Some runners tend to get tired of running shoes, especially due to the minimal breathability that most rugged running shoes will have. Others also want a more minimalistic approach to running and therefore look at running sandals.
With running sandals you can stay relaxed and also avoid the sweating that you tend to get from the scorching heat. You may not want to use them for marathons or ultramarathons, especially in terms of trail running but they’re a great choice when you’re going for a casual run and want to feel the wind beneath your feet.
We’ve compared some of the best running sandals and have created our list based on popularity and purpose below.
Best Running Sandals Compared And Reviewed
For Endurance
Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals
Vegan Friendly
Xero Shoes Z-Trek Sport Sandals
Best Styles
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandals
Slipper Style
Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Sandals
Best Durability
Skechers Sport Sandal
1. Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals
Key Features
- Triple-layered sole
- Durable and very comfortable
- Vegan friendly
- Rubber sole
Reasons to buy
- Made out of a durable and long-lasting rubber
- Very comfortable
- Can be worn for long periods of time
- Features a triple-layered sole
- Designed for hikes and easy trail runs
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive when compared to competitor options
These top-quality running sandals are made just in the USA. The sandal comes in a wide variety of colors, including plain black and turquoise blue. More so, it is important to note that there are both men’s and women’s models available for purchase.
Featuring a durable rubber sole, you will be sure to get plenty of use out of this purchase. The shoe is specifically designed to be worn on hikes or easy trail runs.
This product features a triple-layered sole. On top of this, the sole is made out of TrailFoam, providing optimal support and comfort. If you have struggled with injuries in the past, these shoes will be a great choice for you. Designed to absorb as much impact as possible, your chances of getting injured will be drastically reduced.
Made with comfortable strapping, your foot will fit securely into the shoe. Over time, the shape of your foot will also mold into the rubber sole. This adds to the comfort factor of the shoe. The durable rubber material used for the sole also ensures that the product is long-lasting.
If you are shopping on a budget, you may want to consider alternative options. This running sandal is on the pricier side when compared to competitor options.
2. Xero Shoes Z-Trek Sport Sandals
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Vegan friendly
- Durable and comfortable
- Features a drop sole
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality rubber
- Durable and long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Easy to flex your foot while wearing the shoe
- Reduces strain placed on the joints
Reasons to avoid
- It does not feature much grip
- Not ideal for technical trails
If you are looking for a more affordable pair of running sandals that still offer good quality, this pair of Xero Shoes should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. The shoes come in a number of different styles, colors, and patterns, including black, blue, and pink.
You will be able to find both a men’s and women’s version of the Xero Shoes Z-Trek running sandal. Made out of lightweight and durable rubber, the shoes offer great support. More so, you will be sure to get plenty of use out of the purchase, giving you good value for money.
It is important to note that this shoe does not offer much grip, meaning that it is not ideal for technical trails. However, they should still work well for easy hikes and treks.
When wearing these sandals, you will find it easy to flex your feet and feel the floor. This model is better suited for athletes who enjoy feeling as though they are not even wearing shoes.
The product features a drop sole that promotes good posture. More so, the top-quality rubber absorbs a lot of pressure, reducing the amount of strain placed on your joints. This will drastically reduce your chances of developing an injury over time.
3. Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandals
Key Features
- Made out of rubber and textile
- Features quick-dry webbing
- Thick sole
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality rubber and 100% textile
- It comes in a variety of sizes and colors
- Comfortable and supportive
- Offers plenty of protection
- Ideal for technical trails
Reasons to avoid
- Difficult to flex your foot
These Teva Hurricane sport sandals come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. In fact, there are over 20 different models to choose from, so there will be a perfect match for anyone interested in purchasing them. The straps are made out of 100% textile. These straps are soft to the touch and can be worn for long periods of time without the risk of developing blisters.
The sole of the shoe is made out of top-quality rubber. The sole is also very soft and molds to the shape of your foot. If you value great comfort above all else, these shoes should definitely be your list of considerations.
However, it is important to note that the outer sole is very thick and hard. While this provides plenty of support and protection on technical trails, it is difficult to flex your foot while in the shoes. For this reason, if you are one of those runners who enjoy lightweight sandals, you may want to consider alternative options.
Featuring quick-dry webbing made out of recycled materials, your feet will be well protected at all times. On top of this, the thick sole absorbs plenty of pressure, meaning that your joints will be put under less strain on your adventures.
This shoe also comes in both men’s and women’s models. The product can be purchased in a variety of sizes.
4. Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Sandals
Key Features
- Made out of rubber
- Molds to the shape of your foot
- Easy to slip on and off
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality rubber
- Incredibly comfortable and lightweight
- Ideal for hikes and easy treks
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive when compared to competitor options
- Not the most practical
These Adidas running sandals can be worn by both men and women. The product comes in a variety of colors and sizes, giving you plenty of choice.
These sandals offer a lot of comfort and support. The sole is made out of top-quality rubber, meaning that you will get plenty of use out of the purchase. In fact, the sole is so soft that it molds to the shape of your foot over time. If you are looking for great comfort, this shoe should definitely be up there on your list of considerations.
These shoes are incredibly easy to slip on and off. While they are on the pricier side, they also offer great quality and plenty of foot support. Since they mold to the shape of your foot, your knees and ankles will experience less strain.
However, it is worth noting that the Adidas sandals are not ideal for technical trails. The shoes feature a thick strap that passes over your toes. Since the heel is not supported, you will find it challenging to stay in your shoes on technical routes. For this reason, they are more ideal for easy hikes and treks.
Since the sandals are designed by the renowned brand Adidas, you can expect to pay a bit more. However, when considering the level of comfort and quality, the price tag seems more reasonable. With that being said, these shoes are not the most practical when it comes to running.
