Sand is one of the most challenging surfaces to hike on. Not only does it make your feet sink down into the ground, but it also drags on your shoes and causes them to wear out faster.
One of the best ways to protect your footwear from sand is by wearing hiking boots that are designed for this terrain, but sometimes you don’t have time to stop and change out of your sneakers. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite sneakers for hiking in sand below so you can prepare yourself for any situation!
Best Shoes For Hiking In Sand
Top 10 Amazing Shoes For Hiking Sand Dunes (2022)
Our Best Picks
Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY Hiking Boot – Men’s Sudan 10.5
$181.30
(1086)
Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue Hiking Waterproof Leather Mt. Maddsen Sne…
$99.95$115.00
(9599)
Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal,Slate,7.5 M US
$84.97$90.00
(2274)
Timberland Men’s Flume Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, Dark Brown, 11
$115.00
(7579)
Hikers adore the pleasure of discovering a new trail, and for some, this desire leads them to the dunes. However, footwear that shines on woodland routes may not perform as well on desert or beachy terrain.
While it will be an exciting trip, you will need the best sand dunes shoes to ensure your feet are comfy and protected. Even though hiking dunes is strenuous, it is manageable if you stretch and prepare properly.
Also, go out early in the morning or late in the evening for cooler temperatures, and wear appropriate footwear. For a comfortable trip, the optimal sand dunes footwear should fit snugly, keep sand out, and decrease perspiration and blisters.
When choosing the finest hiking shoe for sand dunes, look for a shoe that will keep sand and perspiration out. Hiking is a lengthy, strenuous trek that might put a strain on your feet; therefore, you should choose a shoe that provides comfort and support. You should thoroughly prepare before embarking on the grand journey.
How to Choose a perfect pair of shoes for sand dunes?
The excitement of hiking over sand dunes can be fleeting, especially if you are not wearing the proper footwear. Furthermore, your feet need to be well covered to guarantee that you complete the trek, and hiking barefoot is better suited elsewhere.
Some aspects must be considered when selecting the finest shoe for hiking dunes to maintain your foot blister-free.
- Cushioning Of The Shoe
Hiking takes more work than walking, so you’ll need a shoe that can handle the demands of this recreational activity. Choose a shoe with foam midsoles between the outside and inner soles.
The shoe should be made of synthetic polymers and microscopic air bubbles, which will absorb pressure while hiking and bounce back into shape, offering support to the foot. Because sand dunes absorb impact, hiking shoes should be modestly padded for movement.
- Durability
Hiking on the sand puts extra strain on your shoes. As a result, you should buy a shoe that is both durable and long-lasting, or you will be squandering your money on shoe replacement.
Your initial investment in a nice pair of hiking shoes will almost certainly pay off.
- Choose A Lightweight Shoe
When hiking, the last thing you want to deal with is an overweight shoe, especially if you’re carrying big stuff.
Instead, concentrate on finding a light shoe that will not be one of the causes of fatigued feet. As a result, each hiking shoe or boot should not weigh more than 2,5 pounds.
- Stability
Moving from lower to higher terrains is normal when hiking on sand mounds. It’s critical to get a shoe that fits your height while also giving plenty of traction and stability.
Maneuvering in soft sand can be difficult and even dangerous. As a result, you’ll want to look for a shoe with rubber and rubber composite threads on the outside sole for stability on various terrains.
It’s also a good idea to choose a hiking shoe with foam stretching from the heel to the midsole, which helps correct the foot’s action by providing extra support and stability.
- Fit Of The Shoe
It’s critical to get your shoes fitted properly. You won’t go far in an ill-fitting shoe. A tight shoe will cause blisters, while a loose shoe will cause the hike to be difficult.
When selecting a shoe, the easiest approach to ensure a correct fit is to try it on with a pair of socks, especially wool socks suitable for desert hiking. A shoe that fits snugly will prevent your foot from moving around, resulting in increased stability.
