The 10 Best Camping Sandals for Men of 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

There’s no better feeling than kicking off a pair of heavy, mud-caked hiking boots after a long day on the trail and letting your feet breathe. That moment of relief is pure bliss. But at the campsite, you can’t just go barefoot. You need a reliable camp shoe that can handle everything from rocky riverbeds and midnight trips out of the tent to just lounging by the fire. This is where a great pair of camping sandals becomes your most valuable piece of footwear.

But the term “sandal” covers a huge range of styles. Do you need the bomb-proof toe protection of a KEEN? The legendary arch support of a Chaco? Or the barefoot freedom of a minimalist Xero shoe? I’ve spent years wearing, testing, and abusing sandals in every conceivable outdoor scenario to figure out which ones truly perform. This guide will cut through the noise, helping you find the perfect pair to free your feet on your next adventure.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Camping Sandal

Choosing the right sandal is about matching its design to your adventure style. Let’s break down the key features to look for.

Core Features to Compare

• Open-Toe vs. Closed-Toe: This is the biggest decision.
  • Closed-Toe (e.g., KEEN Newport): Offers maximum protection from rocks, roots, and stubbed toes. They are ideal for rugged terrain, kayaking, and for anyone who is a bit clumsy around the campsite. The tradeoff is less breathability and slower drying times.
  • Open-Toe (e.g., Chaco, Teva): Provides superior ventilation, freedom, and a classic sandal feel. They are perfect for hot weather and general camp use, but they leave your toes exposed.
• Traction & Outsole: A camping sandal is useless without good grip. Look at the outsole’s lug pattern—deep, aggressive lugs are better for mud and loose trails. Also, consider the rubber compound. Brands often use proprietary sticky rubber formulas designed to grip wet rocks, which is a huge plus for river crossings.
• Midsole, Cushion & Support: This is what separates a quality sandal from a cheap flip-flop.
  • EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A lightweight, cushy foam used in most running shoes. It provides good comfort but can compress over time.
  • PU (Polyurethane): Heavier and firmer than EVA, but incredibly durable and provides excellent, long-lasting support. Chaco’s famous LUVSEAT™ footbed is made of PU.
  • Barefoot/Minimalist: These sandals have very little cushioning, opting for a thin, flexible sole that lets you feel the ground. Great for building foot strength but requires an adjustment period.
• Strap System: The straps are crucial for a secure fit. Look for multiple points of adjustment to prevent your foot from sliding around, which causes blisters. Polyester webbing is standard as it dries quickly and holds its shape.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Flip-Flops for Camping: Standard flip-flops offer zero support, no protection, and no secure fit. They are a recipe for a rolled ankle or a stubbed toe on the trail.
• Ignoring the Break-in Period: Sandals with significant arch support, especially Chacos, often require a break-in period for your feet to adjust to the footbed. Wear them for short periods at first.
• Getting the Wrong Size: A sandal that’s too big will feel clumsy and can be a tripping hazard. One that’s too small leaves your toes and heels exposed. Always check the brand’s specific sizing guide.

Editor’s Picks: The Best Camping Sandals (Featured Summary)

If you’re in a hurry, these are my top picks that stand out for their exceptional performance in key categories.

Category	Product Recommendation	Why We Love It
Best Overall	KEEN Men’s Newport H2	The original adventure sandal. Its unbeatable toe protection, great support, and rugged build make it perfect for any situation.
Best for Hiking	Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud Sandal	Legendary arch support and a fully adjustable fit make it a true hiking-capable sandal that lasts forever.
Maximum Comfort	ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sport Sandal	Built with premium materials and a foot-cradling design, it feels more like a supportive walking shoe than a sandal.
Best Barefoot Sandal	Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV	Incredibly lightweight and flexible, it offers the ultimate ground-feel and freedom while still providing decent protection.

Top 10 Products – Ranked by Quality & Performance

Here is the full breakdown of the best camping sandals, ranked based on protection, comfort, durability, and overall versatility.

1. KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal

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Best For: The all-around adventurer who wants one sandal that can do everything from hiking to kayaking without fear of stubbed toes.

