When it comes to the great outdoors, choosing the right footwear is critical. For those seeking an open-toed yet robust option with plenty of ventilation, a pair of hiking sandals might seem ideal. But there are a few drawbacks to be aware of before investing in a pair.
Pros and Cons of Hiking Sandals
Let’s start with the positives. Sandals are breathable and comfortable, providing plenty of circulation and freedom of movement through the arch and toes. They’re often lighter than regular hiking boots, and can dry quickly in the event of accidental creek crossings. That said, there are a few potential risks worth considering before hitting the trail.
Hiking sandals are not as durable as regular hiking boots, and may not provide the same level of protection from sharp rocks and other trail hazards. Additionally, they may not provide enough support for long hikes, and can be more prone to slipping on wet surfaces. It’s important to consider the terrain and conditions of your hike before deciding whether sandals are the right choice.
Comfort Issues with Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals are typically designed to be as flat and uniform as possible. While this may be great for stream-fording, it can leave your feet feeling vulnerable and unsupported on longer trails or less even terrain. Shock absorption, arch support, and cushioning are all sacrificed as a result, which can leave your feet feeling exhausted and painful at the end of the day.
To combat this, many hikers opt for sandals with thicker soles and more cushioning. This can help to provide more support and comfort, while still allowing your feet to breathe. Additionally, some sandals come with removable insoles that can be replaced with more supportive ones. This can help to provide more arch support and cushioning, while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a lightweight sandal.
Poor Traction on Uneven Terrain
The shaped soles of hiking sandals are not designed to grip tightly on slippery rocks or uneven surfaces, which can lead to falls or twisted ankles in extreme wet or dry conditions. This can be especially hazardous on trails with steep declines where sudden slips are more common than level surfaces.
To reduce the risk of slipping, hikers should wear shoes with a more aggressive tread pattern and a higher ankle support. Additionally, hikers should be aware of their surroundings and take extra caution when walking on wet or uneven terrain. If possible, it is best to avoid these areas altogether and stick to more level surfaces.
Poor Protection from Rocks and Stones
One of the greatest pitfalls of wearing sandals while hiking is lack of protection against rocks, stones, and other sharp objects. Without thick soles to shield your feet from debris and abrasions, you’ll be exposed to a whole range of hazards that can lead to painful blisters and long-term damage. Investing in a pair of gaiters may be a good idea if these risks are present.
Limited Support and Stability
If you’re used to wearing sturdy boots while hiking, then you’ll have noticed that they offer considerable support to the ankles and feet. This helps to reduce strain and fatigue while tackling tougher terrain. Unfortunately, sandals don’t provide the same amount of support, and can leave your legs and feet prone to overworking. This can easily lead to long-term injury, especially if the terrain is particularly grueling.
Increased Risk of Injury with Hiking Sandals
Due to the lack of traction control, support, and protection, your risk of sustaining an injury is higher when wearing a pair of hiking sandals. As such, it’s not always a good idea to wear sandals when tackling more technical trails or longer distances. If you do decide to wear sandals, remember to keep an eye out for loose rocks and uneven debris – stopping regularly to check your feet for blisters or wounds.
Limited Waterproofing in Hiking Sandals
Good quality hiking sandals often come with breathable waterproof linings that keep moisture at bay. However, they’re generally less effective than conventional boots when exposed to long periods of stepping in water. As such, they’re not always ideal during flash floods or heavy rain.
Durability Concerns with Hiking Sandals
Finally, hiking sandals don’t always stand up to a lot of abuse. This is largely due to their pliable rubber or felt formed soles, which flatten and wear down quickly when exposed to long-term use or rocky terrain. For this reason, it’s inadvisable to wear the same pair of sandals for regular hiking adventures.
Alternatives to Hiking Sandals
For those seeking an open-toed option that offers greater protection and control over tricky terrain, a pair of sport sandals may be a better choice. These typically come with added arch support and traction control, with thicker soles protecting feet against rocks and stones. Of course, these still have their drawbacks – so make sure to read up on all of your options if you plan on taking up mixed terrain-style hiking.
