The best walking sandals for blister-free hikes, tested by keen walkers

Score: 93/100

If you’re on the hunt for some sandals that won’t look out of place when your hike conveniently leads you to the pub, then you can’t go wrong with these. Testers loved the open-toe leather design, with one saying: “These look like normal sandals but are so much better to wear.”

Good looks aside, they were ultra lightweight and felt comfortable from the very first step, with no breaking in required. Thanks to the moulded, cushioned footbeds, they remained comfy for hours on end, while the thermoplastic rubber outsoles provided good grip on a range of surfaces. Adjustable ankle straps helped with control and balance, too.

Due to the strappy design, they're not for challenging treks on loose ground when your feet need extra protection. For city breaks, light hikes and ambling around town, though, they’re an absolute dream.

Score: 91/100

Okay, they might not look the chicest, but there’s plenty to shout about with these closed-toe hiking companions. Not only will they keep your toes protected on outdoorsy adventures, but they also boast a quick-drying neoprene lining – handy if you’re walking near water.

Our panel of varying foot shapes scored them highly for comfort, praising the lightweight construction and padded footbed. “It’s almost like wearing slippers!” said one satisfied tester. Like our Trespass winner, no painful breaking in was required and our testers came back from even the lengthiest of walks free from blisters. Hurrah!

Our hikers also noted that their feet didn’t overheat in the “airy” sandals and said stability was excellent on smooth paths and easy trails. They didn’t cope quite so well on rough, uneven terrain, though.

Score: 91/100

Columbia knows a thing or two about great walking gear. Case in point: these sporty sandals, which are made from durable nubuck leather and feature the brand’s signature Techlite midsole for soft, springy cushioning.

Extremely light (a standard size 5 shoe weighs just over 250g), they’re perfect for day-long hikes or taking on holiday. Our testers appreciated the adjustable straps, which go over the front of the foot and around the ankles, for a snug, secure fit, and most said they were supremely comfortable, too.

In terms of grip, these sandals did a top-notch job on dry terrain, but some said they weren’t quite as stable on slippery surfaces. Also note, they may be a little narrow for those with wide feet or bunions.

Score: 89/100

Another pair of closed-toe sandals from the experts at adidas, these were a big hit with our panel, with one tester saying: “I can’t recommend them highly enough,” and another commenting: “I would give them more stars if I could.”

With a lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning, everyone agreed they were very comfortable – including one panellist who suffers with arthritis in their feet. The adjustable Velcro straps helped our hikers achieve a secure fit and kept them supported mile after mile, and the textile upper was breathable, too.

Thanks to the TRAXION™ rubber outsole, they offered excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions. They’re quick to dry and can handle loose, rough terrain. Some testers would have preferred a more stylish design, but others said they liked wearing them with jeans and dresses.

Score: 88/100

FitFlop is known for its comfy, supportive footwear and these open-toe sandals – which are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association – live up to the hype. “I would recommend them and buy them again,” one tester told us, while another said: “I’m definitely packing them for my upcoming holiday.”

The padded Velcro straps are easy to adjust to fit a variety of foot shapes (our panellists with bunions and swollen feet gave them a thumbs up) and there was no rubbing or chafing after prolonged wear.

Testers raved about how flexible and lightweight they felt, even on rough, uneven terrain, and liked how breathable they were. As a bonus, the sandals feature techy carbon-plate midsoles to propel you forwards and make long-distance walks feel easier.

These also come in classic black if you prefer a less colourful design.

Score: 88/100

Keen’s iconic ugly-cool hiking sandals won’t disappoint the next time you take to the trails – especially if you’re adventuring by the water.

Testers confirmed that the AquaGrip soles offer next-level grip on wet and muddy surfaces, with one saying: “They were very stable, no matter where I tried them.” The fabric lining is quick to dry and the mesh upper is treated with an anti-odour solution to prevent damp, smelly feet.

Most walkers found them comfortable from the very first wear, although some noted the insides were a little stiff. On the plus side, there’s no need to faff around with straps and buckles – simply slip your feet in and use the elasticated cinch drawstring to adjust.

Score: 82/100

These strappy sandals may look delicate, but rest assured they’re made from water- and stain-proof pig skin leather and feature a grippy Vibram outsole to keep you grounded on all types of terrain.

Testers scored them highly for stability in wet and dry conditions, with one saying, “I didn’t feel like I was going to fall when I was on slippery surfaces.” Another panellist who wore them in dewy grass and muddy fields said they looked just as good as new after miles of stomping. Thanks to the contoured EVA midsole means, they were comfortable and lightweight, too.

The simple, classic design went down well with most, but testers would have preferred more adjustable features around the feet.