I do not own a pair of dress shoes anymore but I own seven pairs of sandals. Working from home in Arizona will do that to you. Over the past three summers I have logged hundreds of miles in sandals across trails, town walks, and a weeklong river trip, and these five are the ones I keep coming back to.
The right sandal depends entirely on what you do in it. A flat slide is perfect for the pool and miserable on a hike. A burly hiking sandal looks ridiculous with shorts at a restaurant. I have broken the picks down by use case so you can match the sandal to your actual life.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teva Hurricane XLT2 | $79 | Best overall | 4.8/5 |
| Chaco Z/Cloud 2 | $129 | Best support | 4.7/5 |
| Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro | $135 | Best for hiking | 4.8/5 |
| Birkenstock Arizona EVA | $49 | Budget pick | 4.6/5 |
| Keen Newport H2 | $119 | Closed-toe pick | 4.6/5 |
1. Teva Hurricane XLT2 - Best Overall
The Hurricane XLT2 is the sandal I recommend to everybody. Quick-dry webbing, decent arch support, grippy outsole, and an honest $79 price. Mine have done river crossings, dirt trails, and city walking with no complaints.
2. Chaco Z/Cloud 2 - Best Support
If you have flat feet or do long walks, the Chaco Z/Cloud has the best stock arch support I have worn. The single-strap design takes a few days to dial in, but once you do it is the most supportive sandal at any price.
3. Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro - Best for Hiking
The Cairn 3D Pro is a real hiking shoe disguised as a sandal. Aggressive Vibram lug pattern, minimal stack height so you feel the ground, and an adjustable system that locks the foot in. I did a 12 mile day in these and finished with no hotspots.
4. Birkenstock Arizona EVA - Budget Pick
The EVA Arizonas are the lightest, cheapest, most foolproof sandals here. Waterproof, washable, and surprisingly comfortable once the footbed shapes to your arch. Not for hiking but perfect for the pool, the garden, or the trip to the coffee shop.
5. Keen Newport H2 - Closed-Toe Pick
If you have ever stubbed a toe in open sandals, the Newport H2 is the answer. The protective toe bumper is genuinely useful on rocky beaches and rough trails. They look like Keens, which is to say not everyone’s style, but they last forever.
What Matters Most
The outsole is what separates a $30 sandal from a $130 one. Look for a real lug pattern and a recognized rubber compound like Vibram. Straps should be webbing or leather, never plastic, and any buckle should be metal at the load points. Quick-dry materials matter more than you think.
My Setup
I rotate three pairs. The Teva Hurricane is my daily, the Bedrock Cairn comes out for trails and travel, and the Birkenstock EVA stays by the back door for quick errands. Total spend is under $300 and it covers every use case I have.
Common Mistakes
Do not size based on your sneaker size; sandals usually run different. Try on or buy from a retailer with free returns. Do not buy waterproof leather sandals if you actually plan to get them wet; they take days to dry. And replace your sandals when the lugs are smoothed; wet rock is unforgiving.
Final Recommendation
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is the sandal I would buy if I could only own one. For dedicated hikers, the Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro is worth every dollar. For a backup or a poolside pair, the Birkenstock EVA Arizona at $49 is the steal of the lineup.
Frequently asked questions
Sport sandals or slides for daily wear?+
Sport sandals if you do anything beyond walking to the mailbox. Slides are great for the pool and locker rooms but offer zero support for a hike or a long urban walk.
Are Bedrock sandals worth the price?+
If you hike or backpack, yes. The Vibram sole and minimal cushion teach better foot mechanics. For casual wear they are overkill and Teva does the job for half the price.