Best hiking sandals for men – TOP 5

This is the 5th update to the guide on best hiking sandals for men and we haven’t seen a change at the top – the Keen H2 stands tall and has been for the past 8 months.

It’s a record of sorts, but it’s only been a year since we first compiled this guide with the help of our featured testers, so we’ll restrain ourselves from praising the Newport H2 too much. It still has to pass the test of time. But so far so good…

We will say this however – it does seem that the KEEN H2 and the Atika Tesla (placed 2nd) are the models to beat.

For the impatient ones out there, let’s present the currently best rated hiking sandals as per the users, experts and finally our Sole Labz team.

Picture & Rating	Model	Pricing
	Keen H2 Newport
	Atika Tesla Orbital
	Keen Arroyo II
	Keen Owyhee
	Skechers Journeyman Safaris

Moving on to the individual Sandal reviews – Here’s what we’ll do:

1. The top 5 best sandals at each moment get their special chapter where we talk about their basic specs, strengths and weaknesses
2. At the end of each of these chapters we rate them with a unique rating based on 10 different criteria with a FINAL SOLE LABZ rating
3. The end result – the sandals you can see at this page at any given moment are the best THE MARKET HAS TO OFFER at any given time

So, let’s get to work:

Keen Men’s H2 Newport – the best Rated men’s Hiking sandal

The sandal specification:

• Synthetic and textile
• Imported or made in USA
• Synthetic sole
• Platform approximately measures 1.5
• Neoprene upper and polyester webbing
• AEGIS lining treated for microbe shielding
• Bungee quick-draw lacing system
• Patented toe guard
• Reflective 3M pool loops

PROs – positive user reviews:

• They’re good for anything I throw at them, from rock scrambling to water wading. They also dry up amazingly fast, and they never caused me blisters while wet. 5 stars without a second thought!
• The heat was the utter nemesis of any other sandals I’ve owned so far. These are going strong even after putting them through some pretty rough times. The soles are not coming apart, and they remain super comfortable throughout the entire hike. Best men’s hiking sandals ever!
• One of the best men’s hiking sandal’s out there. They have a wonderful toe guard, and the stitching holds perfectly. I’ve had a lot of problems with stitching before, as it usually starts loosening up after a couple of hikes, and your sandals start looking ancient very soon, even though you’ve just bought them
• Very solid support and footing provided by the straps and the footbed. I’ve read a lot of review of these hiking sandals, and they were overwhelmingly positive, and for a good reason, I might add
• The webbing is very well made, and it won’t stretch over time, compromising the overall sandal fit. I don’t have to tell you how I started with sandals that were a perfect fit, only to end up with a sloppy version of themselves very soon
• These take all sorts of abuse and seem like they were build to last you a lifetime. It’s an amazing amount of durability from a pair of hiking sandals
• I like how there’s no unpleasant smell, even after some pretty long hikes. Somehow they seem to neutralize all the “toxic” odors, and it’s just one more thing that I absolutely love about them

CONs – from the user reviews:

• The sandals are nice, but they did leave some of the dye on my socks and feet on the first couple of uses.
• They are very comfortable and durable, but it’s a real pain taking them on and off if you somehow manage to get a pebble or two in there through the openings on the side
• It takes some time to get used to the lacing system and find the right tightness

Conclusions and final ratings of the top rated men’s sandal

When we compile this kind of guides to separate the good from the bad and we can only come up with a few CONs, we usually know we have a winner on our hands. With an Overall Sole Labz rating of 94 / 100 this is currently the best rated hiking sandal for men out there.

Keen is a big brand in hiking – you can see it’s domination in the category of best hiking shoes for women as well.

Atika Men’s Tesla – Review of the 2nd best sandal

Atika is a company that’s not so much about the volume of models they bring to the market, but they did hit a home run with the Tesla Kairo, mainly because they offered similar kind of quality at a substantially lower price.

the official sandal specification:

• Synthetic
• Uppers with four toe posts for natural foot-bed connection without toe clinching
• Sport strapping system sandals with convertible open-heel position
• Outsole with non-marking features will only more grip as it gets wet; excellent for SUPs and boats
• Construction with closed cells will prevent bacteria and moisture build-up
• Ergonomic foot-bed featuring supportive arch is great for plantar fasciitis

The positive reviews of the sandal:

