KEEN-parison: Which Hiking Sandals For Warm Days on the Trail?

Summertime hiking? We’re big fans. Sure, the going is warm, but we heard there’s a cooling, misty waterfall just around the next bend. If you’re itching to embrace the heat and get out there (we know we are), now’s the time to find yourself a good, sturdy pair of hiking sandals. Cooler and breezier than hiking boots but just as supportive, hiking sandals can be your best bud on road trips, campouts, and treks to ridiculously gorgeous desert vistas.

And when you choose a closed-toe design, you can stay comfortably cool while protecting your tender feet from roots, rocks, and those sharp seed-pod things.

Which pair of KEEN hiking sandals should you go for? Here’s a comparison chart with four of our bestsellers to help you decide:

Another plus with KEEN hiking sandals is the easy on-and-off design with adjustable straps or quick-cinch bungee closures. (And, bonus, they never come untied!) Here’s a little more about what makes each design special:

Rialto: When sidewalk leads to rough terrain, this men's hiking sandal makes the transition in comfort. Featuring a water-resistant leather upper and removable insole (so you can fine-tune your comfort with replacement insoles and orthotics). Fans tell us they buy this pair again and again because they stay comfy all day through a 16-hour excursion. (Hearing that makes us do a little happy dance.) Shop Rialto sandals here in men's sizing.

Terradora II: Terradora was KEEN’s first hiking boot designed by women, for women. That means it’s built on a women's last (shoe form) and made specifically to fit and support a woman’s foot and biomechanics. The Terradora II Strappy Open-Toe sandal for women has that women-loved fit without the enclosed upper. Featuring durable recycled P.E.T. webbing, you get a breeze on your feet with every step you take. Shop the women's Terradora II sandal here.

Targhee III: The first Targhee was a hiking boot that became a KEEN bestseller thanks to its sturdy design and room-for-your-toes fit. The Targhee III hiking sandal for men is just as supportive as the boot version (and has that same high-traction outsole) but lets the breeze in with ventilating open panels. Not to mention, they’re way lighter than a hiking boot could ever be, so you won’t feel weighed down. Shop the men’s Targhee III sandal or read more about the whole Targhee family.

Newport: Originally created to be a toe-protecting boat shoe, the men’s Newport sandal also happens to make a great hiking shoe (with or without socks). The leather upper is made of environmentally preferred leather that’s also waterproof (so you can wade through a stream, or even throw your pair in the washing machine). Shop the men’s Newport leather sandal here. For women’s sizes, check out the women’s Newport H2 water sandal (same design, even more water-friendly).

Feel the wind in your toes and enjoy warm days outside in KEEN hiking sandals. Wherever you go, you’ll have some cool, comfy feet.