My Rating: 5/5 

🔍 Overview: The Newport H2 is an icon, and for good reason. It created the hybrid sandal category by seamlessly blending the breathability of a sandal with the rugged protection of a shoe. Its defining feature is the oversized rubber toe bumper, which has saved my toes from countless rocks and roots. The washable polyester webbing upper is durable, the secure-fit lace capture system is easy to adjust, and the grippy, razor-siped outsole provides excellent traction on wet surfaces. It’s not the lightest or most stylish, but for pure, functional, do-it-all performance, the Newport H2 is still the king.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Unbeatable patented toe protection	Can feel bulky and heavy
Excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces	Traps debris and can be slow to dry
Secure and comfortable fit	Less breathable than open-toe designs
Machine washable

📣 Real-World Insights: Users consistently praise its protective nature. “I’ll never go back to an open-toe sandal for rafting after wearing these. The peace of mind is worth everything,” one review states. Another notes, “These are my go-to for everything from walking the dog to moderate hikes. The support is great, and they last for years.”

2. Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud Sandal

Best For: Hikers and travelers who need serious, long-lasting arch support and a custom-like fit.

My Rating: 4.9/5 

🔍 Overview: Chaco’s Z-strap system is legendary. A single piece of webbing runs through the midsole, allowing you to pull on different sections to get a truly customized fit for your foot shape. This Z/Cloud model uses the same design as the classic Z/1 but adds a top layer of soft PU foam for a much quicker break-in and instant comfort. Underneath, you still get the podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT™ PU footbed, which provides incredible arch support for long days on your feet. Combined with the durable ChacoGrip rubber outsole, this is a sandal you can legitimately hike in for miles.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Exceptional, podiatrist-approved arch support	Open-toe design offers no protection
Fully adjustable straps create a custom fit	Can have a significant break-in period
Extremely durable and can be resoled	Adjusting the straps can be tricky at first
Softer footbed than the classic Chaco

📣 Real-World Insights: The support is the key selling point. “My plantar fasciitis disappears when I wear my Chacos. They are the only sandals I can wear all day long,” one user writes. Another fan says, “I’ve had my Chacos for 8 years and they’re still going strong. The support is just as good as day one. Unbelievable durability.”

3. ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sport Sandal

Best For: Walkers and travelers who prioritize all-day comfort and cushioning above all else.

My Rating: 4.8/5 

🔍 Overview: If you find most sandals too harsh, the ECCO Yucatan is for you. It feels less like a rugged outdoor sandal and more like a plush, supportive walking shoe with the top cut off. It uses premium, soft nubuck leather uppers with three points of adjustment for a secure fit. The magic is in the footbed: a lightweight, molded EVA base is topped with microfiber that feels soft against the skin. ECCO’s RECEPTOR® technology provides excellent stability and support through the entire motion of your foot striking the ground. It’s the perfect sandal for travel, long city walks, and light trail use.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Exceptionally comfortable and cushioned footbed	Leather uppers are not ideal for getting soaked
Premium materials and build quality	Less aggressive traction than Chaco or KEEN
Highly adjustable for a secure fit	Higher price point
Excellent stability for walking

📣 Real-World Insights: Comfort is the recurring theme in reviews. “These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned, period. It’s like walking on a cloud,” says one happy customer. Another notes, “The support is fantastic. I wore these all over Europe for two weeks with no foot fatigue at all. Worth every penny.”

4. Teva Men’s Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandal

Best For: The serious adventurer who needs an aggressive, hike-ready sandal with great water-channeling grip.