• If you’re like me, and really enjoy your free toes, these are the best men’s hiking sandals out there. They’re very comfortable, and won’t let you down even through the most daunting of terrains
• I’ve tested them extensively for about four months, hiking through some seaside jagged rocks to inhospitable mountain trails and they’ve proven to be a very sound investment
• The grip on these is truly excellent, and it actually only gets better as you go through some wet terrains. It’s a really handy feature, especially when I’m going over some wet sharp rocks
• They are very well made and durable too. I can say they can really take a beating since I took them through hell and back. There are no significant signs of wear whatsoever, and they just keep getting more and more comfortable
• I really like how fast they dry up after I end up knees deep in water and mud. I also noticed that that no dirt ever sticks to them or gets collected inside as you go around. It was a great buy, and I would sincerely recommend them to everybody
• They let your feet breath all the way, and you don’t loose out on stability, comfort, or support at all. I’ve always had problems with my feet being too hot, and then, inevitably starting to sweat a lot. These sandals solved that problem completely, and they still offer pretty much all the essential features my hiking shoes had
• Besides being super comfortable and a great sidekick on my hikes, they also look very cool
• I’ve read reviews upon reviews for these hiking sandals, and now I know why people gave them such praise. They are the best men’s hiking sandals you can get, and they’ll totally pay off
• We have hundreds and hundreds of miles underneath us right about now, and they are still going strong. My feet never slipped once while I wore these, and that includes situations when I had to pass some pretty quick streams

Some not-so-positive reviews:

• It runs large, if you go with this Atika, go a size down
• This pair of sandals arrived defective, the missed one loop with the elastic string
• TI guess you get what you pay for, the stitching started coming apart after only a few months of intense use
• It takes at least 2-3 days for the specific smell to go away

Review conclusions and final ratings of the sandal

First of all, if you do get this Atika Digit you should probably go a size down, maybe even a size and a half.

On the other hand, this sandal is a great bang for your buck, probably the best on the list in terms of “value for money”. Below are the Final Ratings in the 10 different categories:

With the price in mind, that’s more than affordable, the Overall Rating of 92 /100. Great cheap hiking sandal if you are planning just a few trips and if you are not so much into summer hiking. Don’t expect these to last for years.

Great value for money and a good buy.

Keen Arroyo II Men’s Hiking Sandals

We will not elaborate so we don’t sound subjective but one of our team members god mad as a spoiled kid when he saw that his precious Arroyo are not the best rated sandals on the list. His Keen Arroyo are in shreds and still refuses to replace them because he insist that no other hiking sandal for men come close in comfort.

But the reviews are what they are and our rating process is what it is and we take pride in it.

what Keen shared about the Arroyo:

• Textile and leather
• Imported or made in USA
• Rubber sole
• Heel approximately measures 2 inches
• Sport performance sandal also features pull-on rear loop and lacing system of a bungee variety
• Patented toe cap made of rubber
• Metatomical removable EVA dual density footbed
• Mesh hydrophobic lining

Some PROs from the user reviews and our featured testers:

• I had an overwhelmingly positive experience wearing these sandals, and that’s why I’m writing this first hiking sandal review ever! They fit absolutely perfectly, and I can wear them during so many different activities. I can even run while wearing them, and they look good even for some casual work related stuff. Best Men’s hiking sandals ever!
• They are very sturdy but supple. The price is a bit higher, but you’re buying something that will last almost forever. I’ve had mine for years, and besides some minor signs of wear, they’re still in perfectly good condition, even for the hardest of tasks
• They look amazing! But I didn’t give them 5 stars based on looks alone. They’re also very breathable and provide heel support superior to any pair of hiking shoes I’ve ever owned
• I especially like how they seem to conform to my feet after just a couple of uses. They were very comfortable right of the bat but seem to be more and more like parts of my feet the more I wear them. I don’t know any other way to explain this, but I’m truly impressed with them
• This brand quickly became the only one my husband wears on our hikes, and I’m right there with him on this. These sandals were a blessing for him, as they are very light and comfortable, but still provide great foot support and protection from anything we might walk over. Trusted brand and an excellent pair of hiking sandals
• They are simply awesome! I wear them during our hikes, but also when I go to work. They look very classy too, so they quickly became my go to shoes for pretty much everything
• It’s the first product that looked even better live than on the photos I viewed. They are very comfortable, supportive and have a very sturdy construction. They look very cool too
• The grip is just great! My feet just kept on slipping and sliding all around the place with my previous choices, and now I can finally put that problem to bed. But the funniest thing is, the wetter they get, the better the grip. It’s some kind of sorcery for sure J
• My old pair of Keens got me through mountains, rivers, deserts, and rocks… I expect no less from the new one, and it’s off with a good start