- Breathable Fabric With Good Ventilation
Due to inclement weather, your feet will frequently become hot and sweaty when trekking. For these weather changes, a shoe with breathable fabric and high ventilation will be ideal.
- Ankle Support
Ankle support is ideal for those who have had previous ankle injuries. Invest in a hiking shoe with a heel cuff that wraps around the ankle and keeps your ankle in place. Sand will be kept out and stability will be provided by a boot with a mid-height.
You must thoroughly prepare before embarking on the grand journey. To assist you in your preparation, I’ll go through the variables to consider when choosing the finest shoe for hiking sand dunes, as well as a recommended list of hiking shoes.
Some of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes are listed below
Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot
The White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot by Timberland combines style, comfort, and water protection. As a result, even the most difficult sand dunes may be overcome in a single day with these fashionable, multifunctional shoes.
The rubber bottoms of these boots help them to keep a firm grip on the ground with each stride.
Sand, which is infamous for being difficult to move through, will now be a lot easier to navigate. The soles provide outstanding grip and durability.
This footwear proved to be highly breathable when it came to sand. The Timberland White Ledge features a leather upper with a mesh interior to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Adidas Terrex AX3
Hikers who seek the best of both worlds, style, and comfort will love these boots. Excellent for handling difficult terrain without becoming exhausted. Hikers’ confidence levels will be at their peak on any terrain thanks to shock-absorbing midsoles.
If it rains, the cherry on top is that these waterproof, durable shoes will keep your feet dry, making them the ideal trekking partner.
Clarks Men’s Desert Boot Chukka
The Clarks Men’s Desert boot is a worthwhile investment when it comes to hiking sand dunes. What would your reaction be if you were informed that this boot was ordinary footwear during WWII?
Because it is exceptionally durable and comfortable with no break-in period, this footwear is ideal for hiking over sand dunes. The footwear is tough but elegant.
Lowa Women’s Tibet LL WS Hiking Boot
The Lowa Tibet LL Trekking Boot is made of durable materials and has a snug fit that gives unsurpassed comfort.
As a result, this is our top choice for those serious about sand dunes hiking.
Safe Laces with Ankle Support
To begin, you’ll need footwear with a secure fit to keep sand out of your shoes. Thankfully, the laces on these boots are fairly tight and will not undo once knotted.
In addition to shielding the instep from sand, the laces give excellent support.
Furthermore, the Lowa Tibet LL provides excellent ankle stability. Hikers won’t have to worry about heel fatigue or damage as a result.
We’ve found this footwear to be a fierce combatant against the sand dunes no matter how far we’ve traveled.
Breathable
The Tibet LL’s top is made of high-quality leather, which ensures a long-lasting shoe. These shoes are even more breathable thanks to a perforated inside and mesh upper.
Furthermore, the footbed is highly porous, preventing moisture buildup. On the dunes, keep your feet firmly planted in the sand to avoid slipping and blisters. Lowa’s women’s hiking shoes are among the best for sand dune hiking.
The Lowa Men’s Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boot
The Lowa Zephyr GTX shoe is ideal for short hikes in hot, dry settings such as the desert. The nylon mesh uppers are durable and breathable, while the polyester mesh inner absorbs moisture and keeps your feet dry. The grip is great thanks to the rubber outsoles.
This shoe has been a favorite among mountaineers, climbers, and hikers for over 90 years.
Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot
Hiking boots come to mind when we’re talking about hiking sand dunes. These boots mimic labor boots in appearance and can be worn interchangeably.
Skechers men’s Relment-Pelmo boots are without a doubt one of the greatest shoes for sand dune hiking.
Cushioning that is both comfortable and supportive
The cushioned midsole of the Relment Pelmo gives underfoot relaxation. It includes thicker foam in the heel than in the forefoot to provide a more cushioned ride. A full-length Memory Foam insole is the way to go when it comes to cushioning and support.
