The Best Sandals for Backpacking: Women's Edition

The Best Women's Sandals for Backpacking the World

Authored by Monica Gray

Backpacking the world provides one of the best opportunities for expansion and growth, both culturally and mentally. Learning about the lives of locals that are drastically different than your own is an experience that not many people get to have. It’s important to remember that backpacking takes quite a bit of preparation, and just like selecting a backpack is important for traveling, selecting the right sandals is equally as important. Versatile sandals that double as sneakers will leave enough space in your backpack and provide the substantial arch support and durability that you need while backpacking the world.

I love traveling to different countries and continents, and I often find there’s just never enough time to see everything. The world has an abundance of opposing landscapes and terrain, food and wine, and cities and castles. Whether your next adventure involves a long backpacking trip through the mountains of North America or a road trip through the Outback of Australia, you’ll need a pair of durable, high-quality, waterproof sandals that you can trust.

Personally, I stand by the statement "less is more." The less I have to pack when I go backpacking, the easier my trip gets. And when I can wear sandals that provide optimal performance and stability, I feel like I hit the jackpot. That's where we come in. We've reduced our packaging by 30%, and partnered with One Tree Planted. This means that for every purchase you make, one tree is planted. You're contributing to a good cause when buying our sandals!

We’re happy to tell you that there is such a thing as the perfect sandal. Our sandals have substantial ankle support and help prevent injuries you may get while traveling. No one wants their trip to come to a halt because they injured their foot. We’ve curated a list of the most ideal sandal for each part of the world, and no matter where you are, we have a sandal that’ll join you on your next adventure.

Whether you’re backpacking the Appalachian Mountains or traversing the Pacific Coast Trail, you’ll want a pair of women’s sandals that pamper and cradle your foot. North America is full of exotic and incredible hikes that’ll satisfy your thirst for adventure. You may want to stick to the east coast or west coast of America, or, if you have a car, you may embark on a long road trip across the states and hit major points of interest. There are also tons of incredible backpacking trips and areas to explore, like Mount Rainier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park. You’ll need a high-quality sandal to bring with you on your North American escapades. Your summer adventures is about to change, for the better!

Our Napali hiking sandal was aptly named after one of my favorite places in North America, the Na Pali Coast on Kauai, Hawaii. Not only does this sandal have a cute design, but it’s stylish and provides the comfort and durability you need on your next outdoor escapade. It has soft hook and loop straps that are customizable and cradle the arch of your foot. They're light and can easily fit into your backpack. Best of all, they provide the breathability your feet need during long escapades, all thanks to their open-toed design.

It has a renowned thick EVA foam midsole and ergonomic outsole for substantial arch support on those long walks through the mountains of the Americas. While backpacking North America, you’ll need a sandal that pampers and provides substantial cushioning. There’s also an adjustable, customizable ankle strap to help prevent sudden injuries like twisting your ankle, especially across those long water crossings. Even though planning a backpacking trip takes a lot of time and consideration, our sandals take the stress off of a lot of that. We're making your trip easy and simple!

South America is home to some of the most breathtaking, otherworldly scenery on this planet. With volcanoes, high-altitude peaks, and hikes that lead to remote places in the mountains, South America will steal your adventurous heart. Peru is home to Machu Picchu, while Chile and Argentina share the Andes Mountains of Patagonia. Walking around the salt flats of Bolivia also requires high-quality sandals that provide enough comfort for all-day adventures. At 12,000 feet above sea level in the desert, you’ll exert a ton of energy exploring land that looks like it’s from Mars. You’ll feel tired, which is why it’s important to pamper your feet. They’re doing most of the work, so they deserve a break!

Even though I'm an avid traveler, I get tired from time to time. That's probably the only downside to traveling. With other factors like jetlag and different climates, it's important I always take care of my health, and that includes my foot health! I can take these sandals anywhere I go, even on long distances across the world.

With our Acadia sport sandal, you’ll provide the exact nourishment your feet will need while backpacking South America. You won’t need to sacrifice comfort or style. As one of the most comfortable sandals we have to offer, these sandals will become your best hiking buddy. It has five hook and loop straps and a customizable fit. It also has a renowned thick EVA foam midsole and ergonomic outside for substantial arch support.

Arch support is necessary, especially if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet. It’ll distribute the impact across your feet, helping prevent injuries on your foot tissues. These sandals provide all-day comfort. They’re also waterproof, which means you can wear them at the beach or on long, rainy hikes without having to worry about ruining the materials. Hit the trails with the best hiking footwear out there. We're giving you plenty of reasons why these shoes are the best for South America!

While there are numerous hiking opportunities in Europe in the Swiss Alps and Balkan Mountains, you’ll likely use your feet to take you around the cobblestone streets of ancient cities. While walking around Lisbon, Portugal, or Copenhagen, Denmark, you’ll need a sandal that is both cute and comfortable. You’ll likely want to stop inside a cute restaurant for a mid-day snack, or sip a coffee on the sidewalk of a Parisian town, so wearing cute sandals is a must. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort. Our sandals are trendy and perfect for you European enthusiasts. It always gives me an excuse to put on one of my favorite jackets that match the Viakix sandal's pattern.