CONs:

• The size is a bit larger than my regular size. I suppose they are intended to be worn with a pair of hiking socks or something, but if that were the case, Keen should’ve mentioned something about it when they wrote the description for these sandals
• The support is amazing on these sandals, but the cushioning is a whole different story. I’m using some insoles of my own, and that took care of the problem

Final ratings of the sandal:

Keen Owyhee Men’s Sandal – 3rd best-rated

All the basic info about the sandal:

• Synthetic
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Heel approximately measures 1.5 inches
• Sport performance sandal also features pull-on rear loop and lacing system of a bungee variety
• Toe cap is patented and rubber-made
• EVA compression molded midsole
• Multi directional razor-siping lug pattern

The PROs:

• There’s no break-in period necessary at all! I just put them on and started wearing them from day one
• I took a pretty long hike the day I got them, and I had no problems whatsoever. No blisters or sore spots on my feet were anywhere to be found. I’m more than impressed and recommend them to both avid hikers and beginners
• It’s a very supportive and comfortable hiking footwear. In terms of support and safety, it feels like your regular hiking shoe, but it really shines in features only a sandal can offer, such as breathability and lightweight
• It’s a great choice for my summer hikes, but it also looks amazing with jeans or shorts for some casual everyday errands
• These are great for strolls on the beach, or any other activity involving sand or water to some degree. They dry up pretty fast, and there’s no problem with sand or little rocks getting inside. Just shake your foot a bit, and it’ll all fall right out
• They are an indispensable part of my hiking bag. I switch between them and my hiking shoes, depending on the surroundings, and I must say I’m pretty surprised with what they have to offer. For a pair of sandals, I mean
• The cushioning on them is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced, which is a true blessing for my aching hips
• I wore them for about six years now, and my feet were certainly thankful I decided to buy them when I did. We’ve been through every terrain imaginable, wet and dry, and they really paid off several times over

Some less positive opinions from the user reviews:

• They are a bit larger than the size indicates
• Not for those with narrow feet, they run wide…
• The orientation of the straps just didn’t work for my feet. They’re pretty well made, but I just had to return them. I still got a pair of Keens though, just a different style
• The sole has an odd shape, hopefully I’ll get used to it…

Final thoughts on the Owyhee

Another Keen entry on the list of best rated men’s sandals from Keen. Not a big surprise, they’ve been “leading the trail” for years now. They do come with a price tag that’s tad higher then others but they do more than make up for it in quality.

Review of Journeyman Safaris River Sandals

Skechers Journeyman is the choice of a lot of “seasoned” light hikers primarily for three reasons:

1. they are very sturdy and durable for their weight
2. the design stands out
3. the price is set pretty low

We at Sole Labz, however, have a bone to pick with this pair – we have seen one too many durability and quality issues. The ratings are statistical and objective, but if we are being honest, it is our feeling that this pair doesn’t come close to the ones we talked about so far. The quality is sub par and this is not a serious hiking sandal. It might be harsh, but we stress, WE FEEL this is not a sandal for a serious hiker.

The specs as Skechers shared them:

• Mesh and leather
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Closed toe, bungee system of lacing, tongue and heel easy-on loop, protective toe bumper

What users praised in their reviews of the sandal:

• Let me just put it out there. I’m not you sandals or flip flop wearing kind of guy. That being said, I found these to be nothing short of amazing. They are the best compromise I could’ve made to have good breathability and lightweight, but still negating that feeling that my footwear can fall off at any given moment
• They are very airy and light, enough to keep my feet perfectly cool, but well protected at the same time. I really like the sense of freedom they give me during my hikes while completely putting a stop to my sweaty feet problem
• Best men’s hiking sandals I’ve ever owned! I can get them on or off extremely easy, and they are very comfortable too. I especially like how they keep my toes safe due to the protective bumper on the front. Simply love them!
• Besides being very comfortable, they are also quite durable and well put together. They don’t give me any blisters, even during longer hikes, and they appear to be true to size. What more can a passionate hiker ask from a pair of hiking sandals?
• I did read some of the reviews for these hiking sandals before finally making up my mind about them but honestly didn’t know what to expect exactly. I can only say I wasn’t disappointed when I first tried them on. They were so comfortable from the beginning and didn’t require any break-in period at all. They’re also very well made, and look good on me to match
• These sandals really paid off after I’ve used them for several water activities. They were always very comfortable, even after spending pretty long time wearing them. The traction they provide for walking around wet surfaces and rivers is unparalleled also
• They were here before agreed time and looked exactly like I saw them on the pictures online. They fit perfectly, even though my feet are not the same size, which was truly a miracle on its own

