the following materials: nubuck, textile and mesh. The shoes are designed to have even more grip thanks to the integrated PU midsole and a profiled rubber outsole. To ensure the sandals fit your feet perfectly, they have three adjustable Velcro straps. Another special thing about this model is that you can choose between 17 different colors and designs.
3. Jack Wolfskin
The world-famous manufacturer of outdoor clothing and shoes, Jack Wolfskin, also has hiking sandals in its range: The “Lakewood Ride” model is available for both Men as well as for Women in different colors. Equipped with neoprene at important points, the shoes are characterized by a particularly light and non-slip sole. The Velcro fastener increases wearing comfort.
4. Decathlon
By far the cheapest hiking sandals in this round of reviews come from DecathlonThe model is available in two colors (burgundy and black), has two Velcro fasteners and a buckle and is – according to the manufacturer – more suitable for occasional hikes on unpaved paths. The EVA midsole is designed to provide good cushioning for the feet, while the rubber sole provides better grip on the ground.
And one more tip at the end:
As long as the hiking sandals are not yet broken in, it can be helpful to rub sensitive skin areas with a Protective film This reduces friction and thus also the possible formation of blisters.
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