My Rating: 4.7/5 

🔍 Overview: While the Teva Original is a lifestyle classic, the Terra Fi 5 is its rugged, trail-hungry sibling. This sandal is built for performance. It features a molded PU midsole that provides solid support and cushioning, ready for rough terrain. The outsole is the star here, with an extremely aggressive and deep lug pattern designed to bite into trails and shed water. Hook-and-loop closures make for quick adjustments, and padded straps prevent hot spots. If your camping trips involve serious hiking through varied and wet conditions, the Terra Fi 5 is a top-tier tool for the job.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Super aggressive outsole with fantastic grip	Can feel stiffer and bulkier than other Tevas
Very supportive and cushioned midsole	Hook-and-loop closures can wear out over time
Quick-drying padded straps	Style is purely functional
Built to handle serious hiking

📣 Real-World Insights: Users love its trail performance. “The grip on these is insane. I felt more confident crossing wet, mossy rocks in these than in my hiking boots,” one review reads. Another states, “These are way more supportive than standard Tevas. I’ve done 10-mile hikes in them with no issues. A true workhorse.”

5. Xero Shoes Men’s Z-Trail EV Sport Sandal

Best For: Barefoot enthusiasts, ultralight backpackers, and anyone wanting maximum freedom and ground-feel.

My Rating: 4.6/5 

🔍 Overview: The Z-Trail EV is the polar opposite of a sandal like the ECCO Yucatan. This is a “zero-drop,” minimalist sandal designed to let your feet move as nature intended. It’s incredibly light—a pair weighs less than a single Chaco—and rolls up to the size of a fist, making it a perfect camp shoe for backpackers. The 11mm sole is a clever three-layer construction: a durable rubber base for grip, a foam middle layer for a bit of comfort, and a soft top layer. The Z-style webbing is comfortable and secure. Wearing these feels as close to being barefoot as you can get while still having reliable protection from sharp objects.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Extremely lightweight and packable	Offers very little support or cushioning
Incredibly flexible for natural foot movement	Takes time for feet to adapt to the minimalist feel
Zero-drop from heel to toe	Not ideal for carrying heavy loads
Made from vegan and recycled materials

📣 Real-World Insights: “I packed these for a backpacking trip as my camp shoes and barely noticed them in my pack. So light!” one user says. Another notes the transition: “It took a few weeks for my feet to get used to feeling the ground again, but now I can’t stand wearing ‘normal’ shoes. My feet have never been stronger.”

6. Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal

Best For: Casual campers, festival-goers, and anyone who wants a simple, timeless, and comfortable classic.

My Rating: 4.5/5 

🔍 Overview: This is the sandal that started it all back in 1984. The Teva Original Universal is beautifully simple: a flat EVA footbed and Teva’s classic polyester webbing strap system. It’s not a technical hiking sandal like the Terra Fi, but it’s perfect for what most people need at the campsite: a comfortable, secure, and quick-drying shoe for relaxing, walking to the lake, and everything in between. It’s lightweight, comes in a huge variety of colors, and has a durable rubber outsole that provides decent grip for casual use. For its price and iconic style, it’s an unbeatable value.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Timeless, simple, and stylish design	Minimal arch support
Very lightweight and comfortable for casual use	Not suitable for serious hiking
Affordable and a great value	Straps can sometimes chafe before they are broken in
Straps made from recycled plastic

📣 Real-World Insights: “I’ve owned a pair of these for most of my life. It’s the perfect summer shoe. Simple, comfortable, and it just works,” says a longtime fan. Another review reads, “Great for car camping and wearing around town. They dry super fast after a walk on the beach. Don’t expect hiking-boot support, just simple comfort.”

7. Astral, Men’s Webber Sandal

Best For: Water-lovers—rafters, kayakers, and fishermen—who need the absolute best grip on slippery surfaces.

My Rating: 4.4/5 

🔍 Overview: Astral is a brand born from the paddling world, and their focus is squarely on creating gear that excels in and around water. The Webber sandal is a masterclass in this. While it looks like a simple flip-flop, it features a clever adjustable strap that secures your heel for a much more secure fit. The real magic, however, is the outsole, which is made from Astral’s proprietary G.15™ rubber. This stuff is insanely sticky on wet rocks, providing a level of confidence that few other sandals can match. The footbed is soft and conforms to your foot, making it a super comfortable and high-performance water sandal.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Phenomenal grip on wet, slippery surfaces	Minimal support for long walks or hikes
Converts from a flip-flop to a secure sandal	Thin sole offers less protection from sharp rocks
Very lightweight and flexible
Made with a focus on sustainability

📣 Real-World Insights: Users who spend time on rivers rave about the grip. “The grip is no joke. I’m a fly fishing guide and I live in these all summer. I can rock-hop with complete confidence,” one professional writes. Another says, “I love that I can wear them as a loose flip-flop, then tighten the strap when I’m getting in my kayak. Super versatile.”