Here are some of the CONs:

• The sizing of these sandals was a bit off. So, make sure you get your size right, and not having to replace them for the pair that’s gonna fit
• They are somewhat tight. I don’t know if it as to do with my feet, or the sandals are to blame. Either way, be sure to get the widest ones out there
• This sandal is literally falling apart after just a few months of rafting, obviously not made for water
• The straps and rigid plastic and dig into your feet, don’t plan any serious hiking with these…

Honorable mentions – best men’s hiking sandals (place 6, 7 and 8)

It’s been about 6 months now since we started including the honorable mention section in some of our guides. The section contains reviews of choices in men’s hiking sandals that didn’t make it to the very top.

We started doing it only for the guides that were too close to call. It just didn’t feel right to omit the models that were so darn close but not really “there”. Sometimes, the margin is as small as fractions (hundreds) of a point. That’s when we include the honorable mention sections – to right that wrong.

That’s what happened in the last update to this guide, the models that were very close to being in the TOP 5 but not really were:

• KEEN Men’s Clearwater CNX (individual review ratings 87/100)
• Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT Sandal (individual review 87/100)
• Teva Men’s Katavi Outdoor Sandal (ratings of 86/100)

Digest reviews of the honorable mentions:

KEEN Men’s Clearwater CNX review

One more model from Keen to complete the circle of domination of the brand in the category of men sandles. Along with the TOP 3 models that found their place into the top 5, we have another model from Keen that almost made it, but in the end was placed 6th – the KEEN Clearwater CNX.

We’ll analyze it pretty much like we did the top 5, look into its reviews, PROs and CONs and make our conclusions about it.

But first things first, let’s take a look what kind of score it received in the latest “batch” of tests and reviews from people who already have it.

Moving on to take a look at what Keen is saying about the Clearwater CNX.

The fact sheet:

• Material: fabric
• Production: made in the USA or imported
• Sole material: rubber
• Innovative features: new lacing system (bungee), reinforced patented toe guard, pull on at the back of sandal
• Size of the midsole drop: 4mm
• Antimicrobial: Aegis shied lining
• Extra supportive at the middle: contoured arch

Now for the most important part – what our featured testers and existing owners had to say about the Keen Clearwater CNX in their reviews – the PROs and the CONs.

Positive reviews of the sandal:

• I go these for my recent trip to Panama and they did just as expected. I got them as a replacement for the Keen Newport, which lasted for 10 years and the sole was still in great shape, it’s only the uppers that have given in. Anyway, so far so good, I just hope the CNX proves to be at least close to the Newport
• I do a lot of hiking and these are my third sandals in three seasons. I just couldn’t seem to find the right balance between traction in different conditions and comfort. So far, these sandals are just right. Solid traction in both wet and dry and extremely comfortable hiking sandals
• I’m very pleased with my purchase – the Clearwater CNX handles multiple-mile hikes as well as beaches and sand.
• Perfect fit, precise sizing. These are my third Keens and I can say that the brand is not one of those that you’ll have to adjust to when it comes to sizes. The size that I generally wear was just fine. Apart from that, these are extremely lightweight, easy to clean (I pop them into a washing machine and forget about it). I already have two pairs and getting a third for two reasons – I just like to be able to switch colors and 2nd, when I find something that feels just right, I just want to avoid any risk of the sandal becoming unavailable.
• Very good arch support, almost as good as that of a sneaker
• The Keen CNX is not as easy to get on as my previous Teva but that’s the reason it holds a grip so well and my foot doesn’t move inside when running on a beach. I’ve had them for over a year now and they seem very durable, not a single stitch has some loose and yet, they are the lightest hiking sandals I ever owned.
• These sandals are super light and ready to wear without any breaking-in. Perfect fit and just the right grip, great every day sandal…
• I’m loving the arch support and the toe protection, great choice if your hike or holiday includes rocky terrain. You need the toe bumper if that’s the case, I’ve learned that the hard way.
• These are the best hiking sandals I’ve ever owned..just the right balance between comfort, support and protection. As soon as these wear down I’m getting a new pair of the exact same model
• I was always a very cautious shopper and like to get my money’s worth and these sandals are just that. I read 100s of hiking and walking men sandal reviews and decided these are the best fit for me. Year into abusing them in every way possible, I can proudly share that I was right getting these – apart from the wear and tear, structurally they haven’t changed a bit.
• Very comfortable sandals for any kind of hiking, from beaches and urban hikes to rough rocky terrains. Had them for 6 months now, they went though it all and still hold like a champ…the sandal is cheap for the value and quality
• I’ve taken my time and read everything I could about walking sandals for men. It’s not so much about the money but about the hassle of realizing you’re blistering after 3 miles of a 10 mile hike (which happened to me just last month). I just had the same hike in these and my feat didn’t feel it all, good support and enough cushioning to make the sandal comfortable enough for long walks and hikes…
• It’s been over a year now since I started searching for the best sport walking sandals and I went through 4 pairs before getting the Clearwater. This is what I was looking for, they are cool-looking, comfortable, supportive, no blistering…just right, no wonder they were one of the top-rated models anywhere I looked

