Are you a fan of walking through the great outdoors? Do you love to step into the amazing trekking world and explore north and south, east and west? Besides your enthusiasm, you also need the perfect women’s shoes.

When it comes to walking sandals for women, it may come as a bit of a shock that finding the perfect fit isn’t a walk in the park. You want to feel comfort through your whole sole from your heel to your toe. Let us tell you all about our women’s footwear and their stylish and functional features. We’ll also give you a few tips on what they should be paired with to create a great fit. You’ll find great sportswear which will allow you to express yourself and your style while hiking comfortably.

When it comes to hiking, you’d be forgiven for thinking that boots or hiking trainers are the only suitable footwear out there. In fact, for warmer days or easier treks, these sandals offer a great alternative, providing a perfect balance between comfort, breathability, and performance.

Features of our walking sandals for women

At Columbia, we work with advanced, in-house technologies like Techlite+TM and Adapt TraxTM to create all-terrain shoes that make you feel like you're walking on air while still providing excellent traction, even on tricky terrain surfaces.

Our women’s hiking sandals have gained a lot of popularity more recently as they’re not just stylish; they’re also highly functional. The entire range is designed with a contoured footbed, so that they support the natural shape of your feet, ensuring that every step you take is adequately cushioned, keeping you comfortable.

So whether you're tackling a rocky trail or taking a stroll along the beach, their durable rubber outsole will provide you with the grip you need to stay steady on your feet. However, they don’t offer quite the same support as our long hiking boots. That being said, their adjustable straps offer a customised fit for pretty much any foot shape.

Before we get down to the colour and design, let’s talk about quality first. When you think of quality, what kind of images pop into your mind? Probably brands that are keen on spending a great deal of energy and work into creating exclusive technologies to optimise men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes, sandals and every other footwear. That’s what we love to do!

We have two main types of technologies we apply when making our women’s hiking footwear:

• Traction technologies
• Cushion technologies

Let’s start with our two traction technologies, Adapt-TraxTM and Omni-Grip™. With Adapt-TraxTM, you’ll be super safe on wet terrain. This might come as a shock, but the sandals enhanced with this technology are anti-slide and offer a firm grip so you’ll feel secure on your hiking trip. Omni-Grip™, as the name suggests, is fit for multiple terrains, both wet and dry. This includes rock, gravel, beach sand—You name it. Say goodbye to sliding. And if you’re keen on walking in water, you can always choose our water shoes.

When it comes to cushion technologies, our goal is to make you feel like you’re walking on soft clouds with every step you take. These shoes are made out of a lightweight material and the cushioned design gives you ultimate comfort. Among these technologies, we have Fluidfoam™, Techlite™, Techlite+TM, and Techlite™ Plush. Each of them is designed to offer a special cushioning support, and some of the benefits include:

• Enhanced transition from heel to toe
• Light, responsive foam
• Long-lasting cushioning
• Enhanced impact absorption
• Energy return
• Smooth riding support on various surfaces
• Deep flex grooves

As you keen hikers know all too well, choosing the right hiking footwear is all about finding the perfect blend of support and lightness. We believe that our range of sandals delivers exactly that. It offers women a breathable, lightweight alternative to old school leather hiking boots.

Let’s face it, if you’re in the mood for a trek at the height of summer, the last thing you want is heavy, cumbersome boots that leave your feet covered in blisters (no matter how good their hiking soles may be). With Columbia’s hiking sandals, you get to experience the joy of walking with your feet in the fresh air. That said, our low hiking shoes and light hiking shoes are also a great option in the summer season.

Why hiking sandals are a good option

However, comfort isn’t the only thing you should keep in mind when buying hiking shoes. You also need to think about how long they’ll last. Our sandals are made from high-quality materials, which makes them incredibly durable. In hiking terms, that means they can handle the rigors of pretty much any hiking trail. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can be sure to find a pair that matches your personal style.