Our Cortona sports sandal has soft stretchable straps that hug your feet and come with a renowned thick EVA foam midsole and ergonomic outside for substantial arch support. There’s an adjustable strap around the ankle that you can customize to fit your foot.

If you’d rather have a pair of flip-flops for your escapades around Europe, then the Kiawah Orthotic Sandals are the perfect match. It has a cushioned ergonomic EVA foam sole, stellar arch support, and a deep heel cup that helps naturally align your feet. This is especially important if you’re walking all day. Making sure your posture is aligned helps prevent injury and dramatic wear and tear that, over time, breaks down your feet.

For those of you who are seeking an adventure, Asia is the continent for you. Asia has vast landscapes of differing terrain, from the Himalayas of Nepal to the tropical beaches and volcanic lands of Indonesia. I spent years traveling around Asia, and have never felt there was a shortage of astonishing landscapes. Not only are the locals friendly, but many of the countries in Asia are affordable to live and travel in. Some countries are mystical and ethereal, and the cities in Asia, like Bangkok and Tokyo, offer some of the most delectable food in the world. But whether you’re riding a horse through the spectacular terrain of Mongolia, or rock climbing up the limestone cliffs of Krabi, Thailand, you’ll need a pair of Sloane outdoor sandals that were built for adventure. This is the best hiking sandal for Asia. If you're going to ask me for Asia recommendations, the first thing I would suggest is buying a pair of these sandals. I'll never travel to Asia again without them!

These athletic sandals have an adjustable strapping system that is customized to fit your feet every time. There’s also a renowned thick EVA foam midsole and ergonomic outsole with arch support. You’ll need this on your long hikes and escapades in Asia, or during long food tours through vibrant, chaotic cities. Many countries in Asia have a wet and dry seasons.

While you’ll need to pack clothes pertaining to the season you’re traveling in, these sandals are great for both seasons. The waterproof material provides traction in even the wettest conditions. Because our sandals are open-toed, you won’t have to worry about trying to dry the material or keep your socks from getting soaked. They’re quick-dry and won’t fall apart if you’re treading through large puddles. They’re also cute and come in several designs and colors, so you can wear them out to a bar after your day spent perusing nature. Your fellow hikers will probably feel envious of your great hiking shoe. Ladies, look no further than these sandals! There's just something so spectacular about them, I can't seem to get enough. Who needs a trekking buddy when you have the Sloane sandals?

Oceania encompasses several countries and areas, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papa New Guinea. New Zealand is home to stunning, vast landscapes, including fjords, glaciers, and mountains. But its neighboring country, Australia, is no joke. The Outback is home to venomous snakes, scorpions, and spiders. You’ll need a pair of durable sandals that provide safety and protection from the elements. Backpacking Australia is an entirely different ballgame, but still, it offers incredible views and landscapes that even the most adventurous of the bunch will have a hard time keeping their jaw closed in awe. Every adventurer needs a pair of these bad boys.

With the Siena sport sandal, its stretchable straps will hug your feet as you explore the outback of an exotic continent. The thick EVA foam midsole and ergonomic outsole provide arch support for long hikes, and the ankle strap is customizable to your needs. Adjusting the ankle strap helps prevent injury and provides the necessary comfort you’ll need in those dry, desolate conditions in the outback of Australia. These are great for road trips around New Zealand. While I was backpacking New Zealand in a van, I visited the fjords in the south and then went on a long hike in the mountains in one day. While my wardrobe needed to change, my sandals were versatile and I was able to wear them in the changing landscapes. These sandals are ideal for any adventure and weather condition. It’s one less thing to worry about during your travels and backpacking trips around the world. They're easy to clean and you don't have to worry about the buildup of dirt. Simply wipe them down, rinse them off, and you're good to go!

With all of that being said, whichever sandal you choose, you’re making the right choice. Because our womens hiking sandals are high-quality, waterproof, durable, and fashionable, you can bring them on any adventure around the world. Their versatality allows you to wear them with any outfit, whether you're camping or hanging out at a bar. They help take your mind off of outfit planning, and do the work for you. I love having less things to plan, especially when I'm trying to focus on my other gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is foot support when choosing a sandal for backpacking?

When it comes to shoes for backpacking, foot support is very important. This can make or break your experience traveling. A good sole in a sandal should provide support and cushioning, in addition to shock absorption. There's more to it than meets the eye!

What are the best features of these sandals?

The best features of these sandals that make them stand out from the crowd is that it's durable, provide great traction, and is made of high-quality, waterproof material. They're also stylish and cute, making them perfect to wear during a night around town. No matter what surfaces you're walking across, these trekking sandals will protect your feet. You won't have to worry about blisters or hiking shoes that need constant adjustment.

How do you determine the appropriate width for a sandal for backpacking?

You must consider the width of your foot and the type of terrain you may walk across. If you have a wide foot, or sandals cater to your every need. You'll want a wider sandal to make sure you're having the most comfortable experience possible. This also goes for those of you with narrow feet. We have a variety of options that'll give you plenty of choice. Travel accessories make all the difference. It's the little details that matter!