Some CONs from the reviews of the hiking sandals:

• Not the best choice for men with wide feet. I got these in size 9 and they are way too narrow
• It’s hard to conceive that the same company is making these sandals and the Newports, starting with the sizing to the craftsmanship. The moment I got these I know they were not going to be a good fit, they are way to small and the stitching looks kind of cheap
• If you are serious hiker have sensitive feet these will probably not be your top choice. Not comfortable enough for long hikes,  the support is OK for an everyday sandal, but nothing more than that
• I got two of these – one for me and one for my son and we received sandals of completely different quality. Mine looks well-made (probably domestic) and his look like cheap Target flip-flops.
• Thig and slippery sole, not a great choice for fishing..
• The sizing is way off, way to small…I had to return these twice until I got the right fit

Our ratings and conclusions on the Keen Clearwater CNS

We want to make two things clear right of the bat. We like the Clearwater very much and the ratings reflects that.

What the ratings doesn’t reflect is an obvious issue with the production and supply management. We were lucky that we got a genuine, well-made, US manufactured pair for testing. It’s also obvious to us (from talking to people that got these) that ordering the sandal is a bit of a lottery. If you analyze the fact sheet it says “US-made or imported” – that says it all.

So, what seem to be going on is that Keen makes the Clearwater both domestically and abroad (China, most likely). That’s where the lottery part is.

If you get the “good kind” you’ll be a happy camper. If not, you’ll be confused by all the raving reviews the sandal has compared to the product you received.

Bottom line?

If you are getting the Clearwater CNX, be prepared to return the product and ask for a replacement, both because of sizing and quality. From what we’ve heard by talking to customers, there’s about 10% chance that you’ll get the imported product and would have to replace.

When it’s all said and done, having the price in mind, it’s worth it – even if you have to replace them.

Not a single category rating under 8 and an overall rating of 87/100.

Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT Sandal

It wasn’t that long ago that this Teva men sandel was one of the top choices (about 4 months ago). It lost just a bit of ground (2 points) and with the grinding competition it slipped into the honorable mentions section.

From what we tried to learn about the change, it seems to be a statistical fluke since we couldn’t find any quality changes in the location or the materials of the Teva Hurricane LDT. This is the sandal that makes us curious about the next update and new reviews from our featured testers.

For now, let’s get to the job at hand and go through the hoops of our standard review format.

The specs of the Teva Hurricane men’s sandal:

• Heel height: 1.5 inches
• Sport-styled sandal
• Straps: fabric (nylon)
• Outsole lugged
• Weight (one sandal) – 300 g

The PROs as per the user reviews:

• The fact that the heel and the strapping of the mid is pretty much one piece, which makes them very flexible and adjustable and this makes for a very good and comfortable fit
• It’s not easy to find a good men’s sandal these days if you are into adventure. I tried pretty much all of the top-rated brands and settled with two pairs of Teva – the Hurricane and the Katavi. Both made of materials that seem high quality and durable and both very comfortable and light, especially the Hurricane XLT. I’m sticking with Teva…
• The top three things I like about the Hurricane are: 1. the comfortable footbed (my foot doesn’t feel confined and the circulation is not affected, there’s a noticeable difference between these and some cheaper models I used to own), 2. the high quality straps that last and last (you can feel how durable these are under the hand and yet they are not rigid enough to cut into your foot), 3. the antimicrobial properties (I was skeptic about this and though it was just one of those marketing claims but it’s exactly as they’re advertising it, it dries quickly and the foot sweats much less)
• This is one hell of a good all-round piece of footwear. I used them for everything, from hikes to the beach and even swim in them in places with dangerous coral briefs)
• This is my third pair of these. They are by far the most comfortable and durable sandal for men I have ever owned. I use and abuse them for 10 hours and 10 months a year. There’s no sandal brand like Teva.
• I love sandals and and I went through a bunch of them. Take it from me, there’s no better balance between comfort and durability out there. I have three pairs of these – I use one for everyday stuff, one for dirty work and I keep one clean “dressy” pair
• The comfort these provide is simply unmatched. I used to wear Chaco’s and Sketchers but when I tried these on I realized what I’ve been doing to my feet for years. They’re amazingly light, comfortable and practical…
• I still can’t get over the fact that these are not double the price because they last at least two times as long as any of the brands I tried for far and I’ve been wearing sandals every day for about 20 years…
• You wouldn’t guess by looking at them, but this is one sturdy sandal that performs well in both rugged and wet terrains
• As soon as the summer arrives I don’t take these off. I used to own a Keen offered better protection because of the rubber bumper but if the terrain is not dangerous, Teva is the way to go. There’s no sand trapping and if it gets in there you easily shake it out because they’re so open. On the other hand, you wouldn’t expect a sandal that’s so comfy to be so durable, I’ve had them for two seasons now and no structural change whatsoever.
• The perfect walking sandal – it takes only a day to break them in and it’s smooth sailing from there.
• I use these for hiking and rafting trips. I loved the fact that they are sturdy enough for inhospitable terrains, light and quickly drying in wet conditions.
• A very versatile sandal – they look god with elegant shorts and polo shirts but they are a beast on the trail – comfortable and sturdy,  the sole materials is some kind of hybrid. Whatever it is, my feet sweat way less. A great purchase, especially at this price…
• Just the right arch support for long days of walking (without crossing the line of being painful), these are welcome addition to a dozen pair of walking sandals I own.
• This is my fifth summer of not getting out of these sandals. I wasn’t big on sandals but a friend convinced me to try them out on a vacation and I am hooked. I did get a few other brands in the meantime but nothing beats the comfort of this sandal. After all these years, they are my main summer walking sandel.
• I never thought I’d say this because I was huge Chaco’s fan for almost a decade but this is a superior sandal. If you are a sandal guy and haven’t tried these you are probably used to the fact that straps tend to cut in a bit and you think that’s just the way it is. Not with these Teva, by far the best sandal I’ve ever worn…
• I just slip this into my backpack when hiking and when my feet get swollen from the bulky boots or shoes putting this on feels like a slice of heaven. I think I’d wear these for the whole hike, were it not for the fact that the trails I choose are usually bumpy and rocky and I’m afraid my toes would get hurt.

Excerpts from the negative reviews of our featured testers:

• Didn’t care too much for the way the Velcro strapping is designed, it runs all the way down to the ground and picks up filth. The part of the Velcro with the hook is completely exposed and I can only imagine what it will look like in a year or two
• I think these run half or a full size big. It’s a good sandal but ordering a half-size down might be a good idea.
• The last pair of Teva Hurricane I got (my 3rd one) was, for some reason, different. The sole is a bit harder, has a more “plasticky” feel to it and they seem to trap smell. The antimicrobial properties were one of their strong suits…it seems it’s not anymore…
• Something’s not right. I know Teva and it seems something has changed of recently…no pair of Tevas ever gave me blisters but this one did (and not small ones, too). The first time I wore them to a 5 mile hike I was pausing to rest my feet every few hundred meters on the way back, which didn’t really help because the chaffing would cool off and hurt even more when I started walking again

Our conclusions on one of the best men’s hiking sandals – the Teva Hurricane

It’s footwear and there will always be a significant differences in taste. What matters for us at SoleLabz are the averages, that’s why we ask all of our featured testers to rate the hiking footwear in 10 individual categories and we combine that with our ratings to reach the final overall rating.