5. Skechers Sport Sandal
Key Features
- Made out of textile and rubber
- 0.75-inch sole
- Men and women models available
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality rubber
- Very comfortable and supportive
- Molds to the shape of your foot
- Ideal for technical trails
Reasons to avoid
- Very thick sole
- Heavier than competitor options
The 600-Brilliancy sport sandals have models for both men and women. On top of this, there are a number of different styles, colors, and sizes for you to choose from.
The straps of this running sandal are made out of 100% textile. This material is incredibly soft and comfortable, meaning that the shoes can be worn for long periods of time. On the other hand, the sole of the shoe is made out of a synthetic rubber. The sole also offers great comfort and plenty of support.
The platform of this shoe measures 0.75 inches. This thicker sole makes it difficult to flex your foot in the shoes. If you are one of those runners who prefers lighter shoes that feel as if they almost aren’t even on your feet, you will want to consider alternative products. However, it is worth noting that the thicker sole absorbs a lot of pressure, meaning that your joints and muscles will be put under less pressure when running or walking.
The Skechers sandals are fully adjustable, meaning that you will be able to fit them to the shape of your foot. More so, the rubber sole molds to the shape of your foot, adding to the comfort factor.
6. KEEN Running Sandals
Key Features
- Made out of rubber and textile
- Machine washable
- Features a velcro strap
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality rubber and textile
- Long-lasting and durable
- Offers plenty of support and protection
- Ideal for technical routes
- Reduces your chances of developing an injury
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive when compared to competitor options
- The thick sole makes the shoe heavy and bulky
The KEEN running sandals come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including pink and red. There are models available for both men and women.
These shoes are specifically designed to be used on more technical trails. Made with a thick rubber sole and featuring a good grip, your feet will be well supported during your adventures. The shoe also has sufficient strapping, meaning that you won’t have to worry about slipping out of your sandals at any time.
These shoes are machine washable, making them very easy to clean. With soft textile strapping, you won’t have to worry about blisters. These straps are also easy to adjust, thanks to the velcro closure.
The quality of the KEEN running sandal is unmatched. For this reason, you can expect to get plenty of use out of the purchase. On top of this, if you have struggled with injuries in the past, this shoe may be the perfect solution. With a thick inner sole, your joints will be placed under less strain on your runs/hikes.
It is important to note that these running sandals are on the pricier side when compared to competitor options. For this reason, if you are shopping on a budget, you may want to consider alternative options.
7. Salomon TECH Running Sandals
Key Features
- Made out of rubber and textile
- Available in men and women sizes
- Features plenty of grip
Reasons to buy
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for rough and uneven terrains
- Made out of top quality rubber and textile
- Strap supports the entire foot
- Fully adjustable straps
Reasons to avoid
- Pricey
Salomon is one of the biggest and most successful running shoe brands in the world. For this reason, if you are on the market for a new running sandal, this product should definitely be on your list of considerations.
The TECH running sandal is available to both men and women. On top of this, it comes in a wide variety of colors, including red, black, and blue.
With a durable rubber sole, you can expect to get plenty of use out of the purchase. On top of this, the shoe features a unique grip that is designed to be used on overly technical trails. For this reason, the sandal is ideal for rocky trail runs.
The sandal features a textile strap that covers the top of the foot and the heel. For this reason, you won’t have to worry about your foot slipping out of the shoe while on your run. It is also worth noting that the straps are fully adjustable due to the velcro clasp.
You can expect to pay more for this running sandal. However, when you consider the quality and longevity offered by the shoe, this price tag seems more reasonable. You will struggle to find a running sandal that is better suited for rough and uneven terrains.
8. Vibram Five Fingers Running Sandals
Key Features
- Features a 2mm PU foam insole
- Made out of rubber and textile
- Machine washable
Reasons to buy
- Made out of rubber and textile
- Long-lasting and durable
- Prevents blister formation
- Easy to clean
Reasons to avoid
- Thin sole
- Doesn’t offer much protection
This pair of running sandals is specifically designed for wet terrains. The product features five separate ‘sockets’ for the toes. This means that you won’t have to worry about your foot slipping or moving around while out on your adventures. On top of this, the sandal features a textile strap that holds the foot in place.
The shoe features plenty of grip, making it ideal for slippery and rocky conditions. It is important to note that the sole of the shoe is very thin, meaning that it does not offer much protection. If you prefer lightweight running sandals, this Vibram product should definitely be added to your list of considerations.
The Vibram sandal is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. On top of this, you can choose from a number of patterns and colors, including pink, white and black.
The shoe features a 2mm PU foam insole designed to prevent the formation of blisters. The sock liner of the shoe also makes it incredibly easy to slip your foot in and out. This product is machine washable, making it exceptionally easy to clean after your muddy adventures.
How To Choose The Best Running Sandals
If you are on the market for a pair of running sandals, you will find that there is a wide variety to choose from. You will also have to consider a number of characteristics and factors, including the price tag and build of the shoe.
In order to choose the best sandals for you, you will first need to think about what material you would prefer. There are a variety of options to consider, each specifically designed for different terrains. You should also look for a shoe that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, offers enough support, and has a durable grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of running sandal brands out there for you to choose from. Most of the popular running shoe brands have their own range of sandals. This includes Salomon, Adidas, and Skechers. However, it is worth noting that these brands are usually more expensive than the lesser-known options.
You will be able to find a wide range of running sandals for different prices. Some of the more affordable options can be bought for between $30 and $50. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting pair that offers great quality, you could be spending up to $90.
There are a number of different features to consider before investing in a running sandal. This includes the material of the sole, how much protection it offers, how comfortable the sandals are, how much it costs, and whether or not the strapping is supportive. Good quality sandals will stand out in each of the departments mentioned above.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.