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 Women’s Newport H2 | The classic adventure sandal that offers unbeatable toe protection, great support, and a rugged build for any situation. |
Best for Hiking | Chaco Women’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 Women’s Yucatan Sandal | Built with premium materials and a foot-cradling design, it feels more like a supportive walking shoe than a sandal. |
Best Value | Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 | A major step up from the original, offering robust traction and cushioned comfort at a fantastic price point. |
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 Women’s Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
KEEN Women's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
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 for a 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 queen of adventure sandals.
✅ 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 Women’s Z/Cloud Sandal
Chaco Women'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 Women’s, Yucatan Sandal
ECCO Women's, Yucatan 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 other technical sandals |
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 Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Teva Women's Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Best For: The everyday adventurer who wants a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and value.
My Rating: 4.7/5
🔍 Overview: The Hurricane XLT2 takes everything people love about the classic Teva and improves upon it for trail use. The straps are padded and more substantial, eliminating potential hot spots. The footbed features a soft EVA foam that cushions your foot, while a nylon shank adds stability for tackling uneven terrain. The Durabrasion Rubber™ outsole is significantly more rugged and grippy than the original. It’s a true do-anything sandal that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear but tough enough for spontaneous hikes. For the price, it’s one of the best all-around sandals you can buy.
✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
Excellent comfort right out of the box | Less arch support than Chacos |
Grippy, durable outsole | Hook-and-loop closures can collect debris |
Padded heel strap prevents rubbing | |
Great all-around performance and value |
📣 Real-World Insights: “These are my Goldilocks sandals—not too heavy, not too flimsy,” one user writes. “The footbed is so much cushier than my old Tevas. I can hike in these for hours.” Another fan says, “I took these as my only extra pair of shoes on a camping trip, and they were perfect for everything.”
5. Xero Shoes Women’s Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals
Xero Shoes Women's Z-Trail EV Barefoot Hiking Sandals
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 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 Women’s Original Universal Sandal
Teva Women'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, but it’s perfect for what most people need at the campsite: a comfortable, secure, and quick-drying shoe for relaxing and walking around. 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. KEEN Women’s Rose Casual Closed-Toe Sandals
KEEN Women's Rose Casual Closed-Toe Sandals
Best For: Travelers and walkers who want toe protection in a more feminine and streamlined design.
My Rating: 4.4/5
🔍 Overview: If you love the idea of a KEEN but find the Newport too bulky, the Rose is your answer. It offers a similar closed-toe design but in a much slimmer, more elegant package. The straps are thinner and arranged in a way that’s both secure and stylish. The compression-molded EVA midsole provides ample cushion for city walking or light trail use, and the multi-directional lug pattern on the outsole offers reliable grip. It’s the perfect travel sandal, giving you toe protection and all-day comfort without screaming “I’m wearing hiking gear.”
✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
Closed-toe protection in a slim, stylish profile | Less rugged and protective than the Newport H2 |
Very comfortable and lightweight | Not ideal for technical or wet terrain |
Adjustable strap for a secure fit | |
Great for travel and casual wear |
📣 Real-World Insights: Users love the blend of style and function. “Finally, a closed-toe sandal that doesn’t look like a clunky brick on my foot! I wore these all over Italy,” exclaims one traveler. Another says, “They are so light and comfortable, and I feel much safer walking on cobblestone streets knowing my toes are covered.”
8. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Adventurous Outdoor Sandals
DREAM PAIRS Women's Adventurous Outdoor Sandals
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a capable, protective sandal without a high price tag.
My Rating: 4.2/5
🔍 Overview: These sandals from DREAM PAIRS are an excellent budget-friendly alternative to more expensive brands like KEEN. They feature a protective closed-toe design and a quick-lacing system, making them great for light hiking and water activities. The cushioned EVA footbed provides decent comfort for the price, and the rubber outsole has a respectable tread pattern for traction. While they may not have the premium materials or long-term durability of the top-tier brands, they offer fantastic features and performance for their cost, making them a great entry-level choice.
✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
Very affordable price | Materials are not as premium or durable as pricier brands |
Protective closed-toe design | Support and cushioning are average |
Comfortable EVA footbed | |
Good value for the features offered |
📣 Real-World Insights: Reviewers are consistently surprised by the quality for the price. “I bought these for a camping trip because I didn’t want to ruin my expensive sandals. I was shocked at how comfortable and sturdy they were,” one person notes. Another says, “A great shoe for kayaking and the beach. For this price, you can’t go wrong.”
9. LUNA Sandals MONO Winged Edition
LUNA Sandals MONO Winged Edition
Best For: Trail runners, minimalist hikers, and those looking for a durable, all-terrain barefoot sandal.
My Rating: 4.3/5
🔍 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. Teva Women’s Aliciela Sandal
Teva Women's Aliciela Sandal
Best For: The fashion-forward camper who wants a stylish platform sandal that’s still comfortable.
My Rating: 4.0/5
🔍 Overview: The Aliciela proves that camp sandals can have some serious style. This sandal takes the classic Teva strapping system and places it on top of a bold, chunky 1.75-inch platform. The sawtooth outsole adds an aggressive, modern edge. The midsole is made of lightweight EVA foam, so it’s much lighter than it looks and provides plenty of cushion. While you wouldn’t take these on a technical hike, they are perfect for adding a stylish flair to your campsite attire or for wearing around town on a summer day.
✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
Bold, modern platform style | Not suitable for any kind of serious trail |
Lightweight EVA foam construction | Platform design can feel less stable for some |
Surprisingly comfortable and cushioned | |
Straps made from recycled materials |
📣 Real-World Insights: Owners love the unique look. “I get compliments every time I wear these! They are so much fun and way more comfortable than they look,” one user says. Another writes, “They give me a bit of height and look great with shorts or a dress, but they still feel like my comfy Tevas.”
Read more: The Best Hiking Shoes for Women in 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)
FAQ Section
Can you actually hike in camping sandals?
Yes, absolutely! Sandals like the Chaco Z/Cloud and Teva Hurricane XLT2 are specifically designed for hiking. They have aggressive traction and excellent foot support. However, they offer less protection from rocks, snakes, and insects than a traditional hiking boot.
What’s better: Chacos or Tevas?
This is the classic campfire debate. Chacos offer superior, firm arch support and a more customized fit, but they are heavier and have a longer break-in period. Tevas are generally lighter, more flexible, and comfortable right out of the box, but they provide less arch support. It comes down to your foot shape and personal preference.
Are closed-toe sandals better for camping?
If your camping involves activities like kayaking, rafting, or hiking on very rocky trails, a closed-toe sandal like the KEEN Newport H2 is better for its added protection. For general car camping, lounging, and walking on established trails, an open-toe sandal is often more comfortable and breathable.
How do you clean smelly camping sandals?
Most synthetic sandals (KEEN, Teva, Chaco) can be hand-washed with baking soda and a scrub brush or even put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle (air dry only!). The key is to kill the bacteria causing the odor. Letting them dry completely in the sun can also help.