The rating of the Hurricane stands strong at 87/100 for 2 updates now. This means that it can hardly push through to the top 5 but, still, it’s one of the top hiking sandal models in a sea of products.

The way we see it, two main strengths of the Hurricane are the balance between support and comfort and the value for money. People who need  a good all-round sandal – from water to hiking will love the Hurricane.

Teva Katavi  Men’s Outdoor Sandal

Another Teva that found it’s way into the list of top-rated hiking sandals for men – the Katavi (it’s also a favorite of one our team members, shout out to Ryan).

Unlike the Hurricane, the Katavi is not advertised as being ultra light, which is strange because the difference between the two sandals is about 20 grams per sandal.

For you, this means good value for money, because products that are advertised as ultra “something” are always more expensive. A sturdier and less clunky pair of sandals than most on this list, the Katavi will be the choice of those who love the classics.

Specification as per the listing of the Teva Men’s Katavi:

• Material: combo of suede and mesh
• Sole: rubber
• Heal height: 1.25 inches
• Features: open-toe, adjustable straps (loop and hook), pull on loop at the back, added shank support for stability

Moving on to the reviews of the people who tried the sandal – the consumer reviews:

PROs:

• The design is great – when I say design I primarily mean the way the Velcro straps are placed. Very little foot movement…
• It’s great that the straps are padded from the inside so that they don’t cut into the foot. I’ve used them for hiking, long walks, fishing… no problems so far
• These sandals are great right out of the box, no need to break them in – took them out of the box, walked around the backyard a bit and went on a 10 mile hike right away – no blistering whatsoever.
• I’ve had these for a year now and it’s the best men’s hiking sandal I’ve ever put on my feet. No changes after a year of use and perfectly comfortable. The sizing is right on the money, I’m never going back to any other brand.
• I mostly wear these around my boat and in wet conditions and they are still comfortable even when wet. They don’t feel flimsy or slippery and as far as I am concerned, this is the perfect boat sandal.
• You can see how well this are made and the quality of the materials the moment you open the box. Very light, especially for such a sturdy sandal, good purchase.
• I kept trying to figure out what’s the secret behind the fact that the Katavi feels so comfy, unlike any other hiking sandal I’ve tried on and I realized – it’s the padding of the lining, the material is different from anything I’ve seen in footwear and makes these a whole level more comfortable.
• Amazing comfort and durability (6 months in) and very affordable, probably the best buy I ever made when it comes to sandals
• The three straps are placed just right to keep the foot securely strapped in spite of the fact that the footbed is soft (which usually means the foot moving around). Just as snug as it need to be for it to be a viable choice for hiking…

CONs:

• I just received these and this is not true quality of Teva sandals. Just a heads up – if you do get them online make sure that it’s from Teva directly, I got mine from some 3rd party and these feel like a we-made knockoff
• The stitching on the straps started coming loose after only 7 weeks, they are pretty much falling apart now. I do abuse them and hike 10-20 miles every few days but this is supposed to be Teva…
• There seem to be some sort of cut/design mistake – the part of the Velcro where the hook is

Who are teva Katavi for?

A pair of Teva Katavis would be a good fit for anybody that appreciates classics and needs a sandal that can be comfortable and respond well to versatile conditions – hiking the mountains to shallow water fishing.

One thing we did notice, however, is the decline in the ratings over the last year with the Katavi – it used to be 3rd top rated about a year ago. When we started looking into the reasons we realized that it’s not really Teva’s “fault” – there seem to be knockoffs of the original product so placing the Katavi below the line of TOP 5 wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy because we knew that if you got the real deal, you are getting a product of highest quality.

But we have to go with the ratings our testers provide us with, so we guess the fact that they allow knockoffs to be sold goes towards their customer service.

Where it not for that, the Katavi is hands down TOP 5 in men’s hiking sandals, no doubt about it.

Final thoughts on the reviewed best hiking sandals for men

With the Keen Newport being well and above in ratings, it is our obvious choice if you don’t want to spend hours of time researching. Cannot go wrong with this sandal, reliable, durable, great materials and cushioning.

It may end up costing you a few bucks more but it will probably more than make up for it in the years of use. That’s a final verdict.

And do remember, we stay on top of things and update this guides every two months so you only get the best and most reliable info at the Sole Labz website.

Safe trails from the SL team