8. KEEN Men’s Uneek Classic Two Cord Sandals

Best For: The style-conscious camper who wants a unique look without sacrificing comfort.

My Rating: 4.3/5

🔍 Overview: You’ll either love or hate the look of the KEEN Uneek, but you can’t deny its ingenuity. The entire upper is constructed from just two cords and a junction, allowing it to move and adapt to the unique shape of your foot. This creates a surprisingly secure and comfortable fit that eliminates pressure points. It’s built on a supportive PU midsole for all-day comfort and features a high-traction rubber outsole with razor siping for wet grip. It’s a conversation starter that’s also a legitimately comfortable and capable camp sandal.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Unique construction provides a custom, comfortable fit	Divisive “love it or hate it” style
Surprisingly supportive footbed	Cords can trap small debris
Good traction on wet surfaces	Not as durable as a traditional sandal for bushwhacking
Excellent breathability

📣 Real-World Insights: “I bought these because they looked cool, but I was shocked by how comfortable they are,” one user admits. Another states, “They feel like they were made for my feet. I have wide feet and bunions, and the cords stretch and move perfectly around them. I can walk in them all day.”

9. LUNA Sandals MONO Winged Edition

Best For: Trail runners, minimalist hikers, and those looking for a durable, all-terrain barefoot sandal.

My Rating: 4.2/5 

🔍 Overview: LUNA was born from the world of ultrarunning and their sandals are built to handle serious mileage. The MONO Winged Edition is their most versatile model. It uses a durable, flexible Vibram® Morflex outsole that can handle everything from pavement to trail. The “wings” are a key feature—they wrap up around the side of your foot, making the strap system much more secure and comfortable than in traditional huarache-style sandals. This is a premium minimalist sandal designed for people who are serious about moving naturally in the outdoors.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Durable Vibram outsole	Requires a significant adaptation period for barefoot running/hiking
Patented wing design creates a very secure fit	Premium price for a minimalist sandal
Excellent for building foot strength
Capable of being used for actual trail running

📣 Real-World Insights: “I’ve run a trail half-marathon in my LUNAs. They are tough, secure, and let my feet do what they were meant to,” says an experienced runner. Another user notes, “The wings make all the difference. My foot feels locked in, with no sliding around like in other minimal sandals I’ve tried.”

10. Chaco Men’s Outcross Evo 2 Sports Shoe

Best For: Kayakers and adventurers who want the support of a Chaco and the full protection of a shoe.

My Rating: 4.1/5

🔍 Overview: Is it a shoe or is it a sandal? The Outcross Evo 2 is a hybrid that gives you the best of both worlds. It features the same supportive LUVSEAT™ footbed that Chaco is famous for, but it’s built into a closed-toe chassis with a breathable mesh upper. This gives you full toe protection and keeps out debris, making it ideal for slogging through rivers and mucky trails. A quick-lace system makes for easy on and off. It’s the perfect choice when you need more protection than a Newport but still want the drainage and water-readiness of a sandal.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Combines Chaco’s great support with full toe protection	Blurs the line between shoe and sandal; less breathable than open designs
Breathable mesh upper drains quickly	Heavier and bulkier than a standard sandal
Keeps out rocks and debris
Good for light hiking and water sports

📣 Real-World Insights: “I use these for creeking and kayaking. They give me the Chaco support I love, but I don’t have to worry about bashing my toes or getting gravel inside,” one review states. Another says, “A perfect shoe for Costa Rica. Handled hiking, waterfalls, and walking around town without a problem.”

Read more: Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2025 (Our Top 10 Picks)

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