1. Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT Running Sandal
2. Skechers Performance Women’s Running Sandals
3. ATIKA Men’s Running Sandals
4. Xero Shoes Z-Trek Running Sandals
5. Vibram Women’s VI-S Fitness And Yoga Shoe
6. Luna Sandals Leadville Pacer
8. Merrell Men’s Moab Drift Strap Sandal
Running Sandal Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Running Sandals
Your running sandals need to be able to take on whatever unexpected elements your day might throw at you, whether it’s a casual trip to the grocery store, a 5-mile run, or a hike up to your favorite picnic spot. We take our job seriously and put a lot of thought and effort into which running sandals we add to our list, to make sure that they really are the best of the bunch.
When choosing which running sandals to feature, we consider a variety of factors that we know are important to you. In order to get a well-rounded idea of which models are the best option for you, we look closely at:
Brand - Footwear brands are a dime a dozen, but when it comes to choosing running sandals there are a few names that you know you can trust as soon as you hear them. This trust is born out of the fact that certain brands have put years of effort into designing and creating reliable products that speak for themselves in terms of quality and durability.
That’s why we’ve included running sandals from the likes of Vivobarefoot, Merrell, and Luna within our list of the best, as they’ve established themselves as companies that have an expert foothold within their niche.
Reviews - When shopping online, a great product description and high-quality images can help you get an idea of what sort of shoe you’re looking at, but sometimes you need a bit of extra insight – which is why we always take reviews into consideration when choosing the best running sandals. In the absence of being able to try them on yourself, reviews offer a real-life insight into how the shoes fit, look, and perform in certain scenarios.
You can do endless research about running sandals, but there’s no replacement for a bit of advice from someone who has worn a product and experienced what it’s like to go through the day with them on their feet. That’s why we only choose products that have received excellent feedback from people like you – to give you that extra level of confidence that the product will deliver exactly what it promises to do.
Price - You need a great pair of running sandals that will protect your feet, feel comfortable all day long, and deliver excellent value for the money you spend. When pulling together this list of durable flip flops, we’ve looked at price as one of the key factors for determining what denotes ‘best’.
We’ve included a mix of price-points to suit all sorts of budgets. However, you can rest assured that the more expensive models will go above and beyond your expectations and uphold their condition over the long term, while the cheaper running sandals are a real bargain in terms of the quality you get for the price you pay.
Features To Look For In Running Sandals
Running sandals may seem like a small and sleek piece of kit, but a lot goes into that minimalist design that can make a real difference in terms of how it feels to wear them. When shopping for running sandals, there are a variety of different features to look out for – we’ve outlined them below, to help you find the best pair for your lifestyle and personal preference.
Sole Thickness - Running sandals generally have a thin sole, compared to regular running shoes or sneakers. However, there are still many variations within the running sandal category, from somewhat sturdy soles to extremely thin designs.
The style you choose will depend heavily on how you want your shoes to feel. Some people prefer a more durable level of support, akin to a regular sandal – in which case, a thicker sole around the 9mm mark is the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a more natural, organic sensation, it’s better to choose a thin sole that’s designed purposely to mimic that signature barefoot effect – these can range anywhere from 3mm to 5mm.
It might be that you want a balance of both – enough thickness that you feel like you’re wearing a shoe while still benefitting from the sense of engagement and control that a barefoot shoe can give. In this case, look for a running sandal that has a mid-level of thickness, at around 6mm-8mm.
Flexibility - Depending on the type of activity you’ll be doing in your running sandals, you’ll need a level of flexibility that suits. As a byproduct of having generally thin soles, most running sandals are already highly flexible.
However, if you’re going to be wearing them when you need to be able to really maneuver your feet, such as while hiking or climbing, it’s important to choose a design that has plenty of flexibility. In this instance, look out for a design that has a particularly thin sole that incorporates webbing into the design.
Durability - Your running sandals should be able to keep up with you an maintain their quality look and feel after a long day doing whatever it is that you love to do. When choosing a pair that is durable enough for your lifestyle, look carefully at the materials that are used and consider whether they will suit your favorite activities.
This means thinking about water-resistance, what the sole is made out of, and the type of fabric used to create the upper part of the shoe. Materials like nylon are strong and lightweight, while a rubber sole should offer support and protection.
Size & Fit - The minimalistic nature of running sandals means that finding the right fit is incredibly important, as there’s not much room to adapt. Depending on the brand and style of the shoe, sizes will run differently. It’s always important to look past the basic numbers and check out the brand’s size guide for a detailed idea of the length and width of the shoes.
Measure your feet and compare the dimensions to those listed on the size guide, so you have a clear idea of where you fit into the spectrum.
Sole Grip - When searching for running sandals that can meet the needs of your workout routine, finding the right grip is vital. Most models will come with a good grip as a starting foundation, but you can also find designs that have soles that offer enhanced traction.
Think carefully about how you’ll use your shoes and look for a style that offers the sort of protection you need. For example, if you do a lot of trail running or hiking, you’ll likely need a pair of running sandals that have a multi-directional lug pattern on the soles, which will provide plenty of grip on unsteady surfaces.
Running Sandal FAQ
Q: Does it hurt to run in running sandals?
A: Just like with any pair of shoes, running sandals take a little while to get used to – especially if you haven’t worn them before. The ultra-slim design means that you’ll feel a lot more contact with the ground compared to standard running shoes, which can be a bit strange at first. However, over time you’ll start to get used to the sensation and probably enjoy the level of control and engagement that you feel during your run.
Start off with shorter sessions, to help you build up tolerance for the intensity and correct your form to suit. As you grow more comfortable with running in sandals, you can begin to go for longer distances and test out new terrain. Chances are that once you’ve experienced the incredible feel of barefoot running, you won’t want to turn back!
