Hiking boots and sandals have so many differences that comparing them with each other should be a question in the first place. For instance, hiking boots cover most of your feet, including the ankle area, whereas hiking sandals uncover most of your feet’ skin.
Therefore, hiking sandals are pretty lightweight in comparison with hiking boots. But there are many more things to diversify hiking sandals and boots! Want to know?
Comparison Between Hiking Sandals vs. Hiking Boots
| Features | Hiking Sandals | Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Images |  |  |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavyweight |
| Breathability | Breathable; leaves most of your feet uncovered | Not much breathable; cover your feet |
| Waterproofing | Not waterproof | It offers a cozy interior and keeps feet dry |
| Ankle support | It does not offer ankle support | Offers selection in ankle support (mid, low, high) |
| Protection/safety | Offer protection against blisters and adjustable straps; not much safety | It offers added support and saves from abrasions, complex parameters, UV rays, snakes, pebbles, rocks, etc., |
| Best for | Warmer areas | Colder areas |
| Price | Sandals Price | Boots Price |
Infographic Comparison
Features Compared Are Given Below
So, now let’s take an in-depth analysis of both hiking sandals and hiking boots:
1. Weight and Build
Hiking sandals are pretty much lightweight because of their build. For example, the hiking sandal features straps only and a thick outsole, whereas hiking boots have plenty of cushioning, a thickset outsole, and an upper that covers your feet. Therefore, hiking boots feel heavyweight in comparison with sandals.
For example, this Xero Shoes Z-Trail – Women’s Lightweight Hiking and Running Sandal – Barefoot-Inspired Minimalist Trail Sport Sandal weighs only8.15 Ounces which felt supreme lightweight on my feet with zero strain for a day-long wearing time. In contrast, this Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue Hiking Waterproof Leather Mt. Maddsen Boot weighs 3 pounds, making it a weighty boot for my all-day-long hiking trip.
2. Safety and Protection
Hiking boots offer absolute protection and safety in comparison with sandals. As you know, hiking boots offer a variety of different upper materials such as synthetic mix, leather, Nubuck, suede, etc., so it makes protection highlighted.
On the other hand, hiking sandals feature straps that may cause abrasion; however, it saves your feet from blisters. In short, hiking boots have added protection from harsh environmental parameters, whereas sandals may leave your feet at risk.
I bought this MEGNYA Women’s Comfortable Walking Sandals with Arch Support, Athletic Hiking Sandal Outdoor, Soft Water Sandals Beach Poolside Travel for my wife, and in comparison with boots, it has far less safety from abrasion, impact, injury, etc. its nylon straps and rubber outsole is less protection. On the flip side, this SALOMON Men’s Quest 4 GTX High Rise Hiking Boot has plenty of safety parameters, including enhanced stability and extra heel support.
3. Waterproofing and Breathability
Hiking sandals are airy, so they are subpar for being waterproof; however, they can be trusted for being breathable. On the other hand, hiking boots are reasonably waterproof and make sure to keep feet dry from outer water and most moist conditions.
You can easily walk on puddle water without getting your feet wet while wearing a hiking boot. The best thing is hiking boots also offer breathability to some extent. However, hiking sandals don’t offer a waterproof factor.
Such as this Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot offered a reasonable waterproofing design to keep feet dry, but its breathability has been limited.
On the contrary, this KEEN Men’s Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandal has been my best companion for breathability. Also, its Eco Anti-Odor with that feature is appreciable! Although this sandal features “YET” waterproof uppers, it is not as waterproof as a hiking boot.
4. Ankle Support
The ankle support in the hiking sandal is minimal to zero, whereas hiking boots offer the best traction, stability, and variety of ankle support. The hiking boot is available in high-ankle, mid-ankle, and low-ankle support.
Therefore, hiking boots are the first preference of professional hikers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, whereas hiking sandals are reliable for a hiking trip.
For instance, I wore these Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots, Lightweight Waterproof Hunting Boots, Ankle Support, and their ankle provided me enough support for hiking and trailing. In contrast, these TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals with EVA Foam Midsole and Rugged Durabrasion Rubber Outsole hiking sandals have been reliable for quick wearing and easy footsteps.
5. Best for
You are wrong if you think hiking sandals are not beneficial compared to hiking boots. It all depends on where you want to wear the footwear and your approach. Hiking sandals serve as the best way for warmer weather, and you can save your feet from excessive sweating.
On the other hand, hiking boots are ideally best for cold and extreme temperature ranges. The leather uppers and well-padded interior bring around safety and protection
For instance, this Ryka Women’s Kona Trek Hiking Sandal Sport is pretty best for wearing in warmer climates for trailing and hiking during summer. In contrast, this Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot is compact, cute, and comes with plush padding against cold weather.
