A Guardian tester covered over 50 miles trialling women’s walking sandals to identify the best combination of grip, support and breathability for summer use. The Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora was named the top overall pick, while the Jack Wolfskin Ridge was rated best budget option, among ten styles suited to hiking, sightseeing and daily wear.
What makes a good walking sandal?
The strongest performers balanced the structural support typically found in hiking shoes with the lightness and airflow expected of summer sandals. Testers looked for designs that gripped confidently on muddy or uneven countryside paths yet remained comfortable enough for hours of walking on hard pavement, avoiding the bulk and heat that heavier footwear can bring in warm conditions.
The review covered a spread of styles, from rugged trail-focused sandals built for rough terrain to sleeker, more versatile designs suitable for travel, commuting or casual outings. This range meant buyers with different priorities, whether serious hikers or holidaymakers wanting practical footwear, could find a suitable match.
The best walking sandals should offer the grip and support of a hiking shoe but without the bulk or heat, coping just as well with rural trails as with pavements, the review noted.
Which sandals stood out in testing?
The Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora was highlighted as the best all-round choice, praised for delivering dependable performance across varied surfaces without sacrificing comfort. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Jack Wolfskin Ridge was singled out as offering strong value while still meeting the core requirements of grip and support expected from a proper walking sandal.
Across the wider selection of ten tested pairs, the reviewer emphasised that shoppers should weigh up how and where they intend to use their sandals, whether for hilly rambles, countryside trails or simply as durable, breathable footwear for travel, before choosing a style.
