Hiking boots are in demand because they are comfortable and provide traction on the trails. These boots also provide support to the ankle and feet. But, wearing trail sandals on the terrains is more demanding than hiking boots, especially during the summer. So question is can you hike in sandals?
The sandals are very lightweight and comfortable to wear during long hiking. Also, people are now more focused on wearing lightweight footwear that supports them to hike all day long or wear them, in general, to run errands without any foot pain.
Sandals are in huge demand as the summer season is around the corner with various designs and styles to pick from the market. Manufacturers have made sandals comfortable, durable, and long-lasting according to people’s needs.
Choosing the sandal models depends on everyone’s choice or demand. Hiking sandals are setting a new trend, and people follow it rigorously.
If you are thinking of buying sandals for your next summer hike but are a little skeptical about it, then you are not alone. Many people have the same popping question in their mind that is: can you hike in sandals?
Can You Hike In Sandals?
Yes, and you will not regret it. However, consider the consequences of rough terrains and see the ankle conditions to avoid any damages or injuries.
In this guide, you’ll learn the pros and cons of wearing hiking sandals and whether they are a perfect fit for your summer hike or not.
Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals are not any plastic crocs or flip-flops you wear at home or buy from Walmart for $2. Trail sandals or hiking sandals are specially designed for hiking purposes, making them comfortable, durable, and well-maintained footwear to wear on the terrains. These sandals dry fast and are breathable. It’s an excellent choice for people prone to blisters or infections on their feet.
Sandals are designed so that their bodies are rugged, and soles are made comfortable and adjust to the feet, making you feel light as a feather while running or hiking the terrains. Durable straps are stiffer, so they won’t let your feet swing and keep them in place. However, they are not water-resistant. Rather they are made to wear in the water, so it’s safe to wear them near beaches or rivers.
Pros And Cons Of Wearing Hiking Sandals
Can you hiker in sandals? Sandals will provide you with all sorts of comfort on the hikes, and honestly, you will forget the hiking boots after wearing the sandals. They are even better than the running trail shoes in terms of breathability. Now let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of wearing the sandals:
Pros Of Wearing Sandals
Little To No Blisters
Although the hiking boots or trail runners are durable and water-resistant compared to the sandals, since you wear socks beneath them to cover the feet, they get sweaty and cause blisters.
However, with the sandals, it’s different in that the feet remain dry because the airflow through the feet is direct. No matter how breathable your boots may be, they cannot compete with sandals.
Direct sunlight and air connection keep the feet dry and away from the bacteria causing infections. Some claim that the straps may cause the skin to become inflamed, but it isn’t much of a concern. You can always apply athletic tape to the places in contact with the straps to avoid inflamed skin, and you’ll be all set.
Lightweight
Unlike hiking boots and trail shoes, sandals are relatively lighter in weight. Carrying more weight means an expenditure of energy. When you are hiking while carrying a backpack, the weight multiplies, and if you also endure the weight of your boots, hiking for long hours can be a problem.
That is why hikers prefer wearing lightweight footwear, so they don’t have to bear the weight of boots and keep their feet out of trouble. While the classic hiking boots weigh 3 lbs, trail shoes weigh 2 lbs; the hiking sandals weigh almost 1lbs, giving an extra comfort by being most lightweight.
Easily Adjustable
Suppose you wear hiking boots or trail shoes on the terrains for hiking. Then after some time, you have to adjust them, such as loosening or tightening the laces, putting them off for some time to take breaks, or pulling out the tiny sharp bushes and pebbles from the boots.
Hiking sandals have an edge because if the debris has entered the socks or sandals, you can easily remove it with a kick or tap your toe along with the sandal onto the ground.
While retrying your hiking boots, you may have some trouble getting the feet inside or tying up the laces, it may take time and energy, but with the sandals, it’s not a problem because you have to tie the straps once.
Easier Water-Crossings
The best part of wearing hiking sandals is that you can shuffle across the rivers or ponds without having a second thought about wet socks or boots. Also, the slippery rocks are not much trouble because the sandals are resilient enough to resist the slip-causing surfaces.
Near the shorter streams, you can cross over by just walking in the water, while with long streams, you won’t be removing sandals like you’ll have to remove the boots or socks. Moreover, you will not be waiting for the feet or the boots to dry so you can continue hiking.
Healthy Feet
Hiking boots or trail running shoes are comfortable to the feet and keep them all healthy, but still, they are not breathable and cause feet to sweat.
Sweaty feet cause blisters, athlete’s feet, and other infections. Your fingernails might get broken or weakened, and the heels can get painful because of excess hiking and getting the feet wet for a longer time.
The best way to get rid of these infections or prevent them is to wear breathable footwear like hiking sandals. Sandals are open from the front, so you won’t be slamming the toe fingers to the front, as it often happens with the toe box of the hiking boots.
Cons Of Wearing Sandals
With all the glitz and lam we discussed earlier, hiking sandals have some downsides. The reasons are:
Rough Sandal Straps
Sandals are comfy and breezy, but the problem lies within the sandal straps. Straps are made of rugged material, which causes blisters if they remain in contact with the foot’s skin for a long time.
If you go hiking in a dry or wet area, the sand or water enters your feet despite all the care, and the straps get wet. Wet straps, if exposed for a long time to the foot skin, can cause allergies, and you’ll see hotspots.
The best way to avoid them is to wear socks or place the athletic tape prescribed by the doctors and medical professionals to avoid getting the blisters. We also suggest taking a towel with you so that you quickly dry up your feet if they get wet.
Exposed Toes
Sandals are open footwear. Along with its advantages, it has downsides, such as exposed foot skin. Your toe fingers, heels, and overall toes are exposed to external factors such as sunlight, bacteria, poison ivy, snakes, and insects.
To avoid getting involved with such conditions, carry SPF with you and apply it to your feet before hiking. Also, avoid hiking with speed because there are higher chances of getting slipped or hit by the rocks, and since you’re wearing sandals, your feet may get injured or bruised easily.
To avoid getting bit by snakes or poisonous insects, don’t get any near them or their hidden areas. Remember, insects or snakes don’t like interacting with humans, so it’s better that you avoid them too.
Less Traction And Ankle Support
Sandals are really good for hiking smooth trails, but if you’re planning to climb mountains or inclined surfaces, then the sandals may not be able to provide much traction on such terrains. Wet surfaces or slippery rocks, inclined up-hills or downhills, and generally rocky trails are not suitable or optimum for sandals.
Moreover, the ankle support is poor with the hiking sandals because they are not high cut like the boots. So, if you accidentally slip or twist your toe, there are more chances of getting bruised or sprained.
If you have weak ankles or are prone to ankle or foot injuries, do not wear the sandals and stick with your hiking boots unless you’re going on smooth trails, and that too for shorter periods.
Tips On Starting With Sandals
- Sandals take time to break in and adjust with the anatomy of your feet, so make sure to give them some time.
- Go on short walks around the city or wear them to the mall to adjust the sandals and see if any point is causing the hotspots.
- To avoid getting red skin or blisters, use the tape specially designed to tape on foot.
Final Thoughts
Hiking sandals have several advantages over traditional hiking boots or trail running shoes. People are prone to blisters or foot infections because sweaty feet can easily switch to hiking sandals.
Can you hike in sandals? Yes, definitely, and you’ll feel much more lightweight and comfy in the sandals. Read the guide carefully to kickstart your sandal hiking journey with ease and comfort.