How to choose the perfect pair of women’s sandals

We would never make you choose between comfort and looking stylish. That’s why you can find a variety of options among our women’s selection of shoes. From classic shoes in black with some straps, to playful and colourful—We’ve got something for every taste. So when you’re buying a new pair of shoes, use the filtering options on your left to find the features you need. You’ll find a number of ways to narrow down your search, for example using the filters “colour”, “terrain” or “footwear material”. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, you’ll see how easy it is to wear them from the trail to the office or even a party. Paired with some fun leggings and a graphic tee, they’re super easy to combine and a travel wardrobe staple. That’s why we like to say that at Columbia, we make hiking sandals women choose over and over again. There are a lot of other shoe options to choose from, as well:

• Flip flops
• Leather sandals with straps
• Slides
• Water shoes

Even if you have a long summer day with lots of activities, your feet will be rested and ready to hop into some high heels to dance the night away. Don’t forget to also check out our complete selection of women’s footwear.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing your hiking gear is picking the right size. Just as with hiking boot size, you might want to consider going a size up for your sandals, especially if you wear them with hiking socks or want to allow for any foot swelling in the heat. Remember, a snug fit is important to prevent slipping but you should take care not to put your sandals on too tight.

Another huge benefit of our sandals is that they’re also perfect for pairing with other outdoor gear. Why not complete your look with hiking clothes for women like breathable tees, quick-dry shorts, or a lightweight  hiking jacket? Our range of clothing is designed to keep you cool and comfortable while you explore. And you can also accessorise with a decent pair of  hiking socks to ensure optimal comfort on those long trails.

FAQs

What are the best ladies’ walking sandals?

The best ladies’ walking sandal is often a matter of personal preference; it’s a pair that fulfils the wearer’s needs and gives them confidence at every step of every adventure. That being said, within our collection of women’s hiking and walking sandals, you’re spoilt for choice. Every pair features superior technologies and designs that deliver long-lasting comfort, performance and style. For inspiration, here are our five most popular models:

• Women's Peakfreak Rush™ Sandal LEA
• Women's Konos™ Hiker 2-Strap Hiking Sandal
• Women's Columbia™ Sandal
• Women's Konos Globetrot™ Sandal
• Women's Peakfreak Rush™ Shandal

What is the best brand of walking sandals for women?

While there are numerous brands that make walking sandals for women, few have the same exacting standards and rich heritage as Columbia.

Since 1938, we have been making premium-quality, performance-driven outdoor apparel. Founded in the Pacific Northwest of the US, we know and understand inclement weather; that’s why every item we create features comfort, protection and style. From our  men’s 3-in-1 jackets to our women’s fleeces, you’ll find the same quality and expertise you have come to expect from our brand. Our collection of walking sandals for women is no exception.

What is the most comfortable sandal for walking?

The most comfortable walking sandals are those that feature advanced comfort and traction technologies. Sandals like those found in Columbia’s collection of women’s walking and hiking sandals.

For unbeatable comfort, look for models that feature just some of the following technologies available:

• TechliteTM: Lightweight and responsive cushioned midsole that protects the pads of the feet for all-day, all-terrain performance. Features enhanced absorption, high energy return and step-in comfort.
• Adapt TraxTM: Specially designed outsoles that provide exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions.
• Omni-GripTM: Outsoles with specially designed lug patterns and compounds for all-terrain stability and grip.
• Omni-MaxTM: Our lightweight system that combines cushioning, stability and traction for unparalleled high-performance comfort on any terrain and in all weather conditions.

Which materials are used in walking sandals?

Within our collection of walking sandals, we use a range of materials for unmatched performance. These include leather, EVA, rubber, elastane and more. Where possible, we also use recycled materials, like polyester. Find out more about our corporate responsibility here.

Are walking sandals just for hikes and long walks?

No! Columbia’s walking sandals are incredibly versatile. While they offer a range of benefits to keep you comfortable on strenuous treks, they’re also suitable for casual urban adventures or brunch al fresco.

If you’re planning a family hiking trip then Columbia has got you covered. We have a wide range of footwear and accessories for everyone and every adventure. From hiking sandals for men and  kids waterproof shoes to men’s waterproof shoes and backpacks, too, we make it our job to ensure every adventurer is well-equipped.

Looking for waterproof hiking shoes for men or maybe you’re after a pair of  snow boots or  men's walking shoes for the winter season? We can help you out with that too. In fact, we even offer  wide shoes for men and also cater to other foot shapes and sizes.

So as you can see Columbia’s hiking sandals are a versatile and stylish choice for women who love exploring the outdoors when the sun comes out to play. Next time you  choose hiking shoes, don’t be put off by the minimal design of our sandals. We’re not suggesting they’re the best option for  mountain hiking, but for an easy trail or a stroll through a seaside town our sandals provide the support, comfort, and durability you need for most  types of hiking

Choose from a range of styles that match your preference and get ready to embark on your next summer adventure with the footwear that fits your lifestyle.

Also shop or discover:

• All-terrain shoes
• Hiking top tips
• Learn more about hiking soles