Seam-sealed Construction: Waterproof
This Skechers shoe features a sturdy sport suede upper. Even when faced with humid weather, the waterproof, seam-sealed design keeps feet dry and fresh. For your convenience, the interior is lined with a soft cloth.
Merrell Women’s Yokota 2 Hiking Shoe
According to those who have tried it, the Yokota 2 is a lightweight shoe that delivers a lot of comfort and traction. In hot weather, hikers will appreciate the upper’s open design. The lack of padding in the footgear, however, may be an issue for some.
Usefulness
The Yokota 2’s ability to handle all-terrain trekking is due to a number of elements. According to many of its users, the Merrell M Select Grip rubber outsole makes this shoe well-suited for walking on a range of terrains. This outsole can handle any terrain, whether wet, dry, or rocky.
The superb multidirectional grip provided by the 4-millimeter oval-shaped lugs is a welcome feature for persons with club feet.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Suede Wp Hiking Boot
Columbia created the Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof boot because every hiker needs footwear that can withstand the elements while yet looking attractive.
It’s the ideal hiking companion for long days on the trail, thanks to its high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
Waterproof Upper Structure
Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus II features a leather, suede, and mesh fabric combination. The boots are built of waterproof materials and have seam-sealed construction to further improve their ability to repel water and sand.
These materials will keep your feet dry and well-supported while you’re out on the trail. D-caps, which can be laced up to the ankles for a secure fit, add extra security to the boots.
Grip for Newton Ridge Boots
Although many people prefer Vibram rubber soles, the performance of Newton Ridge will astound you.
Columbia’s Omni-Grip rubber appears to be as good as some of the more well-known rubbers used by other companies.
You’ll have a secure grip on the sand thanks to the lugs’ ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces. The lugs are also deep enough that you can claw your way through light snow, sand dunes, and ice with relative ease.
Cushioning in the midsole
The midsole of the Newton Ridge Plus II is made up of a thick layer of bouncy EVA foam. It’s a well-cushioned piece of equipment that will keep your feet happy for the price.
The cushioning in the midsole will come in handy on a long day of sand dunes hiking. We trust you’ll be satisfied with the product’s overall comfort and performance on a routine hike. Longer multi-day thru-hikes, on the other hand, will almost certainly be unsuitable for this footwear.
The Columbia Newton boots for men are one of the best shoes for sand dune hiking.
TEVA Women’s Grandview Gore-Tex Durable Waterproof Hiking Boots
The Grandview GTX combines waterproof leather and quick-dry mesh with a GORE-TEX bootie to keep out the elements on day hikes and weeklong expeditions with the same tough dependability.
A wider toe box frees your toes, while an adjustable Universal Heel Lock System secures your foot in position for less toe discomfort on downhill treks. Wherever the terrain takes you, the VibramTM Megagrip outsole provides traction and stability.
HI-TEC Men’s V-lite Wild-fire Low I Waterproof Hiking Shoe
A modern light-weight waterproof footwear that is equally at home on the trail as it is in the city. The Upper is supportive and robust, with all the necessary features for a hiking boot.
Secure non-slip lacing, and protective toe, and heel zones The V-lite Wild-fire Low I from HI-TEC is very waterproof thanks to the i-shield dirt and water-resistant top protection and the dri-tec waterproof and breathable membrane.
The ortholite memory foam sock lining and Xlr8 performance midsole provide sneaker-like comfort. The medium-traction rubber outsole was created to provide grip in all directions on a variety of surfaces.
Conclusion
Hiking in sand dunes can be more difficult than hiking in other types of terrain. With the correct footwear, you’ll be able to overcome any sand dune.
When you examine the following variables, your feet will comfortably get you to your destination. Walking on sand dunes offers a spectacular view and helps you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Because the earth beneath your feet is anything but gentle, you’ll need a pair of the best shoes for hiking sand dunes that are both durable and comfortable.
Wearing the correct sand dunes shoes provides a greater grip, more comfort, and an overall more enjoyable experience.
