2017’s best sport sandals

With secure straps and often with protection on top and underneath, sports sandals will take you from coast to trail.

Outsole

The lug pattern and outsole compound determine how grippy the sandal is and in which conditions. Harder compounds will last longer but don’t provide the same level of grip as softer options. Widely-spaced, multi-lugged soles are great for muddy trails, while narrower spacing is better for water-slicked rocks and tracks.

Midsole

Stiffened shank offers support and protection to the foot. Arches are supported by a medial post that also reduces the sandal’s torsional (twisting) flex.

Footbed

Impregnated or coated with an anti-microbial treatment to reduce odours caused by sweat.The footbed is generally soft and anatomically-shaped.

Closure

Velcro is simple, reliable and durable. Pull-cord laces and straps provide a better, more adjustable fit along the length and width of the foot.

Upper materials

Depending on the sandal’s intended use, uppers may be waterproofed leather, synthetic and/or a type of webbing. Leather is best for travel, casual and light hiking use. Synthetic and webbing uppers dry quickly and are often used on sandals designed for water use. It’s common for uppers to fully enclose the foot to provide protection.

Width and fit

As with tramping shoes and boots, sandals require a thumb width of space in front of the longest toe and the heel should be cupped at the rear to prevent it sliding up. Many brands offer wide and narrow options.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a sandal…

Chaco Z Cloud 2 $159.95
Trail sandal with polyester webbing upper, toe-loop, high-tensile webbing heel risers, injection-moulded ladder lock buckle, dual density PU midsole, antimicrobial treated footbed, non-marking rubber outsole, 3.5mm lug depth. 305g (m/w). www.chacos.co.nz

Keen Newport H2 $199.99
Trail/water sandal with polyester webbing upper, TPU stability shank, compression moulded EVA midsole, metatomical footbed, hydrophobic mesh lining, secure fit lace capture system, non-marking rubber outsole. 805g (m), 595g (w). www.keenfootwear.co.nz

Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve $229
Trail sandal with waxy waterproofed leather upper, Lycra neoprene stretch collar, antimicrobial treatment, UniFly midsole, 3mm lug depth, Vibram outsole. 595g (m), 481g (w). www.merrell.co.nz

Keen Women’s Venice H2 $199.99
Trail/water sandal with polyester webbing upper, TPU stability shank, compression moulded EVA midsole, metatomical footbed, hydrophobic mesh lining, secure fit lace capture system, non-marking rubber outsole. 500g. www.keenfootwear.co.nz

Chaco Z Cloud X2 $159.95
Trail sandal with double-strapped polyester webbing upper, toe-loop, high-tensile webbing heel risers, injection-moulded ladder lock buckle, dual density PU midsole, antimicrobial treated footbed, non-marking rubber outsole, 3.5mm lug depth. 297g (w). www.chacos.co.nz

Keen Women’s Whisper $189.99
Trail/water sandal with polyester webbing upper, TPU stability shank, compression moulded EVA midsole, metatomical footbed, hydrophobic mesh lining, secure fit lace capture system, non-marking rubber outsole. 493g. www.keenfootwear.co.nz

Chaco Z Cloud $159.95
Trail sandal with polyester webbing upper, high-tensile webbing heel risers, injection-moulded ladder lock buckle, dual density PU midsole, antimicrobial treated footbed, non-marking rubber outsole, 3.5mm lug depth. 297g (m/w). www.chacos.co.nz

Keen Women’s Rose Sandal $189.99
Trail/water sandal with polyester webbing upper, TPU stability shank, compression moulded EVA midsole, metatomical footbed, hydrophobic mesh lining, antimicrobial treated footbed, non-marking rubber outsole. 425g. www.keenfootwear.co.nz

Merrell Mojave Sport Sandal $189
Trail/water sandal with neoprene padded lining, waterproof PU coated leather upper, hook and strap closure, moulded nylon arch shank, EVA midsole, Merrell shock-absorbing air cushion in heel. 570g. www.merrell.co.nz

Keen Women’s Bali Strap $159.99
Beach/casual sandal with polyester webbing upper, compression moulded EVA midsole, metatomical footbed, hydrophobic mesh lining, antimicrobial treated footbed non-marking rubber outsole. 352g. www.keenfootwear.co.nz

Keen Women’s Maya Strap $199.99
Beach/casual sandal with polyester webbing upper, EVA midsole, metatomical footbed with microfibre cover and antimicrobial treated, PU reinforced upper, secure fit lace capture system, non-marking rubber outsole. www.keenfootwear.co.nz